EPA Will Probe Telecom Cables For Lead In Part Of West Orange

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a small right-of-way in West Orange to further probe as part of a national campaign to investigate telecommunication cables containing lead lining, town officials said Monday.

West Orange’s municipal public information officer released a statement about the investigation, which may begin as early as Tuesday:

“The EPA is currently investigating telecommunication cables containing lead lining across the United States. These cables are key components in our interconnected world. They play a significant role in enabling continuous communication across the United States. By taking this proactive approach in the testing of telecommunication cables containing lead it will help achieve a balanced understanding to insure a well-connected future.”

He continued:

“The EPA has identified a small right-of-way in West Orange to further investigate. This includes the area between the curbing and individual property owners along a stretch of Gregory Avenue. The effort will comprise of obtaining small periodic soil samples every 30 feet or so along the roadway. Verizon and AT&T have been notified by the EPA to assist with inspections and samplings. Work may begin as early August 1, 2023, and will take approximately 2 to 3 days to complete.”

West Orange township has advised homeowners of the possible presence of EPA agents or other utility workers in the street around their property, officials added.

For more information, contact Shereen Kandil at the EPA at 212-637-4333 or [email protected].

The federal agency said it is closely reviewing issues raised in The Wall Street Journal's recent investigation of lead-clad telecom cables.

Earlier this month, environmental groups called on the EPA to investigate what they called “the uncontrolled release of lead by more than 2,000 lead-sheathed telecom cables into water or surface soil across the nation.”

More than 300 of these cables are posing a threat to community drinking water sources, the groups alleged.

Last week, the EPA said it sent letters to AT&T and Verizon, requiring both companies to provide the agency with information in its ongoing review of risks, Reuters reported. Over the coming weeks, the EPA said it will conduct independent sampling starting in West Orange and Coal Center, Pennsylvania.

AT&T has criticized the Journal's reporting, saying that it has no reason to believe the cables pose public health risks, Reuters reported.

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