The New York State Departments of Public Service, Health and Environmental Conservation are collaborating on an investigation into the potential health hazards at a Dutchess County park created by an old lead-covered cable left by telecommunication companies.
The investigation was fueled by recent media coverage of lead-containing cable in large and small communities across the country, including a report of an aerial lead cable located in a local park in Wappingers Falls. The park has been temporarily closed and soil sampling is currently underway to determine the level of potential contamination at the site.
“Lead-covered cables pose a serious threat to communities across New York, and I am directing state agencies to immediately launch a full investigation,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul in a statement. “We will hold the telecommunication companies responsible and take swift action to remediate any problems.”
