Telecom, Other Industries Face Extra Scrutiny Over Lead Releases

Telecommunications and other industries already struggling with liabilities from lead they’ve allegedly released into the environment face a new challenge in tighter federal screening levels for contaminated soil.

The Environmental Protection Agency released last month updated guidance cutting in half the amount of lead contamination in residential soil that can trigger closer state and federal scrutiny and spur tighter cleanup requirements. If multiple sources of lead affect the same soil, an even tighter screening level kicks in.

Disposal, lead smelting, and other industries often will be near vacant lots, daycare centers, apartment building grounds, and other soils where children live, ...