[notmytarga]

Since it is on the corner it is more likely to be a splice box. Is it locked?? If not look inside. If it is locked, borrow a 'borrow' scope (we are trialing a nice Clarus Video stylet that would be puurfect), and take a look. If it has several terminals the whole block may depend on it. If it seems not that complex then use a conductive liquid (read saline) to test it in a less destructive manner. If the phone company comes to address a service a complaint from down the block then you can meander over and get some real info. Why not a box flush with the grass? The water sampling thing and all make that corner a bit busy. Those services need miniturization. This was written from the point of view that I presume I know why pavulon is your handle.