California Reaches $7.7 Million Settlement With Verizon Over Environmental Violations

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. — California prosecutors have reached a $7.7 million settlement with Verizon Wireless over alleged violations of state environmental laws at cell sites across the state, authorities announced.

The settlement resolves claims that the telecommunications company failed to comply with requirements governing hazardous materials and aboveground petroleum storage tanks used at its facilities. According to prosecutors, those violations date back to at least 2019.

Allegations Involving Hazardous Materials

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Verizon violated laws related to hazardous materials release and response plans, hazardous materials permits and petroleum storage tanks. Verizon owns and operates thousands of cell sites throughout California, many of which rely on emergency generators and backup systems that use hazardous materials.

Prosecutors said these materials can pose serious risks, including fires, explosions, toxic air contamination and corrosion. Because of those risks, California law requires companies to follow strict permitting, reporting and management rules.

State regulations require businesses to submit detailed plans designed to reduce health and safety risks if an accidental release occurs. Those plans must include an inventory of hazardous materials, site maps, emergency response strategies and employee training guides to assist first responders and public safety officials.

Investigation and Enforcement

The investigation was led by the district attorneys’ offices of Orange County and San Bernardino County, along with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. Investigators found that Verizon failed to properly report hazardous materials, provide required training, allow on-site inspections and pay permit fees at multiple locations.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer said prosecutors have a duty to protect residents and the environment from toxic chemicals and hazardous waste. “Companies that cut corners to break the law and endanger our environment in order to save on their bottom line will be held accountable,” Spitzer said in a statement.

Spitzer also credited environmental crimes investigators and prosecutors from multiple offices for bringing the violations to light.

Settlement Terms and Compliance

After being notified of the violations, prosecutors said Verizon cooperated with the investigation. The company paid outstanding permit fees, corrected the cited violations and implemented new policies and procedures to ensure future compliance with environmental laws.

Under the stipulated final judgment, Verizon must pay a total of $7.7 million. That amount includes $7.125 million in civil penalties, $375,000 for Supplemental Environmental Compliance Projects and $200,000 to cover investigative costs.