Verizon Wireless (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) has agreed to pay $7.7 million to resolve a civil enforcement action regarding widespread violations of California’s environmental laws at its cell sites. The violations related to hazardous materials storage, reporting, and permitting at cell tower locations throughout the state, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced.
The agreement, approved by Orange County Superior Court, settles claims that Cellco Partnership – operating as Verizon Wireless – failed to properly report hazardous materials, pay permit fees, allow inspections, and comply with regulations covering aboveground petroleum tanks used for emergency generators and backup power systems.
The investigation, led by several county District Attorney’s Offices, found that since 2019, Verizon did not meet requirements for hazardous materials reporting, employee training, site inspections, and permit fee payments at multiple locations. Upon notification, Verizon cooperated with authorities, paid outstanding fees, corrected the violations, and implemented new compliance measures…