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Verizon Wireless has agreed to pay $7.7 million to close a sweeping civil enforcement action accusing the telecom giant of violating California’s environmental laws at cell tower sites statewide, regulators announced.

The Verizon $7.7 Million Settlement, approved Tuesday, addresses allegations that hazardous materials were improperly stored, reported, and permitted at hundreds of locations—failures prosecutors said threatened public safety, emergency responders, and the environment.

Prosecutors: Environmental Rules Apply to Everyone

“Companies that store hazardous materials have a legal obligation to protect the public, first responders, and the environment,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. He credited Deputy District Attorney Daniel Wright and partner agencies for pursuing the case, adding that the outcome sends a clear message: even the largest corporations must follow California’s environmental laws—or face consequences.

The settlement was signed by Orange County Superior Court Judge Richard Y. Lee.

What the Case Alleged

Reporting, Permits, and Inspections at Issue

The action targeted Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, accusing the company of repeatedly failing to:

• Properly report hazardous materials

• Pay required permit fees

• Allow regulatory inspections

• Comply with laws governing aboveground petroleum storage tanks used to power backup generators and emergency systems

Verizon Wireless, the nation’s largest mobile service provider, owns and operates thousands of cell sites across California. Many store fuels and other hazardous materials that—if mishandled—can spark fires, explosions, or toxic releases.

California law requires permits, accurate inventories, employee training, and access for inspections when hazardous materials exceed certain thresholds.

Why the Rules Matter

Hazardous materials release and response plans function like a fire map before the flames—designed to give first responders and regulators the information they need when seconds matter. These plans must include inventories, site maps, emergency procedures, and training protocols to safeguard public health.

Findings of the Investigation

An investigation led by the Orange County and San Bernardino County District Attorneys, alongside the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, found that starting in 2019 Verizon failed at multiple sites to comply with reporting requirements, provide mandatory training, permit inspections, and pay fees.

After being notified, prosecutors said Verizon cooperated, paid outstanding permit fees, corrected violations, and adopted new policies to ensure future compliance.

Breakdown of the $7.7 Million Payment

Under the stipulated final judgment, Verizon will pay:

• $7,125,000 in civil penalties

• $375,000 toward Supplemental Environmental Compliance Projects

• $200,000 in investigative costs

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will receive more than $800,000, largely to support the prosecution of environmental crime cases.

Agencies Behind the Case

Participating agencies included the district attorneys of Los Angeles, Imperial, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura counties, along with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Daniel Wright of the Environmental Crimes Division.