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.
