Verizon cell tower violations lead to $1.1 Million for San Bernardino County

CALIFORNIA – San Bernardino County district attorney Jason Anderson announced on January 2 that Verizon Wireless will pay $7.7 million to settle a statewide civil case.

The case involves environmental violations at Verizon’s cell towers across Southern California.

San Bernardino County agencies will receive more than $1.1 million from the settlement.

Anderson said the investigation found consistent gaps in required reporting, employee training, and inspection access across facilities.

“This judgment ensures accountability while strengthening transparency for first responders at thousands of cell towers and requires that Verizon maintain compliance going forward,” Anderson said.

Numerous cell tower violations

Starting January 2019, numerous Verizon cell towers had violations involving hazardous materials and above-ground petroleum tanks used for backup generators.

Verizon stores and uses materials like lead-acid batteries and petroleum products at these sites, which under California law require proper hazardous materials handling and reporting.

The complaint alleges Verizon repeatedly failed to file complete and accurate Hazardous Materials Business Plans with the California Environmental Reporting System.

Verizon failed to keep copies of these plans onsite. It also did not provide adequate employee training for hazardous material spills.

Verizon blocked inspections

Verizon also blocked inspections at multiple sites and failed to pay permit fees that fund local hazardous materials oversight.

These rules ensure first responders and regulators have accurate information on hazardous materials at commercial sites during emergencies.

Verizon complied only after investigators confronted the company about its violations. There was no evidence of environmental harm at the facilities.

San Bernardino County to receive over $1.1 million

Under the judgment, Verizon will pay $7.7 million, including $7,125,000 in civil penalties, $200,000 in investigative costs, and $375,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects (SEPs).

In San Bernardino County, the district attorney’s office will receive $813,438 in penalties and $27,509 in costs.

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District Hazardous Materials Division will receive $315,375 in penalties and $12,000 in costs.

The case was filed in Orange County Superior Court by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

It was joined by prosecutors from Ventura, Los Angeles, Imperial, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties, as well as the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.