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The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and five other DA’s offices from around the state won a $1.275 million settlement against a company the illegally dumped hazardous waste, the office said Tuesday.
The judgment was against WaveDivision Holdings, LLC, which operates under the brand name Astound Broadband. The telecommunications company provides cable and internet service. It was jointly investigated by the district attorneys’ offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo, and Placer counties found unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings, including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries.
The hazardous waste was improperly being disposed of in municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste facilities.
The Contra Costa DA’s office said in a statement that hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. It said splitters and power taps found during the inspections contained lead. Lithium and alkaline batteries were also recovered.
“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said in the statement released by her office. “WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance.”
The settlement agreement says WaveDivision will pay $875,000 in civil penalties, $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs, and $100,000 for supplemental environmental projects.
There’s also an injunction requiring the company’s strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.
The complaint was filed Tuesday by Becton, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Mateo County District Attorney Stephen Wagstaffe, San Luis Obispo District Attorney Dan Dow, Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig, and Placer County District Attorney Morgan Gire.
Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.
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