SAN FRANCISCO—On Tuesday, March 18, the SFDA’s Office announced in a press release that their office in collaboration with the District Attorneys of Contra Costa, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Yolo, and Placer Counties, reached a $1.275 million dollar settlement in an environmental enforcement action against WaveDivision Holdings, LLC, which operates under the name Astound Broadband.
WaveDivision provides telecommunication services including cable and internet. As alleged in the People’s complaint, waste inspections conducted at its facilities in San Francisco and around the state revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste, including electronic equipment (including remote controls, splitters, power supplies, etc.), batteries, aerosol cans, and certain gels and liquids that contain hazardous material. These items were being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.
Hazardous waste can harm the environment and the public if not properly disposed. The complaint alleges that batteries found in the inspections contained hazardous materials such as lead-acid, lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and alkaline.
WaveDivision cooperated with the investigation and agreed to an injunction requiring compliance with hazardous waste laws and the implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations. Under the terms of the stipulated judgment, the company will pay $875,000 in civil penalties, $300,000 to reimburse investigative costs, and $100,000 to support projects meant to enhance environmental protection efforts around the State.
The case was filed in Contra Costa County Superior Court. Judge Danielle K. Douglas signed the order on the same day the complaint was filed.
