DA Announces $1.28M Settlement With Astound Broadband

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA— A $1.28 million settlement was reached with internet and cable provider Astound Broadband over environmental violations, Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announced Tuesday in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California.

Waste inspections conducted at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste —including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants and batteries —generated by WaveDivision Holdings, LLC, which operates in California as Astound Broadband. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities, the DA's Office said.

During the inspections, splitters and power taps were found that contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline batteries—hazardous waste that can seriously harm the environment and the public if not properly disposed of, according to the DA's Office.

"Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment," District Attorney Diana Becton said. "WaveDivision Holdings cooperated with the investigation and has since implemented training programs to properly manage and dispose of hazardous waste, ensuring future compliance."

Under the settlement agreement, the company will pay $875,000 in civil penalties, $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs and $100,000 for supplemental environmental projects.

A court injunction requires the company's strict compliance with hazardous waste laws, and the company was ordered to implement compliance measures to prevent future violations.

Becton filed the complaint March 18 in Contra Costa Superior Court alongside 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 Douglas signed the order the same day the complaint was filed.