From the Office of the District Attorney:
Martinez, California – Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton announces, in conjunction with five other District Attorneys in California, a 1.275-million-dollar settlement with WaveDivision Holdings, LLC — which operates under the brand name “Astound Broadband” within California — over environmental violations.
WaveDivision Holdings, which provides telecommunication services including cable and internet, was jointly investigated by five District Attorneys’ Offices and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Waste inspections at Astound facilities in Contra Costa, San Francisco, Yolo, and Placer counties revealed the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste generated by WaveDivision Holdings including electronic equipment, silicone gels, sealants, and batteries. The hazardous waste was improperly being directed to municipal landfills instead of authorized hazardous waste disposal facilities.
Hazardous waste can cause serious harm to the environment and the public if not properly disposed. For example, splitters and power taps found in the inspections contained lead as well as lithium and alkaline
batteries were recovered.
“Businesses must be held accountable for conduct that harms the environment,” said District Attorney
Diana Becton. “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, WaveDivision will pay:
• $875,000 in civil penalties
• $300,000 for reimbursement of investigative costs
• $100,000 for Supplemental Environmental Projects
Additionally, the company is subject to an injunction requiring strict compliance with hazardous waste laws and implementation of compliance measures to prevent future violations.
The complaint was filed in Contra Costa Superior Court on March 18, 2025, by Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana 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.
