FCC, Verizon Wireless Settle Probe of NEPA/NHPA Violations

The FCC and Verizon Wireless d/b/a Cellco Partnership settled an investigation of constructed wireless facilities without complying with the Commission’s environmental and historic preservation rules. As part of the settlement, Verizon admits it violated the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The work concerned building and deploying small cell antennas starting in 2020. The carrier will pay a $950,000 civil penalty.

Verizon says it did so by prematurely constructing wireless facilities before completing the required environmental or historical reviews in Arizona, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. The carrier says it also built wireless facilities without onsite monitoring as requested by the affected tribes.

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