YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, March 1, 2013 -- An indictment against a northeast Ohio business, its owner and an employee alleges they violated the Clean Water Act by repeatedly dumping gas-drilling wastewater into a storm sewer.
The federal indictment was announced Thursday against Hardrock Excavating LLC, owner Ben Lupo of Poland and employee Michael Guesman of Cortland. Authorities allege that Lupo directed Guesman to dump thousands of gallons of drilling mud and brine into a sewer that empties into the Mahoning River watershed.
Messages were left with Lupo's attorney and two of his companies, including Guesman's employer, Hardrock.
If convicted, the men could face prison and the company could be fined.
Hardrock is a brine hauler. The state revoked permits for Hardrock and D&L Energy after workers at their Youngstown headquarters reported seeing the material being dumped.
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