Ohio Executive Pleads Guilty, Faces Three Years in Prison For Dumping Fracking Wastewater

From:  EcoWatch

by Brandon Baker

Just over a year after he pleaded not guilty to violating the federal Clean Water Act, an Ohio wastewater company owner changed his tune regarding allegations that he dumped or ordered the dumping of thousands of toxic and potentially radioactive fracking wastewater into a storm drain.

Ben Lupo, 63, pleaded guilty in federal court in Cleveland this week, the Associated Press reported. He faces up to three years in prison, a year of supervised release and fines that could total $250,000. He will be sentenced on June 16.

D&L Energy, one of Ben Lupo’s many companies, had an Ohio Department of Natural Resources permit revoked after the owner was accused of ordering the dumping of toxic fracking wastewater. Lupo pleaded guilty this week. Photo credit: WKSU.org/via M.L. Shultze

“[Lupo] put his own business interests ahead of the health and safety of our citizens, natural resources and wildlife,” Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine said. ”He will now be held accountable for this terrible crime.”

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