Toxic fracking dump in Ohio river reveals weak oversight, gaps in regulation

Clean up continues on an Ohio river where tens of thousands of toxic waste from hydraulic fracturing was dumped two weeks ago. Ohio’s Environmental Protection Agency said tests confirmed that the waste includes hazardous chemicals such as benzene and that the waste reached the Mahoning River near Youngstown. Ben Lupo, CEO of D&L Energy and owner of Hardrock Excavating faces charges of violating the Clean Water Act and dumping more than a quarter million gallons of fracking waste in the area. Lupo pleaded not guilty last week after his arrest. According to Ohio’s attorney general the state received an anonymous tip on January 31 and inspectors arrived to find a hose, connected to a storage tank, discharging black waste water into a storm water drain at the facility. For more we’re joined by Julian Boggs policy advocate with Environment Ohio. He joins us from Columbus.