UPDATE: Charges to be filed today in brine dumping in Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN — Acting on behalf of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Justice earlier today said federal charges will be filed in relation to the dumping of drilling waste at 2761 Salt Springs Road last month.

Since Jan. 31, when it was learned that Ben W. Lupo, owner of both D&L Energy and Hardrock Excavating, ordered his employees to dump a mixture of oil, brine water and drilling mud down a storm drain at the companies headquarters, speculation has been rampant over whether the state or federal government would pursue charges.

It also remained unclear this morning who federal charges will be filed against — Hardrock Excavating, Lupo himself, or other involved parties. Calls to the U.S. Attorney’s office in Cleveland were not immediately returned.

According to a statement informing the news media that a press conference would take place at 1 p.m. today at the B&O Station, 530 Mahoning Ave., authorities will file charges in violation of the Clean Water Act.

U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach, Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine, Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Jim Zehringer and representatives of the U.S. and Ohio EPAs will be on hand to announce the charges.

For the complete story, read Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com