The state considering criminal and civil charges against two Youngstown companies that have had big – and controversial roles – in fracking.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources served notice last night that it is pulling operating permits for D&L Energy and Hardrock Excavating, and their owner Ben Lupo. The permits had allowed them to haul the chemical-laden waste from drilling sites and to dispose of it in the companies’ deep wells.

The department says it got an anonymous tip last week and then observed Hardrock employees dumping oilfield waste into a storm sewer that ends up in the Mahoning River. The Ohio EPA is using containment booms, absorbent pads and vacuum trucks to keep more of the brine-and-oil mix from flowing into streams, especially as snow and ice thaw this weekend.

D&L ran into trouble last year after its disposal wells were suspected of triggering a series of earthquakes in Northeast Ohio. The company denies the connection. It’s refused to comment on the latest action by the state, though it says it may issue a statement later.

Here's a summary of actions the ODNR says it's taken this week: 

If someone pollutes waterways with industrial waste, they can be charged in Ohio with a misdemeanor that could result in a year in prison and a $25,000 fine.
Federal law for a "knowing violation" could mean a fine of $50,000 per day and three years in prison.