PEMA director acknowledges communication breakdown over illegal dumping of Mahoning River

HARRISBURG, Pa. - The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director has confirmed that there was a breakdown in communication in response to "the illegal dumping of fracking fluid in Ohio which had the potential of harming Pennsylvania's citizens."

In a letter written as a response to Senators Elder Vogel Jr. and Lisa Baker, Glenn Cannon acknowledged a breakdown in communication after revelations were made about illegal dumping in the Mahoning River in January by D&L energy.

The Mahoning River flows into the Beaver river, which is used as drinking waters in the area. While Cannon confirmed that no Pennsylvanian was at risk, he said that it came as a result of "good fortune."

"In a different scenario, scenario, the outcome may have been severe," Cannon said. "Like you, I find that totally unacceptable."