New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed state regulators to investigate wastewater discharges that turned the water near the base of Niagara Falls black last weekend.
The Democrat announcing on his Twitter handle, the City of Niagara Falls wastewater treatment plant may have violated state water quality standards on Saturday, when the plant discharged foul-smelling, black coloured water into the Niagara River just below the falls.
The black water surrounded the Maid of the Mist boat dock on the American side.
According to operators at the Water Board's Wastewater Treatment Plant, the discharge was from the emptying of a sediment settling basin at the plant to allow for treatment modifications.
Cuomo says the Department of Environmental Conservation is conducting the investigation.
Violations carry a maximum penalty of $37,500 US each.
To see Cuomo's news release click here.