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Yet Another Sewage Discharge Turns Niagara Falls Black

After a similar discharge last week, state environmental officials called the recurring issues unacceptable

What to Know

  • It's the latest in a series of overflows that have turned the water beneath the famous falls black
  • The Niagara Falls Water Board says heavy and prolonged rain is to blame for Monday morning's discharge
  • After a similar discharge last week, state environmental officials called the recurring issues unacceptable

More wastewater has spewed into the Niagara River, the latest in a series of overflows that have drawn widespread attention since late July, when a discharge blackened water near Niagara Falls in view of summer tourists. 

The Niagara Falls Water Board says heavy and prolonged rain is to blame for Monday morning's discharge, which again darkened water below the falls. The board says the rain caused its wastewater system to exceed capacity and overflow, adding it has no control over the color. 

The board says the wastewater treatment plant is overdue for upgrades and the board is looking at long-term solutions to its capacity and processing issues. 

After a similar discharge last week, state environmental officials called the recurring issues unacceptable. The state imposed a $50,000 fine for the high-profile late July incident.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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