NIAGARA FALLS

A recent sewage dumping incident at Niagara Falls has prompted lawmakers to call for a criminal investigation into the actions of the Niagara Falls Water Board.

On the afternoon of Saturday, July 29, Niagara Falls State Park was full of summer visitors when a foul smell overtook the air and a black discharge clouded the Niagara River, engulfing the shoreline spanning from the Rainbow Bridge to the boat dock for the Maid of the Mist. Onlookers feared an oil leak and likened the sight to something out of a science fiction movie.

Many tourists expressed shock and disgust at the foul odor and unattractive sight of this black plume oozing through the river in an incident that could have a negative impact on future tourism in the area. Food stand operators reported significant business losses as the foul odor created an unappetizing eating environment.

The Niagara Falls Waste Water Treatment Plant was found to be the source of the inky blob, which expanded for several hours as they emptied a sediment settling basin while carrying out routine maintenance. They claimed that they had the appropriate permits to release the sewage and sediment in the water and that the discharge’s carbon residue and accumulated solids fell within permitted limits. The Water Board issued a public apology to tourists and residents, but that wasn’t enough to stop officials from looking into the matter.

Which one needs a nap? I say both!