Governor Andrew Cuomo has directed state regulators to investigate wastewater discharges that turned the water near the base of Niagara Falls black last weekend.
Cuomo says the city of Niagara Falls may have violated state water quality standards Saturday when the local wastewater treatment plant discharged foul-smelling, black-colored water into the Niagara River just below the falls.
The dark water enveloped the dock for the popular Maid of the Mist tour boats on the American side of the falls.
Officials with the city's water board said the discharge was part of routine maintenance of one of its basins.
Cuomo says the Department of Environmental Conservation is conducting the investigation. Violations carry a maximum penalty of $37,500 each.
