OLEAN, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Allegheny River boat launch in Olean is closed after 330,000 gallons of hazardous untreated sewage was released into the Allegheny River.
At 9:49 a.m. Wednesday a New York State Sewage Right To Know Act notification was sent through the NYAlert system which stated the discharge location as 411 South Street in Olean with an estimated 330,000 gallons discharged over a 21.5 hour period.
Greg Pearl, Mayor of the Village of Allegany, says a similar issue happened last year which led to the creation of a standard operation procedure but that procedure was not followed this morning.
Pearl says a communication problem occurred between Allegany and Olean, he plans to meet with Olean officials to be sure something like this doesn't happen again.
The launch was closed since people do swim and kayak in the area the sewage was discharged, it will remain closed until the health department gives the all clear.
