Sampling sediment in Black Rock Channel

The USACE Buffalo District conducted sediment sampling in the Erie Basin Marina and Black Rock Channel last week for chemical and biological testing.

The main goal of this work is to evaluate how legacy sediment deposits may be contributing to beneficial use impairments within the Niagara River Area of Concern.

The Black Rock Channel extends from Buffalo Harbor to the Black Rock Lock and is three and one-half miles in length. 

The Federal navigation channel has a minimum width of 200 feet, said USACE.

In combination with the New York Erie Canal, this waterway provides an inland water route between Lake Erie and the Atlantic Ocean. 

Branch canals in the New York State Canal System provide vessels access to Lake Erie and Lake Champlain.