Canandaigua, N.Y. (AP) — A contractor is cleaning up tar-like black goo from a popular swimming beach at Canandaigua Lake.
The beach has been closed since the oily substance was found in July. Kevin Olvany, the Canandaigua Lake Watershed manager, says it's most likely old, used crankcase oil dating back to the 20s and 30s. Old rusted drums have been dug up at the site.
Long rubber tubes called aqua-dams are holding back the lake water while cleanup is progressing. Contaminated material will be shipped offsite for disposal and the area will be rebuilt with a new base and sand.
The Department of Environmental Conservation is splitting the cleanup cost with the city. Officials say the work will take about four weeks, and the beach will reopen by Memorial Day.
Copyright 2012 Associated Press
