An area in Niagra Falls, New York that gained environmental notoriety after it was discovered to have been seriously contaminated by toxic wastes buried underground. The Love Canal was excavated in the 1890s to provide hydroelectric power. Eventually Hooker Electrochemical used it as a landfill for dumping hazardous waste. Dumping stopped and the landfill was closed in 1952 paving way for residential development. Chemical-contaminated ground water rose to the surface and caused serious health problems for many Love Canal residents during the 60s and 70s. Studies had also proven that many toxic chemicals had migrated to surrounding areas and rivers. The Love Canal is classified as a Superfund Site by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).