Minor Earthquake Near Albany: Cuomo Orders Dam Inspection

ALTAMONT, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has ordered the inspection of a hydro-power dam west of Albany after a mild earthquake.

Cuomo said that while the 2.9 magnitude earthquake Saturday was small, he ordered an immediate inspection of nearby infrastructure as a precaution. That included the New York Power Authority’s Blenheim-Gilboa Dam in nearby Schoharie County.

The quake was centered near the Albany suburb of Altamont.

The earthquake occurred as the region braces for Hurricane Irene and four days after a 5.8 magnitude earthquake centered in Virginia was felt in the area.