New York Cheese Factory Accused of Causing Fish Kill in Popular Trout Stream

Waste from the Great Lakes Cheese Factory caused a large fish die-off in a New York creek favored by trout fishermen. (Photo by STGrafix)

A New York cheese factory is accused of causing a large-scale fish and wildlife die-off in Ischua Creek, a popular trout stream in Cattaraugus County.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) reports that discharges from the Great Lakes Cheese Factory into the creek caused the deaths of tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic species.

According to Wired2Fish.com, DEC field teams claim organic waste from the plant flowed into the creek resulting in dissolved oxygen levels, elevated nutrients, and increased water temperature, leading to the die-off.

DEC is requiring Great Lakes Cheese to improve facility operations and overhaul its wastewater treatment monitoring.

The agency has issued a strict advisory warning anglers, boaters and swimmers to stay out of Ischua Creek downstream of Franklinville. Local systems are monitoring the drinking water supplies as a caution, but so far it doesn’t appear they’ve been affected.

In a press release, DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton spoke of the situation’s severity.

“Ischua Creek is a vibrant, healthy ecosystem and the environmental damage witnessed this week is significant. We’ve directed Great Lakes Cheese to prevent ongoing impacts to the creek to help protect water quality and creek habitat.”

The 20-mile stretch of Ischua Creek offers New York anglers a mix of stocked and wild trout fishing with over 17 miles of brown trout stocking and more than 17 miles of public fishing rights easements.

The DEC plans to continue monitoring the situation while working with the Department of Health to determine if there are any public health risks. The agencies have put pressure on Great Lakes Cheese to make changes that will prevent further environmental harm.

The DEC requests that anglers and outdoor enthusiasts report any unusual fish or wildlife observations to the agency by calling (716) 851-7201.