<![CDATA[VILLAGE OF FRANKLINVILLE, NY (INCORPORATED 1874) - Ischua Creek Water Quality]]>

<![CDATA[VILLAGE OF FRANKLINVILLE, NY (INCORPORATED 1874) - Ischua Creek Water Quality]]>Wed, 20 May 2026 18:55:12 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[11/22 NYS DEC & DOH Update]]>Sat, 22 Nov 2025 18:20:28 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/1122-nys-dec-doh-updateDEC AND DOH LIFT RECREATIONAL USE ADVISORY FOR ISCHUA CREEK IN CATTARAUGUS COUNTY

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), today lifted the recreational use advisory for Ischua Creek, Cattaraugus County. Water quality sampling and data collection along the creek show conditions have improved allowing for a return to normal fishing/fish consumption, boating, and swimming.

“Lifting the recreational advisory reflects the months of hard work by DEC staff to diligently chronicle creek impacts and collaborate to bring Great Lakes Cheese into full compliance," DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. "Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s direction, DEC took decisive steps to hold Great Lakes Cheese accountable and we are committed to continuing our stringent oversight of the facility to help ensure the long-term protection and restoration of the creek.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The news of this advisory lift demonstrates the commitment of Governor Hochul to ensure public health is protected. The State Health Department will continue to work with DEC to ensure that the safety of New York State’s water bodies and drinking water systems is upheld.”

Protecting the health of New Yorkers and the environment is a top priority and out of an abundance of caution, DEC and DOH issued the precautionary advisory on August 28, 2025, due to environmental impacts from wastewater discharged from the Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville.

DEC is continuing to closely monitor water quality in Ischua Creek. Monitoring shows improved compliance with ambient water quality standards and successful implementation of many treatment plant corrective actions to stabilize effluent water quality entering the creek. There continue to be no indications of impacts to public drinking water supplies.

Anglers are reminded to always consult DEC’s freshwater fishing regulations and DOH’s New York State advice on eating fish you catch.

]]><![CDATA[10/6 DEC Update]]>Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:38:12 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/106-dec-updateThis message is being sent to all DEC staff.
For Immediate Release: 10/06/2025

Contact: Tim Walsh | (518) 402-8000
PressOffice@dec.ny.gov
DEC ORDERS GREAT LAKES CHEESE TO PAY $475,000 IN PENALTIES AND TAKE CORRECTIVE ACTIONS RELATED TO ISCHUA CREEK DISCHARGE
Facility Required to Implement Significant Operational Improvements and Enhanced Monitoring
Penalty Includes $150,000 Environmental Benefit Project for the Community
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced $475,000 in penalties and corrective actions required in an Order on Consent with Great Lakes Cheese (GLC), in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, for the August 2025 discharge that resulted in a fish and wildlife die-off in Ischua Creek. The enforcement requires significant operational changes and full compliance with water quality, air quality, and chemical and petroleum requirements, enhanced real-time water quality monitoring to further protect Ischua Creek, and other actions closely overseen by DEC to ensure effective implementation.
"Great Lakes Cheese violated the environmental laws and permits in place to protect the region’s precious natural resources and under Governor Kathy Hochul’s direction, DEC took quick and decisive action to hold the company accountable," Commissioner Lefton said. "DEC’s enforcement action not only secures a large fine but also requires a project that will benefit environmental quality in the community and help it heal from the significant loss of tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic species. I applaud DEC staff and our partners for the diligent chronicling of creek impacts, collaborating on requirements to bring operations into compliance and help local farmers, and continuing our stringent oversight of the facility.”
DEC’s comprehensive enforcement investigation directed by Governor Hochul into the August 2025 Ischua Creek fish, aquatic, and semi-aquatic wildlife die-off determined that impacts were caused by discharges from a catastrophic failure of the Great Lakes Cheese facility’s operations, warranting DEC enforcement.
The consent order addresses the numerous violations connected to the Ischua Creek impacts and earlier violations assessed in June and July 2025. DEC required a total civil penalty of $475,000 -- $250,000 paid to DEC and $75,000 suspended pending compliance with the terms and conditions of the Order and an environmental benefit project valued at $150,000. DEC also intends to pursue a Natural Resources Damage claim against Great Lakes Cheese, as warranted, to ensure restoration of the impacted section of Ischua Creek.
The Order requires Great Lakes Cheese to complete extensive corrective actions to address violations, including detailed in-stream monitoring at the facility’s wastewater treatment plant operations; modifications to the wastewater treatment plant; implementation of plans to timely detect plant upsets to prevent a recurrence of the August 2025 discharge; actions to abate hydrogen sulfide exceedances from reoccurring; and the hiring of independent third parties approved by DEC to further ensure compliance with the terms of the Order, timely reporting of sampling data, and evaluating the design and operation of the biogas collection and control system to ensure compliance with the company’s Air State Facility permit.
Resumption of GLC’s wastewater treatment plant, expected imminently and under DEC oversight, is contingent on the discharge fully meeting the stringent SPDES permit limits and the interim limits set forth in the Order on Consent.
Prior to the August 2025 incident, DEC conducted multimedia inspections of the facility for compliance. Air, water, petroleum bulk storage, and chemical bulk storage violations resulted in four Notices of Violations (NOVs) issued by DEC to the company in June and July 2025. The NOVs cited non-compliance with the company’s Air State Facility and State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) permits. They also cited non-compliance with certain petroleum bulk storage (PBS) and chemical bulk storage (CBS) requirements.  The violations cited in the June and July NOVs did not cause or contribute to any adverse impacts to the creek.
During the State’s investigation, DEC and the State Department of Health also fully evaluated any potential for impacts from the Great Lakes Cheese discharge to drinking water and found none. DEC also collaborated with the State Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Labor, and Transportation to swiftly engage the facility and regional agricultural stakeholders to help protect the approximately 500 jobs at the facility and significantly minimize impacts to area farmers and other agricultural stakeholders due to the plant’s importance to the regional dairy industry.
DEC will require strict adherence to the schedule of compliance under the Order and continue rigorous oversight of the Great Lakes Cheese facility while required work is performed. Violations of any provision of the Order, or future violations of applicable environmental laws or permits by Great Lakes Cheese will result in further enforcement.
DEC will continue to keep the public informed through updates and other information that will be posted at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/facilities-in-your-neighborhood/great-lakes-cheese-ischua-creek.  ]]><![CDATA[9/13 DEC Update]]>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/913-dec-updateDEC takes seriously our responsibility to protect water and air quality and to ensure the environment and public are fully protected. Following the devastating water quality and habitat impacts to Ischua Creek in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, DEC took immediate action to address water quality violations and deployed dozens of our experts in water, wildlife, incident management, and enforcement.
The findings of DEC’s investigation to date indicates that discharges from the Great Lakes Cheese’s operations are the primary cause of the August 2025 fish and wildlife die-off.
DEC is continuing its comprehensive investigation into water quality and wildlife impacts to Ischua Creek. We are using every enforcement tool at our disposal to address all violations at Great Lakes Cheese to ensure the protection of the air, land, and water in this community.
DEC is evaluating all enforcement tools at our disposal regarding this incident and outstanding violations and will pursue any natural resource damages as appropriate to ensure the restoration of the impacted section of Ischua Creek.

 Statement From NYSDEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton on DEC's Investigation to Ischua Creek - NYSDEC

]]><![CDATA[9/8 Village statement on ischua creek water quality]]>Mon, 08 Sep 2025 23:05:34 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/98-village-statement-on-ischua-creek-water-quality

9.8_village_mayor_statement_on_ischua_creek.pdf
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]]><![CDATA[9/7 Information from Catt county DOH]]>Sun, 07 Sep 2025 18:46:14 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/97-information-from-catt-county-dohThis information was shared from the Catt County Dept of Health in response to an outreach from Town Supervisor Campbell.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) is the lead agency in investigating and overseeing this matter and would be the best source for accurate and up-to-date information on the nature of the release. The NYSDEC is the only agency responsible for the issuance of a SPDES permit and for monitoring and regulating activity occurring under the permit. NYSDEC would also be the agency to confirm the presence of any Whey and/or salt and whether the discharge is responsible for impacts on animals.

What Is Being Done?
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) and the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) are working collaboratively to investigate the release into Ischua Creek. NYSDEC is monitoring water quality in the creek and downstream areas, while NYSDOH health officials are assessing potential impacts to drinking water sources and coordinating measures to safeguard public health and the environment. The Cattaraugus County Health Department will conduct water well sampling at the request of residents nearby the affected area just as it does routinely throughout the County.

Fact Sheet: Understanding Organic Waste in Water
What is Organic Waste?
Organic waste is material that comes from living things. It includes food scraps, plant matter, animal byproducts, and residues from farms or food processing facilities (such as milk, cheese, or other agricultural products). These materials are made up of natural substances like sugars, fats, and proteins.
Is Organic Waste the Same as Chemicals or Toxins?
No. Organic waste is different from industrial chemicals or toxins. It is naturally occurring material, but when large amounts are released into waterways, it can still create environmental problems.
How Does Organic Waste Affect Waterways?

As organic waste breaks down, it uses oxygen in the water.
Lower oxygen levels can stress or kill fish and other aquatic life.
You may see changes in water color, odor, or the presence of dead fish.

Why Is This a Concern?
Even though organic waste is not typically considered hazardous, it can disrupt the natural balance of streams and rivers, leading to fish kills and damage to wildlife habitat.
What This Means for Drinking Water
At this time, there is no indication of any impact on public drinking water supplies. Most public water systems are drawn from protected sources and undergo regular testing.

]]><![CDATA[9/6 DEC UPDATE]]>Sat, 06 Sep 2025 22:24:37 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/96-dec-updateDEC ISSUES UPDATE ON ISCHUA CREEK WATER QUALITY:

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is continuing its comprehensive investigation into water quality impacts to Ischua Creek in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, following reports on August 26, 2025, of a large fish and wildlife die-off.

“DEC took immediate action to address water quality violations and deployed dozens of our experts in water, wildlife, incident management, communications, and enforcement. They have been working diligently on the ground in Cattaraugus County to help fully assess the devastating water quality and habitat impacts to the resource,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. “We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring the protection of the environment and communities in Cattaraugus County.”

DEC field teams conducted daily water quality monitoring to comprehensively assess impacts to aquatic life at various locations on Ischua and Olean creeks, including conditions upstream of the Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville. Water quality concerns remain primarily focused on the discharge from facility’s wastewater treatment operations. New York State’s water quality monitoring included the collection of a broad suite of water quality parameters to evaluate a range of potential water quality issues that could affect human and wildlife health.

DEC today completed a preliminary review of laboratory results from in-stream water quality sampling of Ishua and Olean creeks. The data suggests the creek downstream of the Great Lakes Cheese facility had low dissolved oxygen and high levels of nutrients in exceedance of state standards. This includes levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water that are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Other water quality parameters which exceeded standards include manganese and total dissolved solids.
Importantly, water quality upstream of the facility’s discharge was compliant with state standards and aquatic life in the upstream reaches remains healthy. Based on the current evaluation by DEC’s water quality experts, the impacts on water quality are limited to Ischua Creek and did not impact other waterbodies.

Data also shows significant improvements in Ischua Creek in the days since the State’s initial response, including dissolved oxygen levels improving and attaining state standards at all locations monitored. Additional water quality sampling is expected next week to determine the recovery of ammonia and other nutrient levels and whether continued risks to fish and other aquatic life exist. The Recreational Use Advisory for the creek remains in effect: https://www.health.ny.gov/.../2025/2025-08-28_advisory.htm
In addition, there remains no indication of impacts to drinking water supplies. The New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Cattaraugus County Health Department (CCDH) tested private wells in the area immediately adjacent to the creek. Data returned to date does not show any indication of impacts to private wells from the discharge to Ischua Creek. Private wells can be impacted by many different germs and chemicals from flooding and extreme weather, runoff, and natural changes in the water that serves the well. The State Department of Health has information about the importance of regular well testing and maintenance on its dedicated Private Wells website: https://www.health.ny.gov/.../drinking/private_wells.htm
DEC is committed to holding any parties responsible for the environmental damage to the creek and working towards a comprehensive restoration plan for this critically important ecosystem. DEC’s enforcement investigation is ongoing.

DEC is requiring Great Lakes Cheese to take immediate actions to address impacts and investigate the plant’s organic waste discharge to Ischua Creek. Following the facility’s voluntary pause on wastewater discharges to Ischua Creek, no wastewater is being discharged to the waterbody and DEC is closely overseeing all modifications being proposed to prevent any future discharges that could damage natural resources. The facility will be required to demonstrate full compliance with all State water and air permits before resuming operations and discharges to the creek.

In addition, as part of the multi-agency incident response directed by Governor Kathy Hochul, DEC worked in close coordination with the State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM). DEC, AGM, and Cornell PRO-DAIRY promptly collaborated to develop and distribute guidance for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO)-permitted farms and their certified planners to help ensure milk without market value is utilized to the fullest extent as a fertilizer source and incorporated into a farm’s nutrient management plan in accordance with CAFO permit conditions. AGM and the New York State Department of Transportation also collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to support New York farmers by enabling milk trucks traveling from New York to Pennsylvania to receive special permits to help redirect fluid milk originally intended for the Great Lakes Cheese plant to other dairy processing facilities so that this milk can be processed and utilized. This ensures a minimization of any loss of milk and helps strengthen the cooperation between states to ensure the Northeast milkshed works together.

DEC is committed to keeping the public informed as additional information becomes available.]]><![CDATA[Thursday 9/4 Town of Franklinville Communication]]>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:39:22 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/thursday-94-town-of-franklinville-communicationISCHUA CREEK

From the Town Supervisor…

I wanted to provide a quick update, especially for those who may not be following the public updates being shared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

I recently met with representatives from DEC and the Department of Agriculture and Markets to raise questions on behalf of our residents.

At this time, state agencies remain focused on stabilizing conditions in Ischua Creek and ensuring that flow is under control. This is an ongoing emergency, and recovery will take time. A full investigation is underway. DEC has stated that production operations at the facility will not resume until corrective measures are in place that fully meet their requirements. Other activities, such as packaging, may resume sooner if cleared by DEC.

My role is to continue asking questions, following up on concerns, and sharing verified updates as soon as they are available. I know it is difficult to wait for answers, and I share the frustration. Please know that the Town remains in regular contact with state agencies, pressing for updates and making sure the concerns of our community are heard.

State and Local Response

DEC, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Department of Agriculture and Markets have been actively engaged since the incident was reported and remain involved daily.
DEC continues to require Great Lakes Cheese to take immediate action to address impacts and to investigate the wastewater discharge. The facility voluntarily stopped discharges on August 29, and no wastewater is currently being released. DEC is overseeing all proposed changes to prevent future harm.

Key Information

Cause: The discharge came from wastewater treatment that handles milk and other dairy materials. This type of discharge can lower oxygen levels and add nutrients, heat, and dissolved solids. Low oxygen levels, especially in hot, shallow water, can cause fish and other aquatic life to die.
Current Conditions: Oxygen levels in the creek are improving since the discharge was stopped. Until further notice:
Do not fish or eat fish from the creek.
Avoid swimming, wading, or using the creek for recreation.
Temporary odors may continue as fish naturally decompose.

Water Supply

Nine private wells are being tested as a precaution. Samples have been submitted, and full results are pending.
Public drinking water systems are not affected.
Residents with private wells who have questions may contact the New York State Department of Health at bpwsp@health.ny.gov or the Cattaraugus County Health Department.

Moving Forward
State agencies are managing the emergency. They continue to monitor water quality, track fish and wildlife impacts (including during rain events), support residents, and work with affected employees and farmers. The response and investigation will remain active until the situation is fully addressed.

Town officials will stay in close communication with state agencies and will continue sharing updates as soon as they are confirmed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at townsupervisor@franklinvilleny.org or call/text 716-701-4760.

We appreciate residents’ patience and understanding as this work continues.

Respectfully,
Catie Campbell
Town Supervisor
Town of Franklinville
]]><![CDATA[NYS DeC Update- Wednesday 9/3]]>Wed, 03 Sep 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/nys-dec-update-wednesday-93DEC continues to require Great Lakes Cheese (GLC), in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, to take immediate actions to address impacts and investigate the plant’s organic waste discharge to Ischua Creek. Following the facility’s voluntary pause on wastewater discharges to Ischua Creek on August 29, no wastewater is being discharged to the waterbody and DEC is closely overseeing all modifications being proposed to prevent any future discharges that could damage natural resources.
Water quality concerns remain primarily focused on the discharge from GLC’s wastewater treatment operations, which handle milk and other dairy processing materials that contribute to low dissolved oxygen and elevated nutrients, temperature, and dissolved constituents such as total dissolved solids. These factors can affect fish and wildlife survival, particularly during the warm and low stream conditions that existed last week. DEC continues to closely monitor impacts on fish and wildlife, including during this week’s anticipated rain events.
Residents with private wells who have questions about any potential impact can contact the NYSDOH - New York State Health Department at bpwsp@health.ny.gov, or reach out to the Cattaraugus County Health Department. The public can report unusual fish and wildlife observations in the region to (716) 851-7201.]]><![CDATA[Village Update Regarding:DEC & DOH Recreational Use Advisory for Ischua Creek.]]>Fri, 29 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/village-update-regardingdec-doh-recreational-use-advisory-for-ischua-creek

Question: Is it safe to drink and use village water?

Answer: Yes, at this time there is no indication of impacts to public drinking water supplies.

Operating a public water system requires regular monitoring of the water quality supply to ensure it meets state and federal standards. In addition to standard processes, our team is taking precautionary monitoring steps and is in regular communication with the DEC and DOH.

There are processes in place to ensure residents are notified quickly and efficiently in the event of a potential impact to public drinking water supplies.

Question: What additional communication can we expect from the village?

Answer: We will communicate relevant information as it relates to our public water system. The best source for information will be the DEC and DOH websites. If you have questions, please reach out to us and we will answer them to the best of our ability and direct you to the proper resources.

We refrained from any formal communication until the DEC investigation was complete, and all details were available. We fielded questions from residents throughout the process and encourage anyone with additional questions to reach out. Click here to view our website.

Please see the below links for the most accurate information relating to this matter.

]]><![CDATA[DEC Investigating Environmental Impacts to Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus County]]>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.villagefranklinvilleny.gov/ischuacreek/dec-investigating-environmental-impacts-to-ischua-creek-in-cattaraugus-countyDEC, in coordination with NYSDOH - New York State Health Department and Cattaraugus County Health Department, is investigating a potential organic waste discharge to Ischua Creek and a significant fish and wildlife die-off.

Out of an abundance of caution, the public is advised to avoid all contact with Ischua Creek downstream of Franklinville—including fishing/fish consumption, boating, and swimming—until further notice.
At this time, there is no indication of impacts to public drinking water supplies. Local water systems have been notified and are taking precautionary monitoring steps.

DEC Investigating Environmental Impacts to Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus County - NYSDEC
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