NYS DeC Update- Wednesday 9/3

DEC 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 [email protected], 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.