The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has ordered Great Lakes Cheese (GLC) in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, to pay $475,000 in penalties and take corrective actions following an August 2025 discharge that caused a significant fish and wildlife die-off in Ischua Creek. The enforcement action includes requirements for operational changes, enhanced real-time water quality monitoring, and strict compliance with environmental regulations.
“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 Amanda 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.”
An investigation led by DEC determined that discharges from a failure at GLC’s facility were responsible for the damage to Ischua Creek’s ecosystem. The consent order addresses violations connected to this incident as well as earlier issues identified during inspections in June and July 2025. The total penalty consists of $250,000 paid directly to DEC, $75,000 suspended pending compliance with order terms, and a $150,000 environmental benefit project for the community. DEC may also pursue a Natural Resources Damage claim against GLC for restoration efforts.
Under the order, GLC must undertake several corrective actions such as implementing detailed monitoring at its wastewater treatment plant, making necessary modifications to prevent future incidents like those in August 2025, addressing hydrogen sulfide exceedances, hiring independent third parties approved by DEC for oversight, timely reporting of sampling data, and ensuring proper operation of biogas collection systems.
Resumption of GLC’s wastewater treatment operations will occur only after full compliance with state permit limits is confirmed under DEC supervision.
Prior inspections by DEC had resulted in four Notices of Violations issued to GLC in June and July 2025 related to air quality permits (Air State Facility), water discharge permits (State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System or SPDES), petroleum bulk storage (PBS), and chemical bulk storage (CBS). These earlier violations did not result in harm to Ischua Creek.
During its investigation into the August incident, state agencies including DEC and the Department of Health evaluated potential impacts on drinking water supplies but found no evidence of contamination. In addition, state agencies worked with agricultural stakeholders to protect approximately 500 jobs at GLC’s facility due to its importance within the regional dairy industry.
DEC stated it will continue close oversight during implementation of required measures at Great Lakes Cheese. Any further violations will result in additional enforcement actions. Public updates regarding this case will be available on the Great Lakes Cheese Ischua Creek webpage.
