The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has identified discharges from Great Lakes Cheese’s operations as the main factor behind a significant fish and wildlife die-off in Ischua Creek, Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, during August 2025.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton stated, “DEC 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.”
She continued: “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.”
The agency remains engaged in a comprehensive investigation into both water quality and wildlife effects along Ischua Creek. According to Lefton: “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.”
She also noted that further actions may be taken: “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.”
