The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has imposed $475,000 in penalties and corrective measures on Great Lakes Cheese (GLC) in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, following an August 2025 discharge that led to a significant die-off of fish and wildlife in Ischua Creek. The enforcement action requires the company to make substantial operational changes, comply fully with water and air quality standards, enhance real-time water monitoring for Ischua Creek, and undertake other steps under DEC supervision.
“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.”
The investigation by DEC found that a catastrophic failure at GLC’s facility was responsible for the August 2025 incident affecting aquatic life. The consent order covers violations related to this event as well as previous infractions identified during inspections in June and July 2025.
Under the agreement, GLC must pay a total civil penalty of $475,000—$250,000 directly to DEC, $75,000 suspended pending compliance with order terms, and an environmental benefit project valued at $150,000 for community improvements. The DEC may also pursue further claims against GLC to restore affected areas of Ischua Creek.
Corrective actions required include enhanced monitoring at the wastewater treatment plant, upgrades to prevent future discharges like those seen in August 2025, measures to address hydrogen sulfide exceedances, hiring independent third parties approved by DEC for compliance verification, timely reporting of data, and evaluation of biogas collection systems per air permit requirements.
Restarting operations at GLC’s wastewater treatment plant is contingent upon meeting strict permit limits set by state regulators.
Prior inspections had resulted in four Notices of Violation issued for non-compliance with air quality permits as well as petroleum and chemical storage regulations; however, these earlier violations did not impact Ischua Creek.
Throughout its investigation, DEC worked with other state agencies—including Health; Agriculture and Markets; Labor; and Transportation—to assess any risk to drinking water (none was found) and support regional agricultural interests given GLC’s role as a major employer supporting about 500 jobs in the dairy sector.
DEC has committed to closely monitor adherence to all compliance deadlines under the Order on Consent. Any future violations could result in additional enforcement actions. Public updates will be available through information posted online at the Great Lakes Cheese Ischua Creek webpage.
