The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is continuing its investigation into the recent fish and wildlife die-off in Ischua Creek, Franklinville, Cattaraugus County. The agency responded after significant impacts to water quality and habitat were observed in August 2025.
According to DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, “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.”
Preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation indicate that discharges from Great Lakes Cheese’s operations were the primary cause of the environmental damage seen last month. Commissioner Lefton stated, “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 officials say they will continue their comprehensive inquiry into both water quality issues and effects on local wildlife populations. “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,” Lefton said.
In addition, DEC has committed to pursuing appropriate remedies for natural resource damages related to this incident. As noted by Commissioner Lefton: “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.”
