Photo courtesy state DEC Facebook page Amanda Lefton, state DEC commissioner, is pictured near Great Lakes Cheese in Franklinville last week.

FRANKLINVILLE – Conditions in Ischua Creek near the Great Lakes Cheese Factory in Franklinville are improving, according to the state DEC.

DEC officials said over the weekend that the die-off of fish and wildlife within the area has a likely connection to the waste discharge. DEC testing showed issues downstream from the facility.

“The data suggests the creek downstream of the Great Lakes Cheese facility had low dissolved oxygen and high levels of nutrients in exceedance of state standards. This includes levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water that are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Other water quality parameters which exceeded standards include manganese and total dissolved solids,” according to the DEC statement.

DEC officials said over the weekend the area upstream from the facility contained levels within state regulations, leading to the suggestion that Great Lakes Cheese’s waste outfall may likely be responsible.

The DEC began testing in the area after organic waste discharge into Ischua Creek in Franklinville caused a significant fish and wildlife die-off. There has been daily testing in the waters in Olean and Ischua Creek, especially the area of Ischua Creek downstream from the alleged contaminating outfall at the Great Lakes Cheese factory.

The state has noted a significant improvement to the creek’s condition since late August, with claims that the pollutant levels have dropped and that the contamination has been contained to the downstream part of the creek with no spreading to any other water sources nearby. DEC officials also stressed the importance of monitoring private water wells due to the heavy prevalence of them in the area, with the DEC stating that they have still found no contamination concerning private residential wells in the area.

“We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and ensuring the protection of the environment and communities in Cattaraugus County,” according to Amanda Lefton, state DEC commissioner, with the DEC going on to say that they will continue investigations.

The New York State Agriculture and Markets Department, along with the Department of Transportation, have teamed up with The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Department of Transportation to ensure as little waste as possible while the Great Lakes Cheese Factory has halted operations. Special permits have been issued to allow for the redirection of milk products intended for the Great Lakes facility so that they may be processed at a different location. As a result of the cooperation and coordination between this host of agencies, minimal product waste will occur due to the actions being taken.

The DEC will continue regular testing and monitoring and will continue to give public updates on the condition of the creek. For any updates or to seek further information on the situation visit contact@dec.ny.gov.