Brown trout can tolerate higher water temperatures than other trout species and in New York. Spring stocking includes 1.8 million brown trout across New York state. More than 4,000 are stocked in Ischua Creek where a large fish kill was observed last week. Submitted Photo

When dead fish surface on the shores of Lake Erie, fisheries biologists know that the cause is typically related to nature. A wind shift can cause a thermal turnover that can shock the fish with a rapid change of temperature; many are unable to compensate for the change. When dead fish, reptiles and wildlife occur on the shores of a popular Cattaraugus County trout stream in the middle of summer, there is cause for concern.

WHAT

HAPPENED?

Around Aug. 26, the NYSDEC responded to reports of a massive fish kill in Ischua Creek near Franklinville. Field teams discovered large numbers of dead fish, amphibians, reptiles and other aquatic species downstream. The DEC investigation found that effluent discharges from the Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville were likely responsible. Organic waste from dairy processing had been released into the creek, leading to low dissolved oxygen, high nutrient levels, elevated temperature and excessive dissolved solids — this can be a toxic mix for aquatic life. Residents near the facility, including one recounting multiple dead fish, confirmed the visible effluent and odor in the creek.

WHAT’S

BEING DONE?

On Aug. 29, Great Lakes Cheese voluntarily paused discharging wastewater into Ischua Creek.

DEC has ordered the facility to implement a suite of operational improvements and enhanced monitoring to prevent effluent from exceeding safe limits and improve the quality of operations, which are key to treating dairy waste. DEC indicated that they will continue data collection and impact assessments to understand the ecological effects better.

The New York State Department of Health and Cattaraugus County Health Department are conducting sampling of private wells in the area as a precaution. However, there’s currently no indication of contaminated drinking water. Local water systems have been notified and are undergoing precautionary monitoring.

A public advisory is in effect: refrain from fishing, boating, swimming, or having contact with Ischua Creek downstream of Franklinville until further notice. Residents are also advised to keep pets and livestock away and to report unusual wildlife observations.

Oversight and monitoring will continue as DEC will closely supervise the facility modifications and operational improvements, and monitor the health of aquatic wildlife, especially with expected rain events that could alter water flow and dilution. This ongoing commitment to monitoring and oversight should provide reassurance to the public. Public concerns are being amplified by state officials like DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Senator George Borello, who thanked the company for its cooperation and emphasized the need to protect the ecosystem. Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized accountability, demanding steps to prevent such incidents in the future.

When operations resume, residents and environmental groups may request transparent reporting on monitoring data and treatment improvements. Open communication is essential for building trust and ensuring everyone is informed. Prevention and accountability must be among the imperative operational change processes. Long-term ecological studies may be needed to assess recovery of the Ischua Creek ecosystem, which some reports suggest may take years or even a decade to recover fully. This situation serves as a vital reminder of the delicate balance between industrial operations and environmental safeguards, especially in sensitive local systems like Ischua Creek.

CALENDAR

Sept. 7: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., no charge, West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.

Sept. 10: 3-D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 864 Cain Road, Angola; 4 p.m. to dark, 15-target course, Kitchen open, Jerome Gorski, 716-398-3008. Ends Sept. 24.

Sept. 13: NY Musky, Chautauqua Lake Big Baller Musky Tourney, Casting Only. No FFS. 585-287-7578

Sept. 13: WNY Walleye Association; 1st Responders/Veterans Day of Fishing, Lake Erie; Reserve your spot. Rick Malik: 716-548-8219 or Steve Haak: 716-225-0229.

Sept. 13-21: NYS special early antlerless deer season in designated WMUs. For DMP and DMAP tags only. See syllabus.