Photo courtesy of NYSDEC The NYSDEC with NYSDOH lifted the recreational use advisory for Ischua Creek, Cattaraugus County. Water quality sampling and data collection show conditions have improved allowing for return to normal use of the creek.

Some great news. After several months of hard work by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation staff to diligently chronicle creek impacts to bring Great Lakes Cheese into environmental compliance, and in coordination with the New York State Department of Health, the recreational use advisory for Ischua Creek in nearby Cattaraugus County has been lifted.

As of Nov. 21, water quality sampling and data collection at 10 locations along Ischua Creek and Olean Creek indicate conditions have improved, allowing a return to normal fishing/fish consumption, boating, and swimming.

“Lifting the recreational advisory reflects the months of hard work by DEC staff to diligently chronicle creek impacts and collaborate to bring Great Lakes Cheese into full compliance,” DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said. ”Under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s direction, DEC took decisive steps to hold Great Lakes Cheese accountable, and we are committed to continuing our stringent oversight of the facility to help ensure the long-term protection and restoration of the creek.”

“The state Health Department will continue to work with DEC to ensure that the safety of New York state’s water bodies and drinking water systems is upheld,” said Dr. James McDonald, state health commissioner.

Protecting the health of New Yorkers and the environment is a top priority, and out of an abundance of caution, DEC and DOH issued the precautionary advisory on Aug. 28, due to environmental impacts from wastewater discharged from the Great Lakes Cheese facility in Franklinville. Water quality monitoring showed that low dissolved oxygen levels in the creek contributed to a fish and wildlife die-off. This oxygen depletion was caused by organic waste discharged by the Great Lakes Cheese facility. Organic waste is not a chemical or toxin, but in large amounts can create serious environmental problems by consuming oxygen in the water as it breaks down and suffocates aquatic life. Total nitrite and total ammonia levels also contributed to the fish and wildlife die-off. Elevated levels of these parameters can inhibit oxygen transport, damage organs, and cause mortality of aquatic organisms.

DEC required a total civil penalty of $475,000: $250,000 paid to DEC and $75,000 suspended pending compliance with the terms and conditions of the Consent Order, plus an environmental benefit project valued at $150,000.

DEC is continuing to monitor water quality in Ischua Creek closely. Monitoring shows improved compliance with ambient water quality standards and successful implementation of many treatment plant corrective actions to stabilize effluent water quality entering the creek. There continue to be no indications of impacts to public drinking water supplies. Anglers are reminded to consult DEC’s freshwater fishing regulations and DOH’s New York State advice on eating fish you catch.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Nov. 25: WNY Trout Unlimited, last monthly meeting, Orvis Buffalo, 4545 Transit Road, Clarence, 6 p.m. start. Guest speakers Ryan Bennett on fishing out west/John Sanders on Explore Wild WNY.

Nov. 25: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Nov. 30: Last day NYS inland musky season/last day of regular NYS black bass season.

Dec. 1: First day of NYS black bass catch-and-release season — through June 14, 2026.

Dec. 1: Lake trout season opens for Lower Niagara River/Lake Ontario.

Dec. 2: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, Eldredge Club, 17 Broad St., Tonawanda, 7 p.m. start.

Dec. 8-16: NYS Southern Zone late archery/muzzleloader big-game hunting season.

Dec. 26 to Jan. 1: NYS Southern Zone late archery/crossbow/muzzleloader special deer-only season. Regular firearms are not allowed.