Locals: It will take up to a decade to restore this fishery
Reports of birds and mammals impacted by toxic pollution
By Andrew Harris, photo from the WG Pomeroy Foundation
A horrible environmental disaster has unfolded in Cattaraugus County, killing untold numbers of fish and aquatic life in the Ischua Creek near Franklinville.
The Great Lakes Cheese Company’s brand-new facility has been identified as the source of the contamination by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. According to NY State Senator George Borrello the company is taking full responsiblity:
“I appreciate the cooperation of Great Lakes Cheese throughout this process. The company has voluntarily paused operations of its discharge outfall to implement mitigation measures and conduct a thorough analysis of its wastewater systems. These immediate steps are important for protecting the long-term health of the creek and restoring this vital ecosystem. Great Lakes Cheese is a family and employee-owned company and has been a good neighbor in this region for decades. I am confident in their commitment to resolving this issue fully and responsibly.”
According to a release this morning from Senator Borrello drinking water remains unaffected but local private water wells are being tested for contamination. For more information on reporting and testing your well for contamination visit the NYS DEC site, Private Wells.
Borrello went on to say that officials ask that no swimming, rafting, fishing, or any contact with Ischua Creek be made south of Franklinville. The creek runs 17 miles south along NYS Route 16 until it merges with Olean Creek just north of Hinsdale NY. “Recreational use of the creek downstream of Franklinville should continue to be avoided until further notice,” Borrello said in today’s statement
Read more from WIVB Channel 4: DEC: Cheese factory wastewater responsible for dead fish | News 4 Buffalo
