New York State environmental officers said immediate changes are needed after a fish kill in Ischua Creek was triggered by pollution from the Great Lakes Cheese facility.
The Department of Environmental Conservation reported Friday that tens of thousands of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other species have been recorded as falling in a die-off since Tuesday, and point to organic contamination from a wastewater treatment facility at the factory as a cause.
Great Lakes Cheese released a statement stating that, “out of an abundance of caution,” production would be paused at the Franklinville facility. They added that “Great Lakes Cheese is committed to being a responsible member of the Cattaraugus County community and good stewards of the local environment.”
Cattaraugus County health officials are additionally investigating possible impacts to drinking water.