State Sen. George Borrello is monitoring the environmental issues in Ischua Creek caused by the Great Lakes Cheese Factory in Franklinville.

The Department of Environmental Conservation has ordered the Great Lakes Cheese Factory in Franklinville to immediately address their waste discharge into the creek. Reports have alleged a foul odor and a visible discharge seeming to emit from the waste outfall area of the facility. These reports come at a time when the area, especially the creek in particular, is experiencing a die-off of many species of fish, reptiles, and amphibians, according to the DEC. This has prompted the continuation of investigations into the causes of this die-off, with the cause of it believed to be connected to the discharged waste.

Many in the area have become concerned of potential contamination to the water that comes into their homes as a result. Borrello said the DEC has made it a priority to monitor nearby wells for contaminants that may pose any risk to residents.

“It is important to underscore that testing by state and county health officials has found that public drinking water supplies remain unaffected. However, out of an abundance of caution, targeted sampling of nearby private wells and rigorous monitoring by state and local officials will continue.” Borrello said in a statement to residents, with the DEC seconding this by having stated that “at this time, there is no indication of impacts to drinking water supplies. Local water systems have been notified and are taking precautionary monitoring steps.”

Both the DEC and Borrello have stated that Great Lake Cheese has been cooperative in terms of operational changes and aiding in the investigations. While investigations continue the facility has informed the DEC that it has halted any waste from being discharged from the outfall leading to the creek. DEC is requiring Great Lakes Cheese to implement a suite of operational improvements and enhanced monitoring to immediately address effluent exceedances from its wastewater treatment process, improve the quality of the facility’s digester operations, and continue data collection to fully assess impacts to the creek. To date, DEC has documented tens of thousands of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and other species impacted in the recent die-off. The investigation is ongoing, and more details will be provided as information becomes available.

Officials from both the DEC and Borrello’s offices have advised members of the community to refrain from any recreational activity in the downstream part of the creek that runs through Franklinville. They also warn to use caution in any instances involving animal carcasses or fluids, as they may contain contaminants as well.

“Ischua Creek is a vibrant, healthy ecosystem and the environmental damage witnessed this week is significant,” said Amanda Lefton, DEC commissioner. “As DEC’s investigation continues, we’ve directed Great Lakes Cheese to prevent ongoing impacts to the creek to help protect water quality and creek habitat. DEC and our partners at the Department of Health will continue to coordinate assessing any potential public health impacts and encourage the community to follow the recreational use advisory that remains in place at this time.”

Residents who witness any unusual wildlife behavior or instances should immediately contact (716) 851-7201. Any residents, especially those with private wells within the area, are encouraged to contact the New York State Department of Health at bpwsp@health.ny.gov with any questions or concerns.