A cheese factory in Western New York is responsible for the death of thousands of fish in Ischua Creek, a popular trout stream in the area.
Per a report from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic animals are dead after discharges from the Great Lakes Cheese Factory made their way into Ischua Creek. This occurred on August 26.
When officials first heard about the fish and wildlife die-off, they sent teams from both the DEC and the State Department of Health to assess the water in the creek, specifically downstream of Franklinville. No impacts were made to drinking water in the area, but the public was advised to avoid the creek until further notice.
Those teams collected water samples to determine the exact cause of the die-off, and earlier this week, reported their results.
“DEC today completed a preliminary review of laboratory results from in-stream water quality sampling of Ishua and Olean creeks,” reads a press release. “The data suggests the creek downstream of the Great Lakes Cheese facility had low dissolved oxygen and high levels of nutrients in exceedance of state standards. This includes levels of nitrite and ammonia in the water that are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Other water quality parameters which exceeded standards include manganese and total dissolved solids.”
Officials confirmed the water quality above the Great Lakes Cheese Factory was in line with state standards. This means the fish kill was limited to waters downstream of the factory, although DEC stated that only Ischua Creek was impacted.
Data collected between August 26 and September 6 show an increase in dissolved oxygen levels, and a decrease in nitrile and ammonia.
“DEC is requiring Great Lakes Cheese to take immediate actions to address impacts and investigate the plant’s organic waste discharge to Ischua Creek,” the press release continues. “Following the facility’s voluntary pause on wastewater discharges to Ischua Creek, no wastewater is being discharged to the waterbody, and DEC is closely overseeing all modifications being proposed to prevent any future discharges that could damage natural resources. The facility will be required to demonstrate full compliance with all State water and air permits before resuming operations and discharges to the creek.”
In the current political environment, I am certain that many people will complain about the government interference with private enterprise. Reagan said government was the not the solution, it was the problem. I can’t be anything but deeply cynical about the people running our country these days. If they want to kill the Clean Water Act and the Roadless Rule, why should anybody give a shit about some “job creator” killing fish by dumping their shit in a river?