New York State plans to limit trout stocking in Ischua Creek as it recovers from last summer’s fish die-off attributed to Great Lakes Cheese’s wastewater violations.
FRANKLINVILLE, N.Y. — New York State is rolling out a plan to repopulate Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus County, after a massive fish die-off last summer.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation says it will limit trout stocking this year, focusing only on the lower section of the creek, to give the waterway time to recover.
“DEC continues to act in the best interest of the public and the resource regarding Ischua Creek,” said Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “The plan for stocking and habitat enhancement represents a measured approach to satisfy the recreational desires of anglers while also providing the time and resources needed to rehabilitate this fishery.”
Stocking will resume later this month in areas that weren’t impacted.
Last August, thousands of fish and even some mammals had been found dead along the creek. Within days, the DOH and DEC announced that recreational use of the creek downstream of Franklinville should be avoided.
In October, Officials with the Department of Environmental Conservation fined Great Lakes Cheese $475,000 for a complete failure of its wastewater treatment system, saying the factory was to blame for the fish kill. The DEC’s investigation found that there were 18 different violations beginning around August 26, and nutrient levels discharged into Ischua Creek were extensive and chronic. Great Lakes Cheese apologized for the incident, and said it would be in compliance with all state and federal regulatory requirements before restarting operations.
Back in November, the DOH and DEC say sampling along Ischua Creek shows conditions improved, and people can use the creek for recreational use. .