The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), working with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and Cattaraugus County Health Department, is looking into a possible organic waste discharge in Ischua Creek that has resulted in a notable die-off of fish and wildlife.
Officials have advised the public to stay away from all recreational activities involving Ischua Creek downstream of Franklinville. This includes fishing, eating fish from the creek, boating, and swimming until further notice.
Authorities stated there are currently no signs that public drinking water supplies have been affected. Local water systems have been alerted and are carrying out precautionary monitoring measures.
DEC teams are actively checking water quality, following the path of any discharge downstream, and evaluating effects on aquatic life. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
“Protecting the health of New Yorkers and the environment is the top priority and DEC field teams are monitoring water quality, tracking the movement of the discharge downstream, and assessing impacts to aquatic life. Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available,” according to officials.
