State officials are urging the public to avoid Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus County following reports of a possible organic waste discharge and a large die-off of fish and wildlife.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the state Department of Health (DOH) and the Cattaraugus County Health Department, issued a recreational use advisory Thursday afternoon.
Residents and visitors are asked to avoid all contact with the creek downstream of Franklinville—including fishing, swimming, and boating—until further notice.
Officials say there is currently no evidence that public drinking water supplies have been affected. Local water systems are being monitored as a precaution.
DEC field teams are on site assessing water quality, tracking the movement of the discharge, and investigating the cause of the fish kill.
Updates will be shared as more information becomes available.
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