WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2025:
DEC and DOH Lift Recreational Use Advisory for Flint Creek in Ontario County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), today announced that the recreational use advisory is now lifted for the entire length of Flint Creek, Ontario County. Water quality sampling and data collection along the creek shows significant improvement and low health risk for fishing/fish consumption, boating, and swimming.
Out of an abundance of caution, DEC and DOH issued the precautionary advisory due to environmental impacts from runoff following a fire at the Eco Operations facility in Gorham on August 30, 2025.
Protecting the health of New Yorkers and the environment is a top priority, and DEC remains in coordination with local, State, and federal officials as the fire investigation and response continues for any potential violations of state environmental laws and regulations.
DEC referred the response action for the proper disposal of hazardous materials to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. There are no indications of impacts to public drinking water supplies.
Anglers are reminded to always consult the New York State advice on eating fish you catch to help reduce potential exposure to contamination. Visit DOH’s website for more information.
https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-
Initial post from August 30, 2025:
This was a notice sent out from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. Flint Creek runs along much of Ontario Pathways. Please do enjoy Ontario Pathways, but be aware to keep yourselves and pets out of the water.
DEC and DOH Issue Recreational Use Advisory for Flint Creek in Ontario County
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in coordination with the New York State Department of Health (DOH), is investigating environmental impacts following a fire at the Eco Operations facility in Gorham, Ontario County, on August 30, 2025.
Out of an abundance of caution, the public is advised to avoid all contact with the entire length of Flint Creek downstream of Dewey Avenue to the Canandaigua Outlet, including recreational uses such as fishing/fish consumption, boating, and swimming, until further notice. This action follows reports received today of several hundred small, dead fish in the creek.
Protecting the health of New Yorkers and the environment is the top priority and DEC field teams are monitoring water quality and assessing impacts to aquatic life. The public is encouraged to report unusual fish and wildlife observations to DEC at 800-457-7362. At this time, there is no indication of impacts to public drinking water supplies.
DEC will continue to coordinate with local, State, and federal officials as the fire investigation and response continues and keep the community informed as information becomes available.