Deer River Investigation

DEC investigated the growth of Leptomitus lactus, commonly called water mold or sewer fungus, in the Deer River in St. Lawrence County. In addition to conducting regular inspections of permitted facilities in the area, DEC’s investigation included field observations, data collection, and water quality analysis of the Deer River near the hamlet of North Lawrence. DEC also reviewed environmental conditions, known and permitted discharges to the river, and investigated the potential for previously unknown discharges.

The investigation identified the presence of Leptomitus lactus starting at the North Country Dairy outfall. The water quality data from the Deer River showed high total phosphorus, orthophosphate, total nitrogen, and ammonia in the impacted stretch of water. DEC’s data also indicates that North Country Dairy’s discharge is the primary contributor of these constituents in the Deer River.

Ongoing Efforts

On June 28, 2024, DEC issued a Notice of Violation (NOV) to North Country Dairy for contributing to the violation of State water quality standards. In addition to the enforcement action, DEC undertook a detailed technical review of North Country Dairy’s wastewater and treatment technologies to ensure pending modifications to the facility’s permit protect the receiving water.

On July 16, 2024, DEC issued an additional NOV to North Country Dairy, citing the facility for discharge of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in excess of the daily maximum and monthly average limits as stated in the State Pollution Discharge Elimination System (SPDES) prescribed permit.  North Country Dairy properly reported the exceedance on their monthly Discharge Monitoring Report. 

DEC will issue an NOV to notify an entity of alleged violations, seek a response, and to prompt corrective actions. After the issuance of any NOV, there is the potential for future enforcement action, which may result in penalties. DEC does not comment on the specifics of pending enforcement matters.

DEC is committed to requiring facilities across the state to fully comply with permit conditions and to ensuring permits are adequate to achieve water quality standards in receiving waterbodies to protect public health and the environment. DEC continues to monitor North Country Dairy for compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations; and will evaluate the necessity for additional enforcement steps while assessing appropriate cleanup actions.

General Health and Safety Recommendations

There are no bathing beaches regulated by the New York State Department of Health (DOH) located on the Deer River. DEC reminds the public to follow DOH’s advice when choosing to swim outside of a regulated beach:

• Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites are in all waters. These microorganisms may come from combined sewer overflows (CSOs), faulty septic systems, and animal waste. After heavy rains, levels of fecal contamination can be higher in waters. Assume that all waters have fecal contamination even if you can’t see it.
• Avoid cloudy, discolored, or foamy water, and areas with a paint-like appearance, surface scums, mats, oily sheens, and dense aquatic plants. These are safety hazards and may indicate poor water quality.
• Open waters, such as lakes, rivers and oceans have currents, rocks, and uneven surfaces, which may be unfamiliar and pose hazards to swimmers.
• Take extra precautions near any dams or large watercraft because they can create undertows and dangerous currents. Never cross safety wires and other water hazard markers when recreating near dams.

Anglers

Deer River is a tributary of the St. Regis River. Anglers should follow the advice for the St. Regis River when planning a fish meal from the Deer River.

For those concerned about eating fish from the Deer River, DEC recommends DOH’s Good Sanitary Practices. These tips provide information on how to reduce exposure to fish pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, parasites). Tips to avoid fish pathogens:

• Keep your hands away from your mouth, eyes, ears, and nose while fishing and cover open wounds to avoid contact with the water. This reduces the chances of getting sick from microorganisms that can enter your body through these pathways.
• Wash your hands after fishing, especially before eating, and shower if you have had contact with the water.
• Keep harvested fish cold;
• Wear protective gloves when skinning and trimming;
• Wash hands and surfaces when preparing fish, and keeping raw foods separate; and
• Cook fish and shellfish thoroughly before eating.

Anglers can also consider catch and release fishing. Anglers should review the Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide before heading out on the water.