BSA protects public health and our Great Lakes waterways from water pollution. Our job is to maintain and improve the infrastructure, innovation, and efficiency of our water resources to ensure the quality of life throughout Western New York.
Operating as usual
12/30/2020
The end of the year brings a time for reflection, and Buffalo Sewer Authority wants to extend our upmost gratitude for our amazing staff who, without fault, have continued to persevere and provide #Buffalo with clean, affordable water. Through shutdowns and holidays, our staff work 24/7 and seven days to serve our people and help protect the environment.
It's an honor to be amongst such dedicated and hard-working staff. May the #NewYear bring peace and joy to your friends and family; you all certainly bring hope to a better future ahead. ✨
12/29/2020
Buffalo Sewer Authority extends a Happy Kwanzaa for those that observe. Beginning December 26 and lasting for seven days, #Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, family and culture, established as a means to help African Americans reconnect with their African roots and heritage.✨
SNOWSTORM UPDATE! If your garbage & recycling services were scheduled for Saturday, but your trash has not been picked up yet, please leave your totes at the curb. The significant snowfall has impacted the collection schedule, but crews will continue pick-up until all routes are complete. Please SHARE to keep your neighbors updated!
12/26/2020
Up on the rooftop, reindeer pause. Out jumps good ol' Sewer Claus. 🎅 Down through the chimney with lots of toys, 🎁 all for the little ones, Christmas joys.
To all those who celebrate, Buffalo Sewer Authority wishes you a very Merry Christmas! We are especially thankful for our staff and all those on the job today. 🎄
12/24/2020
Merry Christmas Eve! 🎄Winter weather advisory issued in Western New York through Saturday night. Watch out for a mix of snow and rain with high chance of ice to accumulate. ❄️ Be safe on the road — not to mention, watch out for Santa Claus! 🎅🏻
12/22/2020
Exhausted of ideas for how to entertain your kids at home? Look no further!
There's nothing like entertainment than coloring some AWESOME machinery from our #TreatmentPlant. Have a new vision for the Buffalo Sewer Authority logo? We want to see it! 🖌️
Crayons, markers, stickers, watercolor, all artistic mediums and creativity accepted. DM or tag us on your final artwork to be featured on our #SocialMedia! 🎨
Hey-ayy, Let's go #Buffalo! Nothing better for #MotivationMonday then our one and only Buffalo Bills.
Fun Football Fact: Buffalo Sewer Authority uses green approaches to manage runoff from 700 acres of urban land – or the area of 540 football fields. 🏈 Think about THAT next #touchdown!
12/20/2020
Let's take a quick break from wrapping our holiday presents this season, and appreciate our #SpotlightSaturday!
Today's feature goes to our awesome intern Jessica who has worked relentlessly on our Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment over the past year or so. Jessica has shuffled through and analyzed large amounts of data, created countless maps, worked closely with Buffalo Sewer Authority staff, and everything far and in between to understand where and how various factors in #Buffalo are vulnerable to climate change. Not to mention, she completed this all while finishing up her Master's degree at Cornell University!
We are so thankful to have such hardworking and talented members of our team here at Buffalo Sewer. We look forward to releasing this assessment in the near future, and want to give one last #ThankYou for Jessica's dedication in this project.
12/18/2020
Have you looked into the additional financial relief that may be available to you through Buffalo Water’s Amnesty/Forgiveness Program? It provides relief for city residents currently behind on utility payments, and can erase water service-related debt for those who agree to specific program criteria. Those interested can enroll by calling (716) 847-1065 or can simply visit http://bit.ly/GWW-WaterAmnesty for more information. #LetsGetWaterWise
Let's SHARE this holiday season. Ends on Dec. 31st!
12/17/2020
A great opportunity to show what YOU want to see in the future with Buffalo #Parks! Survey helps support the Buffalo Parks Master Plan, a project by Mayor Byron W. Brown, Department of Parks and Recreation, The Trust for Public Land, New City Parks, and the Regional Plan Association.
Buffalo Sewer prides itself on protecting the health of communities by cleaning our #water. However, public health is more than just clean water – you also need physical exercise to maintain a happy body and happy mind! 💪
Explore Buffalo created Walking Routes around the city to promote outdoor activity during COVID-19. We are super excited to try out the Ferry St Walking Route from Niagara to Delaware starting at Broderick Park! Right next to our #TreatmentPlant on Unity Island, this is a great activity to stretch our legs during break. We look forward to seeing you there! 👀
These efforts were supported by M&T Bank, Independent Health, Buffalo Spree, Healthy Communities 2030, and REACH Buffalo. 💦
Explore Buffalo ® is a non-profit organization providing tours and other opportunities to discover Buffalo’s great architecture, history, and neighborhoods.
12/16/2020
Yes, we are interested in growing the green economy! Awesome green job certification opportunities with PUSH Buffalo. The deadline to apply is January 11th 2021. Contact [email protected] to apply and for more information.
Are you looking to make an hourly wage above $20 an hour!? Are you looking to not just 'work', but to build a career that will sustain you and your family for years!? Are you interested in growing with the new green economy!?
SIGN UP TO BE A PART OF OUR NEW ECONOMY "GREEN BUILDING TECHNOLOGY CERTIFICATE PROGRAM"!!!!
PUSH Buffalo's New Economies Team in conjunction with SUNY Erie formerly Community College (ECC) has developed a new college, hands on training course that could set you up to change your life. You'll learn how to develop and install heating ventilation and cooling (HVAC) systems. This is working in the field of installing things like air conditioning systems and heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. You'll also learn and develop skills in the new green technologies that have been recently developed to install these heating and cooling systems. Not only will you learn the established HVAC installation methods, you will learn the new, green installation methods as well. You will develop a new skill that is needed in the new economy that we're headed into. A new skill and trade that could financially sustain you and your family for many years. Taking care of ourselves and our families is a life changing commitment. Like any commitment, this commitment for you taking this course requires time, flexibility, consistency, and the understanding that you are building for your future. This course will require you to apply to become a full-time student at ECC as classes will be held on their campuses. Financial assistance is available to cover the costs of this course. Time is of the essence, as this is a TIME SENSETIVE opportunity. The deadline to apply is January 11th 2021. Classes begin on January 19th 2021. Contact [email protected] to apply and for more information.
12/13/2020
#SpotlightSaturday goes to our Sewer Treatment Plant extraordinaire Alex Emmerson!
While his tour guy-ide title has been out of commission due to COVID, Alex was back in action, jokes and all, this past Friday while showing our AmeriCorps Sydney around the site. Up and down, and in and out, Alex gave a whole run through (literally as times we had to catch) of how the plant functions from filtering combined #sewage to discharging clean water into the canal.
Aside from this, Alex is also currently filling the shoes as Acting Treatment Plant Superintendent. We are so thankful for his dedication to keep the plant (and us) running!
Ft. Some shots for our beautiful campus.
12/11/2020
On December 6th, our General Manager OJ McFoy was featured on Community Action Organization of Western New York's radio show "The World of Community Action" lead by Nathan Hare on 93.7 WBLW. This show provides critical information about the issues, problems, and concerns of the Buffalo and #ErieCounty community.
Here, OJ discussed the importance of Buffalo Water and Buffalo Sewer Authority's role in ensuring the health and safety of our customers. He spoke, "We need to make sure we are taking care of our most vulnerable ... People hard hit by the colliding pandemics of COVID-19 layered on top of systemic racism and economic disparities that already existed in the city".
Our Residential Affordable Water Program "provides anywhere from 20-60% discount on your water bill", as well as a senior discount, various payment plans, and more. Our #WaterAmnesty program was launched in July to address those struggling with economic hardship, part of our Let's Get Water Wise campaign. OJ highlighted that COVID-19 has not "created these social problems, but pulled back the cover .. of policy [affecting] our low-income and black and brown folks".
With this, We are so thankful for the opportunity to discuss with Nathan Hare about #Buffalo's efforts!
To all those who began their Hanukkah celebrations tonight,
Buffalo Sewer Authority wishes you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season.
May our peace, love, and joy come to you. 🕎 #HappyHanukkah
12/09/2020
Who says #ThrowbackWednesday isn't a thing?
Just taking a look at my dear friend, the old Buffalo Sewer Authority Logo. Back when we could use two different fonts, and still be stylish. #SimplierTimes 💦
12/08/2020
Settling in after a long day of work? No better time to check out Buffalo Sewer Authority's Water Amnesty Program on 7 Eyewitness News WKBW!
Let's Get Water Wise not only offers discount programs, but also offers assistance for those behind on their water bills. No better gift this holiday season 🎁 than the joy of saving money!
Apply before December 31st, 2020 for that new year, new bill!
Buffalo Sewer Authority recognizes the significance of Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Join us as we pause, recognize, and honor the 2,403 men, women, and children who lost their lives in the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor.
(PC: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)
12/06/2020
Another great, but chilly, day for another #SpotlightSaturday!
This week's highlight goes to our awesome Assistant Sanitary Engineer Regina. Regina spends her days reviewing plans to ensure compliance with Buffalo Sewer Authority regulation, and also works closely with our "smart sewers", part of our Long Term Control Plan to reduce combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in #Buffalo.
Regina keeps our operations smooth sailing over at City Hall. We are so thankful to have staff as hard-working and wonderful as her!
As part of Mayor Byron W. Brown's efforts in combating climate change, the Buffalo Sewer Authority is currently working on a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment to understand how our stormwater infrastructure, natural systems, public health, and socioeconomic populations are sensitive and adaptive to the impacts of climate change. This assessment will be used for future planning efforts to build infrastructure and community resilience in #Buffalo.
We want to hear from you about your thoughts on #ClimateChange, to further understand local vulnerability and what our Buffalo communities need. Please fill out our community survey at https://raincheckbuffalo.org/climate-change/ to learn more about our efforts, or contact [email protected] directly for additional feedback.
12/02/2020
One of the best things about the #HolidaySeason is decorating to get into that merry spirit.
Cute, stylish, and trendy, manhole covers are a great way to spice up any holiday look. There's no better claus for excitement.
12/01/2020
Count down the days of December with BSA's Kindness Calendar! Let's remember to be kind to our sewer systems and the environment during this jolly season. #HappyHolidays
PSA: Don't flush disposable wipes down the toilet.
Today is the last day of #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth. Indigenous peoples are some of the best stewards of biodiversity due to their reliance on land & wildlife, and their vast local knowledge on the environment. With this, they have been huge drivers of climate change adaptation, acknowledging the fate that many will face.
Everyday is a chance to learn so much from our native peoples.
With their deep ties to the land and reliance on fishing, hunting, and gathering, indigenous tribes are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Now, native communities across North America are stepping up to adopt climate action plans to protect their way of life.
11/28/2020
#SpotlightSaturday goes to our incredible sewage treatment plant workers!
While exercise is not the top priority for many during the Thanksgiving season, our sewage treatment plant continues to run every single day. It would not be possible without our committed workers that keep the system up and functioning, even during the holidays.
Let's be thankful that every time you flush & poo, it's because our sewage plant workers and all they do!
So proud of Herbert Bellamy Jr., chairman of Buffalo Sewer Authority, for his recent opening earlier this month of the Black Achievers Museum. This marks a huge achievement for the city as a new place to learn about the African American history of Buffalo.
While the museum is temporary closed due to the pandemic, let's take this #BlackFriday to support this historical museum by donating, and supporting the many educational and scholarship opportunities available for youth.
While the Sewer Authority loves some good waste, let's not let Black Friday go to waste, and continue to #SupportBlackBuisness too!
Happy Thanksgiving, and Happy Holidays from Buffalo Sewer! 🧡🥧
We are thankful for YOU and your commitment to keeping water safe and clean. Let's appreciate this fun #WaterFact as we cook (even virtually!) with our loved ones this holiday season!
Today is the International Day to #EndViolence against Women. 🚺
In many countries, lack of access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is a gender inequity issue that increases women's vulnerability to sexual assault. Adequate water and sanitation systems are critical to ensure the health and safety of all women everywhere.
Buffalo Sewer commits to protecting public health by increasing accessibility to safe and equitable water sources, and ensuring the quality of our Great Lakes waterways. It's important to reflect and educate ourselves about our role in this global issue.
The global water crisis directly affects women. Responsible for finding a water resource in order for their families to survive, the water crisis for women is personal. Learn how Water.org works to empower these women.
11/24/2020
There's no better gift this #HolidaySeason than the chance to save money on your utility bill, and secure a more affordable future! 🎁
We understand that COVID-19 has impacted the wallets of many households in #Buffalo. Our Water Amnesty Program is here to help residents behind on their utility bills. While a turkey takes hours to cook 🦃, you can apply for our Water Amnesty Program within minutes at http://bit.ly/LGWW-ApplyNow or by calling (716) 847-1065!
Let's spread our thanks and SHARE this program!
Buffalo Water’s Pathways to Affordable Water program is now providing an integral way for Buffalo residents to save money. Its Amnesty/Forgiveness Program provides another, offering city residents currently behind on utility payments additional assistance. Eligible residents can enroll by calling (716) 847-1065, then agreeing to specific program criteria to erase water service-related debt. Call today, or visit https://buffalowater.org for more information. #LetsGetWaterWise
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Videos
With new distancing guidelines in place, this #SpotlightSaturday features a COVID-safe place to visit as we close out this nice Fall weather!
Scajaquada Creek is a beautiful body of water within Delaware Park of the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy. It's important to maintain its health to preserve and protect the natural landscape.
To protect the waterway from runoff pollution and provide habitat for wildlife, our Green Infrastructure initiative Rain Check established a #ShorelineBuffer that consisted of native plantings along the creek. Come visit this wonderful embankment while enjoying a nice walk around the park!
This project was completed in partnership with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, the Olmsted Conservancy, US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo District, and NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation.
TAG someone that you want to go with!
This past Friday, Buffalo Sewer attended the last #CleanSweep of 2020 put together by City of Buffalo, Division of Citizens Services and Love Your Block Buffalo. We thank all the community partners, City Hall team including Mayor Byron W. Brown, and AmeriCorps VISTAs for their efforts in distributing information to local residents and helping beautify the area.
Here we have our AmeriCorps VISTA Sydney installing a free #DownspoutDisconnect on a resident's rain gutter, which are used to redirect water onto lawn or gardens during storm events. This can help alleviate stress off the sewer system during wet weather thus decreasing flooding and keeping our water clean!
COMMENT below if you are interested in one too!
We are 85 years old today! For the past 8 decades we have strived to protect our Great Lakes by collecting and cleaning billions of gallons of water for drinking, food, cleaning, health care, industry use and recreation. Thank you to all of our current and past employees who have worked tirelessly providing a 24 hours a day 7 days a week essential service to the residents of the City of Buffalo!
Our Smart Sewer located at Hertel at Deer in action. This is a view just upstream of the newly installed RTC structure holding back the flow of water from the rain today! Smart Sewers throughout our city help to prevent overflows during wet weather.
Football is Back! #BillsCamp has begun and with that comes a recap of the rookies coming to our beautiful City Hall featuring @MayorByronBrown and our own General Manager OJ McFoy!
Happy Juneteenth!
General Manager McFoy talking with students at Arthur O. Eve School of Distinction’s career day!
Today our General Manager OJ McFoy participated in a panel discussion entitled From Rust Belt to Green Belt, as part of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo’s Community Impact Tour.
Our fourth Intern Insight comes from Razul.
Our third Intern Insight comes from Hayley.
Our second Intern Insight comes from Mark.
Our first Intern Insight comes from Abby.
Happy National Professional Engineers Day! #LicensedPEDay
As the City of Buffalo developed initially, the Niagara River was used as an economical and convenient means of disposal for the community’s sewage. As the city continued to grow, a sewer system was gradually constructed to carry combined sewage and stormwater to the Buffalo River, Scajaquada Creek, and Black Rock Canal. Untreated sewage was discharged directly into these water bodies at several points throughout the city. As Buffalo grew, so did the volume and concentration of sewage discharged to the receiving water bodies. The health of the receiving water bodies and the surrounding environment became severely threatened.
In 1935 the New York Health Department mandated the City of Buffalo to discontinue without delay the menacing nuisance of pollution of the River waters. Persistent pollution and disease as well as treaties between the United States and Canada (Boundary Waters Treaty) lead to a reassessment of the means by which not only Buffalo, but many cities on the border’s waters, disposed of sanitary wastewater. The Niagara River was specifically named as among the most important of the boundary waters.
Buffalo Sewer, a public benefit corporation, was created by an Act of the Legislature in the spring of 1935 and delegated the responsibility for providing an effectual means of relieving the Niagara River and other tributary streams from pollution by sewage and waste. Buffalo Sewer was authorized to borrow money, issue bonds and provide for their repayment, fix and collect rates and rentals, and in general assume full-responsibility for carrying out the State Health Department’s mandate.
Buffalo Sewer accepted and fulfilled its responsibility in full conformity with the intent and spirit of the mandate. It provided a system of intercepting sewers to bring sewage of the city to a then modern (1938) and efficient primary sewage treatment plant where solid matter was removed and incinerated, and all liquid matter chlorinated. With respect to the collection system, the City of Buffalo constructed a then state of the art combined sewer system that collected and transmitted sanitary and stormwater within a single pipe system. By design, the combined system was constructed with a number of overflow points, referred to as combined sewer overflows or CSOs which relieved the system during rainfall events when the large amounts of water (stormwater primarily) could have damaged the treatment plant and private property. For decades following its construction, the system served the city and surrounding suburbs well and continues to do so today.
However, with the increasing national awareness of the need to more fully protect our water resources, the State in 1966 directed further improvement of the facilities by providing secondary treatment. With the help of federal and state grants, secondary treatment facilities were constructed and placed in service in 1981. Throughout these improvements, the collection system continued to operate adequately with few improvements.
In the early 1990s the regulatory focus shifted from the treatment facilities to the collection systems. Not only in Buffalo but across the United States, emphasis was now being placed on the impacts of sewer overflows and on their reduction. In addition, Buffalo Sewer recognized the general inadequacy of the storm water capabilities of the existing combined sewer system of the city and prepared a comprehensive plan for the enlargement and betterment of the stormwater overflow system. It has since been engaged in the construction of sewers according to this plan and has eliminated many areas of formerly prevalent basement and surface flooding, as well as a number of the designed CSOs. Over time the need for continued reduction in the CSO events and volumes has been recognized by the regulatory agencies as well as Buffalo Sewer, and for some years now all new construction has been planned, whenever possible, to achieve this result or concept.
While much remains to be done, Buffalo Sewer is progressing toward having a high level of protection against such undesirable occurrences and at the same time doing its share in the fight against water pollution.
