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.
In conjunction with The Nature Conservancy, the University of Michigan and Environmental Consulting & Technology, Great Lakes Impact Investment platform works to highlight projects that focus on environmental benefits and financial returns. Buffalo Sewer Authority's RainCheck #greeninfrastructure program is one of 30 projects that will make an environmental impact by investing in the region. The project uses the environmental impact bond to reduce combined overflows and decrease borrowing costs for the city.
As Western New York has seen firsthand, severe weather has landed squarely on doorsteps – and in some basements – over the last few summers.
09/15/2021
Today marks the first day of #HispanicHeritageMonth. The recognition, running, September 15 - October 15 every year, acknowledges and celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Today marks the first day of #HispanicHeritageMonth. The recognition, running, September 15 - October 15 every year, acknowledges and celebrates the many contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Buffalo Sewer Authority’s $54 million Environmental Impact Bond, the largest ever, is one of the Great Lakes Impact Investment Platform’s close to $4 billion sustainability projects. Buffalo Sewer’s EIB will serve as a tool measuring the outcomes of #greeninfrastructure initiatives.
The Platform is aiding investors and organizations by helping them find ways to create and pay for sustainable environmental projects by supporting various investment methods such as green bonds, green lending, real assets and environmental impact bonds. Read more here:
CHICAGO, Sept. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Great Lakes Impact Investment Platform has attracted nearly $4 billion in sustainability investments in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region of the United
09/11/2021
Today marks 20 years of the tragic events of 9/11. As we remember the victims and their families, we also honor the bravery and the heroic acts shown by firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens on that day. Never forget.
Today marks 20 years of the tragic events of 9/11. As we remember the victims and their families, we also honor the bravery and the heroic acts shown by firefighters, police officers and ordinary citizens on that day. Never forget.
08/24/2021
Congratulations to our Intergovernmental Coordinator, Lisa Yaeger who was honored as one of Women Making History during the 10th and 11th Annual Women Who Walk In the Footsteps of Greatness!
08/20/2021
Can you believe the size of the #bioswale at Northland Ave❓
Holy Cow, that’s a whole lotta #stormwater management!
Can you believe the size of the #bioswale at Northland Ave❓
Holy Cow, that’s a whole lotta #stormwater management!
08/10/2021
We wanted to take this time to thank our AmeriCorps VISTA - Project MOVE Buffalo, Sydney Collins for all of her hard work over this past year. Sydney has been an invaluable addition on our team managing our social media, collecting and compiling data and assisting on projects with Buffalo Sewer.
Sydney identified and highlighted our employees work and, the important projects, including #GreenInfrastructure, taking place throughout our City. Sydney's work was exceptional and we were so fortunate to have her work with us. We are going to miss Sydney, but we wish her the very best!
08/04/2021
Check out all the awesome biodiversity in our #GreenInfrastructure sites on Niagara St! 🦋🌼🐍🌱
08/03/2021
Nothing like a #ThrowbackTuesday! ⚡️Remember when we installed our new 96 ton transformer to control the #energy at our Treatment Plant? Here are some live shots of it being barged over the Black Rock Canal! Witness the #power of water! 🌊
Nothing like a #ThrowbackTuesday! ⚡️Remember when we installed our new 96 ton transformer to control the #energy at our Treatment Plant? Here are some live shots of it being barged over the Black Rock Canal! Witness the #power of water! 🌊
07/29/2021
We extend our congratulations to Mami Hara as the new CEO of the US Water Alliance! Currently serving as the General Manager for Seattle Public Utilities, Mami's three decades of expertise in the water sector and focus on environmental equity will ensure her success in leading the Alliance. We are so excited for the new leadership with the US Water Alliance!
We extend our congratulations to Mami Hara as the new CEO of the US Water Alliance! Currently serving as the General Manager for Seattle Public Utilities, Mami's three decades of expertise in the water sector and focus on environmental equity will ensure her success in leading the Alliance. We are so excited for the new leadership with the US Water Alliance!
07/27/2021
Our #GreenInfrastructure crews finished the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NCIGP) curriculum! This nationally recognized certification program is a great #workforce development tool to provide technical skills necessary to properly construct, inspect, and maintain green infrastructure. Over 6 weeks, our 14 crew members consisting of our maintenance team, engineers, and supervisors completed 36 hours of classroom and field learning. Thank you PowerCorps PHL for the instruction, and EnviroCert International, Inc. for the resources! 💚
07/26/2021
Unable to pay rent? The City of #Buffalo can help! When the Eviction Moratorium is lifted in August 31, 2021, many people will face #eviction if they are not up to date on rent. The City of Buffalo can provide up to 12 months of rental and utility #assistance to residents impacted by #COVID-19. Visit standupbuffalo.com or call 211. 🏠
Unable to pay rent? The City of #Buffalo can help! When the Eviction Moratorium is lifted in August 31, 2021, many people will face #eviction if they are not up to date on rent. The City of Buffalo can provide up to 12 months of rental and utility #assistance to residents impacted by #COVID-19. Visit standupbuffalo.com or call 211. 🏠
07/26/2021
Congratulations to Buffalo Sewer Authority's General Manager OJ as an Officer for the National Association of Clean Water Agencies! Amazing leadership to continue world-class innovation within the water sector. 💧
President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill would include $45 billion that go toward removing lead pipelines across the country! There are between 30,000-40,000 lead pipelines in Buffalo. Our General Manager OJ McFoy says we have replaced over 500 of these service lines, and it could cost up to $500 million to replace them all.
“It fits right in with our mission, which is public health,” McFoy said. “We have to make sure that we maintain the trust of our customers of our residents of the people that we serve in delivering safe, clean water.” 🚰
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) — President Joe Biden’s proposed $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill would include $45 billion that go toward removing lead pipelines across the coun…
07/22/2021
Cheers to an awesome #ThankAnOperatorThursday! 🥂 Today we celebrate our fantastic Operator I Eric. Eric has been working at Buffalo Sewer since February 2021 and is off to a bangin' start. He loves the wildlife and the process of aeration at the Treatment Plant. Eric, we appreciate your eagerness to learn from long-time Operators (Like Mike!), and thanks for being a great member of the team. 😁
Cheers to an awesome #ThankAnOperatorThursday! 🥂 Today we celebrate our fantastic Operator I Eric. Eric has been working at Buffalo Sewer since February 2021 and is off to a bangin' start. He loves the wildlife and the process of aeration at the Treatment Plant. Eric, we appreciate your eagerness to learn from long-time Operators (Like Mike!), and thanks for being a great member of the team. 😁
07/19/2021
Buffalo's sewer system is getting greener, smarter, and more equitable! ⚙️ Our "smart sewers" are utilizing computer sensors to slow the release #water after large rain events. Our #greeninfrastructure sites mimic nature with street trees, rain gardens, and permeable pavement for stormwater management. These strategies will support neighborhoods with historic flooding issues and build #equity in the city! 🌳🏗️
Happy #716 Day! Today we celebrate our Buffalo community. Give 716 is a 24-hour online fundraiser started by Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres to support local nonprofits! You can donate to organizations like Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper , Buffalo Go Green, Inc. , Buffalo Green Fund , Gardens Buffalo Niagara , Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens , and so many more. Get involved today 7/16 through 11:59 PM at https://give716.org/ ! ♥️💙🤍
Happy #716 Day! Today we celebrate our Buffalo community. Give 716 is a 24-hour online fundraiser started by Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres to support local nonprofits! You can donate to organizations like Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper , Buffalo Go Green, Inc. , Buffalo Green Fund , Gardens Buffalo Niagara , Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens , and so many more. Get involved today 7/16 through 11:59 PM at https://give716.org/ ! ♥️💙🤍
07/15/2021
Congratulations to our Assistant Sanitary Engineer Regina Harris for passing her Fundamentals of Engineer exam and she is officially an Engineer in Training (EIT). We are so proud of your hard work! ⭐️📚
Congratulations to our Assistant Sanitary Engineer Regina Harris for passing her Fundamentals of Engineer exam and she is officially an Engineer in Training (EIT). We are so proud of your hard work! ⭐️📚
07/13/2021
In need of a morning workout? Why don’t you try throwing scrap tires into the back of a @BuffaloSewer truck? It’s NBD for our crews! 😎💪🏽🛻
07/12/2021
On June 21, the US Water Alliance released its report “Water Equity Taskforce Insights for the Water Sector,”' which builds a communal vision for an equitable water future by showcasing how Buffalo and other cities are seeking water equity through racial, environmental, and economic justice.
The report offers insights into how Buffalo is trying to spur a more equitable water future as part of the Water Equity Taskforce. This cross-sector endeavor across seven cities has created a unique roadmap for water equity, and the new report offers lessons from which other communities can draw.
On June 21, the US Water Alliance released its report “Water Equity Taskforce Insights for the Water Sector,”' which builds a communal vision for an equitable water future by showcasing how Buffalo and other cities are seeking water equity through racial, environmental, and economic justice.
The report offers insights into how Buffalo is trying to spur a more equitable water future as part of the Water Equity Taskforce. This cross-sector endeavor across seven cities has created a unique roadmap for water equity, and the new report offers lessons from which other communities can draw.
A great day for #greeninfrastructure! 🌱 This rainy afternoon our crews went to see William St median in live action. The #stormwater runs off the adjacent roads into the bioretention basin and absorbs into the ground. This practice diverts excess water from our sewer system and adds green space in #Buffalo! 💦
07/06/2021
Have a background in landcare, horticulture, or grounds maintenance? Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. is seeking a Stormwater Maintenance Foreman with Buffalo Sewer's green infrastructure workforce program. Submit a resume and cover letter to Director of Environmental Stewardship Deirdre Wright to [email protected]!
Have a background in landcare, horticulture, or grounds maintenance? Heart of the City Neighborhoods, Inc. is seeking a Stormwater Maintenance Foreman with Buffalo Sewer's green infrastructure workforce program. Submit a resume and cover letter to Director of Environmental Stewardship Deirdre Wright to [email protected]!
07/06/2021
Buffalo ends water shut-off for low-income customers.
Last Friday Mayor Byron W. Brown announced the expansion and continuation of the City’s Water Amnesty program which will be supported with a $13 million investment from Buffalo’s American Rescue Plan. This will clear either two quarters or $300 of past due bills, as well as any accrued interest or fees. Eligible residents will then be enrolled in Buffalo’s Water Amnesty program to help lower their payments moving forward.
Buffalo Water has also issued an RFP to identify a form to employ a new customer-oriented outreach program. This new approach will include a policy to end shut-offs related to non-payment for low-income residents.
Mayor Brown declared, "We can now achieve the full potential of our amnesty program by guaranteeing access to fresh, clean, and healthy water without the fear of a service shut-off due to their financial difficulties.”
“We continue our work to develop and implement equitable solutions to address the needs of our community. This program is a reflection of the commitment to serve our community by delivering safe, clean water to our customers” said our General Manager Oluwole McFoy, P.E.
Buffalo ends water shut-off for low-income customers.
Last Friday Mayor Byron W. Brown announced the expansion and continuation of the City’s Water Amnesty program which will be supported with a $13 million investment from Buffalo’s American Rescue Plan. This will clear either two quarters or $300 of past due bills, as well as any accrued interest or fees. Eligible residents will then be enrolled in Buffalo’s Water Amnesty program to help lower their payments moving forward.
Buffalo Water has also issued an RFP to identify a form to employ a new customer-oriented outreach program. This new approach will include a policy to end shut-offs related to non-payment for low-income residents.
Mayor Brown declared, "We can now achieve the full potential of our amnesty program by guaranteeing access to fresh, clean, and healthy water without the fear of a service shut-off due to their financial difficulties.”
“We continue our work to develop and implement equitable solutions to address the needs of our community. This program is a reflection of the commitment to serve our community by delivering safe, clean water to our customers” said our General Manager Oluwole McFoy, P.E.
Roses are red, Buffalo Sewer is blue, we welcome baby Quinn to the Treatment Plant crew! Congratulations to Sanitary Engineer Sarah for her miracle on the way. We wish you all the joy ahead, but remember – diapers aren’t flushable! 💙👶
Roses are red, Buffalo Sewer is blue, we welcome baby Quinn to the Treatment Plant crew! Congratulations to Sanitary Engineer Sarah for her miracle on the way. We wish you all the joy ahead, but remember – diapers aren’t flushable! 💙👶
07/01/2021
A wonderful #ThankAnOperatorThursday! Today we spotlight the infamous Mike Curran as a hometown celebrity at the Treatment Plant. This beloved Operator II has a knack for helping the environment and enjoys working at the Buffalo Sewer Authority. Lucky to have a superstar like Mike on the team! ⭐
A wonderful #ThankAnOperatorThursday! Today we spotlight the infamous Mike Curran as a hometown celebrity at the Treatment Plant. This beloved Operator II has a knack for helping the environment and enjoys working at the Buffalo Sewer Authority. Lucky to have a superstar like Mike on the team! ⭐
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Buffalo Sewer Authority posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Videos
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.
