Buffalo's Green Infrastructure Solutions To Sewer Overflow Challenge.pdf

Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, with funding from the Community Foundation of Greater Buffalo and the John R. Oishei Foundation, proposes green infrastructure solutions to address Buffalo's sewer overflow challenge. Key points include:

- Buffalo's rivers face pollution from sewage and stormwater outfalls, impacting water quality and public health.
- Traditional 'grey' infrastructure methods (sewer separation, expanded treatment) are costly and may not fully address the issue.
- Other cities have successfully used 'green' infrastructure to manage combined sewer overflows, keeping stormwater out of the sewer system and mimicking natural stormwater management.
- Proposed approach for Buffalo includes:
1. Developing a detailed sewer system model.
2. Setting high capture targets for combined sewer flows.
3. Changing local regulations to require stormwater capture and infiltration.
4. Adjusting sewer pricing structures.
5. Implementing green infrastructure projects and community engagement.
6. Preparing a long-term control plan prioritizing green infrastructure.
- Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper recommends the City of Buffalo Sewer Authority adopt this approach to meet Clean Water Act permit requirements.
- Analysis shows this approach could reduce stormwater flow by at least 45%, eliminate 95% of combined sewer overflows, and capture and infiltrate that flow, preventing new untreated stormwater from entering waterways.