The Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) provided a comprehensive update on its ongoing efforts to manage sanitary sewage and stormwater flows during a recent government meeting. Established in 1935, the BSA has evolved significantly, particularly after the Clean Water Act of the 1970s, which expanded its responsibilities to include industrial discharges.

Historically, the city faced severe environmental challenges, with untreated sewage being directly discharged into waterways until the establishment of the Bird Island treatment facility in 1938. This facility has since played a crucial role in improving the health of Western New York's environment. However, combined sewer overflows (CSOs) during wet weather events have continued to pose significant challenges.

In 2014, the BSA entered into a long-term control plan with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce CSOs to a maximum of nine per year into the Niagara River and six into other waterways. The original budget for this plan was $380 million, but inflation has increased the projected cost to nearly $1 billion by 2024. The new initiative, dubbed \"Queen City Clean Waters,\" aims to address these overflows comprehensively.

Several key projects are currently underway, including the Broadway at Oak Real Time Control Project, which is designed to prevent overflows into the Buffalo River during wet weather. Additionally, the Black Rock Canal and Skajakweta Creek project is set to break ground soon, targeting flows in critical areas. The BSA is also rehabilitating the Bird Island treatment facility to enhance its capacity and efficiency.

Council members raised concerns about flooding in neighborhoods adjacent to the Buffalo River, particularly during extreme weather events. The BSA has installed backflow preventers in the Valley neighborhood, which have reportedly reduced flooding incidents. Ongoing efforts include evaluating construction regulations in flood-prone areas and securing FEMA funding to bolster flood protection measures.

The BSA emphasized its commitment to improving the city's water management systems while minimizing the financial burden on residents. Collaborative efforts with organizations like Waterkeeper, the Army Corps, and FEMA are crucial in addressing the impacts of climate change and preventing flooding in Buffalo. Regular updates on these projects will be provided to ensure transparency and community engagement.