BLACK ROCK CANAL & SCAJAQUADA CREEK PROJECT

About this project

This project will construct two Smart Sewer sites: Bailey Avenue at East Amherst Street and Gates Circle at Delaware Avenue. The systems will implement smart controls to divert or detain wastewater and stormwater flows within the collection system. Installation of flow meters at Niagara Metering Station, Quarry Pump Station, and Sewer Patrol Point (SPP) 338 at Bailey Avenue & Kerns Avenue will help controls in diverting or retaining flow. Additionally, the Bailey at Minnesota sewer chamber will undergo structural repairs to prevent unwanted drainage of sewage into the quarry, an important storage structure for excess flows within the system. The implementation of this project will cost approximately $6.48M.

Progress Updates March 2026

Buffalo Sewer is nearing completion on our Scajaquada Creek & Black Rock Canal Smart Sewers project! This sewer system improvement project is comprised of several Real-Time Controlled (RTC) sites combining smart sensors, sewer chambers, and automated gates that open and close to store and release water as needed. By monitoring sewer flows in real time, we can maximize system capacity and reduce combined sewer overflows (CSO) during heavy wet weather events — thus protecting the water quality of the Scajaquada Creek and Black Rock Canal.

Project sites include:

 

  • Bailey Avenue & East Amherst Street RTC – Complete.
  • Gates Circle & Delaware Avenue RTC – Landscaping and street paving restoration to be completed in Spring 2026.
  • Bailey Avenue & Kerns Street / SPP338 – In progress, work to be completed by Spring 2026.
  • And sewer improvements at several other supporting sites
The work includes:
  • Installing water level sensors and flow meters in newly constructed manholes
  • Adding control panels and power connection for remote operation and flow monitoring
  • Upgrading existing sewer chambers at each site to improve flow control and direction during storm events

What are the benefits?

REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF NUTRIENTS FLOWING INTO THE BLACK ROCK CANAL AND SCAJAQUADA CREEK DURING STORM EVENTS AND IMPROVE WATER QUALITY

APPROXIMATELY 30 MG OF COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW PREVENTION PER YEAR

Expected Timelines

Site Estimated End of Construction
   Quarry Pump Station COMPLETED
   Niagara Metering Station COMPLETED
   Bailey at Minnesota COMPLETED
   Bailey at Kerns Spring 2026
   Bailey at East Amherst Winter 2026
   Gates Circle Spring 2026

How will this work be funded?

This $6.48 MM project is funded through a federal loan and grant programs. 50% of the project will be funded by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants. The other 50% will be financed through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law hardship loans.