The Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) currently serves residents in the City of Buffalo and surrounding suburbs. As part of a comprehensive plan to protect the environment and continue its mission to safeguard public health, BSA developed a Combined Sewer Overflow Long-Term Control Plan (CSO LTCP) to increase the capacity of the sewer system of the Bird Island WWTF by 2040. The Bird Island WWTF Wet Weather Capacity Upgrades are a three-phase project; construction began in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2034. It represents the largest investment in clean water infrastructure in Western New York in over forty years.

PHASE I will rehabilitate the WWTF’s biological systems to improve treatment of current flows.
PHASE II will rehabilitate and upgrade the WWTF’s physical treatment system to improve treatment of current flows and provide a new disinfection facility to improve the water quality of discharges into the river during larger wet weather events.
PHASE III will further expand the WWTF’s biological system to handle more flow through the WWTF during wet weather.

Progress Photos

PHASE I:

Construction is nearly completed on this project. Remaining items include minor electrical work and a few outstanding “punch list” items. This project is anticipated to be completed in 2026, ahead of schedule.

PHASE II:

Contract A is under construction and expected to be completed by December 2028. Ongoing efforts include concrete work on the four primary clarifier tanks and substantial work on the sludge pumpstation including building and roof repairs. Work has started on the odor control system (piles and foundation pad, as well as new piping). Work to be completed includes Gate 17 repairs and new sluicegates to be installed on each primary clarifier.

Contract B design, which focuses on a new disinfection system and repairs to the discharge outfall, is currently being reworked due to recent project updates and will be rebid in early 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2027 and expected to be completed by December 2031.

The cost for this over $430M project is being shared by the people of the City of Buffalo, the State of New York, and the United States of America. The first and second phases have been funded entirely through grants and low-interest loans.  Favorable funding terms will similarly be pursued for the third phase to ensure an equitable cost burden for the people of the City of Buffalo.

PreBid Meeting #1 – General Information:

General Information Slides | Meeting Recording

PreBid Meeting #2 – Funding Compliance:

Funding Compliance Slides | Meeting Recording

SPDES Enhanced Public Participation Plan