East Delavan Sewer Project
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) is rebuilding and replacing the sewer system along East Delavan Avenue and Spillman Place.
The Buffalo Sewer Authority is currently designing and planning future construction of the Delavan Trunk Sewer Improvements at Spillman Place (SPP 333) project. The project will build new underground facilities to store rainwater and sewage, also known as combined sewage, that is generated during rainstorms and as a result of snowmelt. This stored combined sewage will then be sent to the Bird Island Wastewater Treatment Facility for treatment and discharge to the Niagara River.
PROJECT LOCATION
This project involves upgrades to the sewer collection system along East Delavan Avenue, Florida Street, and Spillman Place to control combined sewer overflow (CSO) discharges to Scajaquada Creek.
Scajaquada Creek, a major tributary of Lake Erie, daylights in Forest Lawn Cemetery and flows to Black Rock Canal
ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS
This project will benefit the environment by reducing water pollution into Scajaquada Creek and other downstream water bodies such as Hoyt Lake and Black Rock Canal.
COMMUNITY BENEFITS
BSA is committed to improving the community that it serves and wants your feedback about what is most important to you. The project will have community betterment initiatives, which may include revitalized trees and landscaping in the project vicinity, new water and sewer infrastructure, and workforce development opportunities.
TIMELINE
Construction on East Delavan and Spillman Place is expected to begin in 2026 and last up to five years.
TRAFFIC AND ROAD CLOSURES
Some sidewalks and roadways will be fully or partially closed during portions of the construction period. Based on the City of Buffalo guidelines, all traffic will be redirected or rerouted so you will be able to reach your destination.
Click here for a full list of Frequently Asked Questions. [FAQ document]
What is the purpose of the project?
This project will upgrade the Buffalo Sewer Authority’s
sewer system along East Delavan Avenue, Florida Street,
and Spillman Place. New underground facilities will
store rainwater and sewage, (also known as combined
sewage), and send it to the Bird Island Wastewater
Treatment Facility.
GOALS:
- Reduce the number and volume of Combined Sewer
Overflows, also known as CSOs, - Prevent combined sewage from backing up into
buildings or flooding streets during large rain
events, and - Improve the water quality in Scajaquada Creek,
Hoyt Lake, and Black Rock Canal.
How does this project benefit me?
This project will support the overall health of the
community and protect our environment by:
• Reducing pollution entering our waterways and
• Reducing future flooding events.
It also includes community betterment initiatives, like:
• New trees and revitalized landscaping in the project
vicinity,
• New water and sewer pipes, and
• Workforce development opportunities.
When will the construction start and end?
the Fall of 2024 and end in the Spring of 2025.
Construction on East Delavan and Spillman Place is
anticipated to begin in 2026 and last up to 5 years.
Will there be noise during the construction?
in the vicinity of the construction activities you will
experience more noise than usual.
How will construction affect traffic in the area? What about medical transport?
closed during portions of the construction period. Traffic
will be redirected or rerouted so you will be able to
reach your destination. All traffic will be redirected
based on the City of Buffalo guidelines.
Will construction cause rodent problems?
While construction is underway, contractors will be
required to implement a pest control plan to monitor
and control rodents that may be disturbed in the
construction area.
How will the construction impact local businesses and services?
Construction won’t impact local businesses, and detours
will ensure emergency services can access all locations
despite any road closures.
Parking or Public Transport
may occur during construction, but services will continue
with rerouted routes. Updates will be provided in
advance.
Will trees be cut down as part of this project?
public right-of-way will be removed.
BSA will plant new trees once construction is
completed.
Working with the City of Buffalo Bureau of Forestry,
residents may help determine the species of the
new trees.
community meetings or updates planned to keep residents informed about the progress of the construction?
Community engagement began in August 2024, with
updates via council district breakfasts, community
events, and a project advisory committee of
local residents and stakeholders.
Interested in joining our committee?
Email: info@clementinegoldgroup.com
Will construction expose asbestos?
Asbestos pipe is rare in Buffalo, however, a small
amount is present in this area. It will be replaced with
PVC or reinforced concrete pipe.
Construction contractors who disturb asbestos materials
must be certified and licensed according to New York
State law, as regulated by the Department of Labor.
During construction, the contractor will follow all local,
state, and federal regulations to protect the health
of workers and people in the area and mitigate the
spread of contaminants into the environment.
Visit the NYSDOL website for more information about asbestos removal.
How will this project affect air quality?
Buffalo Sewer will monitor air quality before and after
construction to ensure the project doesn’t negatively
impact your neighborhood’s air quality.
Workers will use hand-held and tripod-mounted
monitors to detect chemical odors. The data will be
included in an Environmental Impact Statement which
will be available to the public for review and comment.
Will Buffalo Sewer take into account other large-scale infrastructure projects underway in the area? If so, how?
Yes. Buffalo Sewer recognizes that this is not the only major infrastructure project underway in the area. That’s why we have elected to complete and publicize an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project, which includes a public process and an analysis of cumulative impacts. This means understanding how the project, in combination with other existing or future construction projects happening at the same time in the neighborhood, might affect various environmental and quality of life conditions.
Buffalo Sewer is actively working with teams from other construction projects also happening in your neighborhood to understand how multiple projects could affect the same community simultaneously. We will estimate cumulative impacts based on publicly available information from projects that are going through a similar environmental review process. We are committed to disclosing potential cumulative impacts within the EIS to inform the community and provide ways to lessen any environmental impacts associated with the project.
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK
This is an historic investment in our city’s infrastructure that will improve water quality and environmental quality for future generations. BSA created an Enhanced Public Participation Plan (EPPP) to promote equity through community engagement. The EPPP details the methods BSA will use to share project information with the public and receive valuable feedback from the community.
PROJECT OPTIONS
| Project Options | OPTION A Deep Tank |
OPTION B Tunnel |
|---|---|---|
| SITE ACCESS | Both options require the City of Buffalo to negotiate with Canisius University for site access. | Both options require the City of Buffalo to negotiate with Canisius University for site access. |
| VIBRATION & NOISE | Vibrations and noise will be heard and felt during construction and will primarily be confined to project site. | Vibrations and noise will be heard and felt during construction in residential areas on East Delavan Avenue. |
| SIDEWALK & ROAD ACCESS | Delavan Avenue near Spillman Place will be closed on and off for 2 years. | Delavan Avenue will be closed for about 3 years from Spillman Place to Jefferson Avenue. |
| DURATION OF CONSTRUCTION | 2 years | 3 years |
| COST OF CONSTRUCTION | $$ | $$$ |
Which design option do you prefer?
BSA is evaluating different designs for the project that prevent water pollution from entering our precious water sources, including Scajaquada Creek and the Niagara River. Please take our brief survey to share your preferences, comments and concerns.
What is most important to you?
BSA is investing in community betterment initiatives throughout the project. Please take our brief survey to share your priorities.
Project location: Florida Street at Spillman Place.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or comments about this project, please contact:
Regina Harris, Senior Engineer
rharris@buffalosewer.org
716-851-4664 ext. 4227