Large Scale Combined Sewer Control In Buffalo, NY Utilizing Smart Sewer Infrastructure

The Buffalo Sewer Authority (BSA) owns and operates the combined sewer collection and treatment system within the City of Buffalo. As an alternative to control combined sewer overflow discharges, BSA is in the process of implementing a serice of “smart sewer” technologies including real time control (RTC) structures. RTC systems maximize the benefits of inline storage for any given storm, ensuring an optimal storage and release rate based on current sytem conditions. They leverage underutilized existing assets instead of relying on entirely new construction. The Hertel at Deer inline storage (ILS) site is the sixth in the City and one of the largest ILS sites in the United States. Collaborative design of the Hertel at Deer RTC structure was critical to overall construction and operational success. This project exceeded initial expectations on its effectiveness to control overflow volume and, to date, has been successful from a monetary and environmental perepective.