Notice of POSITIVE DECLARATION and Draft Environmental Impact Statement Notice of Acceptance and Public Hearing
State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Act: Buffalo Sewer is serving as Lead Agency and is preparing the required environmental documentation consistent with Section 8-0113, Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law as set forth in 6 NYCCRR, Part 617.
Project Description: The Buffalo Sewer Authority (Buffalo Sewer) owns, operates, and maintains the combined sewage collection system within the City of Buffalo (City). The proposed project would build new underground facilities to store rainwater mixed with sewage, also known as combined sewage, that is generated during rainstorms or as a result of snowmelt. The proposed project would reduce the number and volume of Combined Sewer Overflows, also known as CSOs, into Scajaquada Creek and other waterbodies. CSOs are necessary in older systems, like Buffalo’s, to prevent combined sewage from backing up into buildings or flooding into streets during large rain events.
The proposed project would provide up to 1.5 million gallons of storage for combined sewage, with the goal of reducing the volume and number of times the combined sewer collection system overflows. Two design alternatives are being considered: (1) construction of an underground storage tunnel; and (2) construction of a deep storage tank.
As Lead Agency, Buffalo Sewer has determined that the proposed project requires the preparation of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in accordance with SEQR. The Draft Scope of Work (DSOW) for the DEIS was published on October 4, 2024. Public comments for the DSOW were received October 4, 2024 and November 1, 2024. Responses to these comments and the Final Scope of Work (FSOW) are being published along with the DEIS, as described below.
Document Availability: The DEIS will be available for public review by July 9, 2025, at the locations listed below during normal business hours, and on the internet at the link below. The FSOW and Responses to Comments on the DSOW will also be available for review at the following locations.
In-Person document review:
Buffalo Sewer Authority Main Office Room 1038 City Hall 65 Niagara Square Buffalo, NY 14202
OR Buffalo and Erie County Public Library – Central Library (Downtown Buffalo) 1 Lafayette Square Buffalo, NY 14203
OR Buffalo and Erie County Public Library – Frank E. Merriweather, Jr. Branch 1324 Jefferson Avenue Buffalo, NY 14208 OR Buffalo and Erie County Public Library – Leroy R. Coles, Jr. Branch 1187 E. Delavan Avenue Buffalo, NY 14215
Online for viewing and downloading on or after July 9th at: https://buffalosewer.org/eastdelavansewer/
Public Hearings: The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Hearing will be held as outlined below. All persons, organizations, corporations, or government agencies that may be affected by the proposed project are invited to attend the hearing and to submit oral comments on the Draft Scope of Work.
In Person Public Hearing Date and Time: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 6:00 PM-8:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).
In Person Public Hearing Location: Northland Workforce Training Center; 683 Northland Avenue Buffalo, NY 14211.
In Person Public Hearing Amenities: Hot dinner will be provided; childcare and educational programming will be available for children ages 5-12; Spanish Interpretation Services and American Sign Language services will be provided. Se habla español.
Virtual Public Hearing Date and Time: Thursday, July 24, 2025 12:00 PM-2:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada).
Virtual Public Hearing Link can be found on or after July 24th at: https://buffalosewer.org/eastdelavansewer/
Written Public Comments: All interested parties may submit written comments concerning the Draft Environmental Impact Statement at the Hearing, or to the Contact Person listed below by August 22, 2025. Comments sent by regular mail must be postmarked no later than August 22, 2025. Email comments must be received by 5:00 P.M. (Eastern Time) on August 22, 2025. If sending comments via email, please include “East Delavan DEIS Comments” in the email subject line.