The First Generation of Green Infrastructure in Buffalo - Spring 2018 - Rain Check
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The First Generation of
Green Infrastructure
in Buffalo
Spring 2018
2 Acknowledgements Acknowledgements The Buffalo Sewer Authority (Buffalo Sewer) extends its gratitude to the many partner agencies, community organizations, and customers that have contributed to the ongoing success of Rain Check. Through Mayor Byron W. Brown’s leadership, the program benefited from unprecedented partnerships across City Hall, including support from the Department of Public Works, Parks & Streets; the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning; and the Department of Permits and Inspections Services. Buffalo Sewer is grateful to the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo for its support in launching the Rain Check brand, communications campaign and public education materials that helped get the program started. Community groups from across the city helped shape projects and inform what green infrastructure can do for the City of Buffalo and its neighborhoods. Buffalo Sewer also acknowledges the many consultants who designed green infrastructure projects in Buffalo and supported the planning for the initiative. Finally, Buffalo Sewer thanks the many state and federal government agencies and foundations that have supported the programmatic development of Rain Check as well as the implementation of green infrastructure projects in Buffalo. Project management and Report prepared by technical support
Foreword 3
Foreword
A message from Buffalo Sewer Authority
Protecting public health and the
environment from water pollution.
Buffalo Sewer protects public health and our Great Lakes waterways from water
pollution. To do this, we capture dirty water, treat and clean it so that it can
be safely returned to our rivers and lakes. Established in 1935, Buffalo Sewer
serves more than 550,000 customers in the City of Buffalo and 11 surrounding
municipalities. Every day, Buffalo Sewer collects and cleans sewage and waste
from homes, businesses and factories, as well as roadways, parking lots and
Buffalo Sewer Board of Directors
rooftops. Buffalo Sewer also builds and maintains infrastructure—pipes, tanks
and structures below ground, and landscape installations above ground—through
over $20 million in capital projects each year. These investments are levers
Herbert L. Bellamy to engage and educate communities, create employment opportunities and
CHAIRMAN revitalize disinvested neighborhoods.
With the Rain Check program, Buffalo Sewer is championing green infrastructure
John D. Kennedy, Sr. solutions with a comprehensive approach to improve local water quality. As part
VICE CHAIRMAN of Buffalo’s Long Term Control Plan, approved by state and federal regulatory
agencies in 2014, Buffalo Sewer committed to investing $380 million over 20
Christopher Roosevelt years on projects to reduce combined sewer overflows into local waterways.
ASSISTANT VICE CHAIRMAN Working hand-in-hand with local, state, and national water protection partners,
Buffalo Sewer is implementing a careful balance of traditional gray infrastructure
Eleanor Petrucci projects with smart approaches and green solutions. We champion green
SECRETARY infrastructure solutions because they provide opportunities for a holistic
approach to managing stormwater, while positively impacting the city’s triple
bottom line and supporting Mayor Byron W. Brown’s vision to make Buffalo a
more sustainable, equitable city.
While much remains to be done, Buffalo Sewer and its partners across
government and in the community are forging progress on sustainable, equitable
water management through green infrastructure. Together, we have already
completed a number of green infrastructure projects on roadways, parking lots
and vacant lots across Buffalo. We are hard at work investing in, planning for and
implementing the next generation of green infrastructure projects in Buffalo to
protect our Great Lakes and ensure that every resident can access and benefit
from clean, healthy water resources.
Oluwole A. McFoy, P.E.
GENERAL MANAGER
4 Table of Contents
Officially launched in 2015, Rain Check aims
to protect and restore the health of Buffalo’s
is Buffalo’s waterways by addressing today’s most pressing
water-related challenge—stormwater. This report
green describes what that challenge is, the unique role
infrastructure
green infrastructure plays in addressing it, what
we’ve done so far, and how we’ll take green
program. infrastructure to the next level.
Table of Contents
pg. 6 pg. 16
Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource. Stormwater is the greatest
challenge to the
health of our
Buffalo is an important part of the Great water and green
Lakes system where one-fifth of the world’s infrastructure
freshwater flows past our shores. For our people
helps keep it in
and businesses, water gives life to Buffalo. It
check.
is critical to our history and shapes our quality of
life. In a world where water will only become more
valuable, it is Buffalo’s greatest resource to protect Like all U.S. cities, Buffalo faces
in the 21st Century and beyond. a stormwater challenge. Water
generated from rain and snowmelt
(stormwater) needs to be moved off
our streets and buildings to protect
health and safety. We typically do this
by directing it to our sewer system,
which is designed to discharge
excess waste and stormwater into
local waterways during wet weather.
These sewer overflow events
can impair local water quality by
dumping pollutants and waste into Keeping
our waterways. the
Green infrastructure keeps the stormwater
challenge
stormwater challenge in check by in
absorbing, diverting, or storing rain check
and snowmelt where it falls. This
prevents it from running off into our
sewers and keeps harmful pollutants
out of our waterways.
The benefits of green
infrastructure go beyond
protecting water. It can beautify
neighborhoods, create safer streets,
save money, cultivate public
engagement and education, and
generate green job opportunities.
Table of Contents 5
pg. 24 pg. 74
What we’ve learned from How we’ll take green
the first generation of green infrastructure to the next
infrastructure in Buffalo. level.
Green Streets Community
The first generation of green engagement
The next chapter of green
infrastructure in Buffalo focused infrastructure in Buffalo will look to
on tackling the parts of our built scale up and expand the types of
environment that create the most projects we take on, continuing to
runoff from stormwater—streets, make community engagement and
parking lots, and roofs. Projects education a priority, and finding new
Green
created green streets that manage Parking Lots partnerships to tackle collaborative Community
stormwater with elements that projects across the city. partnerships
beautify neighborhoods, green
parking lots that collect and soak
up water, greening of vacant
lots after demolitions toBUFFALO
absorb BUFFALO
SEWER
rain and snowmelt, and engaging SEWER
homeowners to keep stormwater out
PROJECT
of the sewer with rain barrels and PROJECT SCALING
Demolitions UP
downspout disconnections. and
Vacant Lot
Restoration
Rain Barrels
and Downspout
Disconnections
pg. 82 Appendix
6 Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource
Water is Buffalo’s
greatest resource
1/5
of the world’s
freshwater flows
past Buffalo as it
moves from the
western Great
Lakes through
the Niagara River
and into Lake
Ontario.
Great Lakes Watershed
Buffalo has a special place in the Great Lakes system. All the water that drains into the western
Great Lakes flows past Buffalo and into the Niagara River before running over Niagara Falls, into
Lake Ontario, and into the Saint Lawrence River. This makes the City of Buffalo a steward for all
the water in the Great Lakes—about one-fifth of the world’s freshwater.
The creeks and streams that run through the City of Buffalo also drain into the Great Lakes
system. So while the health of local waterways depends on the health of this broader system,
what we do to care for our local waterways can also have big impacts on water quality
throughout the Great Lakes. And the water quality in the Great Lakes has huge impacts on the
environment, public health, and economy of all communities across the basin. Buffalo is a critical
link and an important player in this Great Lakes mega-region, which contains 18 percent of U.S.
population and 17 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).1
Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource 7
pg. 8 pg. 10
Buffalo’s Water gives life
Waterways to Buffalo.
We need to
make sure our
water is clean
and healthy.
8 Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource
Niagara River Black Rock Canal
Scajaquada
Creek
Niagara River Scajaquada Creek Black Rock Canal
The fast-flowing Niagara River is the Scajaquada Creek, a tributary of the The Black Rock Canal is formed by a
distinctive waterway of the Buffalo Niagara Niagara River, begins in the town of break wall that reroutes the Niagara River
region. The 37-mile river feeds the world- Lancaster and flows west through waters between Unity Island and the city’s
famous Niagara Falls, connects Lake Erie to Cheektowaga where it enters an shoreline. This channel was constructed
Lake Ontario and forms part of the border underground channel before resurfacing so ships could travel from Buffalo to
between the U.S. and Canada. Today, the at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo. Tonawanda more safely by avoiding the
Niagara River is widely used by residents From there, the creek travels through rapid current of the Niagara River. Today,
and tourists for fishing, boating, sight- the cemetery and is a key feature of the Black Rock Canal is a prime destination
seeing and recreation. the Olmsted-designed Delaware Park, for boating, fishing and for taking in
ultimately flowing into Black Rock Canal. waterfront scenery.
Buffalo’s waterways
Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource 9
Cazenovia Creek Lake Erie
Buffalo River
Buffalo River Cazenovia Creek Lake Erie
The Buffalo River starts just east of the A tributary of the Buffalo River, Cazenovia Lake Erie, the smallest Great Lake in terms
city where Cayuga Creek and Buffalo Creek forms in southern Erie County, of overall volume, links Buffalo with major
Creek meet, and winds through South traveling through various towns before shipping channels and has a substantial
Buffalo before draining into Lake Erie at entering the City of Buffalo. It flows impact on our climate. The Great Lakes to
the city’s Inner Harbor. Historically, the through South Buffalo neighborhoods the west, and tributary streams south of
Buffalo River is where the city’s industry and forms the prime water feature of the city, feed into Lake Erie which is the
took root. It still serves that purpose, Cazenovia Park, part of the city’s Olmsted source of all of Buffalo’s water supply.
by carrying large freighters to grain Park system.
elevators for instance, but today the river
is increasingly being used for recreation
and tourism.
10 Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource
Water gives
life to Buffalo.
Our waterways nourish
us, tie us together as a Our waterfronts
community, and connect are driving the
us with nature. revitalization of
our city, with new
We rely on these waterways
public spaces
to provide us with the water
and private
we use every day—to drink,
investments that
cook, clean, grow plants—in our
attract economic
homes and workplaces.
activity and
droves of visitors.
Buffalo formed and
prospered because
Water supply Habitat and scenery Fishing
it was connected to
Our waterways supply all Our waterfronts and Many people use the
major waterways,
the water we use every waterways provide critical waterways to fish, for
like Lake Erie, the day, from drinking water to habitat for wildlife, and recreation, or for food.
Niagara River, and watering plants, washing stunning scenery for Broderick Park is one
the Erie Canal. And dishes, taking showers, visitors. Places like the fishing spot that attracts
today, our city’s and doing laundry. The Tifft Nature Preserve many residents and visitors
waterways are still city’s waterways are a provide an important throughout the year and
key ingredient for many habitat for migratory especially at community
the backbone of
important and growing birds, and a great place events, like the Family
our communities, industries, like construction, for people to view these Fishing weekend that draws
and a big benefit to health care, agriculture species, other wildlife, hundreds of visitors each
our quality of life. and food service. Our and to take in the city’s June.
water is also essential for waterfront.
important public services,
like firefighting and street
sweeping.Water is Buffalo’s greatest resource 11
We need to
make sure
our water is
clean and
healthy.
Many people fish along
the city’s waterways for
recreation, but also for
sustenance, using water
Waterways and Community as a source of food.
shorelines are members use
critical habitat for the waterways
wildlife that draw for many types
more visitors, like of recreation,
birdwatchers. from swimming,
boating, paddling,
and other sports.
Buffalo’s 21st
century future
Boating and paddling Economic development
will be fueled
Sailboats, motorboats, The waterfront is the
by our access to
canoes, kayaks, historical, cultural and
paddleboards, and even economic center of fresh water. It is
water bicycles are common Buffalo. Building on this imperative that we
sights in the Buffalo Harbor history, recent waterfront protect and restore
on sunny days. Paddlers investments are helping this tremendous
and boaters can take in the to steer the economic resource for the
natural scenery on the open revitalization of the city and
benefit of future
waterways, or along nature the entire Buffalo Niagara
preserves, but also tourism region. The waterfront generations.
destinations and waterfront is also home to regional
attractions like Canalside tourist attractions, like
and the Naval and Military HarborCenter, and many
Park. major employers. Water
is a necessary component
to the operations of many
industries, including energy
and manufacturing.12 Our Stormwater Challenge
Our
Stormwater
Challenge
pg. 14 pg. 16
Defining our Why it’s a
stormwater challenge for our
challenge sewer system
and community
To fully benefit from all the opportunities offered by our
waterways, we need to make sure they are clean and healthy.
Today, the biggest challenge facing local waterways comes from
stormwater—the water that flows over the ground when it
rains or snow melts.Our Stormwater Challenge 13
pg. 18 pg. 20 pg. 22 pg. 24
How green Benefits How Buffalo How green
infrastructure of green keeps the infrastructure
keeps the infrastructure stormwater became part
stormwater beyond the challenge in of Buffalo’s
challenge in stormwater check stormwater
check challenge solution
Keeping the stormwater
challenge in check14 Our Stormwater Challenge
Defining our stormwater challenge
Stormwater itself is a resource. It helps us grow food, feeds our plants and
greenspaces, and replenishes rivers, streams, creeks and lakes. But because
we need to move it off the surfaces of our streets, sidewalks, homes, and
parking lots, it causes a challenge to our sewer system and waterways.
When stormwater falls in
an urban environment
Stormwater needs to be managed
because of the streets, buildings,
parking lots, and other hard surfaces
we’ve built. Getting water off these
surfaces quickly protects the health
and safety of people and the structural
integrity of the things we’ve built.
TO TREATMENT FACILITY
Sidewalks, roads, driveways, As stormwater flows This polluted runoff combines
and roofs don’t absorb across these impervious with wastewater from
stormwater because they are surfaces, it picks up dirt and homes and businesses, often
impervious surfaces. pollutants, creating runoff. overflowing into waterways.
The challenge of impervious surfaces. The challenge of runoff. When stormwater runoff meets our
Much of our city is covered by Stormwater that travels down streets, sewer system and waterways.
impervious surfaces—hard materials driveways, and across the urban Stormwater runoff and the pollutants it
like asphalt, concrete, and rooftops environment is called runoff. As it picks up as it travels along impervious
designed to be impenetrable to water. moves across impervious surfaces, surfaces need a place to go. Some of that
When it rains or snow melts, water it picks up all sorts of pollutants like water finds its way into the ground or
puddles up and flows across these trash, animal waste, pesticides from our into local creeks, rivers, or tributaries.
surfaces until it finds places to be lawns, oil and grease from our cars, and But most of the water enters our sewer
absorbed or deposited. everything else we spill or drop on the system through the sewer inlets on our
ground. streets, sewer grates in parking lots, and
downspouts on the sides of homes and
businesses.Our Stormwater Challenge 15
When stormwater falls in
a natural environment
Natural landscapes, soil
and wetlands can absorb
stormwater because they
are porous.
Green infrastructure is designed to
mimic how the natural environment
manages stormwater.16 Our Stormwater Challenge
How Buffalo’s combined sewer
Why system works in...
stormwater ...dry weather.
is a challenge
for our sewer
system and
community
The stormwater challenge is essentially a wet-weather
challenge. When it rains or snow melts, stormwater that falls
on impervious surfaces, like roads and rooftops, runs off into
the combined sewer system and mixes with wastewater from
homes and businesses. When this happens, our system, by
design, releases any excess waste and stormwater directly
into waterways in order to prevent basement backups. These
occurrences are called sewer overflow events and the more
precipitation we receive, the more untreated stormwater
overflows into the Niagara River, and the bigger the TO TREATMENT FACILITY
stormwater challenge becomes.
This is a significant problem for the City of Buffalo which
receives, on average, 40 inches of rainfall and 94 inches of
snow every year.2 And the problem seems to be growing as the
frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events has
increased across the northeastern U.S.3 In dry weather, our combined
Green infrastructure practices keep the stormwater sewer system only has to carry
challenge in check by reducing and managing the impervious wastewater and sewage from our
surfaces of the city that produce stormwater runoff, homes and businesses to the sewage
particularly on streets and buildings. While traditional
underground infrastructure is still needed, especially in
plant where it all gets treated
extreme precipitation events, green infrastructure is a before being released into the
powerful, cost-effective way to prevent sewer overflows from Niagara River.
happening and to keep our stormwater challenge in check.
In dry weather, our combined sewer system
is able to treat all our wastewater before it is
released into local waterways.
A total of 1.75 billion gallons
of wastewater and untreated
stormwater are estimated to
enter our waterways during
the 69 overflow events that
happen during a typical year.
For details on methodology and assumptions, see the Appendix.Our Stormwater Challenge 17
...moderate precipitation events of ...extreme precipitation events with
1 inch or less of rain or snowmelt. more than 1 inch of rain or snowmelt.
TO TREATMENT FACILITY TO TREATMENT FACILITY
In moderate precipitation events, In extreme precipitation events, large
stormwater flows into the combined volumes of untreated stormwater
sewer system and mixes with runoff carrying pollutants from
wastewater. This can lead to sewer impervious surfaces drain into the
overflow events where untreated water combined sewer system, mixing with
gets released into local waterways. wastewater before being released
into local waterways.
Green infrastructure is a great solution for Green infrastructure can be a big part of the
moderate precipitation events. Most, if not all, of solution in extreme events. We also need to invest
these events could be taken care of by techniques in underground infrastructure to prevent sewer
that absorb, collect, or divert water when it rains or overflows in extreme precipitation events.
snow melts.
Moderate ...88% of sewer Extreme ...only 12% of sewer
precipitation overflow events. precipitation overflow events.
events in Buffalo events in Buffalo
account for... account for...
...and 44% of the ...but 56% of the
volume of untreated volume of untreated
wastewater released wastewater released
into local waterways. into local waterways.
For details on methodology and assumptions, see the Appendix.18 Our Stormwater Challenge
How green Green infrastructure
infrastructure manages water where
it falls.
keeps the It slows down the flow of
stormwater
stormwater into our sewer
system, or keeps it out of Green infrastructure
challenge in
sewers altogether. absorbs stormwater
check Green infrastructure often
involves planting vegetation and
other natural elements in urban
Impervious surfaces environments to absorb and treat
are designed to stormwater where it lands.
quickly move
stormwater into the
sewer system to
prevent puddling
and flooding.
When it rains or
when snow melts,
the sewer system is
designed to
discharge excess By absorbing
stormwater directly stormwater, plants and
into waterways to soils keep large volumes
prevent basement of runoff out of the
backups. These sewer system, while
sewer overflow filtering out pollutants
events pollute local
waterways.
TO TREATMENT FACILITYOur Stormwater Challenge 19
Green infrastructure Green infrastructure captures
diverts stormwater and stores stormwater
Green infrastructure can reroute and
slow down the flow of stormwater
entering the sewer system,
particularly during extreme
precipitation events.
Green infrastructure
practices can capture
stormwater where it
lands and store water so
it can be used on site at a
later time.
By absorbing
and capturing
rain and
Slowing down Capturing stormwater
the flow of stops it from entering snowmelt
runoff into the system which where it lands,
sewers gives the improves water quality or temporarily
treatment facility by reducing the volume diverting water
time to process and frequency of sewer before releasing
and treat the overflow events that it into the sewer
incoming pollute waterways.
system, green
combined
sewage and infrastructure
stormwater can reduce
before being sewer overflow
discharged into events and keep
the Niagara our waterways
River. clean and
healthy.20 Our Stormwater Challenge
Benefits of green
infrastructure beyond
the stormwater
challenge ECONOMY
COMMUNITY
Because green infrastructure
investments are above ground for
all to see, they can offer unique ENVIRONMENT
benefits to our environment,
economy, and community.
Offers public and Directs public Re-greens urban Enhances
private cost savings investment into areas community
Compared to gray neighborhoods By replacing underused aesthetics
infrastructure, the costs of Unlike conventional or vacant land with plants, Green infrastructure
installing and maintaining green stormwater infrastructure, trees, and gardens, green features improve the local
infrastructure are often lower, green infrastructure directs infrastructure incorporates aesthetics of a community.
which saves local governments, public investments above natural elements into urban When incorporated into
private developers, and ground and in neighborhood environments. These natural neighborhood business
taxpayers money. Some green spaces across the city. areas provide vegetation and districts or major
infrastructure strategies allow Neighborhood greening soils that can help reduce air transportation corridors,
property owners, especially initiatives in underinvested temperatures, purify the air, green infrastructure can help
households, to cut down on communities are an important and provide habitat for wildlife. beautify and revitalize areas,
water usage and save money on strategy to reverse historical making them more attractive
energy bills. legacies of disinvestment. to private investment.Our Stormwater Challenge 21
Supports public Improves public Cultivates public Creates green job
health and safety education and opportunities
recreation Green infrastructure features engagement Implementing green
By improving pathways, can support public safety by opportunities infrastructure creates a
creating places to gather, and enhancing traffic calming Green infrastructure is above wide variety of green job
providing shade during warm measures like bump outs ground, allowing people to opportunities. Each project
weather, trees and other green and bike lanes that make see and touch installations in involves a range of design
spaces promote active, healthy streets safer for pedestrians their communities and creating professionals, community
lifestyles and recreation. As and bicyclists. Some green unique opportunities to develop engagement specialists,
part of compact development infrastructure strategies also public awareness around the project managers, construction
strategies, green infrastructure remove hazardous structures importance of sustainable workers and maintenance
supports walkable communities and green vacant lots, which water management. The teams. Through agency
and helps cultivate a strong can create a sense of place and installation and management leadership, professional and
sense of place and well-being. improve neighborhood safety. of green infrastructure workforce training programs,
projects thrive on community and first source and minority
participation and partnership, hiring programs, the green
with many opportunities to infrastructure job ladder can
include residents, property eliminate barriers for under-
owners, community groups, and represented community
neighborhood volunteers in the members and actively support
development process. an equitable and inclusive green
infrastructure workforce.22 Our Stormwater Challenge
The ways
Buffalo
keeps the
stormwater
challenge
in check
Buffalo keeps Tackling the problem Getting pollutants off our
the stormwater underground with pipes, streets so they never enter
pumps, and “smart” our sewer systems and
challenge in check sensors. waterways.
in many ways.
Pipes, pumps, and gray, underground Preventing pollutants from entering
Some are “smart” infrastructure are the foundation our waterways is a lot cheaper and
and gray, others of how we collect wastewater from more effective than treating and
are green. All local homes and businesses. They also cleaning contaminated water. In
are designed to collect stormwater from the 18,000
storm drains maintained by Buffalo
maintaining streets and parks, Buffalo
uses various “best management
promote healthy Sewer across the city. On days with practices” to keep the stormwater
waterways. minimal or no rain or snowmelt, this challenge in check. The Department of
system filters out wastewater and Public Works, Parks & Streets regularly
pollutants from water before it gets sweeps and vacuums city streets to
deposited back into our waterways. keep all sorts of pollutants (road salt,
oil and grease, pet waste, etc.) out
Contemporary gray infrastructure
of the sewer system and away from
investments can fix compromised
our waterways. City departments
pipes or modernize older technology
also refrain from using pesticides in
so that it performs at a higher level.
maintaining green space and parks. This
Increasingly, Buffalo Sewer is looking
makes our parks healthier places for
at “Real Time Control” measures to
residents and keeps these materials out
maximize sewer performance and
of our streams and sewer system.
minimize how much untreated water
goes directly into our water bodies.
Using sensors, this “smart” technology
can tell what parts of the system will be
under the most stress during a rain or
snowmelt event, and divert waste and
stormwater, “in real time,” to parts of
the system that will be less stressed.Our Stormwater Challenge 23
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE AT WORK
Incorporating Creating policies RAINCHECK PROGRAM 1.0
practices that and regulations
protect, restore, that require private
and maintain our development Removing Making targeted
natural areas. to minimize the impervious changes to the
Protecting and maintaining amount of water surfaces through built environment
our natural areas includes that runs off their demolition. that mimic the
investments in our parks, buildings and land. As a strategy to remove natural water
trees, and shoreline areas. The 2017 debut of the blight and enhance cycle.
Buffalo boasts more than Buffalo Green Code the health and safety Roadways, parking lots, and
150 parks, most of which replaced a fifty year- of our neighborhoods, rooftops are the highest
are covered in grass or old, outdated planning Buffalo implemented runoff sites in our city.
vegetation that can soak framework, with a modern a comprehensive Buffalo has implemented
up rain and snowmelt. set of policies, regulations demolition program a range of projects and
Throughout our streets, and design guidelines. The that removed over 6,600 programs targeted at
public spaces, and parks are Green Code helps check the abandoned residential these areas, including a
well over 150,000 trees, stormwater challenge by: and commercial residential rain barrel and
estimated to keep more requiring on-site stormwater structures between 2001 downspout disconnection
than 42 million gallons management for all new and 2017. In many cases, program; integrating
of stormwater out of the development greater than demolitions replace water absorbing elements,
sewer each year. Shoreline 1/4 acre (including most impervious surfaces like rain gardens, into
restoration projects, like parking lots); prioritizing (buildings and driveways) streetscape projects; and
the Scajaquada Creek compact development and with vacant lots that soak retrofitting neighborhood
restoration project at Forest open space that minimizes up water where it falls. parking areas with special
Lawn Cemetery, construct impervious surfaces; and materials and designs that
wetlands and buffers to filter encouraging landscaping, collect and soak up rain and
and slow water from rain or innovative paving materials, snowmelt.
snowmelt before it enters and water collecting
waterways. technology like rain barrels,
gardens, and cisterns.Learning from local examples
and national models
24 Our Stormwater Challenge
How green infrastructure
became part of Buffalo’s
stormwater solution
Gray Approach Gray Meets Green
2004-2008 2008-2014
Buffalo Sewer explores green infrastructure solutions with support from local
partners and national peers. The work starts with a series of green infrastructure
projects that engage and educate citizens on green approaches and the
stormwater challenge.
2004 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012
Buffalo Sewer submits August 2007, Buffalo Sewer Downspout Buffalo Sewer’s first Buffalo Sewer
draft Long-Term Mayor Byron W. begins “smart” disconnection pilot green street project conducts
Control Plan (LTCP) for Brown sewer program project: Buffalo Sewer supported by NYS community
state/federal agency announces large evaluation launches project in Old Environmental outreach meetings
review. Plan includes scale multi-year focusing on First Ward (later Facilities Corp. (EFC): and focus groups to
only gray infrastructure plan to remove capacity Hamlin Park and Work begins on inform development
solutions. blighted opportunities Elmwood Village), Claremont Ave of LTCP. Community
structures. throughout partners with Buffalo Clarendon Pl expresses interest in
DRAFT
sewer system. Niagara Waterkeeper Elmwood Ave green infrastructure
to conduct community Parkdale Ave solutions.
outreach. Windsor Ave
Buffalo Sewer
Green infrastructure submits updated
feasibility study: draft LTCP for state,
Buffalo Niagara federal agency
Waterkeeper received review, including
funding support from green infrastructure
Community options.
Foundation for
Greater Buffalo DRAFT
and the John R. Oishei
Foundation.
Supported by Buffalo
Sewer, the study calls
for a mix of gray and
green infrastructure
solutions, the creation
of a citywide green
infrastructure program.
BUFFALO BUFFALO
SEWER SEWER
PROJECT PROJECT
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012Our Stormwater Challenge 25
Gray and Green Green approaches scale up
make it official 2015-Present
2014 With a finalized “smart + green” Long Term Control Plan, Buffalo Sewer and
10 years after draft LTCP the City launch new projects around parking lots and vacant lots. Work is
with no green options, scaled up with a citywide downspout disconnection and rain barrel program
Buffalo Sewer finalizes with and the completion of several major complete green street projects. New
“smart + green” options. partnerships expand to make green infrastructure approaches grow.
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Buffalo Sewer Buffalo Sewer Rain Check: Buffalo Common Buffalo Sewer and Buffalo Sewer and
and the City finalizes LTCP, Buffalo Sewer partners with Council adopts the City install the City partner
partner with includes the first Community Foundation for Buffalo Green green parking lots with Ralph C.
PUSH generation of Greater Buffalo to secure a Code, updated city at JFK and Pratt Wilson
Buffalo green national Partners for Places zoning ordinance Willert Community Foundation and
on green infrastructure grant, also coordinates with that includes Centers. Community
vacant lots in the projects, with Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper on-site stormwater Buffalo Sewer Foundation for
West Side. focus on green and PUSH Buffalo on management partners with Greater Buffalo
streets, green community outreach requirements for all Community to launch
Buffalo Sewer demolitions and and program new development. Action Rain Check 2.0,
and City vacant lots. implementation. Organization second generation
construct Carlton Kenmore Ave on youth green of green
St project Post demolition green green street infrastructure infrastructure
including porous infrastructure pilot study: completed. education program. projects with focus
asphalt. Work on Buffalo Sewer receives funding on expanded
Ardmore Place 2017 2018 through NYS EFC and awards Niagara St engagement
reveals brick a contract to Buffalo Gateway Project and
under the asphalt, Neighborhood Stabilization Phase 1 partnerships.
creating an Corporation to provide completed.
opportunity to FINAL on-site training and
restore the technical assistance for Genesee St
historic street and the study. green street
make it a green at LTCP is approved completed.
the same time. by NYSDEC and RENEW Fellows:
EPA. Buffalo Sewer and City partner
with UB RENEW Institute to
Buffalo Sewer establish fellowship program,
and the City and receives technical
construct Fillmore assistance for green
Ave project and infrastructure program.
introduce green
parking lots to the Ohio St green street completed.
BUFFALO East Side.
SEWER
PROJECT SCALING SCALING SCALING SCALING
UP UP UP UP
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2034
Buffalo Sewer’s Long Term Control Plan, with
“smart + green” options, sets the stage for green
infrastructure investments through 2034.26 Rain Check Strategies
Rain Check 1.0
strategies in Buffalo
pg. 28
The first
generation of
public green
infrastructure
investments
Rain Check 1.0 marked the first generation of green infrastructure in Buffalo. The program tackled the
stormwater challenge through four distinct strategies–green streets, green parking lots, demolitions
and vacant lot restoration, and rain barrels and downspout disconnections. Each project completed
in Rain Check 1.0 tells a unique story of how collaborative efforts to reduce stormwater runoff with
green infrastructure bring broader benefits to the city, like beautifying neighborhoods, improving safety,
cutting public costs, creating jobs, and engaging the community. Through this work, Buffalo Sewer built
partnerships and learned practical lessons that can help maximize the future impacts of the next phase of
green infrastructure in Buffalo.Rain Check Strategies 27
pg. 30 pg. 44 pg. 56 pg. 68
Green Green Demolitions Rain
Streets Parking Lots and Vacant Lot Barrels and
Restoration Downspout
Disconnections
For each Rain Check strategy, you’ll find:
Keeping the stormwater challenge in check
Where the approach works in Buffalo
How do we benefit from the approach
Case Study Examples28 Rain Check Strategies
The First Generation
of Public
Green Infrastructure
Investments
The first generation of Rain Check projects
focused on four key strategies...
Green Streets Green Parking Lots Demolitions and Rain Barrels and
Vacant Lot Restoration Downspout Disconnections
...shaped through collaboration with
governmental and community partners...
...and designed to tackle the stormwater challenge
and offer added benefits to Buffalo.Rain Check Strategies 29
Collectively, these four strategies enabled Buffalo Sewer to make an impact on the
stormwater challenge, build partnerships necessary to make green infrastructure
projects happen, and gain perspective on how to grow and fine-tune green
infrastructure in Buffalo for the future.
Demolitions Rain Barrels
Green and Vacant Lot and Downspout
Green Streets Parking Lots Restoration Disconnections
Green streets bring water- Green parking lots provide Demolitions remove Rain barrels and downspout
friendly landscapes into neighborhood parking buildings and pavement from disconnections allow
larger streetscape projects. solutions with designs sites to protect public health residents and businesses
They introduce surfaces that specifically aimed at and safety. Buffalo Sewer to keep roof rain and
absorb water and integrate collecting and absorbing also explored new ways snowmelt out of the sewer
special features that collect water when it rains or snow to maximize the amount system. They not only
rain and snowmelt before melts. They can involve of water that vacant lots inform residents of the
they enter the sewer system. plantings and enhanced lot capture when it rains or stormwater challenge facing
They also play a key role in designs that help beautify snow melts and worked our community, but also
transforming our commercial neighborhoods while with community partners to provide an easy, low-cost
corridors and neighborhood making lots safer and less introduce rain gardens and way for them to participate
streets to benefit residents prone to puddling. other green infrastructure in green infrastructure
and businesses. to vacant lots that help solutions. They can also save
contribute to community money on water bills and
character. keep stormwater away from
foundations or basements.30 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets Green streets involve features that manage stormwater and beautify neighborhoods. Stormwater runoff from roads, sidewalks and other impervious surfaces can lead to sewer overflow events. Roadways, driveway aprons, snow storage areas, and sidewalks represent a relatively small amount of our city’s land area — around 17 percent.4 But since almost all of this land is impervious, these surfaces are the greatest contributor to Buffalo’s stormwater challenge. Typically, when stormwater hits streets and sidewalks, it quickly drains to the sewer collection system via storm inlets. Redesigning streets with green infrastructure elements can limit sewer overflows and prevent pollutants like road salt, grit, and asphalt sealant from getting into the sewer system. Green streets not only help tackle Buffalo’s stormwater challenge, they also beautify streetscapes with trees and rain gardens, and make travel safer by helping to keep rain and snowmelt off public streets and sidewalks.
Rain Check Strategies Green Streets 31
Keeping the stormwater challenge in check
Green Infrastructure Approaches
De-Paving Porous Brick/ Rain Street Trees
Reducing the amount
Pavement Cobblestone Gardens Trees capture and
of paved surfaces Porous pavement Restoration These plant beds store rain in their
on streets or gives rain and Before the collect stormwater leaves and roots and
sidewalk areas offer snowmelt a place to widespread use of runoff from street release it into the
go rather than the asphalt, Buffalo’s and sidewalk atmosphere.
more green space
storm inlets on the brick and cobblestone pavement and absorb
to absorb water, sides of curbs. Water it into the soils below.
keeping it out of the streets allowed water
absorbs through the to return to the soil.
sewer system. pavement and into Brick and cobblestone
the underlying soil. street restoration
reclaims historic
streetscapes and
water patterns.32 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets
Where green street
approaches work in Buffalo
De-Paving Porous Pavement Brick/Cobblestone
Restoration
De-paving is a good fit in street Where roadway width must be
reconstruction projects aimed at preserved to accommodate vehicle Buffalo is estimated to have more
slowing traffic and reducing the travel, bicycle travel lanes and parking, than two dozen cobblestone streets
number of travel lanes through road porous paving may be employed and nearly 100 brick streets, though
diets. Areas where paved surfaces are to control stormwater on site. To many of these have been covered by
removed can also offer opportunities date, porous asphalt has been used asphalt over time.5 When these streets
to add other green infrastructure, like on streets, bike lanes/paths, and in are scheduled for a typical “mill and
street trees or rain gardens. Examples parking lanes. Examples of porous overlay” repaving treatment, there
of recent road diets include the work pavement projects include Kenmore may be an opportunity to restore
on Ohio Street, Pearl Street, and Avenue, Clarendon Place, Carlton these streets as porous systems that
William Street. Street, Claremont Avenue, and limit stormwater runoff into sewers.
William Street.
Pearl Street between Edward Street and Carlton Street in the Fruit Belt Ardmore Place on the city’s West Side
West Tupper Street, where the paved neighborhood adjacent to the Buffalo was able to be restored as a historic brick
surface between curbs was reduced from Niagara Medical Campus. street in response to residents’ requests
approximately 50 feet to 30 feet. for restoration and traffic calming.Rain Check Strategies Green Streets 33
Rain Gardens Street Trees
Rain gardens are often a good fit where changes are made There are more than 47,000 suitable locations to plant
to sidewalks or the area between sidewalks and the street. street trees in the City of Buffalo, according to the 2003
As is the case with almost all green infrastructure, rain City of Buffalo Urban Forest Master Plan.6 Trees proven
gardens should be placed where they can intercept the to offer the greatest benefits to stormwater include the
most stormwater runoff while avoiding utility lines, building London planetree, and pin oak.7 The City of Buffalo’s
vaults, and foundations. Since rain gardens require regular Division of Parks and Recreation has established street
maintenance, planning for their continual upkeep is also an tree planting standards for evaluating proposed planting
important placement consideration. sites and guiding decisions on exactly where and what to
plant.
Rain gardens installed along Genesee Street helped transform More than 270 trees were planted along Ohio Street,
the major corridor into a welcoming gateway from the city’s East contributing to the corridor’s changing character and
Side to downtown Buffalo. helping to meet the stormwater challenge.34 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets
How do we benefit from
constructing green streets
across Buffalo?
Keeping the Benefits beyond
stormwater challenge the stormwater
in check challenge
Green street projects initiated between Reinforces our Complete Streets
policy
2013-2017 manage runoff for 101.5 acres of Integrating green infrastructure into
the city, an area the size of 44 city blocks. larger streetscape enhancement
101.5 acres projects helps Buffalo implement
managed for Green street projects use a variety of
its Complete Streets ordinance,
stormwater approaches, including replacing nearly 16 which requires that when a roadway
acres of asphalt and concrete with plantings is constructed or repaired, equal
and other materials that absorb water. consideration is given to travelers
of all kinds — including bicyclists,
These investments have the potential to keep pedestrians, public transportation
1,908,045 gallons of water out of our sewer users, children, people pushing baby
system when it rains or snow melts. That’s strollers and people with disabilities.
15.9 acres
of impervious surfaces enough water to fill 180 NHL ice rinks. Revitalizes neighborhoods and
reduced promotes safety
Some elements that make for a good
complete street can be addressed
with investments that also control
stormwater runoff. For example, rain
gardens and trees can contribute to
beautification efforts and make streets
more inviting to small businesses
1,908,045
and foot traffic. Road diets and brick
street restorations can better manage
automobile traffic, while making it
safer and easier for people to cross the
street.
gallons of runoff prevented Offers cost savings
By integrating green infrastructure
from entering the sewer system in a
into complete street projects, overall
typical rainfall event. cost savings can be achieved as it
allows projects to draw on multiple
funding sources and shared project
management resources for the design
Calculations by Buffalo Sewer. For details on methodology and
assumptions, see Appendix.
and construction of projects.Rain Check Strategies Green Streets 35
More
than 190
9 miles
1
of green
streets
Black Rock
Canal
a River
jaq uada
across ca Cr
eek
S
198
Buffalo Niagar 3 4 33
2
5 6
are helping 7 9
us meet our 2
stormwater 8
challenge
5
10
Building upon the adoption of a Complete 11 12
Streets ordinance in 2008, the City of
Buffalo proposed a system of complete, 13
green streets that connect key areas
14
and developments including downtown, Lake Erie
waterfronts, urban parkways, historic
neighborhoods and commercial corridors
through a variety of transportation
options. These projects draw on a variety
of green street approaches and help to 15
190
address stormwater and quality of life
concerns on residential streets and large
commercial corridors. er
Bu Riv
ff a lo
Ca
ze
no
v
1 Kenmore Avenue 9 Northland Avenue
ia
Cr
ee
2 Parkdale Avenue 10 Carlton Street
k
3 Claremont Avenue 11 Niagara Street (Phase 1&2)
4 Elmwood Avenue 12 Pearl Street
5 Windsor Avenue 13 Genesee Street
6 Clarendon Place 14 William Street
7 Ardmore Place 15 Ohio Street
8 Niagara Street (Phase 3&4)
Completed In Progress36 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets
Project Timeframe
2014-2020
CASE STUDY
Niagara Street
Creating a green
gateway along the
Niagara River
Niagara Street is one of the city’s major commercial
corridors, a highly utilized public transit route,
a growing target for private investment, a rising
employment hub, and a gateway to downtown.
The street runs parallel to the Niagara River, but
is disconnected from the water in terms of access
and views. The Niagara Street corridor is home to
diverse communities, all of which contribute to
the heritage and culture of the city. The street is
also known as “Avenida San Juan,” serving as the
city’s Hispanic Heritage Corridor between Porter
Avenue and Georgia Street. As a signature corridor
of Buffalo, Niagara Street is being transformed
from a high-speed thoroughfare for automobiles
into a scenic, waterfront boulevard that is safe and Keeping the stormwater challenge in check
welcoming for pedestrians and bicyclists. with green infrastructure on Niagara Street
2.1 acres of impervious surfaces removed
Community Partnerships
46 bump outs
The Niagara Street project involved
many partners, including Buffalo Sewer, 255 rain gardens planted
the City of Buffalo Department of Public
574 trees planted
Works, Parks & Streets, and design and
community engagement consultants.
Extensive community engagement was
a key focus of the project, grounding the
These investments on Niagara Street manage
street redesign in community values
stormwater for 30.9 acres of the city.
and educating stakeholders on potential green
infrastructure elements. The process engaged
more than 600 residents, business owners, and
stakeholders, representing diverse voices and
612,934
perspectives from along the corridor. Highlights
included a door-to-door community survey made
available in English, Spanish, Somali, Nepali,
Burmese, and Karen; several interactive, hands- gallons of runoff prevented
on, public workshops; and targeted stakeholder from entering the sewer system
meetings with business owners, community groups, in a typical rainfall event.
and block clubs from nearby neighborhoods.Rain Check Strategies Green Streets 37
Green Infrastructure on
Niagara Street
N
The Niagara Street reconstruction
RA RIVER
NIAGA project is a multi-phased redesign
Niagara
of the street from Niagara Square
River in downtown up to Ontario
Street in Riverside/Black Rock.
The project stands out as the
longest green street in the city.
Through a combination of green
W 1
Fe
rr
infrastructure elements including
yS
t bump outs, rain gardens, and
impervious surface reduction, the
project reduces the stormwater
Porter Ave volumes flowing to Buffalo’s
combined sewer system where the
overflow discharges directly to the
Niagara River. The initial phases of
St the project focused on the lower
Expanded triangle with ain
enhanced greenspace at
M portion of the street, from Niagara
Dortmund Park (intersection of Square to Porter Avenue.
Niagara, Hampshire & Busti).
BEFORE
17 Pennsylvania Ave
Rain gardens along Niagara Niagara Street
Street absorb and capture
stormwater runoff.
Expanded triangle at Reducing impervious pavement and installing
City Hall corner of Niagara and trees and green spaces allows for water to be
West Mohawk provides captured before it enters the street and sewer
underground storage space system. Curb bump outs and bike lanes make the
to capture stormwater. street safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.
AFTER
Niagara
Square Pennsylvania Ave
Niagara Street38 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets
Project Timeframe
2013
CASE STUDY
Ardmore Place
Uncovering a
historic brick
street on the city’s
West Side
Ardmore Place is a quaint residential street on the
city’s West Side, stretching just one block between
Baynes Street and Richmond Avenue. The narrow
tree-lined street features large multi-story homes,
most of which were built in the early 20th century
and have historic charm. At the west end of the
street is Lafayette International High School, a
large stone, brick, and terra-cotta building in the
French Renaissance Revival style and one of the
oldest public schools in the city. Ardmore is also
home to one of the city’s numerous brick and
cobblestone streets. Workers laid the bricks on
Ardmore more than a century ago, but they were
covered with layers of asphalt and blacktop for
decades. During a typical street resurfacing project
in 2013, neighbors noticed the bricks beneath the
pavement and advocated for their restoration. The
original brick street offers benefits that asphalt
pavement does not—it gives the street a charming,
historic appearance that contributes to a distinct
community character; it slows vehicles making the Keeping the stormwater challenge in check
street safer for pedestrians; plus, it lets rain and with green infrastructure on Ardmore Place
snowmelt seep into the ground rather than running
off into the sewer system. 0.7 acres of impervious surfaces removed
Community Partnerships
The Ardmore Place Block Club drove the These investments on Ardmore Place manage
effort by getting neighborhood residents stormwater for 1.4 acres of the City.
to band together to petition the City’s
Department of Public Works, Parks &
Streets to restore the brick street, rather
than repave it with asphalt—and the City
listened, partnering with Buffalo Sewer
to carry out the restoration project. The
11,973
gallons of runoff prevented
effort to restore the brick surface was a unifying
from entering the sewer system
force for the community, as residents banded
in a typical rainfall event.
together to appeal to local government officials for
the restoration.Rain Check Strategies Green Streets 39
NIAGARA RIVER
The return of the
street’s original brick
paving dovetailed with
restoration work being
done on the rear half of
Lafayette High School.
Walking down the street
now is like a trip back
in time to Buffalo 100 Lafayette High School
years ago. Baynes Ave
e
Av
te
et
f ay
La
LACE
The brick street traces back more
ORE P
than 100 years. The brick was first
paved over in the 1960s.
ARDM
We
Bricks are beautiful and durable
st
and they also allow rain and
De
snowmelt to infiltrate through to
lav
an
the soil below.
Ave
Richmond Ave
Bid
we
ll P
kw
y
Green Infrastructure on
Ardmore Place
In preparation for a street resurfacing project in 2013,
City of Buffalo crews began removing asphalt from
Ardmore Place and uncovered an intact brick street
underneath. Buffalo Sewer partnered with the City to
transform the project from a mere repaving job to a brick
street restoration.
The effort to restore the brick surface brought together
neighbors to advocate for the restoration. Residents
joined together to chip away at the asphalt and hose
down the weathered bricks.
Uncovering the bricks from this 0.2 mile-long street
removes nearly 12,000 gallons of stormwater from
entering sewers in a typical rainfall event.40 Rain Check Strategies Green Streets
Project Timeframe
2013-2014
CASE STUDY
Ohio Street
Transforming an
industrial corridor
into a tree-lined
waterfront parkway
Located southeast of the central business district
on the edge of the industrial waterfront areas,
Ohio Street was a key site in the city’s industrial
development. Industries developed along
the Buffalo River, transforming the city into a
manufacturing center during the 19th century.
Today, Ohio Street is one of the major connectors
between the city’s inner and outer harbors,
playing an important role in the revitalization of
Buffalo’s waterfront. The Ohio Street corridor links
major activity centers including Canalside, the
Cobblestone District in the Inner Harbor, Gallagher
Beach, Wilkeson Point, and Buffalo Harbor Park
in the Outer Harbor. The area is also home to the
historic Old First Ward neighborhood, first settled
in the 19th century by Irish immigrants who worked
in the industries that lined the Buffalo River. Many
current residents are of Irish descent and every year
the neighborhood hosts the “Old Neighborhood” St.
Patrick’s Day Parade. The recent conversion of Ohio Keeping the stormwater challenge in check
Street into a waterfront parkway helps link local with green infrastructure on Ohio Street
neighborhoods and residents to the transformation
happening along the waterfront. 3.2 acres of impervious surfaces removed
260 trees planted
Community Partnerships
The Ohio Street project included a
wide range of partners and community These investments on Ohio Street manage
collaborations led by the City of Buffalo and stormwater for 12.7 acres of the City.
Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.
Buffalo Sewer, City of Buffalo Department
of Public Works, Parks & Streets, and NYS
70,824
Department of Environmental Conservation
were all involved in the design of green infrastructure
for the project. Buffalo Sewer and project partners
also collaborated with neighborhood organizations, gallons of runoff prevented
including Old First Ward Community Center and from entering the sewer system
Valley Community Association, Buffalo Niagara in a typical rainfall event.
Waterkeeper, elected officials, and property and
business owners as part of the planning and design
process.You can also read
