We all know that Scajaquada Creek is a foul mess. If you consider the waters that run into it (combined sewer overflows) from upstream that make their way underground until they emerge at Main Street, it’s no wonder that many dog owners keep their four-legged friends away from the creek.
Fortunately, there is some good news at the end of the tunnel, and even upstream depending on the implementation of a long term plan being put together by the Buffalo Sewer Authority.
Long term plan aside, there is a more immediate action underway that is being undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Buffalo District in partnership with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, Forest Lawn Heritage Foundation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The action consists of a feasibility study* that will examine the restoration of the creek, as it pertains to Forest Lawn.
The study will look at habitat restoration and water flow issues within a 3/4 mile stretch, from Main Street to Delaware Park. In that zone there is sediment build up that could be harmful to wildlife. The waters at that point are also warm, stagnant, and lack oxygen. The aforementioned parties will be studying how to remedy the existing environmental problems, without negatively impacting the shoreline that bounds Forest Lawn.
The feasibility study is scheduled to be completed by August 2015.
*The study is being conducted through the Great Lakes Remedial Action Plans Program, which allows USACE to provide technical, planning, and engineering assistance in Great Lakes Areas of Concern. Funding for the feasibility study has come from a combination of Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and New York State Dormitory Authority funding.