BNIA Stormwater Management System is a Diamond Award Winner in New York

When the Buffalo office of Urban Engineers of New York was asked to participate in the design of a system to treat glycol contamination at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BNIA), the staff was aware that the project represented an unusual challenge. They didn’t know, however, that the project would be so successful that it would garner a Diamond Award from the New York Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) as the top Water Resources Project in the State and be eligible for ACEC’s national competition in Washington, DC.

Glycol is a key component in de-icing fluid that is sprayed on aircraft to inhibit icing. Runoff flows into the airport’s stormwater system and must be treated before discharge to public waters.

As a subconsultant, Urban was responsible for providing stormwater analysis/design, civil design, structural design, and related specifications and details. The new system utilizes an emerging patented technology of "Stormwater Engineered Wetlands," which are entirely below ground, aerated gravel beds. In addition to treating glycol-contaminated stormwater runoff and other wastewater during the de-icing season, the wetlands treat the stormwater sewers' base flow and rainfall event first flush runoff year round.

Engineered wetland treatment systems are rare in the United States but more common in Europe. The system is both environmentally-friendly and cost-effective.

ACEC’s national competition will be held on April 27, at which time the BNIA Stormwater Project will be judged against award-winners from other ACEC state chapters.