BNIA Stormwater Management System Wins National Award

Previously acknowledged for excellence by the New York State Chapter of the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) as a Diamond Award Winner in the New York awards competition, the design of the stormwater management system at Buffalo-Niagara International Airport (BNIA) was among 24 projects from around the nation that were recognized by the national ACEC for excellence in design.

The system treats glycol-contaminated runoff at BNIA. 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 being discharged to public waters.

Urban, serving as a subconsultant, provided 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.

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