Flood Resiliency
Integrating flood resiliency into wastewater infrastructure helps protect public health, maintain service continuity, and reduce the economic and environmental damage caused by flooding. WEP has multiple projects planned or underway to protect its infrastructure from flood damage.
Harbor Brook Drainage District
Repair and Improve Infrastructure
Miscellaneous Culvert and Channel Improvements
This project focuses on the Harbor Brook Drainage District, aiming to improve the drainage system with an engineering and planning study. The Harbor Brook drainage channels and culverts were originally installed in the early 1900s to manage flooding and sanitation issues. However, this over 100-year-old infrastructure is now showing signs of wear and tear. The study will include field investigations, hydrology and hydraulic modeling, condition reports, and planning documents for future improvements. It also covers the construction and repairs of various parts of the drainage system as identified in the study.
Velasko Road Dam Repairs & Improvements
The Velasko Road Detention Basin Dam serves as a Flood Control measure for the Harbor Brook Drainage District. Its purpose is to hold and gradually release high water flows while allowing normal and low flows to pass through without obstruction. During the bi-annual safety inspection of the dam, engineers identified areas requiring replacement or repair. This project aims to address these needs by funding immediate repairs highlighted in the inspection. Additionally, it will cover the engineering and construction costs for more extensive repairs identified as necessary. The goal is to ensure the dam continues to effectively manage floodwaters and maintain safety standards for the community.
Meadowbrook-Limestone Wwtp
Inflow and Infiltration Abatement
This inflow and infiltration (I/I) project stems from a Sewer System Evaluation Survey (SSES) conducted in 2002 and recently updated by an engineering consultant. The survey identified areas where stormwater and groundwater were infiltrating the sanitary sewer system, causing inflow issues at the Meadowbrook-Limestone Wastewater Treatment Plant. WEP is implementing measures to reduce I/I in the sewer system with strategies such as sewer lining, lateral lining, manhole replacement, rehabilitation, and other improvements to strengthen the sewer infrastructure within the MBLS service area.
Storm Hazard Mitigation
2021 Tropical Storm Response
In August 2021, WEP experienced significant damage at various facilities from Tropical Storm Fred. As a result of the extensive damage around New York, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared the storm a Federal Disaster (4625-DR-NY). This declaration means that Onondaga County receives funding to repair storm-damaged WEP infrastructure and will be reimbursed for costs associated with assessing and reducing the impact of future storms.