In 2011, the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) entered an agreement to implement a long-term plan to significantly reduce combined sewer overflows into Lake Erie and nearby waterways. Working with the U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA, and the Department of Justice, NEORSD launched a 25‑year effort to improve water quality across the region.
The program is designed to remove roughly 4 billion gallons of overflow each year, with green infrastructure solutions managing another 44 million gallons annually. These improvements are part of the East 140th Street Consolidation and Relief Sewer project and the Union/Buckeye Green Infrastructure project in Cleveland, led by CDM Smith.
We delivered tunneled sewer upgrades with three bioretention basins capturing stormwater from 223 acres. Built on vacant land and tied to a new separated sewer system, the basins manage 48.3 million gallons annually, reducing sewer overflows.
By combining bioretention basins, underground storage, overland flow and targeted sewer redirection, our team navigated cost and site challenges in the Union/Buckeye area to manage 8 million gallons of stormwater annually.
During the design of the Buckeye Gateway site, the team partnered with local artists to add poetry, sculptures and custom details throughout the space. From cast poetry inscriptions to splash‑themed bike racks, these elements reflect community pride and local identity.
The sites feature new accessible sidewalks and loop paths, open lawn space, benches, picnic seating, and bike amenities. At the Gateway site, underground stormwater storage supports a welcoming public space plaza with curved seating walls, shade plantings and a rain garden.
By prioritizing community needs, these stormwater facilities go beyond managing water to improve daily life in surrounding neighborhoods. CDM Smith worked alongside NEORSD, contractors and local artists to deliver a green infrastructure plan that brings natural public space to the community.
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