Roanoke County Public Schools receives first Stormwater Clean Award for CTE site development

Roanoke, Virginia – Roanoke County’s Department of Development Services has awarded Roanoke County Public Schools its first-ever Stormwater Clean Award, recognizing outstanding environmental stewardship during the development of the Career and Technical Education Center (CTE). The new educational facility is currently under construction at 6251 Peters Creek Road in Roanoke, Virginia.

This recognition celebrates the exemplary performance of the project team, which includes Branch and Joe Bandy & Sons, in managing challenging site conditions while prioritizing stormwater protection. The large-scale project spans 23 acres and involves extensive rock blasting, rock crushing for on-site fill, and major grading activities. Despite difficult weather, including Hurricane Helene’s 50+ mph winds and intense rainfall, the team maintained superior erosion and sediment control measures.

The project has been especially commended for controlling dust emissions from rock crushing and reducing sediment-laden stormwater runoff, which has minimized environmental impact on the nearby Deer Branch Creek.

Roanoke County faces unique stormwater management challenges due to its steep slopes and highly erodible soils. In response, the County developed the Contractor Appreciation Program, which honors land-disturbing contractors who demonstrate exceptional environmental care and site management.

Projects are nominated by County inspectors and reviewed by a selection committee. Those that meet the high standards for erosion and sediment control are chosen to display the Stormwater Clean Award banner throughout the project’s duration. Recognized projects are also featured in the County’s It’s Just Dirt newsletter and on its stormwater webpage, further promoting best practices in sustainable development.