Stroubles Creek is registered on Virginiaâ s 303(d) list of impaired waters for both benthic and fecal coliform impairments. The upper reach of the creekâ s watershed drains into two ponds on the Virginia Tech campus. The area draining to the ponds, approximately 715 acres, encompasses most of the Town of Blacksburg and the Virginia Tech campus. Below the ponds, the creekâ s watershed is primarily forested and agricultural, with some areas of residential development.

In order to improve water quality downstream, the two ponds will be converted to a water quality facility by redirecting all flow from the northern branch of Stroubles Creek into the upper, smaller pond, which then flows into the larger pond below. With flow into the upper pond increasing dramatically, the dam between the two ponds and associated overflow structures were evaluated and redesigned to protect the dam from overtopping and possible washout. In addition, concrete weirs were designed and will be constructed on both branches of Stroubles Creek above the ponds for future installation of flow and water quality monitoring equipment. Above the ponds, the banks along both branches of the creek have become severely eroded. Interlocking concrete block armoring was designed for the stream banks to reduce erosion and protect the trees growing along the creek.

This project was jointly funded by Virginia Tech and a grant from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Water Quality Improvement Fund. Construction will be performed by the Capital Design department of Virginia Tech.