A Bristol project that helped clean area waterways while also providing an educational component for local students, has earned the town a regional award.

The Bristol Department of Community Development received the American Planning Association-Rhode Island Chapter 2016 Award for Excellence in Water Management for the Guiteras School Stormwater Improvement Project. The Award was presented during the RI APA’s annual Holiday Party and Award Ceremony on Jan. 12.

The stormwater project not only provides water quality improvements and habitat restoration, but also outdoor educational opportunities for local school children. The project includes a public participation campaign with assistance from Save the Bay and Save Bristol Harbor. It is a comprehensive project that considers the impacts that the built environment has on Silver Creek and Bristol Harbor.

The stormwater improvements provide an educational opportunity for about 300 elementary students at Guiteras School. At the ribbon cutting ceremony, students took turns leading tours around the grounds, explaining issues such as bioretention, water quality, and gardening techniques.

Over the past several years, the town has undertaken a multi-faceted approach to address water quality concerns within Silver Creek and Bristol Harbor. These efforts include the purchase and restoration of open space land in the area; the mapping, inspection and repair of stormwater and sewer drainage pipelines within the watershed; and the implementation of several salt marsh habitat and stream restoration projects.