Update on damage to the forest –

Update on damage to the forest –

Message from Christina Hickey, PE, City of Garland Water Department, June 25, 2026:

A summary of our discussion and the current status of the project.

Original Assessment Plan

  • Assess the interceptor using Multi-Sensor Inspection (MSI) technology.
  • Perform CCTV inspection of the service laterals.

Current Status

  • The [map on display showed] the current status of sanitary sewer inspections within the Spring Creek forested area.
  • As the project progressed, much of the planned MSI work was transitioned to CCTV inspections where access for MSI could not be achieved due to flow conditions or site access limitations. In many locations, CCTV has successfully provided the necessary assessment without additional surface disturbance.

Current Access Challenges
During field activities, several access limitations have been identified that prevent the remaining sections from being inspected using the original approach:

  • Manholes cannot currently be located due to siltation, rocks, or other obstructions.
  • Some manholes are submerged beneath several feet of water.
  • Establishing a secure cofferdam around certain manholes is not feasible without bringing large equipment into the Preserve.
  • Condition of manhole rings and covers require immediate replacement if opened for inspection.
  • Continuous rain has delayed our ability to make sure we get as much footage as we can with the original assessment methods

Revised Path Forward
To address these access challenges while continuing to minimize disturbance within the Preserve, the project team began evaluating an alternative assessment technology.
This approach is intended to:

  • Minimize new surface disturbance.
  • Provide a visual assessment of the interceptor where conventional access is limited.
  • Supplement and confirm observations from the more detailed upstream and downstream inspections.

Because this technology is provided by a new vendor, the timeline for the evaluation process has expanded. Current activities include:

  • Reviewing site access requirements specific to the new technology.
  • Discussing pricing and contracting considerations.
  • Developing a mobilization plan and updated project schedule.

While we believe this technology represents the best available option for the remaining assessment, we cannot yet confirm that it will be successful for the entirety of the remaining interceptor. We will evaluate its effectiveness and keep stakeholders informed of any limitations or necessary adjustments to the assessment approach.

We appreciate the Preserve Society’s continued collaboration and support throughout this effort. We will continue to provide updates as the evaluation progresses and the revised schedule is finalized. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can clarify regarding the proposed approach.

Comment from Barbara Baynham, Vice-president of the Society

We certainly appreciate the care that the City and Kimley-Horn are taking throughout the assessment of this project to try to do the least damage possible at all times. It has actually been a pleasure watching excellent people work on this project.

          But it is my job to remind you that the challenges mentioned above – challenges including restricted manhole accessibility, water depth, sediment accumulation over manholes, and the steep creek banks that have limited the extent of inspection that can be completed – can be fixed. Of course water, sediment, and steep banks are going to be challenges! Let’s take away this problem by moving the Pipeline Out Of the Preserve. Help us keep the POOP project at the top of the to-do list.

Photo: manhole in the creek

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