Update on damage to the forest –

Proposal maps (1^st drafts) from Christina Hickey, PE, City of Garland Water Department, July 23, 2026:

On July 23, 2026, Society executive committee members and advisors attended the latest stakeholder meeting regarding the status of the sewer maintenance project. Christina has requested a written response from the Society by August 12.

The following information is excerpted from the files provided for the meeting.

The status of the assessment of the current pipeline was briefly discussed:

Using high-tech cameras and drone technology, about 32,000 linear feet of the pipeline have been inspected. The 9,000 linear feet of the pipe still to be inspected is more difficult to access and they are bringing in even more specialized equipment. So far, the pipeline that has been inspected has fewer problems than anticipated, but some areas were found that will need significant repair. No repair work will be started until the entire line is assessed and an access plan is approved.

The meeting then focused on two issues:

1. First, a map of the initial proposal for the sewer pipeline relocation outside of the Preserve (the POOP Project).

They found that relocating the pipeline to run along existing roads such as Arapaho on the south and Naaman Forest on the north was not feasible. Therefore, this initial proposal presents the possibility of moving the pipeline to the north and south borders of the Preserve.

The red line indicates the proposed route of the new pipeline. The blue line is the current location in the bed of the creek.

Technical and Operational Benefits [of moving the pipeline]          

• Improve pipeline accessibility
• Reduce number of deflections and manhole along line
• Reduce environmental risk by locating line outside of creek
• Can integrate access to new lines with existing trail systems
• Minimize long term impacts to Preserve and County

Technical and Operational Challenges [of moving the pipeline]

• Installation depths of up to 60 feet
• Installation by tunneling necessary
• Increased construction costs associated with deep installations
• Easement and Property Acquisition
• Maintenance challenges associated with depth

2. Second issue, a map of the initial proposal for the route of permanent access needed to support the monitoring of the pipeline while it is in the creek and Preserve.

The map illustrates a draft proposal of potential access corridors intended only for periodic monitoring and minor maintenance using ATV or foot traffic.

If / when larger work is required, any project-specific access requirements would be coordinated with stakeholders at that time.

On the map, the purplish/pink line represents the route of the controversial clearing that took place about a year ago. The orange line represents the new proposed route that will be kept permanently available for inspection.

Permanent Access – Overview

• Water department does not have adequate ability to access sanitary sewer to continuously monitor the sewer lines within the forested area.
• Additional access is recommended to ensure long term capability to monitor assets
• Potential access routes across City, County and Private property would be intended for routine monitoring and minor maintenance activities only, utilizing light vehicles (e.g., ATVs) on approximately 5-foot-wide paths
• Access routes specifics to be discussed with SCFP, County and Parks to minimize impact.
• Preliminary concepts prioritize access through Winters Park, Fred Harris Park, and private property to reduce the extent of access needed across County property.
• As future maintenance or rehabilitation work is required, additional coordination with stakeholders would occur to determine project-specific access needs and appropriate mitigation measures.

Permanent Access – Process

• Finalize the concept with stakeholder input.
• Gain permission for property easements from Private, City / Parks, and County property owners
• Walk the site with stakeholders to stake the exact access routes
• Clear brush as needed for assessment by ATV or on foot
• Survey paths and provide finalized info to stakeholders

Note from Society:

You will notice that the new orange line is on the opposite side of the creek from the Preserve, except for where the current sewer pipeline travels deep under the Preserve through the area at 1770 Holford.

The proposed orange route avoids any area designated Preserve and mostly travels through greenbelt property already owned by the City of Garland.

This proposal would allow Dallas County Open Spaces, Garland Parks Department, and the Society to step out of the way of the project that no longer needs Preserve land. We could possibly have full access to the controversial cleared area of the Preserve and restoration projects could begin much sooner because we would not have to wait for the maintenance projects to be fully completed.

Note that until the inspection of the sewer is complete, and plans for ongoing maintenance (including the size of equipment used for inspections and repairs) are finalized, this proposed route is not guaranteed. However, the ability to access the creek from the city greenbelt is a very positive step toward recovering the beautiful natural surface trail in the Preserve that was damaged one year ago.