Update on Sewer Project

October 2, 2026 – Excerpt from Christina Hickey email.

Wastewater Interceptor Inspection

We have had a lot of success this past month finishing up inspection on the main interceptor. Due to a significant effort by our sewer crews, who transported approximately 800 sandbags down into the creek and then back out, we were able to provide the access needed to complete the work. During this effort, crews also located an obstruction that had stopped several of our previous inspection attempts. They were able to remove the obstruction and replace the associated manhole ring and lid. With the obstruction removed and access restored, ACE was then able to return and CCTV additional 1,700 linear feet of main interceptor.

We also received the footage from the new floating camera technology that we deployed in August. The camera provided good imagery from inside portions of the interceptor that we had been unable to assess using our traditional inspection methods. This was a new approach for us and ultimately provided another tool for overcoming some of the unique access and flow challenges we have encountered throughout this project.

Between the recent CCTV work and the footage obtained with the floating camera, we have now been able to obtain condition assessment information for most of the main interceptor. Kimley-Horn is now working through the inspection data.

Access and Relocation Evaluation

As a reminder, following our July stakeholder meeting, we requested feedback on both the proposed permanent access concept for continued monitoring and maintenance of the existing interceptor and the proposed sewer relocation alignment. I received comments from one person only. We will continue to carry both forward as we complete the condition assessment and evaluate the long-term options for the interceptor.

Mulching/Chipping Contract

The City received [several] bids for the mulching/chipping contract. [The mulching / chipping refers to the large piles of debris created during the original destruction of parts of the forest near Halff Park over a year ago. Several piles are too large to decompose in place. Their size obstructs proper and timely regrowth of the native plants in the area.] A committee from water and parks, with oversight from our purchasing department, reviewed and evaluated the proposals based on the contractors’ proposed approach, relevant project experience, references, previous history with the City, ability to meet the required schedule, and cost.

The City is now working through execution of the contract. We recognize that we are moving into a wetter part of the year and will coordinate the work around weather and site conditions, as necessary. Once the contract is executed, we will schedule a pre-work meeting with stakeholders before field activities begin. [See below for an update on the pre-work meeting.]

Christina Hickey, PE
City of Garland Water

Halff Park debris update

On October 24, members of the city of Garland’s Parks and Stormwater departments, volunteers with the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, and contractors from Looks Great Services (looksgreatservices.com) met to walk the trail out of Halff Park and review the process for removing debris piles left behind after the trail was bulldozed in June 2025.

The work will progress in phases:

First, Garland Parks department staff will create access to the damaged area near North Garland Avenue by widening an already-existing gate.

Next, working from west to east toward the entrance to the trail at Halff Park, crews from Looks Great Services will clear debris piles, largely by hand, from both fallen trees and brush and dirt piles. They will cut logs bigger than 8” in diameter into 8’ sections to be used for wildlife brush piles. They will use a small skidsteer-style mulcher to grind up smaller woody debris and spread it on the trail and in eroded areas. This debris, along with dirt piles, will be spread by hand.

Please note that contractors will post WORK ZONE signs and close the portion of the trail they are working on. Once work begins, these areas of closure will be posted on the Dallas County Open Spaces and city of Garland Parks department website, as well as on the Preservation Society Facebook page. A map showing trails throughout the entire preserve is online at springcreekforest.org/trail-maps for walkers who want to plan a different route while contractors are working on site.

Pending completion of contracts, work is scheduled to begin on November 2, with Kari Pacheco, Director of Parks, as the contact person for this project.