McKINNEY — Dozens of families came out for an Earth Day protest at the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary on Thursday.
They are fighting to stop the construction of a sewer line that will cut through the preserve.
"I really love this place," said 12-year-old Natalie Halbrooks. "I volunteer here, and if they are going to do anything to it, I'm going to stand up for it."
The sewer project was approved by Collin County Commissioners late last year. The pipeline has not yet been installed, but the museum's executive director, Sy Sahid, told News 8 that construction and digging are already causing damage.
"We have animals that cannot move because this might be a three-month project," Sahid said. "It's affecting the animal movement and the bird migration."
But in a statement, the North Texas Municipal Water District claims the pipeline installation will not disrupt the wetland and that the boring — including installing the pipeline — will occur 15 to 23 feet below the wetland.
NTWMD told News 8 it is following federal regulations and it promises to restore the area after the project is completed.
But for the museum and its supporters, the property will never be the same.
"Save what's here," said Inge Meals. "It's disappearing so quickly that by the time my son and daughter grow, it might not even be here."
The museum has filed a a lawsuit to block the pipeline construction. Both sides are expected to meet for a deposition next week.
E-mail mdiaz@wfaa.com
