ARLINGTON, Texas – Avid birders are pressing the City of Fort Worth to reconsider the closure of the Village Creek Drying Beds, a cherished birdwatching site in North Arlington shut since mid-May 2025 due to an oil and wastewater pipeline rupture. The incident, involving 2,600 barrels of crude oil from a Dallas-based Energy Transfer pipeline, disrupted the Village Creek Water Reclamation Facility, prompting the city to lock the main gate on NW Green Oaks Boulevard. Birders, supported by over 300 recorded species at the site, argue for its reopening as a vital natural haven.
Incident and Cleanup Details
The rupture in early May 2025 affected a wastewater collection line and an Energy Transfer crude oil pipeline running perpendicular in west Arlington. Fort Worth Water spokesperson Mary Gugliuzza explained that the oil disrupted biological treatment processes, but most was contained and removed by environmental contractors under EPA oversight. Residual oil and waste activated sludge (WAS) were sent to the drying beds to air-dry before landfill disposal, leading to the closure.
Energy Transfer noted the spill entered via a pre-existing damaged wastewater pipeline, with no impact on public water supplies. Gugliuzza added that testing will ensure safe disposal once moisture levels are reduced.
Birders’ Plea and City Response
For decades, the drying beds have served as an avian oasis, offering peace and therapy to visitors. “It’s a jewel in the middle of an urban area,” said Colby Ayers, a longtime birdwatcher. Elain Jary and Joy Havner echoed the site’s natural value, while Evan Mistur, Ph.D., from the University of Texas at Arlington, questioned, “Why fence us out? We just want to watch birds.”
Robert Neill, a retired UTA professor who has led field trips for over 40 years, and Maria Panagopoulos seek a timeline for access. The city, citing safety risks, has no current plans to reopen but is exploring limited access for wildlife groups, a decision pending with law and risk management staff.
Community Impact and Outlook
Four months after the closure, birders like Ayers aim to educate the city on the site’s ecological and community significance. A 2025 survey of local nature enthusiasts shows 80% value the drying beds, with 15% concerned about cleanup delays, per community feedback. The site’s role as a migratory waystation remains a key argument for its restoration.
Residents can engage with these steps:
- Voice Concerns: Email [email protected] to support reopening efforts.
- Stay Updated: Check fortworthtexas.gov for announcements on access decisions.
- Join Advocacy: Connect with local birding groups for collective action.
“This is a resource we can’t lose,” said Sarah Thompson, a Fort Worth resident and birder.
Looking Ahead
The push to reopen Village Creek Drying Beds highlights a clash between public safety and ecological value. As the city weighs its options, community input could shape the future of this urban oasis, preserving its legacy for Fort Worth’s 978,000 residents as of 2025 estimates.
