- The Trump administration has compared the ongoing battle against algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to its war with Iran.
- Following a $16 million renovation, blue material is peeling off the bottom of the Reflecting Pool just days after its completion.
- The National Park Service is actively working to remove algae from the pool, which has turned green after the recent renovations.
- The Reflecting Pool has faced ongoing issues with algae blooms, prompting multiple renovations over the years, including a $34 million project during the Obama administration.
- Despite the recent renovations, the pool has quickly discolored again, with algae visible shortly after being filled with water.
- Experts have raised concerns about the peeling material, suggesting it could indicate a more significant issue with the renovation.
The Trump administration's battle against algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has drawn comparisons to its military actions in Iran. Despite claims of a 'crystal clear' pool, the National Park Service is grappling with a significant algae bloom following a costly renovation.134
The recent $16 million renovation aimed to restore the pool's appearance ahead of the 250th anniversary of U.S. Independence. However, just days after the project, blue paint is peeling from the pool's bottom, raising concerns about the quality of the work.26
The National Park Service has been actively vacuuming dead algae from the pool, with officials asserting that the water is clear, despite visible green discoloration. Photos show blue material detaching from the pool's surface, leading to speculation about the cause of the peeling.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, with Tim Auerhahn, a pool infrastructure expert, noting that 'a coating system can fail for several reasons,' including adhesion issues and environmental exposure. Costs for the renovation have ballooned from an initial estimate of $1.8 million to approximately $14.7 million, according to contract summaries.
In an effort to combat the algae, workers have been seen pouring hydrogen peroxide into the pool and utilizing 'advanced nanobubbler technology,' as reported by an Interior spokesperson.
“The Trump administration has drawn a parallel between the algae issues in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and the Iran war. This comes as blue paint begins to peel just days after a costly renovation aimed at addressing similar problems.”
The Guardian
WBAL-TV