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On July Fourth Eve, Reflecting Pool Holds a Cloudy Mirror to a Polarized America
The $14.7 million project used toxic epoxy and has already seen algae return and lining peel, officials and visitors said.
- The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool faces renewed issues with peeling linings and recurring algae blooms mere weeks after reopening, leaving visitors frustrated by restricted public access ahead of July 4 celebrations.
- President Donald Trump claims saboteurs intentionally damaged the pool with toxic chemicals to embarrass him, while environmental scientist Patricia Glibert attributes persistent algae to the dark-colored floor absorbing heat and warming water rapidly.
- Records indicate the administration spent at least $14.7 million on "no bid" contracts, far exceeding the $1.5 million estimate, while applying "RHINO 405 A Thixotropic High Viscosity Epoxy Resin," which OSHA data sheets identify as "toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects."
- Actor Mei Chappo shouted at workers near the chain-link fence, expressing public fury over restricted access and the site's deterioration under current management as criticism mounts.
- Persistent maintenance headaches have plagued the Reflecting Pool since its 1923 construction, as the structure's expansive length and shallow depth require roughly 16 million gallons of water replaced annually, affecting nearly every administration.
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17 Articles
17 Articles
The pool renovation was one of President Donald Trump's favorite projects to beautify Washington ahead of the important anniversary.
Trump's $14 million pool became green again. Researchers explain why the Reflecting Pool provides ideal conditions for algae.
Coverage Details
Total News Sources17
Leaning Left8Leaning Right0Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution57% Left
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
57% Left
L 57%
C 43%
Factuality
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