AT least one duckling has been found dead on the surface of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool after a botched refurbishment ordered by president Donald Trump.
Trump ordered the renovation of the memorial's pool to mark the country's 250th Independence Day, on July 4, choosing to use an "American flag blue" sealant for the basin.
Since the near £16 million renovation the pool has faced algae blooms, which have obscured the new paintjob with a green surface layer, as well as seeing some of the paint peeling off within days of being applied.
Part of the remedial efforts being undertaken to remove the algae has been the use of extra-strength hydrogen peroxide, a type of bleach, in the pool.
Hydrogen peroxide is generally considered less dangerous to the environment than chlorine bleach because its components easily break down in water, but in high concentrations it can post a risk to ducks and birds who swim in the pool, according to The New Republic.
No cause of death has been established for the duckling. On Friday, Trump blamed vandals the deterioration of the memorial pool, claiming without providing evidence that the Reflecting Pool had been subject to "corrosive and destructive chemicals" being poured into the water.
He blamed "terrible vandals" for this, claiming there was a "250 long foot gash" into the pool's "facade" that was created by "some form of knife or blade."
A White House official told CBS News that at least 14 reports have been filed with the police relating to alleged vandalism, although Trump has not given any further details of these incidents.
US attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said on Sunday afternoon that citations for vandalism had been issued and people caught vandalizing the 2000-ft-long reflecting pool will be fully prosecuted.
“Anyone who is in a position of vandalizing or attempting to vandalize will face the criminal justice system in DC,” Pirro said.
Trump announced the project to repaint the Reflecting Pool in April, saying it had been subject to complaints about leaks and lack of cleanliness. Algae at the pool has been a recurring issue for decades, according to USA Today.
The project drew criticism over the cost and the choice to paint the bottom of the water feature dark blue, turning away from the previous grey concrete.
The non-profit Cultural Landscape Foundation filed a lawsuit on May 11 against the Department of the Interior over the renovation project, claiming that it violated federal law by not undergoing the proper review process to make changes to historic places.
The renovation contracts went to two companies, one worth $14.2m for the paint job and another $1.7m deal to improve water quality. This is despite Trump claiming the full project would cost just $1.5m when he first unveiled the plans.
Trump's leadership has seen various major construction projects planned for important political sites, including the White House.
His $400m plan to build a 1000-seater ballroom to replace the east wing of the White House, which he has already demolished before being granted approval, has been temporarily blocked by a US judge pending Congressional approval.
