Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Drained for Maintenance Following Coating Application

Crews began draining the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool this week to remove accumulated debris and address sections of a recently applied coating. The work follows a $14.7 million contract awarded to Virginia-based Atlantic Industrial Coatings for repainting and waterproofing the concrete floor, completed last month.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated that crews will clean the pool, repair the damage, and refill it. He said officials will use the same company for the current repairs because they did a fantastic job. Officials said no new bids will be sought for the work.

The draining also addresses fireworks debris that accumulated during holiday events. Ohio-based Green Water Solutions received a separate $1.7 million contract to install a water-purification system as part of the prior phase.

On Thursday, former Olympic canoe racer David Hearn pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to deliberately damaging the pool. Hearn said he reached inside to examine the peeled sealant and released a piece after a park worker told him to stop. At least three other people have been charged with misdemeanors for allegedly removing pieces of paint from the pool.

All three pleaded not guilty at their initial court appearances on Wednesday.