Overview
- The National Park Service finished a roughly $14–15 million reseal and blue lining that it declared complete on June 6, but algae bloomed within days and sections of the new coating began to delaminate.
- Crews have used hydrogen peroxide, vacuums and a contracted nanobubble/ozone system to kill and remove algae while contractors and officials say much of the water will likely be released so further repairs can be done.
- U.S. Park Police arrested 67‑year‑old David “Davey” Hearn on a misdemeanor charge after he touched a flap of the peeling liner and officials issued other citations as President Trump alleged sabotage without public evidence.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said vandalism cases will be prosecuted and warned of more serious charges if anyone added substances to promote algal growth, turning routine site visits and documentation into potential criminal matters.
- Oversight and preservation disputes have intensified because the fast‑tracked, largely no‑bid procurement did not replace the buried 12‑inch circulation pipes that engineers say drive recurring leaks and algae problems and remain scheduled for later work.