January 25, 2010
Dear Coalition Friends,
We need your help to open a much-needed public conversation about science-based and "green" solutions to repairs to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool that also uses wisely $31 million in stimulus funds specially appropriated for this project -- the largest stimulus package in the entire National Park system. The National Coalition to Save Our Mall enthusiastically welcomes, at long last, Congressional funding for the Reflecting Pool rehabilitation. But we need to get it right -- for the American public, the Reflecting Pool, and the entire National Mall. (To date we have been unable to secure a copy of this cost estimate.)
The National Park Service Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Reflecting Pool project, released on December 29th, 2009, proposes major engineering solutions involving: paving over large areas of grass for new walkways; major construction of water supply pipes between the Pool and the Potomac River and the Reflecting Pool; and the addition of new pumping, water filtration, and other water treatment structures at several locations on this nationally significant historic landscape. Read the EA by clicking here.
The EA ignores alternatives proposed during the public consultation process, including our Coalition's proposed "green" alternative involving recycling water, adding fountains and fish, and replacing hard paving with permeable solutions -- a treatment used successfully for the Reflection Pool at Hermann Park in Houston, Texas (see the photo gallery by clicking here.) These sustainable solutions are not even mentioned in the EA, let alone evaluated as a viable alternative to the NPS preferred solution. Based on the EA, it appears that NPS's "preferred alternative" was pre-determined.
We believe the "green" solution deserves objective scientific study; would better preserve the historic character of the Lincoln Memorial landscape; be less costly than the major engineering solution now preferred by NPS. And, best of all, it could set a new, sustainable standard for treatment of other troubled water elements on the National Mall including Constitution Gardens and the Capitol Reflecting Pool.
Let NPS hear your voice before the deadline on public comment on January 29, 2010:
- Provide your comments on the NPS website.
- Then send a copy to the Coalition at kay@savethemall.org so we can hear what you have to say.
Do you think NPS's Preferred Alternatives are the only choice or should other alternatives be seriously studied?
A. The Pool water system
- The proposed system is acceptable.
- NPS should be required to look at sustainable, green systems such as Hermann Park in Houston, using recycled, filtered water, with aeration systems such as fountains and and fish and other aquatic life.
- An independent cost estimate of these two systems should be made and the lowest life cycle cost system should be selected.
B. The poolside pathways
- The proposed widened stone paved walkways along the Reflecting Pool are preferable.
- NPS should make a thorough analysis of low maintenance, permeable paving, suitable for handicapped use, as installed in numerous American city parks.
- An independent cost analysis of paving systems should be made before a final decision is made.
C. Freezer coils to allow ice skating in the cool seasons. (Coils were analyzed for Hermann Park but not included because of the Texas climate.)
- Coils should be evaluated (ice skating was a popular recreational activity on the Pool during the 20th century).
This project is on a fast track, with construction scheduled to begin in June 2010. Whatever choices are made for the Lincoln Memorial western portion of the National Mall will influence future development and treatment of the entire Mall for the next 50 years. Wise use of taxpayer money requires an open and transparent process and scientific, data-driven, sustainable alternatives worthy of the Lincoln Memorial and the National Mall.
If proceeding thoughtfully requires additional time, the Project could readily be broken into two or more separate contracts.
For background and to read our earlier UPDATES about our proposed alternative and the NPS proposal on our website "Archives" for October 22, 2009 and December 29, 2009.
Please let the National Park Service hear from you before the January 29th (this Friday) deadline. Thank you.
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