The National Park Service says debris from East Wing demolition dumped at East Potomac Golf Links tested positive for lead, chromium, and other toxic metals. An interim report by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. also identified PCBs and other chemicals above reporting limits. The DC Preservation League has sued, disputing the dumping and management changes.
International
-Sathish Raman
Soil tests at East Potomac Golf Links found toxic metals in debris from the White House East Wing demolition, the National Park Service said. An interim report also flagged chemicals above laboratory reporting limits. The dumping has sparked a lawsuit and added pressure on the Trump administration’s plans for the historic public golf course.
The National Park Service says debris from East Wing demolition dumped at East Potomac Golf Links tested positive for lead, chromium, and other toxic metals. An interim report by Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. also identified PCBs and other chemicals above reporting limits. The DC Preservation League has sued, disputing the dumping and management changes.
The interim report came from Jacobs Engineering Group Inc., a Virginia engineering firm. The park service requested the review. The report said lead, chromium and other metals were detected in soil. It also cited PCBs, pesticides, petroleum byproducts and other chemicals at measurable levels.
White House East Wing debris dumping at East Potomac Golf Links
The park service began moving East Wing debris to the course in October. Jacobs said more than 30,000 cubic yards of excavated soil reached the site as of last month. East Potomac Golf Links is about 3 kilometres southeast of the White House. President Donald Trump has planned a renovation there.
The nonprofit DC Preservation League sued the Trump administration over the dumping. The group argued the disposal was unlawful and could pose risks. The suit also challenged the Republican administration’s takeover of the course. DC Preservation League has also opposed control changes at other city courses.
The dispute sits among broader court fights over changes to public spaces in Washington. These include renaming and closing the Kennedy Center. Plans also include building a 250-foot-tall triumphal arch near the Lincoln Memorial. Separately, preservationists sued to stop the East Wing demolition for a ballroom.
Trump administration lawsuit over White House East Wing project
The ballroom plan has been slated to cost USD 400 million. The Interior Department oversees the park service. A spokesperson said in an email Tuesday that the removed soil was tested many times. The spokesperson said multiple parties tested it. The email said the project met all legal standards.
The email also said the agency does not comment on litigation. It said safety steps were used to protect the public. It added: “this thorough process was followed to ensure the transfer was safe for the public,\” the email said. The park service and Interior Department have not shared more details in court filings here.
Rebecca Miller, executive director of DC Preservation League, said Tuesday that experts were still reviewing the engineering report. Miller said the group also questioned compliance with federal laws. Miller cited the National Historic Preservation Act and the National Environmental Policy Act. Miller said the debris has become a visible issue for golfers.
Miller said the debris is so widespread that golfers change their route around piles. Miller said: \”If you Google youll see lots of photos of golfers walking past it,\” during an interview. Miller also said renovation plans would change the course. Miller said the 105-year-old layout and character would be permanently altered.
National Park Service hearing on White House East Wing debris and trees
A federal judge told the government on Monday not to cut down more than 10 trees without notice. US District Court Judge Ana Reyes spoke during a remote hearing. Judge Ana Reyes said a temporary restraining order would not be issued yet. Judge Ana Reyes warned against major changes without prior notice.
Kevin Griess, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks, spoke at Monday’s hearing. Kevin Griess said there was no immediate plan for tree removal. Kevin Griess added that a safety assessment was underway. The case continues as both sides dispute the risks linked to the dumped material.
Democracy Forward is co-representing DC Preservation League in the case. In a press release, the group said more review was needed on possible toxins at East Potomac Park. It said government test results raised concerns. It added: \”Test results released by the government suggest the Defendants dumped a cocktail of contaminants – and despite indications of the refuses contents, they continued dumping it,\” the group said.
Trump, described as an avid golfer, has also planned work at a military golf course outside Washington. The course has been used by past presidents for decades. In a statement, the Interior Department said it is committed to continuing the relationships we have built with the local golf communities to ensure these courses are safe, beautiful, open, affordable, enjoyable, accessible, and world-class for people living in and visiting the greatest capital city in the world.
With inputs from PTI
