The Reflecting Pool, that iconic stretch of water on the National Mall, has once again taken on a distinctly unflattering shade of green. This isn’t the first time this has happened, and for many, it’s becoming a recurring, and somewhat embarrassing, spectacle. It seems the battle against algae in this historic waterway is a perpetual one, and the latest chapter is just as green as the last.
Many observers recall the pool being clear and beautiful in the past, implying that the current situation is a departure from its intended state. The project involved a new water-treatment system, lauded for its advanced nanobubbler technology, and a spokeswoman confidently stated the algae was dead and being removed, even thanking President Trump for “fixing the Reflecting Pool for good.”… Continue reading
Levels of particularly hazardous PFAS compounds have significantly decreased in Canadian seabird eggs, a trend the study’s authors interpret as evidence of regulatory effectiveness. Analysis of northern gannet eggs over 55 years revealed a substantial decline in PFAS concentrations, particularly after peak usage in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This reduction correlates with industry shifts away from problematic compounds like PFOS and PFOA, driven by increasing regulatory scrutiny and international agreements to phase out their use. While this represents positive progress, the continued presence of legacy PFAS and the emergence of newer, less detectable compounds necessitate ongoing scientific and regulatory vigilance.
Read More
Fifty-nine-year-old Raymond Feige, a DEP marine engineer with over 30 years of service, was killed in a sewage boat explosion on Saturday. The accident, currently under investigation, occurred at the North River Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility. While another employee received hospital treatment, the incident appears to have had no lasting effect on plant operations or the environment. Commissioner Aggarwala lauded Feige’s dedication and expertise, highlighting his crucial, often unseen, contributions to the city.
Read More
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker