WASHINGTON, D.C. — Just as the controversy surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool appeared to be centered on algae, murky water, and costly repairs, a new report has introduced an even more troubling question.

Was the material used during the $14 million renovation itself potentially hazardous?

According to a report published Tuesday by MeidasTouch News, safety documents tied to the project indicate that the epoxy liner applied to the Reflecting Pool carries warnings that it is “toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.”

The revelation has reignited scrutiny over one of the most controversial renovation projects connected to President Donald Trump’s preparations for America’s 250th anniversary.

The Reflecting Pool was extensively renovated earlier this year as part of an effort to restore one of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks ahead of next year’s celebrations.

Instead of becoming a showcase for the anniversary, however, the project has generated weeks of negative headlines.

Visitors quickly noticed murky green water.

Algae spread throughout portions of the pool.

Questions emerged about peeling sections of the newly installed lining.

Now, environmental concerns have added another layer to the controversy.

According to MeidasTouch News, investigators reviewed Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety documentation for a product identified as RHINO 405, which was reportedly observed on-site during the renovation.

The product is described as a high-viscosity epoxy resin used as part of the Reflecting Pool’s protective coating system.

Safety documentation for the material reportedly warns that it is “toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects” if released into the environment before it has fully cured or if improperly handled.

The report quickly attracted attention because of another troubling development.

In recent weeks, multiple dead ducks have reportedly been found in and around the Reflecting Pool.

Those incidents have already prompted calls for additional investigation by environmental advocacy groups.

The Center for Biological Diversity has urged federal officials to examine the deaths and determine whether environmental laws protecting wildlife may have been violated.

At this stage, however, no government agency has concluded that the epoxy liner caused the deaths.

The manufacturer of the coating material also pushed back against suggestions that its product is responsible.

According to MeidasTouch News, Rhino Linings stated that the current problems are limited to “localized finish-coat separation” and emphasized that there is no publicly available evidence linking the liner itself to wildlife deaths.

Even so, the report has intensified debate surrounding the renovation.

Critics argue that the appearance of safety warnings in official documentation deserves closer examination, particularly given the growing questions surrounding the project’s overall quality and execution.

Supporters caution against drawing conclusions before investigators determine what actually caused the environmental problems.

The controversy also revives broader questions about how the renovation was awarded.

The Reflecting Pool project has already drawn scrutiny over reports that a $7 million no-bid contract went to Greenwater Services, a company reportedly led by Republican donor John J. Carafo.

That aspect of the renovation has fueled additional political criticism as lawmakers and watchdog groups continue examining how taxpayer money was spent.

Meanwhile, crews are reportedly preparing further repairs to the Reflecting Pool after visitors observed algae blooms, peeling surfaces, and other maintenance issues shortly after the renovation was completed.

Federal officials have indicated additional work may be necessary to restore the landmark.

For millions of tourists visiting Washington each year, the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has long stood as one of America’s most iconic public spaces.

It has served as the backdrop for presidential ceremonies, civil rights demonstrations, and countless historic photographs.

Instead of reflecting national pride ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, the landmark has increasingly become the focus of environmental concerns, political criticism, and unanswered questions.

Whether future investigations ultimately establish any connection between the epoxy liner and wildlife deaths remains unknown.

For now, no official findings have linked the coating material to the dead ducks or other environmental problems.

But with new reports raising additional concerns and further repairs already expected, the Reflecting Pool controversy continues to grow—turning what was intended to be a symbol of celebration into one of Washington’s most closely watched public works projects.