Algae Returns to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool After Expensive Renovation

林肯紀念館反思池經過昂貴翻新後 綠藻再次出現

Jun 17, 2026, 19:42
USPolitics

Introduction

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has seen a return of green algae shortly after a multi-million dollar project designed to change its color and appearance.

林肯紀念館反思池在一個旨在改變顏色與外觀的數百萬美元工程後，不久便再次出現綠色藻類。

Main Body

The current problem follows a $14.8 million renovation ordered by the Trump administration to give the pool an 'American Flag blue' finish. Although the work was finished on June 3 and the pool was refilled on June 4, images showed that the water had turned green again by June 16. This happened because of high summer temperatures and the type of water used to fill the pool.

目前的 problem 發生在川普政府下令進行的 1,480 萬美元翻新工程之後，該工程旨在讓池水呈現「美國國旗藍」的色調。雖然工程於 6 月 3 日完工，且池水於 6 月 4 日重新注滿，但影像顯示到 6 月 16 日水已再次變綠。這是由於夏季高溫以及用於注滿池水的用水類型所致。

Experts believe that structural problems are the main cause of these algae blooms. The pool was built on unstable mud, which has caused leaks and cracks for a century. Reports suggest that the recent project only applied a blue sealant over the old concrete instead of fixing the deeper structural issues. Consequently, Kate Martin, a director for the Interior Department, claimed that the green color is just old algae in the pipes and is a normal part of starting the system.

專家認為結構問題是導致藻類大量繁殖的主因。該池建在不穩定的泥土上，導致一個世紀以來一直存在滲漏與裂縫。報告指出，近期的工程僅是在舊混凝土上塗抹藍色密封劑，而非修復深層的結構問題。因此，內政部主管 Kate Martin 聲稱，綠色僅是管道中的舊藻類，是啟動系統時的正常部分。

Furthermore, the project has caused disagreement due to how it was managed. To finish the work before the United States' 250th anniversary, the administration used 'no-bid' contracts, skipping the usual bidding process. This caused the cost to rise from an original estimate of $1.8 million to a final price of $14.8 million. Additionally, the Cultural Landscape Foundation filed legal challenges, asserting that the project ignored required preservation reviews, while other critics argued that the blue color does not fit the landmark's history.

此外，該工程的管理方式引起了分歧。為了在美國 250 週年紀念前完工，政府採取了「無需招標」的合約，跳過了正常的招標程序。這導致成本從最初估計的 180 萬美元上升至最終的 1,480 萬美元。此外，文化景觀基金會（Cultural Landscape Foundation）提出了法律挑戰，主張該工程忽略了必要的保育審查，而其他批評者則認為藍色並不符合該地標的歷史。

Conclusion

National Park Service staff are currently using chemical treatments and filters to remove the algae and bring back the intended blue color.

國家公園管理局的工作人員目前正使用化學處理與過濾器來去除藻類，以恢復原先預期的藍色。

Vocabulary Learning

🌉 The 'Cause and Effect' Jump

At the A2 level, you probably use 'because' for everything. To reach B2, you need to vary how you connect ideas to show why something happened and what the result was. This article is a goldmine for this transition.

⚡ The B2 Upgrade: Beyond 'Because'

Look at these three ways the text connects events. Notice how the focus shifts from the reason to the result.

1. The Direct Reason (A2 →\rightarrow B2)

  • A2 Style: The water turned green because it was hot.
  • B2 Style (from text): "This happened because of high summer temperatures..."
  • Coach's Tip: Use because of + [Noun] instead of because + [Sentence]. It sounds more professional and concise.

2. The Logical Result (The 'Consequently' Move)

  • The text says: *"...instead of fixing the deeper structural issues. Consequently, Kate Martin... claimed..."
  • The Logic: Action A →\rightarrow Result B.
  • Try this: Instead of saying "So," use Consequently or Therefore at the start of your sentence to sound like a B2 speaker.

3. The Added Layer (The 'Furthermore' Bridge)

  • The text doesn't just say "and also." It uses Furthermore.
  • The Logic: I have already given you one reason; now I am giving you an even more important one.

🛠️ Quick Application: The 'B2 Logic' Map

Compare these two ways of describing the pool disaster:

A2 Level (Simple)B2 Level (Bridged)
The pool is green because it's hot. So, they use chemicals. Also, it cost too much.The pool turned green because of the heat. Consequently, staff are using chemicals. Furthermore, the cost rose significantly.

Key Takeaway: To move to B2, stop using 'so' and 'also' as your only connectors. Start using Consequently and Furthermore to organize your thoughts logically.

Vocabulary Learning

renovation (n.)
The process of repairing and improving a building or structure to make it look new again.
Example:The old library underwent a complete renovation to include modern technology and new furniture.
structural (adj.)
Relating to the way in which the parts of a system or building are arranged or constructed.
Example:The engineers discovered structural damage in the bridge that made it unsafe for cars.
sealant (n.)
A substance used to close a gap or seal a surface to prevent water or air from leaking through.
Example:The contractor applied a waterproof sealant to the bathroom tiles to prevent leaks.
consequently (adv.)
As a result of something that has happened.
Example:The company failed to innovate; consequently, it lost its market share to competitors.
asserting (v.)
Stating a fact or belief confidently and forcefully.
Example:The lawyer spent the afternoon asserting that her client was innocent of all charges.
preservation (n.)
The act of keeping something in its original state or in good condition.
Example:The organization is dedicated to the preservation of historic landmarks in the city.
intended (adj.)
Planned or meant for a particular purpose.
Example:The intended effect of the new law was to reduce pollution in urban areas.
Practice B2 words in a crossword→