WASHINGTON — Construction materials from White House East Wing demolition work contain dangerous levels of lead, chromium and additional hazardous substances, according to findings released by the National Park Service.
A preliminary assessment conducted by Virginia-based Jacobs Engineering Group Inc. found that contaminated soil at East Potomac Golf Links contains toxic metals, PCBs, pesticide residue, petroleum derivatives and various chemicals exceeding standard laboratory detection thresholds. The historic golf facility is slated for renovation under President Donald Trump’s development plans.
Since October, park service officials have been transporting excavated material from the White House East Wing to the golf course location. The engineering assessment, commissioned by the park service, indicates that more than 30,000 cubic yards of soil had been moved to the site through last month.
The DC Preservation League, a nonprofit organization, has filed legal action against the Trump administration claiming the disposal operation violates regulations and poses potential health risks. The organization is also contesting the Republican administration’s takeover of the golf facility, located approximately 2 miles southeast of the White House, along with other city properties.
This lawsuit represents one of multiple legal challenges to Trump’s ambitious plans for transforming public areas throughout the nation’s capital, including proposals to rename and close the Kennedy Center and construct a 250-foot triumphal monument near the Lincoln Memorial.
Late last year, another preservation group initiated separate litigation aimed at blocking the administration’s East Wing demolition plans, which include constructing a ballroom facility with an estimated price tag of $400 million.
An Interior Department representative, speaking for the agency that supervises the park service, stated via email Tuesday that White House soil “was tested multiple times by multiple parties, and this project passed all standards set by law.”
Though the department refrains from discussing ongoing legal matters, “this thorough process was followed to ensure the transfer was safe for the public,” according to the email statement.
Rebecca Miller, who serves as executive director of the Preservation League, indicated Tuesday that specialists continue examining the engineering assessment. Her organization remains concerned about potential violations of federal regulations, including the National Historic Preservation Act and National Environmental Policy Act.
Construction debris has become so widespread across the golf course that players must navigate around accumulated piles, Miller explained. “If you Google you’ll see lots of photos of golfers walking past it,” she stated during an interview.
Miller noted that the Trump administration’s renovation blueprint for the 105-year-old facility would fundamentally change its historical significance and original design by upgrading it to professional tournament standards.
During Monday’s proceedings, a federal judge instructed government officials to provide advance notification before removing more than 10 trees while the legal dispute continues.
U.S. District Court Judge Ana Reyes indicated during the virtual hearing that while she would not immediately grant a temporary restraining order, she would view any significant modifications made without proper notice unfavorably.
Democracy Forward, a national legal advocacy group representing the Preservation League, announced in a statement that “further scrutiny will be required related to potential toxins that were dumped at East Potomac Park by the administration as part of the destruction of the East Wing of the White House.”
Government test findings “suggest the Defendants dumped a cocktail of contaminants — and despite indications of the refuse’s contents, they continued dumping it,” the organization stated.
Kevin Griess, superintendent of National Mall and Memorial Parks for the park service, testified during Monday’s court session that no immediate tree removal was planned, though safety evaluations are ongoing.
Trump, known for his passion for golf, also intends to renovate a military golf facility near Washington that has hosted presidents for decades.
The Interior Department emphasized its dedication 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.”
