Full Breakdown
Reflecting Pool Renovation Uses Toxic Epoxy Liner Amid Wildlife Death Concerns
7/1/2026, 10:08:08 PM
Toxic Epoxy Lining of the Reflecting Pool
A safety data sheet shows the Reflecting Pool’s renovation used RHINO 405, a thixotropic high-viscosity epoxy resin. The product is labeled as harmful to aquatic life and noted for its long-lasting effects. Since the work finished, several dead ducks have been observed in the pool.
Renovation Background and Contract Details
The epoxy was applied during a $14 million renovation directed by former President Donald Trump. A $7 million no-bid contract went to Greenwater Services, run by Republican donor John J. Carafo. Observers noted the contractor’s name, “Greenwater Services,” as ironic.
Principal Actors
- Donald Trump – former president who approved the renovation.
- John J. Carafo – donor and head of Greenwater Services.
- Rhino Linings – maker of RHINO 405.
- MeidasTouch News – source of the safety data sheet.
- Center for Biological Diversity – group reporting duck deaths and urging enforcement.
- PatriotTakes – watchdog that highlighted the OSHA data.
Materials and Environmental Data
RHINO 405 is a high-viscosity epoxy resin with thixotropic properties. OSHA documentation lists it as an irritant and notes it poses toxicity to aquatic life and has enduring environmental effects. The OSHA sheet also identifies the resin as an irritant that may cause allergic skin reactions. The renovation cost $14 million, with $7 million allocated to the pool contractor.
Official Manufacturer Response
Rhino Linings said the problem is limited to a localized finish-coat separation issue and noted that no public evidence links the liner to the duck deaths, stressing the lack of documented causality. The company emphasized that the problem is confined to the coating layer.
Environmental Criticism and Calls for Investigation
The Center for Biological Diversity and other groups have requested federal investigations into possible violations of environmental protections. Critics contend the toxic coating could be responsible for the duck fatalities and call for enforcement action.
Conflicting Reports and Information Gaps
Wildlife deaths are documented, yet Rhino Linings maintains there is no public evidence of a causal link. The contrast between observed mortality and the manufacturer’s denial remains unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.” — OSHA Safety Data Sheet
- “a thixotropic high viscosity epoxy resin.” — Material description
- “toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects” — OSHA Safety Data Sheet (alternate phrasing)
- “localized finish-coat separation,” — Rhino Linings statement
- “According to MeidasTouch, the company noted that the issue is limited to "localized finish-coat separation," and that no public evidence has established a link between the liner and the death of wildlife.” — Rhino Linings statement
Prospective Actions
Environmental watchdogs continue to press for a federal review of the coating. Pending investigations could lead to remediation or changes to the pool’s maintenance procedures.
