Event Strategies Linked to 2 National Mall Diesel Spills as 250th Fair Setup Advances
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Event Strategies Linked to 2 National Mall Diesel Spills as 250th Fair Setup Advances
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 28
Two diesel spills hit the National Mall during setup for a 16-day America 250 festival, with one incident reported Wednesday night after an earlier leak on May 20.
The first spill sent 30 gallons into a cistern used to irrigate Mall grass, though the nonprofit behind the event said the leak was only 2 to 2.5 gallons; the second spill's size and impact remain unclear.
Interior Department officials said both leaks came from supply lines feeding diesel-powered lighting systems being installed for the Great American State Fair, which opens June 25.
Event Strategies Inc., a Virginia firm overseeing the lighting installation, was hired by Freedom 250, the administration-backed nonprofit planning the fair along with an IndyCar race around the Mall and a UFC match on the White House lawn.
Are two diesel spills on the National Mall a sign of bigger problems for America's 250th birthday celebration?
How will organizers protect the historic National Mall during the 16-day fair after repeated environmental incidents?