Laser Treatment To Begin On Thomas Jefferson Memorial

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Park Service will start to test an experimental laser removal treatment to get rid of the biofilm affecting the Thomas Jefferson Memorial next week.

The blackening biofilm is mostly evident on the dome of the monument, National Park Service (NPS) officials said in a press release. A multi-disciplinary team of conservators, architects and other professionals have been studying the growth since 2014 to determine the best treatment options.

Officials plan to clean a test area of 1,000 square feet on the northeast side of the memorial. Officials will then analyze how effective the laser removal treatment is and if they should continue it on the dome and pediment.

The biofilm is the result of a colony of microscopic organisms that adheres to stone surfaces and was first noticeable in "discrete areas of the memorial's white marble in 2006," according to the press release. Officials said the biofilm has become increasingly more noticeable in recent years.

Officials believe laser ablation is the best treatment option because it can remove the biofilm without damaging the historic marble of the memorial. Using a laser is also an environmentally conscious procedure, according to the press release.

The treatment is being conducted by Conservation of Sculpture and Objects Studio, Inc., a Chicago-based conservation firm. They will begin treatment next week and expect it to take about four weeks. Visitors access to the memorial will not be affected by the work, officials said.

Like us on Facebook to follow all local news:

Pixabay Photo