New York City Responds to complaints about the Waterfall Project
Click here to go back to the NYC Waterfall page with photos and more information.
What happened?
Saltwater from the harbor is being lifted up into the air by a fine mist created by the waterfalls. The salty mist lands on nearby trees and plants. The water evaporates and the salt crystals remain, hindering photosynthesis, and slowly killing the plant. In response, the city has acknowledged the problem and has responded by reducing the number of operating hours from 101 to 49.5 hours per week.
The official statement
"Public Art Fund is proud to have commissioned 'The New York City Waterfalls' by Olafur Eliasson and to be presenting the project in collaboration with the city of New York. We believe it is an important work of art and it gives everyone the opportunity to experience the city and consider our surroundings in a different way. Since the opening, hundreds of thousands of people have seen the waterfalls by boat, by bike and walking along the shores. "While an environmental assessment study was conducted prior to the project and measures were taken to ensure the safety of the surrounding landscapes, salt water mist off the river has affected several adjacent plantings. From the beginning of the project, an anemometer (wind meter) has been installed at each site, which shuts each waterfall off in the case of sustained winds that may blow saltwater onto the surrounding areas. In addition, when the saltwater mist damage was discovered, Public Art Fund immediately addressed the matter and began treating affected plant life. Expert arborists from the City Parks Department recommended a maintenance plan that includes washing tree leaves and flushing salt from tree roots daily, which was promptly undertaken and is being continued. While salt water can cause leaves to discolor or fall off prematurely, Parks has advised that with proper care any potential adverse effects can be limited. Public Art Fund and the Parks Department will continue to monitor the condition of the affected trees. "Based on an updated recommendation of the Parks Department, we are reducing the hours of operation of "The New York City Waterfalls" beginning Monday, Sept. 8, from 101 hours per week to 49.5 hours per week in a further effort to stem the impact on the trees. The hours of operation will be Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sunday from 12:30 pm. to 9 p.m., and Mondays and Wednesdays from 5.30 p.m. to 9 p.m., through the scheduled end of the exhibition on Oct. 13."
Click here to go back to the NYC Waterfall page with photos and more information.