Ward 3 Update: Hearst Pool and Field Project and Oak Mites

Dear Neighbors,

This update is a special one with only two items. We'll have a fuller update next week.

Regards,

Mary

Hearst Pool and Field Project

As executed, this project has been marked by one failure after another: the repeated removal of the sod, every schedule has been inaccurate, every deadline missed. In fact, the most recent estimates are likely to be wrong, and it appears that the pool will not open this season. Obviously, this is not acceptable. The most recent pulling up of the sod was blamed on the fact that the field had not been properly graded. Just yesterday, I spoke to DGS, and although this is not official yet, the estimate is that the new sod will be put down in September or October and should be available for use in November. Again, I’m waiting for official word on that. I did say to DGS, though, if they give me a date, they’d better stick to it.

As you may know, I’ve had site visits there and a dedicated staff member, Dee Smith, detailed to follow the project. I’ve written to the Mayor and asked for her direct intervention. And, I’ve spoken to the director of DGS, the agency overseeing the project. He agrees with the bleak assessment of the project and seems to put much of the blame on the contractors. Wherever the the blame lies, with the contractor or the agency, we have to get the project back on track, and I’m pressing for that every day.

I reached out two weeks ago to DC Health to see whether it had any guidance about oak mites. DC Health said it was fully engaged with COVID, and that, in any event, the mites are not a public health crisis because mites are not a vector (i.e. they don’t carry disease). The director referred the issue to the Department of Energy and the Environment, and that department sent me the following draft statement. Although only a draft, I thought it might be helpful for residents to see it now:

"Native to Central Europe, the Oak Leaf Itch Mite, Pyemotes herfsi is a tiny (0.2 mm in length), eight-legged parasitic that lives inside the galls of Oak trees. “The mite feeds on the larvae of a small fly (midge) which forms a brown and crusty shell on the edge of an oak leaf (known as a gall)” (Illinois Department of Public Health). In 2004, the mite was first reported in the US (Pittsburg, Kansas) and has since spread to Illinois, Nebraska, Ohio, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Although this pest has limited mobility, mites can easily be carried by the wind and enter homes through window screens.

Depending on the region, between August to October, as many as 300,000 mites may drop from a single Oak tree and land onto persons underneath the tree’s canopy. Mite bites are painful and usually occur on the upper body or wherever clothing is loose. The Oak Leaf Itch Mite does not transmit disease to humans, if you are bitten, the remedies are similar to treating other common bites. Rashes may appear on arms, necks and face, avoid scratching it, apply anti-itch cream, take an antihistamine or apply a cold compress or ice to the site of the bite.

Oak Leaf Itch Mite Management proves difficult. Traditional tree sprays do not penetrate the galls, so the mites are safe from sprays. Instead, experts recommend avoiding oak trees with galls toward the end of summer. Luckily the majority of the population will die after the first hard freeze of the season.

If you have any questions concerning this matter, please call 202-934-3300 or e-mail [email protected]. Thank you for your usual cooperation."

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