Algae clean-up at sailing venue to take weeks - report

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — A huge algae bloom at the Beijing Olympics' sailing venue will take at least another two weeks to eradicate despite more than 10,000 workers being used in the clean-up effort, state media reported.

The environmental problem off the coast of Qingdao has disrupted training for international competitors trying to get used to the conditions there, the Xinhua news agency, citing officials, said late on Sunday.

"We have stressed to all the people devoting to this campaign that the priority should (be) given to the Olympic venue and we expect to eliminate all these sea weeds before July 15th," Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee member Yuan Zhiping was quoted as saying on Sunday.

The algae has covered part of the training area and blocked parts of the...