America’s Cup Attracts Environmental Controversy

Here we go again. Just when we forgot how much controversy the America’s Cup Event Authority attracted in San Francisco to secure and develop land for the event, the story is now repeated in Bermuda.

There is concern in Bermuda with scraping the ocean floor and using the material to fill in a harbor area needed for the America’s Village. With questions regarding the adequacy of the review process, there is now a conflict between local government and an environmental advocacy organization, Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST).

BEST will go to court to challenge plans to develop the South Basin in preparation for the America’s Cup and its Village development. BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward claims aspects of the development are in violation.

“We have met several times with America’s Cup Bermuda Lt (ACBDA) head Mike Winfield and or members of his team and have jointly attempted to reach resolution on those portions of the application that directly affect the America’s Cup organisation,” Hayward said. “Unfortunately those attempts were not successful.”

ACBDA was created to deliver on Bermuda’s commitments to the America’s Cup organisers and to act as liaison between the America’s Cup and Bermuda.

BEST claims that environmental impact studies conducted for the 11-acre landfill and development of the South Basin are inadequate and flawed. The work will involve dredging to both the North and South Channels to provide the 11 acres of land.

Full report – Environmental Impact Study