Sochi 2014 launches sustainable water management project

• Russia's Olympic bid enlists top environmental expertise

SOCHI, RUSSIA, May 16, 2007 -- Sochi 2014, Russia's Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering an environmentally friendly Games by launching a Sustainable Water Management Project in conjunction with the leading environmental consultancy Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH.

The project aims to eliminate pollution in the Black Sea aquatorium of Sochi, as well as protect water reserves surrounding the city. Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH brings extensive recent experience of working on hydraulic engineering and flood protection systems, including those built for the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008. Collaboration with Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH underlines Sochi 2014's determination to source the best expertise for its Bid as it addresses the environmental challenges provided by the IOC's Evaluation Commission.

Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH will work with the Sochi 2014 Bid Committee to high-light the operational reliability and sustainability of the water resources management for all Sochi 2014 custom-built Olympic venues. The consultancy will present its recommendations in a report to be issued on 31 May, a few days before the IOC's Evaluation Commission is due to release its report on the bidding cities for 2014.

Anton Bauer, Chief Expert of Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH commented:

"Our company prides itself on helping our partners to deliver large scale, high-tech development plans within an environmentally responsible framework. We are excited by the opportunity to work with Sochi 2014, and hope to play a part in delivering an advanced and sustainable Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games."

As part of the project implementation plan, city water-supply and sewerage systems will be reconstructed in the framework of the Federal Target Program (FTP) for the Development of Sochi. The application of state-of-the-art ecological technologies throughout the construction process guarantees that the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games would be organised in full compliance with sustainable development principles.

Obermeyer Planen + Beraten GmbH conducted the scientific and technical development for the report on "Sustainable Water Management and its application for the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing". Five sectors are being covered in the course of this project. These include compilation of data on water quality and flood protection on the Olympic grounds and analysis of soil and groundwater conditions, with the objective of using rainfall to supplement the constantly diminishing groundwater levels. Other elements are the evaluation of risks and preventative measures; building construction and instructions regarding erosion and flood protection and the forecasting of floods through mathematical modeling.

Sochi 2014 is Russia's bid to host the XXII Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2014. The Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi will open the door to a dynamic and exciting future for the people of Russia and leave a landmark legacy for the Olympic Movement. The Games in Sochi would also mark the first Olympic Winter Games in the world's largest winter sport country.

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