Sao Conrado beach in Rio de Janeiro has been eliminated, due to pollution,聽as a backup venue for a World Surf League (WSL) competition scheduled for May, .
WSL spokesperson聽Dave Prodan confirmed on Wednesday that the break, which had been a backup to Barra da Tijuca, the main stage for the Rio Pro event, is no longer under consideration. A ruptured sewage main leaks untreated waste from nearby slums into the surf spot, creating a large brown stain in the water.
鈥淵ou could have a situation where most of the beach is awash in this putrid water,鈥 Mario Moscatelli, a biologist and environmentalist, told the Guardian.
As the 2016 Olympic Games near, athletes and organizers have voiced concern over Rio鈥檚 water quality, particularly sailors who must compete in Guanabara Bay鈥檚 polluted waterways.听