UN criticizes Russia for ignoring ecological impact of 2014 Sochi Olympics building projects

Russia criticized over Sochi Olympics construction

MOSCOW — The United Nations has criticized Russia for ignoring the ecological impact of construction projects for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

In a report obtained Monday by The Associated Press, the United Nations Environment Program says government assessments do not take into account the effects the various projects will have on the region’s unique wildlife.

The report is to be published Tuesday and is based on the U.N. program’s three-day trip to Sochi in January.

Ecologists charge that precious wildlife has been destroyed, water has been contaminated by heavy metals and the construction of the facilities is amateurish and hazardous.