David Beckham’s MLS stadium site contaminated by arsenic, according to report
David Beckham's Miami dream could become a nightmare after his proposed stadium site for Inter Miami CF was found to have arsenic contamination levels more than twice the legal limit, says an environmental report.
The former England captain is currently preparing his new side into MLS. But, according to the , his plans for a $1billion stadium and commercial complex have hit a snare.
The aforementioned environmental report has concluded the contamination surrounding the site has hit more than twice the legal limit and hazardous debris in surface-level soil samples at the Melreese golf course.
Melreese golf course has been closed until further notice by Miami's city council after the findings.
Commission Chairman Ken Russell said: "This is the largest contaminated park in the city's portfolio. This is a concern."
Environmental firm EE&G, hired by Inter Miami, took more than 140 soil samples over the last few months. As well as the arsenic, it found barium and lead levels above legal limits.
EE&G concluded: "The debris included fragments of tile, metal and glass, mixed with fine-grain sands, which often exhibited a rusty colour.
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"Intermittent wood fragments were encountered along with concrete and other non-native materials, but not evidence of municipal garbage."
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is pleased the site was tested and insists the city has chosen another consulting firm, AECOM, to conduct its own tests. The firm will also be paid by Inter Miami.
Suarez said: "Basically, the site has significantly more contamination than what is commercially reasonable."
An Inter Miami spokesperson said: "Miami Freedom Park has continued to move forward with the various studies needed for the redevelopment of the site.
"Our legal team and engineers have been meeting with city commissioners and staff about the environmental report our consultants conducted on the city's land.
"We will be working with the city to implement a remediation plan that is thorough, and provides residents and visitors a destination that is safe for all to enjoy."