Solo contaminado assusta moradores de Canoas - SBT Rio Grande - 10/12/18

Summary

A serious environmental and health crisis is unfolding in the Niterói neighborhood of Canoas, Brazil, where soil and groundwater have been contaminated with chromium 6, a toxic heavy metal. The contamination poses significant health risks, including death, and has affected local agriculture, leaving residents fearful for their crops and safety. Despite an alert being issued in December 2018, the response has been delayed by bureaucratic obstacles, leading to frustration among residents. There is also a lack of clarity about the responsible company, and the local authorities are engaged in a 'blame game,' leaving the community exposed to further risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The soil and groundwater in part of the Niterói neighborhood in Canoas are contaminated with hexavalent chromium (Cr6), a harmful heavy metal that poses serious health risks, including death.
• 😀 Local residents are being warned not to consume water from artesian wells or eat fruits and vegetables grown in direct contact with contaminated soil.
• 😀 The contamination was first discovered by a resident who noticed dark-colored water in the groundwater while digging a pool, prompting an alert to local health authorities.
• 😀 The contamination affects a 12-block area, and authorities have advised residents to switch to using water from the public distribution network, which is not contaminated.
• 😀 Affected local farmers, such as Francisco, have been forced to discard their produce, including grapes and vegetables, due to contamination, leading to financial losses.
• 😀 Local residents are frustrated by the lack of effective government action, with some questioning the delay in issuing a public alert after contamination was confirmed in December 2018.
• 😀 Despite the confirmed contamination, there has been significant bureaucratic delay in handling the situation, including delays in the hiring of a company to analyze the soil and confirm the source of contamination.
• 😀 The company responsible for the contamination, operating in the chrome plating industry, was notified by the municipality but has yet to fully address the environmental damage or take corrective action.
• 😀 The municipal health authorities and environmental agencies, such as FEPAM, are engaged in a back-and-forth of accountability, delaying the investigation and remediation efforts.
• 😀 Concern among residents is high, with many worried about long-term health effects from exposure to hexavalent chromium, which may take decades to manifest in severe illnesses.
• 😀 Local residents are critical of the lack of information and accountability from the municipal government, highlighting how the bureaucratic delays have left the community in uncertainty about their future health and safety.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the transcript?

The main issue is the contamination of soil and groundwater by hexavalent chromium (Cr6) in the Niterói neighborhood of Canoas, located in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre. This contamination poses serious health risks to the local population.

Why is hexavalent chromium dangerous?

Hexavalent chromium is a toxic heavy metal that is harmful to human health and can potentially cause death. It can lead to long-term health issues when ingested through contaminated water or crops.

How did the local community become aware of the contamination?

A resident discovered the contamination after digging a hole for a pool and noticing the dark color of the groundwater. This prompted the resident to alert the local health authorities.

What actions did the local authorities take after the discovery of contamination?

The municipal health surveillance issued a public alert after confirming the contamination in December 2018. The responsible company was notified and required to carry out a project to analyze the risks and define the contaminated areas.

What is the concern among local residents regarding their agricultural activities?

Many residents, especially those growing fruits and vegetables, are concerned about losing their crops due to contamination. They are also worried about the potential health risks from consuming contaminated produce.

What advice has been given to residents regarding their water supply?

Residents have been advised to avoid using water from artesian wells and instead rely on the public water supply, which is considered safe as it comes from a treatment plant far from the contamination source.

What criticisms have been made regarding the local government's response?

Residents have criticized the delay in addressing the issue, with some expressing frustration over the lack of timely action and transparency. There are also complaints about the inefficiency of public health and environmental oversight.

What challenges have the authorities faced in addressing the contamination?

The authorities have faced bureaucratic delays in hiring a company to analyze the soil and confirm the contamination. Additionally, there has been a lack of coordination between different governmental agencies, such as the municipality and the state environmental protection agency (FEPAM).

What is the significance of the term signed by residents in October 2017?

The term, signed by residents, acknowledged their awareness of the contamination issue. However, it was signed over a year before the local authorities formally alerted the public about the contamination, leading to concerns about delayed communication.

What is the current status of the responsible company?

The company believed to be responsible for the contamination denies causing the environmental damage. The authorities have yet to confirm the company's role in the contamination, and it remains unclear whether the company will face any repercussions.