Portuguese 
The drilling was taking place in the backyard of a residence in downtown Jardim when the Environmental Military Police found the construction was unlicensed. The resident and the company were fined, the equipment was seized, and those involved could still face criminal charges.
A 72-year-old resident hired a company to drill an artesian well in his yard in Jardim, Mato Grosso do Sul. However, the arrival of environmental inspectors prevented the completion of the service.
The Environmental Military Police found the drilling in progress and discovered that none of those involved had an environmental license. The agents halted the activity, issued two fines, and seized the equipment used in the construction.
Capital News reported the information on March 17, 2023, based on data from the Environmental Military Police of Mato Grosso do Sul.
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Inspection Found Drilling in the Backyard
The company was drilling the artesian well in the backyard of a residence located in the central region of Jardim.
During the inspection, agents found a drilling rig set up on the bed of a trailer. The contracted company was using the machine to carry out the excavation.
The officers requested the necessary environmental documentation for the service. Neither the property owner nor the companyās representatives provided the required license.
The lack of authorization turned a private project into an environmental violation. Even within a residence, the service had to comply with the requirements set by the relevant authorities.
Resident Hired Company to Perform the Work
The owner was not attempting to drill the well on his own. He hired a company to open the structure in his yard.
However, hiring a company did not absolve the resident from the consequences. The inspection held the homeowner and the company responsible for conducting a potentially polluting activity without environmental authorization.
This incident highlights that hiring professionals does not eliminate the need to verify licenses before work begins.
The company must obtain authorization to carry out the activity. The owner must also check all documentation before allowing the machinery to enter the premises.
Fines Totaled R$ 2,000
After confirming the irregularity, the Environmental Military Police imposed a fine of R$ 1,000 on the 72-year-old resident.
The agents also fined the company responsible for the drilling R$ 1,000. Together, the two penalties totaled R$ 2,000.
These fines increased the costs associated with the service. The source did not disclose how much the owner was to pay the company to drill the well.
The inspection also halted the work before its completion. Thus, the resident was unable to continue drilling while maintaining the irregular environmental situation.
Police Seized Trailer and Drilling Rig
The inspection did not end with the imposition of fines.
The officers seized the trailer found at the location and the drilling rig installed on its chassis. The company was using both pieces of equipment during the well opening.
The seizure directly impacted the operation contracted by the property owner. Without the machine, the team could not continue the excavation.
The case resulted in two immediate financial consequences: the administrative fines and the interruption of a service that the resident had already contracted.
Lack of License Could Lead to Detention
In addition to administrative sanctions, both the resident and the company could face criminal charges for the unauthorized activity.
According to information released at the time, the legislation provided for a sentence of three to six months of detention for this type of crime.
Authorities included both parties in the case because they both participated in a potentially polluting activity without the required documentation.
The occurrence underscores the importance of consulting the responsible agencies before starting the opening of an artesian well, even on private property.
Those responsible must obtain the environmental license before the arrival of the equipment and the commencement of excavation. Anyone who begins work without authorization may face fines, project stoppages, seizure of equipment, and criminal consequences.
In your opinion, should the resident receive a fine even after hiring a company to conduct the drilling? Share your thoughts in the comments!
