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The first mega underwater tunnel in Brazil will be responsible for the deforestation of 105 THOUSAND square meters of the Atlantic Forest; on the other hand, the R$6 BILLION project will generate 9 THOUSAND jobs

Written by Alisson Ficher
Published 14/01/2025 às 00:52
The construction of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel threatens the Atlantic Forest and marine life, with risks of deforestation and pollution of coastal waters.
The construction of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel threatens the Atlantic Forest and marine life, with risks of deforestation and pollution of coastal waters.

Brazil's first underwater tunnel promises greater mobility for the region, but it has serious environmental impacts. By deforesting mangroves and protected areas of the Atlantic Forest, the project threatens marine life and compromises air and water quality, worrying experts and local residents.

The project of the first Brazil's underwater tunnel, planned to connect the cities of Santos and Guarujá, arouses a lot of curiosity and hope for improving local mobility.

But behind this major infrastructure project, which promises to be a solution for traffic in the region, there is an environmental and social price that worries experts and residents..

The impacts range from the deforestation of protected areas of the Atlantic Forest to the risk of contamination of coastal waters, threatening marine life and even tourism.

Environmental impact and deforestation

As detailed in the Environmental Impact Report (Rima) prepared by the Economic Research Institute Foundation (FIPE) at the request of the State Government, the construction of the tunnel foresees the deforestation of 105 thousand square meters of Atlantic Forest, including mangroves and restinga vegetation in different stages of preservation.

This number is equivalent to approximately ten football fields. and includes 44 thousand square meters of mangrove, which will be filled, including areas within the Serra de Santo Amaro Environmental Protection Area (APA).

In this location, it will be necessary to deforest 3.640 square meters of mangrove, which worries environmentalists due to the importance of these ecosystems for biodiversity and coastal protection.

O Coastal Diary highlights that, in addition to the removal of native vegetation, the work may affect the feeding of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), especially young animals, which depend on the availability of algae.

The risk increases as the project progresses and could harm the sustainability of several marine species in the region.

Risk to marine life

In addition to the impact on vegetation, the work will have serious implications for marine fauna.

According to FIPE, the construction will increase the turbidity of the water in the Estuary due to the dredging of the sea floor, which will suspend contaminated sediments, including heavy metals dumped by industries in Cubatão over decades.

This movement puts the bathing suitability of Santos beaches and the health of the animals that inhabit the region at risk..

The increase in turbidity, according to the Coastal Diary, It also increases the risk of collisions between porpoises, dolphins and whales with vessels., since reduced visibility makes it difficult for these animals to navigate safely.

For tourists and locals, the project poses an indirect threat to ecotourism, as contact with marine life and environmental preservation are attractions in the region.

Tunnel and the problems of pollution and dust

Another point of concern highlighted in Rima is the levels of air and water pollution that may increase with construction.

The document explains that the work will generate a significant amount of suspended dust due to excavations, demolitions and transportation of materials.

Furthermore, the use of asphalt and chemical mixtures for paving access roads will increase the emission of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), pollutants that directly affect air quality in Santos and Guarujá.

O Coastal Diary points out that the noise and vibrations of the machines may be felt in the vicinity of the construction site, impacting the tranquility and quality of life of residents in nearby neighborhoods.

FIPE also warns that these noises can cause subsidence in neighboring properties., generating structural damage and concerns for the local population.

Groundwater contamination

FIPE warns about the risk of contamination of the region's water table, a problem that can have long-term effects on the environment and public health.

According to the report, the sediments removed during the dredging process and installation of the tunnel's concrete modules contain heavy materials that can penetrate the soil and compromise groundwater quality.

The possibility of contamination of the water table is an aspect that Cetesb, the body responsible for environmental licensing, will have to monitor rigorously throughout the work.

According to Coastal Diary, this risk is a cause for concern not only for environmental protection agencies, but also for the population that uses groundwater for domestic consumption.

Interruption of port activities

During the construction stages, traffic in the Estuary Channel will be partially closed.

The tunnel project includes the installation of cellular modules and backfilling to ensure the safety of the structure.

However, This temporary interruption may affect port logistics, requiring cargo to be redirected to other ports in the Southeast and South of Brazil.

According to Coastal Diary, this redistribution can generate extra costs for companies and interfere with the work routine at the port of Santos, one of the busiest in the country.

Future of the work and ongoing analyses

The Environmental Impact Report prepared by FIPE brings together nine experts, including engineers, biologists, sociologists and geologists.

The document is still being analyzed by Cetesb, which carries out public consultations and receives contributions to assess the environmental conditions of the work.

In note, The State Secretariat for Investment Partnerships stated that “the environmental impact studies related to the Santos-Guarujá Tunnel are being analyzed by Cetesb within the scope of the public consultation, based on the contributions received in the hearings and recent updates to the project”.

In the face of controversies and environmental concerns, the Santos-Guarujá tunnel raises the question: To what extent is it worth sacrificing natural resources and compromising marine life and the health of the population to ensure improvements in infrastructure?

What other alternatives could meet the region’s mobility needs without compromising the ecosystem?

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Alexander of Lima
Alexander of Lima
14/01/2025 07:36

But what a SHAME this project destroys what we received for free, they should study the environmental consequences of this project better.

Manuel B. Birth
Manuel B. Birth
14/01/2025 08:23

I believe that these gentlemen responsible for the report are highly qualified and competent to present another solution, and quickly, to put an end to this imperial shame.

Jair
Jair
14/01/2025 08:33

If it is submerged, why deforest the Atlantic Forest? All the tunnels built to date were made to avoid deforestation!

Alisson Ficher

Journalist graduated in 2017 and working in the field since 2015, with six years of experience in print magazines, stints on broadcast TV channels and over 12 online publications. Specialist in politics, jobs, economics, courses, among other topics. Professional registration: 0087134/SP. If you have any questions, want to report an error or suggest a topic on the topics covered on the site, please contact us by email: alisson.hficher@outlook.com. We do not accept resumes!

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