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Brazil's first underwater tunnel promises to revolutionize the connection between Santos and Guarujá, but at an alarming environmental cost. With an investment of R$6 billion, the project threatens mangroves, marine fauna and the quality of bathing beaches. Will progress come at the expense of biodiversity? Environmentalists question the impacts of this megastructure and the true cost of modernity.
In the coastal region of the state of São Paulo, an ambitious project promises to transform mobility and boost the local economy.
However, beneath the shine of modernity, disturbing doubts arise about the environmental and social impacts of this monumental construction.
Brazil's first underwater tunnel, which connects Santos and Guarujá, carries the promise of progress, but also a high environmental cost that challenges experts and worries the population.
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According to Coastal Diary, the project foresees investments of R$ 6 billion and aims to generate approximately 9 thousand direct and indirect jobs.
However, the magnitude of this work also implies the deforestation of around 105 thousand square meters of Atlantic Forest, including mangroves and restinga areas.
These regions are essential for biodiversity and coastal protection, which has raised alarm among environmentalists and local residents.
Worrying environmental impacts
According to the Environmental Impact Report (Rima), prepared by FIPE (Economic Research Institute Foundation), tunnel construction requires the deforestation of 44 thousand square meters of mangroves, including areas located within the APA (Environmental Protection Area) of Serra de Santo Amaro.
Additionally, we bring approximately 3.640 square meters of mangroves in an advanced stage of preservation will also be removed.
These mangroves play a vital role in the feeding of green turtles (Chelonia mydas), especially young ones, which depend on seaweed.
Diário do Litoral highlights that the suppression of this vegetation can compromise the sustainability of several marine species, in addition to aggravating the risks of coastal erosion and flooding.
The report also warns of the loss of habitats of terrestrial species endemic to the Atlantic Forest, such as anteaters and sloths.
Additionally, we bring Removing native vegetation can aggravate the problem of local warming, since vegetation cover plays a crucial role in climate regulation.
Marine life under threat
The work also presents serious risks to aquatic fauna.
According to FIPE, dredging the bottom of the estuary will increase the turbidity of the water, suspending sediments contaminated by heavy metals, such as those dumped by industries in Cubatão for decades.
This turbidity will compromise the suitability of Santos beaches for bathing and will affect the health of marine species, from small crustaceans to porpoises and dolphins.
According to the experts consulted for the report, there is a possibility of bioaccumulation of heavy metals in the food chain, affecting both marine species and human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood.
Increased sedimentation at the bottom of the estuary can also harm natural fish nurseries, impacting artisanal fishing activities in the region.
According to Coastal Diary, another concern is the increased risk of collision between vessels and marine animals due to low visibility.
For tourists and residents, this can directly impact ecotourism, one of the region's main attractions.
Pollution and side effects
The Environmental Impact Report also points to a significant increase in air and water pollution levels during the project's execution.
Excavations and transportation of materials generate dust at worrying levels, while paving access roads can release gases such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which affect air quality.
According to the study, there is also a risk of oil and other fuel spills from the machines used in the work, which could contaminate mangrove areas and watercourses.
This contamination, combined with sediments rich in heavy metals raised during dredging, poses a significant threat to groundwater quality and local water supplies.
Logistics and port disruptions
The construction will also have a direct impact on the port of Santos, one of the most busy in Brazil.
During the installation of the tunnel modules, traffic in the estuary channel will be partially closed., which may require the redirection of cargo to other ports in the country.
According to Diário do Litoral, this deviation could generate additional costs and affect the export schedule.
Additionally, increased traffic from heavy trucks and machinery during construction could overload the urban infrastructure of Santos and Guarujá.
The report highlights the risk of congestion and increased wear and tear on urban roads, causing inconvenience to the local population.
Assessment and future of the tunnel works
The project is currently being analyzed by CETESB, which is responsible for environmental licensing.
In a note, the State Secretariat for Investment Partnerships reported that the contributions received at public hearings are being considered for review of the project.
Faced with so many implications, The question remains: is it worth sacrificing valuable natural resources and quality of life for the sake of infrastructure improvements? For many experts, the answer depends on solutions that mitigate environmental damage and guarantee real compensation for affected communities.
According to environmentalists, an alternative would be to adopt less invasive techniques, such as the use of engineering technologies that minimize deforestation.
Complementary studies could also assess the viability of alternative routes or transport systems that cause less environmental impact.
Brazil's first underwater tunnel, although grandiose, is a project that highlights the constant tension between economic development and environmental preservation. The outcome of this story will undoubtedly be a milestone for infrastructure projects in the country.
What other alternatives could meet the region’s mobility needs without compromising the ecosystem?
This deforestation will not be missed in the slightest by the country that already has billions of trees and a forest larger than all of Europe and Asia COMBINED.
Discussing this subject is something only left-wing maniacs would do.
****…. Doesn't know the difference between the Amazon rainforest, mangrove swamps, marine environment…. very **** indeed!!!!!
I believe that depending on the structure, especially the interior part, it can even favor the fauna and the wild life, as well as giving a whole charm, like a gift to this beautiful landscape.
I think it's cool that the "environmentalists" only focus on Brazil, China is doing a lot of work and no one is going to get involved there, why would that be?
Are you **** or what?
Where are the environmentalists measuring the level of pollution generated by ferry engines? In addition to the cars that remain parked with their engines running during the crossing. It's a lot of whining.