On October 1st, an accident resulted in the spill of three different types of petroleum-derived contaminants into the Suruí River : gasoline, diesel, and asphalt emulsion, which were being transported by one of the vehicles. These contaminants quickly spread, reaching Guanabara Bay and causing harm to environmental and human health along the river’s course. Some fish have already died, and many people have shown symptoms of poisoning due to the volatile substances that quickly spread through the air.
The first to arrive at the scene were artisanal fishermen, members of local fishing organizations, such as the Magé Mangrove Association of Crab Harvesters and Friends (ACAMM) and the Association of Seafarers (AHOMAR). They reported the incident to environmental agencies and publicized the incident on social media, demanding urgent action to remedy the situation.
The concern is especially great due to the crab closed season , when fishing for certain species is prohibited so they can reproduce. The mortality of these animals during this period can negatively impact the income of crab gatherers.
The Municipal Environmental Department’s remedial action involved installing containment barriers in the river to prevent the materials from spreading, but the spill was only stopped the day after the incident. The State Environmental Institute (INEA) and the Environmental Emergency Operations Management with Hazardous Products (GEROPEM) collected samples to assess the level of contamination and plan a monitoring protocol. These environmental agencies are monitoring the area to ensure residents stay away, avoiding the risk of explosions, as the materials are flammable.
The Guanabara Bay and Maricá and Jacarepaguá Lagoon Systems Watershed Committee (CBH Baía de Guanabara) issued a statement expressing its concern about the contamination caused by the accident on the Suruí River and the potential impacts on both the ecosystem and the surrounding population. The committee is taking steps to develop a Risk Management Plan for the Watershed Region , aiming to mitigate climate and environmental damage that could affect the rivers.
The Suruí River is an important body of water that flows through the Suruí neighborhood in the municipality of Magé. It is a historical and ecological landmark of extreme importance to the local community, being one of the best-preserved rivers in Guanabara Bay, despite the environmental changes that have affected it over the past few decades.
Accidents like this highlight the vulnerability of our water bodies and the environmental injustices experienced by traditional fishing communities in their territories affected by the oil industry. In addition to the need for preventive measures against environmental damage and a collective effort to conserve these ecosystems, it is crucial that the companies responsible for these operations be held accountable for the damage caused, making concrete commitments to repair the negative impacts on the environment and the affected communities.
We stand in solidarity with fishermen, defending their rights and preserving our ecosystems, with hope and unity for a more just and sustainable future, one that is not based on dependence on the oil chain, but on alternatives that respect life and the environment.