Mud from collapsed dam reaches sea in Espírito Santo

Linhares' (ES) city hall restricted access to Regência and Povoação beaches, after the mud from the collapsed dam in Mariana (MG) reached the sea. The mud containing mining tailings has been flowing along the Rio Doce river, and reached the sea on Sunday (Nov. 22), according to information by the city's government. Environment Minister Izabella Teixeira said the mud should spread out to sea in a length of 9 km. Residents of Regência and Povoação make their living from fishing and tourism, and had their activities hampered by the muddy water spreading through the sea.

On Friday (Nov. 20), to comply with the request of Linhares' city hall, Linhares Civil Court Judge Thiago Albani sentenced Samarco—company that owns the collapsed dam—to remove the buoys installed to contain the mud and reopen Rio Doce river mouth for the mud of tailings to dissipate in the sea. To issue the ruling, local environmental experts and agencies—like State Institute for Environment and Water Resources (IEMA)—were heard.

Mud flow directed to the sea

Samarco made a note stating that they are taking the measures proposed by the Public Prosecution Office, and technical agencies, in order to direct the mud flow to the sea and thus protect the flora and fauna from Rio Doce river mouth.

According to the note, the company is providing the equipment for raising a shoal to prevent the river flow to reach the sea. "Four machines are working 24 hours a day to excavate, supported by a dredger and pumps that help pumping the mud." Also according to the note, containment barriers are being installed between the river and the sea to protect the fauna and flora, without, however, preventing the flow of mud to reach the sea.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta

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