While most of people's attention in Brazil was turned to the tragic floods in Santa Catarina, another environmental disaster struck the country, this time in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On November 18, a leak of deadly endosulfan pesticide into the Pirapetinga river, a tributary of Paraíba do Sul River, killed thousands of fish - over 80 tonnes - in Resende and other neighboring cities. The incident also caused the interruption of the water supply for 7 cities in the area. The tragedy was worsened by the fact that it happened during breeding season for many species, some of which are under threat of extinction. Cintia Sibucs [pt] says that apart from fish, she was sad to see also dead water hogs and even birds:
By seeing the quantity of dead fish and animals, we can say that some ten years or more will be necessary to restore life back to what it was before. Endosulfan, a chemical used to make insecticides, is used by this company in Resende. The accident has generated even more inconvenience because the water and sewer services have stopped getting water [from the rivers] for a few days, leaving the population on alert.
Servatis received a R$ 33 million fine (about US$ 13.3 million), which will be disputed by the company [pt], and a 20 day suspension penalty. It has resumed operations today, December 9th, in all departments apart from endosulfan production.
The apparatus for environmental patrol when it comes to the pursuit of measures to control and ban fishing (actually necessary), has proved to be effective in curbing infractions committed by fishermen and people who rely on this activity, and who usually occupy the bottom of our social pyramid… On the other hand, when it comes to extending this efficiency to entrepreneurs and industry onwers, who exploit economic activities that bring serious risks to the ecosystem in which they are inserted, our environmental bodies demonstrate a shameful leniency and inefficiency… The right to property and free enterprise can not override the right to life… Well, at least it should not…
Taken from: Global Voices
4 comments:
..but it does, almost every time.
What's up with giving the number of fish dead in kilograms?
They're not Life, then, they're just meat, eh?
Love,
Terri
hmmmmm perhaps .... i would imagine it's too big for people ...
like 1 dead is a tragedy, 1000000 dead is a statisic :(
But i do believe that kind of company IS a legitimate target, nay we are BOUND by our conscience to attack that corporation with everything we have.
And who backs that company?
You'll find politicians behind every large company in the world.*
It makes it so much easier to murder the world when the state goes easy on you on account of its interest.
Love,
Terri
* with the possible exception of Bolivia. Some of her politicians actually aren't comapany shareholders.
Long live Evo Morales.
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