Government conducts inspection, finds out if fish deaths in Billings Reservoir are linked to pollution in SP

Department of Environment technicians analyze water and animal samples

On Wednesday 11th, the Department of Environment of the State of São Paulo conducted an inspection of the Billings Reservoir to investigate the causes of the death of hundreds of fish. The dead animals began to appear last Saturday, 7th.

• Get the latest news directly on WhatsApp! Subscribe to the Terra channel

The Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (Cetesb) took water samples and fish tissue to assess whether there is any relationship between the deaths and the increase in pollution affecting São Paulo and the metropolitan region.

To the EarthThe city of São Bernardo do Campo reported that Estoril Park, where the dam is located, opened normally this Wednesday, maintaining the suspension of water activities in the Billings reservoir until Cetesb presents the results of the examination carried out on the site. “The Administration also expects EMAE to present the actions that will be carried out for the cleaning of the reservoir, which is the responsibility of the State Government,” the statement reads.

On Sunday 8th the Guardia Civil Ambientale of the city was called to verify the incident. Since then the aquatic activities at the site have been suspended.

The Department of Environment, Infrastructure and Logistics (Semil) reports in a note that it carried out the inspection with Cetesb, Sabesp, the Metropolitan Water and Energy Company (Emae) and the Environmental Police on the morning of this Wednesday 11. It was decided to immediately begin cleaning the tank, which should be completed today.

“Cetesb technicians have conducted a new collection to assess the water quality at the site. The results of the analysis are expected in the coming weeks. As for the greenish color of the water in Billings, the most likely cause is an algae bloom, caused by low flow, excess nutrients and unfavorable weather conditions, a phenomenon that has also been observed in other basins and rivers,” Semil says.

According to Sabesp, the quality of the water in the Rio Grande basin, a branch separated from the body of the dam, remains unchanged, ensuring the drinkability of the water supplied.

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.