Companies are at risk when they operate without environmental license

The guidelines for the execution of environmental licenses are in She 6.938/81 and in conama nº resolutions 001/86 and nº 237/97. It was recently published Complementary law n. 140/2011which shows the state and federal competence for licenses, according to the position of the company.

Although they are essential, many companies and industries operate without environmental licenses, being subject to various risks. This article aims to warn entrepreneurs who can be penalized by the unknown of the legislation and the consequences of their non -compliance.

Risk of environmental damage

Many industrial or solid liquid waste generated in productive activities are toxic and dangerous. Early storage or disposal causes changes to the characteristics of the soil and water, pollute and contaminate the environment.

End and prison

In an inspection, whether the company is devoid of environmental license or with expired document, if there is also a discovery of risk or proof of contamination for the correct non -disagreement of the waste generated by the company, it is penalized with fines and its guardians can be arrested. It is important to underline that it is not only companies that carry out the storage and disposal of liquid waste, our specialty, but every company capable of polluting the environment in general.

We separated some news that show what we are talking about. The State Environmental Protection Foundation (Fepam), for example, fined $ 40,000 for the Cruzeiro do on the (AC) industry for the launch of biological effluents in Sampaio Arroio, causing the death of over 500 fish. The cause was the organic product generated by the production of bone flour. The company was allowed to evade solid waste in the ground, in a reforestation area, since the material is biodegradable and acts as a fertilizer, but the environmental license was late and did not refer to the launches in the water. This factor is served by aggravating factor to determine the amount of fine.

Another example is the fine of R $ 310,000 imposed by Ibama agents in two mining companies and three sawmills due to the lack of environmental licenses, in the municipalities of Nova Venécia, Vila Pavão and Barra de São Francisco, in Espírito Santo. The companies worked without authorization from the competent environmental state agency. Also seized blocks and granite sheets, compressors and machines.

The last example went beyond the fine and came to the criminal conviction. The Miriri distillery had to pay a fine of $ 500 thousand, in addition to reimburseing the environmental damage caused by the creation of shrimp in the mangrove area, within the Environmental Conservation Area of ​​Barra do Rio Mamanguape (PA). The work was carried out without a license or authorization of the environmental agency. The owners of the company were also sentenced to two years and six months in prison, based on law 9.605/98. The penalty was replaced by the supply of services to the community and providing five basic baskets per week during the period.

According to the regional prosecutor of the Republic Fábio George Cruz da Nóbrega, only the fact that the company works without environmental license is already a crime.

Risk of public health damage

In addition to contaminating water and soil, the life present in the rivers and in the earth is compromised and, consequently, this interferes with the health of the human being, which when consuming water, food and fish can be contaminated by diseases and even deaths, in more serious cases. If you want to know more, we have already written on diseases caused by contaminated water, take a look at the article «Know the diseases caused by the «non -trapping» of wastewater«.

Risk of damage to the company’s image

Sustainability and environmental assistance are differential already recognized by customers. They are increasingly worried about the environment and begin to give preference to companies that take care of environmental impacts of your business. More information on the subject in the article «Companies are more aware when they treat effluents«Where we mention the example of the cosmetic producer Natura which today is one of the largest companies in the country and has created a strong brand regarding sustainable actions.

As we have seen, the consequences are very serious and it is not worth taking risks. Often the «economic» is expensive. Do you have other cases to share with us? In your opinion, what are the risks of being without an environmental license?

If you need help with the Effluent treatment generated in your company, trade or residence or a place for the destination of organic waste For composting contact us. We will present our solutions and clarify all your doubts involving the topic:

News mentioned in the article:

¹ – Fine Fepam in $ 40 thousand company for the death of fish in the Taquari Valley

² – Operation in the North – MoVest of Espírito Santo Mining Endless Environmental Licenses

³ – The distillery is ordered to pay a fine of $ 500 thousand