Analysis of the socio-environmental impacts of an environmental disaster caused by a minining company in the city of Maceió, Brazil

Abstract

In mid-2018, several neighbourhoods in Maceió, Brazil, were affected by soil subsidence in the region. Since then, unprecedented developments and consequences have been observed in the affected areas. Against this backdrop, the study aims to analyses the socio-environmental impacts suffered by the five neighbourhoods affected by subsidence from rock salt extraction in the municipality of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. We collected secondary data from documents (Geological Survey studies, information made available by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office, Compensation Plan, Terms of Agreement, Socio-urban Action Plan, Environmental Impact Study, Study of the Economic Impact of the Disaster) to assess the socio-environmental impacts caused by the socio-environmental disaster. These data were analysed using Checklist, Interaction Matrix, and Delphi. The results highlight the complexity of the effects since they were observed from a multidisciplinary approach. In addition, it is clear that these impacts were relevant and important from the specialists' point of view and, when analysed quantitatively and qualitatively,such as impacts on identity and cultural aspects, change in standard of living, and overload in the provision of public facilities, which had a high degree of impact when evaluated in this study. The study also concluded that it is pertinent to take measures to mitigate the impacts indicated as possible through integration between public authorities and the mining company. Upon its completion, a technical product in the form of a document containing the identified mitigation measures was submitted to the competent authorities. These results can be relevant for practitioners and policymakers involved in decisions related to mining operations.