The Companhia de Saneamento Básico do Estado de São Paulo (Sabesp) has been instructed to undertake environmental restoration efforts in the Tietê and Pinheiros rivers following the discovery of a hole caused by sewage leakage in the vicinity of the Atílio Fontana Bridge. This directive was announced by the Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (CETESB) and gives Sabesp a period of 180 days to carry out desilting operations in these rivers to mitigate environmental damages. The measures taken are primarily a response to significant pollution resulting from ongoing construction to upgrade a sewage collector in the affected area.

In addition to the desilting work, Sabesp is required to allocate R$ 1.5 million to the state climate fund, Finaclima SP, which is aimed at financing environmental restoration projects. This amount is said to be sourced from fines previously imposed on the company, underlining the heavy financial repercussions of their environmental mismanagement. The announcement of these compensatory measures comes as a significant step towards ensuring corporate accountability in environmental stewardship within São Paulo.

Sabesp has reportedly completed work on the interceptor responsible for the sewage leakage, although the area has undergone a series of construction activities since April of the previous year. The requirement for remedial actions emphasizes the importance of corporate responsibility and effective governance in addressing the impacts of urban development on the environment, as well as highlighting ongoing environmental issues in São Paulo’s waterways that require urgent attention and funding.