The state environmental agency, Instituto Água e Terra (IAT), imposed a R$ 280,000 fine on Companhia de Saneamento do Paraná (Sanepar) for environmental damage caused by sewage overflow at the Ventão Waterfall in Umuarama, located in northwestern Paraná. This decision comes after a series of complaints regarding the sewage discharge into the Córrego do Veado. The fine reflects the serious nature of the infraction committed by Sanepar, which was communicated to the public on Monday, October 23.

The incident was investigated during an on-site inspection conducted by the IAT on October 20, following reports of the sewage spillage. On the same day, Sanepar acknowledged a technical failure at the Guarani Sewage Pumping Station that occurred on October 17, leading to raw sewage overflow into the existing stormwater drainage system. The company clarified their operational procedures, stating that discharges of wastewater are not part of standard operations for the pumping unit involved in the incident.

In light of this incident, Sanepar has stated that technical teams are working to address the issues and to ensure that such occurrences are prevented in the future. The environmental impact of the overflow on local ecosystems and water quality is a significant concern, as it affects not only the aesthetic and recreational value of the waterfall but also poses risks to local biodiversity and public health, highlighting the need for stringent oversight on sewage management.