Waimiri Atroari Reserve has an extension of 123 kilometers and is located between the states of Roraime and Amazonas Valéria Oliveira/g1/Archive The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and the National Mining Agency (ANM) defined an inspection to verify possible environmental impacts on rivers in the Waimiri-Atroari Indigenous Land, in Amazonas. The inspection should take place in June and will analyze structures at Mineração Taboca S.A., in Presidente Figueiredo, following reports of changes in water quality and animal deaths in the region. The investigation is investigating possible damage to the Jacutinga stream and the Tiaraju and Alalaú rivers, which cross the indigenous land. The suspicion is that the operations of the Pitinga industrial unit may be related to the impacts reported by residents and indigenous leaders. The inspection was defined during a meeting held on May 29, in Manaus, between MPF ​​representatives and ANM technicians. The agency said it will carry out an inspection of the project's structures and drainage system. 📲 Join the g1 AM channel on WhatsApp According to the MPF, the inspection will be carried out during the dry period to assess the conditions of the structures before the period of more intense rain. After the inspection, ANM must send a technical report to the agency within 15 days. Now on g1 Investigation began after complaints The investigation began after complaints filed by the Waimiri-Atroari Community Association (ACWA). Leaders reported changes in the color and flavor of the water, in addition to the death of fish, manatees and chelonians. Cases of allergies and skin problems have also been reported in residents who have had contact with the rivers. Mineração Taboca was previously notified to present information and technical documents about the operation. At the time, in a statement, the company stated that it was an initial stage of investigation and that there was no technical proof of a relationship between the company's activities and the facts reported. With the new stage of the investigation, the company reported that it was notified about an inspection by the National Mining Agency, related to the agency's procedures and the ongoing investigation by the MPF-AM. The mining company stated that it considers the action legitimate and that it continues to collaborate with the authorities, providing information and access to structures. Taboca also said that it responded to the Federal Public Ministry within the established deadline and reiterated that there is, to date, no causal or technical relationship between its operations and the facts reported. According to the company, recent monitoring of water quality in points linked to areas of interest to communities showed parameters within the limits set out in environmental legislation. Reports indicate the presence of metals Reports produced by the company Aqua Viridi Microalgas Serviços Ambientais Ltda., hired by ACWA, identified the presence of metals such as aluminum, lead and mercury in points of the rivers and streams analyzed. According to the MPF, the studies showed concentrations above the limits set by Brazilian legislation in some points. The agency reported that it is seeking support from specialized institutions to deepen the analyzes and identify the origin of the metals found. "If the mining company's current containment system is insufficient for the region's climate regime, the company has a legal duty to adapt its infrastructure to prevent the continuation of environmental damage", stated the public prosecutor André Luiz Porreca Ferreira Cunha, head of the case. During the meeting, the National Mining Agency reported that it does not have its own laboratory structure to carry out analyzes capable of differentiating natural sources from sources caused by human activities. Therefore, the MPF suggested partnerships with institutions such as the National Institute of Criminalistics (INC) of the Federal Police, the Center for Mineral Technology (Cetem) or the Geological Survey of Brazil (SGB). Contact with contaminated water increases the risk of illness during floods in AM Possible measures The ANM inspection report will be used by the MPF to evaluate the next measures in the case. If irregularities are identified, the body may take administrative and judicial measures. The investigation is conducted by the 2nd Western Amazon Office of the MPF, responsible for cases related to mining and environmental protection in the states of Amazonas, Acre, Roraima and Rondônia.