Avaliação dos impactos ambientais e sociais de uma estação de tratamento de esgoto e estratégias de comunicação com a população

Abstract

Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) play an essential role in environmental protection and the promotion of public health, reducing water and soil pollution, preserving ecosystems, and preventing diseases. However, their implementation and operation can generate inconveniences such as noise and odors, and environmental impacts associated with construction and operation. This study analyzed documents related to the construction of the WWTP in the municipality of Bambuí, a project that has been started but not yet completed, with the aim of evaluating its environmental and social impacts, as well as the population's perception of the undertaking. The social perception survey, applied to 98 residents, showed that the majority are unaware of the destination of domestic sewage (55.1%), although they recognize the importance of completing the WWTP and its environmental and sanitary benefits. Participants cited local problems such as open sewers, bad smells, and irregular disposal into water bodies, reinforcing the urgency of improvements in basic sanitation. The municipality's communication was rated as weak or very weak by most respondents, and the main concerns regarding the future operation of the wastewater treatment plant involved odors, the presence of insects, and potential environmental impacts. The environmental impact assessment covered the construction and operation phases, identifying negative effects such as vegetation suppression, earthmoving, atmospheric emissions, noise, waste generation, and operational risks, as well as positive effects such as improved water quality, increased property values, and benefits to public health. Mitigation measures and actions to enhance positive results were proposed, including environmental education, greater transparency in management, academic partnerships, and the reuse of byproducts. It is concluded that the Bambuí wastewater treatment plant is environmentally sustainable, technically feasible, and socially necessary, provided it is accompanied by integrated environmental management, continuous monitoring, and community participation. It is an essential infrastructure for the sustainable development of the municipality.