For over two months, the community of São Tomé de Paripe in Salvador's Subúrbio has been grappling with a severe environmental crisis. A contamination event, marked by yellow and blue stains on the sand and water, has rendered the local beach unusable for fishing and leisure. The pollution, linked to industrial activity at the nearby Terminal Itapuã, has introduced hazardous chemicals like nitrates and copper into the ecosystem, leading to dead marine life and significant health concerns for the approximately 600 families residing there.
The economic fallout has been immediate and devastating. The local association of fishermen and shellfish gatherers, representing around 1,200 professionals, reports that their primary livelihood has been completely disrupted. With the beach off-limits and public fear of contamination spreading, selling their catch at the traditional Feira de Paripe market has become nearly impossible. Many have been forced into alternative, informal work, such as collecting recyclable materials like cans and cardboard, just to survive. "This toxic product destroys everything," stated the association's president, Reinaldo Jorge Cirne, highlighting the desperation among his peers.
The impact extends beyond the fishing community. Beach vendors, barraqueiros (small stall owners), and other tourism-dependent workers have seen their income evaporate as visitor numbers have plummeted. Community leader Luiz Carlos Gonçalves Campos described the scene: "The beach itself has no movement at all. People used to come to sell their snacks, fish, beer, and cheese. These people are completely without any resources." In response, residents have organized small local events in neighborhood squares to provide a minimal income stream for these struggling vendors.
Investigations point to the Terminal Itapuã, currently managed by Intermarítima, as the source of the contamination. The state environmental agency, Inema, confirmed the presence of nitrates and copper and indicated the pollution is linked to the storage and handling of solid bulk materials at the terminal, which has been shut down since March. However, a blame game has ensued. Intermarítima denies responsibility, pointing to the previous operator, Gerdau. Gerdau, which sold the terminal in 2022, claims the new management is responsible and that technical analyses have not definitively proven the cause.
Amid this corporate dispute, the local population feels abandoned by the government. While the municipal government distributed basic food baskets in April, residents report a lack of sustained, effective action from state and federal authorities. They are particularly frustrated by the delay in a definitive technical report from Inema, which they see as a form of neglect. "Why hasn't the technical report from Inema been released? Even the Public Ministry is helping to request it," Cirne emphasized, underscoring the community's plea for accountability and support.
Health authorities have issued clear warnings about the risks. The Municipal Health Secretariat (SMS) has identified that the chemicals can cause dermatological and gastrointestinal problems. While health surveillance teams are monitoring the area and providing guidance, the beach has not been officially closed. Experts and officials strongly recommend that the population avoid any contact with the water and refrain from consuming fish or shellfish caught in the contaminated zone until further notice.
The case is now under multiple investigations, including by the Federal Police, which has opened a formal inquiry. The Public Ministry is also overseeing the situation. For the community of São Tomé de Paripe, the path to recovery remains unclear, hinging on the completion of these investigations and the implementation of concrete remediation and economic support measures. Based on reporting from g1.