Tank in Brazil
- Name
- Tank in Brazil
- Accident date
- 05/05/1983
- Location
- Brazil
- Accident area
- São Paulo State
- Spill area
- Inland waters
- Cause of spill
- Collision
- Nature of pollutant
- Carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane
- Quantity spilled
- 500 m³
- Ship / structure type
- Storage tank
On 5th May 1983, a road tanker collided with a chemical storage tank, causing 500 m3 of chemicals (including carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, 1,2-dichloroethane and 1,1,2-trichloroethane) to be released into the Pinheirinho and Avecuia rivers in Brazil.
Impact
The accident occurred at a plant located on a plateau. The chemicals leaked into the two nearby rivers, Pinheirinho and Avecuia, which provide water for the municipality of Porto Feliz in the Brazilian State of Sao Paulo. Thorough testing was performed on a series of deep walls directly connected to the municipality's water supply. The company's main well was closed due to the high concentration of organic compounds detected. The streams and lakes on several farms were also contaminated. Fish mortality was reported on the banks of Pinheirinho River.
Response
The chemicals released were chlorinated solvents, which are heavier than water. When spilt in water, they sink without dissolving. Pumping operations began in the deep waters near the spillage area. In 5 days, 20 m3 of chemicals were recovered. Dredging operations removed a layer of between 0.5 and 1 metre of contaminated mud from the bottom of the lake.
Source:
- Hydrological aspects of accidental pollution of water bodies / World Meteorogical Organization, 1992, n°754, 208pages.
See also
1,2 dicholoroethane, Chemical response guide