Controversy over new agrochemicals deposits bill in Brazil

A bill introduced at the State Assembly of Rio Grande do Sul, the southern-most state of Brazil, has brought new controversy over agrochemicals deposits location. The new law proposes that the deposits facilities should be "independent of residency distance in rural, urban, commercial, and industrial zones".

 

The bill, which is currently analyzed by the Constitution and Justice Commission, was introduced by state representative Marlon Santos. Santos commented that the main worry should be the deposits instead of the packages of agrochemicals, which according to him "already have rigorous rules which should be enforced".

 

The State Foundation of Environmental Protection (Fepam) affirms that the proposal "is contrary to the criteria of environmental licensing used since 2003 for environment protection and protection of people resident near the agrochemical deposits". Marta Elisabeth Labres, chief of Agrochemical Licensing and Control Service, said the alteration would benefit "a few companies located near the residences".