A gestão ambiental como instrumento de prevenção de passivos ambientais promovidos por atividades de revenda de combustíveis: Comparação entre os Estados de São Paulo e Paraíba./

Abstract

The contamination of soils and groundwater by petroleum derivatives, especially gasoline, has been increasingly frequent, making it one of the biggest environmental problems faced by the public power. One of the main sources of contamination is the leaks of fuels at storage and distribution stations. The contamination by gasoline is related with aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX), extremely toxic to human health, including presenting chronic toxicity even in small concentrations. In addition, the Brazilian laws are becoming increasingly restrictive, making necessary the continuous monitoring of high-risk areas. In the present study was done a brief description of how the activity of storage and resale of fuels may impact the environment in the event of a fuel leak, as well as a survey of existing legislation that deals with the theme of licensing and environmental management. In Brazil, the State of São Paulo was the pioneer in the management of their contaminated areas, being the Law Nº 13.577/2009 and the Decree Law Nº 59.263/2013 those responsible for setting the parameters necessary for the State to oversee and monitor these areas, as well as for those responsible accountable for the implementation of the identification process, research, risk assessment and the establishment of intervention measures. Meanwhile, many state organs of environment, including the state of Paraíba, are not adequately prepared to accompany the constant changes in environmental legislation, whether in the field of licensing, either in the management of contaminated areas.