Hydraulic embankments on water bodies in Brazil:

legal framework and environmental, social and economic implications

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.26767/colquio.23.4328

Keywords:

Urban expansion, Environmental legislation, River basin, Urban sustainability

Abstract

The rapid and disorderly growth of Brazilian cities has driven the use of hydraulic landfills as an urban expansion strategy, causing profound environmental, social, and economic transformations. This study analyzed current legislation on hydraulic landfills in water bodies, as well as their consequences, through a review of scientific literature, technical documents, and environmental standards. The results indicate that, despite the existence of instruments such as the National Environmental Policy, the Water Law, the City Statute, and CONAMA resolutions, there is no specific and comprehensive regulation for hydraulic landfills, generating legal uncertainty and the application of regulations indirectly or by analogy. In the environmental field, it was found that such works intensify soil impermeability, reduce water infiltration, contribute to siltation, biodiversity loss, and aquatic pollution. Socially, they foster irregular occupations and urban inequalities, while economically, they result in losses related to flooding and sanitation costs. It is concluded that the absence of a specific and cohesive legal framework compromises the adequate management of this practice, and it is recommended that specific regulations be created that consider the technical risks and multidimensional impacts of hydraulic landfills, in order to guide public policies aimed at sustainable urban development.

Author Biographies

Luana do Nascimento Dias, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

 

 

PhD candidate in Development and Environment (PRODEMA - UFMA), Master’s degree holder in Development and Environment (PRODEMA - UFMA), Bachelor’s degree in Oceanography (UFMA), and researcher at the Environmental Sciences and Planning Laboratory (LACPLAM), with experience in projects focused on the analysis and interpretation of environmental data. Works with geoprocessing and remote sensing applied to the processing, organization, and spatial analysis of geographic information, with emphasis on thematic mapping and environmental area monitoring. Conducts research and technical activities related to environmental monitoring and the assessment of the quality of coastal and marine ecosystems, contributing to environmental diagnostics, impact identification, and support for the sustainable management of natural resources. Has experience in topics related to environmental impact mitigation, environmental planning, and the analysis of territorial transformations associated with land use and land cover change. Possesses knowledge and experience in environmental legislation, environmental public policies, restoration of degraded areas, and support for environmental and socio-environmental studies, integrating technical and socio-spatial analyses to support conservation actions and environmental management.

 

Alef Fontinele Teixeira, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

PhD candidate in Development and Environment (PRODEMA/UFMA), Master’s degree holder in Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation (UEMA), postgraduate student in Environmental Auditing, Expertise, and Licensing Management (Faculdade Líbano), and Bachelor’s degree holder in Oceanography (UFMA). Intern at the Ichthyology and Fisheries Resources Laboratory of the Federal University of Maranhão (2016–2017). Member of the Biomarkers in Aquatic Organisms Laboratory at the State University of Maranhão (2019–2021). CAPES Master’s scholarship recipient for two years (2019–2021). Technical Support Assistant at the Ichthyology and Fisheries Resources Laboratory of the Federal University of Maranhão (2022–2025). Currently a researcher at the Center for Coastal Environmental Studies and Planning (NEPAC - UFMA).

       

Marina Rocha de Carvalho, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

I hold a degree in Oceanography from Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) and a Master’s degree in Development and Environment, with an emphasis on the study of microplastics in fish species consumed in Maranhão. My master’s research addressed a critical issue for environmental and human health, with significant relevance to the conservation of marine ecosystems and food security.

Currently, I am an intern at Secretariat of State for the Environment and Natural Resources of Maranhão (SEMA-MA), where I contribute to the implementation of projects and initiatives focused on environmental preservation and the sustainable management of natural resources in the state. In addition, I have experience in administrative management and human resources, having worked as an Administrative Assistant and Human Resources Assistant technician.

I am fluent in English, have intermediate knowledge of Korean and Spanish, and basic knowledge of French, which enables me to work in multicultural environments and collaborate on international projects.

       

Paula Verônica Campos Jorge Santos, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

Professor at Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA) in the Oceanography program, coordinator of the DAPPA Research and Study Group (Environmental Law and Public Environmental Policies), focused on coastal regions, especially the characterization of socio-environmental dynamics. She holds a PhD in Biodiversity and Biotechnology (BIONORTE-UFMA), a Master’s degree in Environmental Law and Public Policies (UNIFAP), a specialization in Environmental Management, Auditing, and Expertise, and a specialization in Environmental Education with an emphasis on fishing communities. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Sciences (UFMA).

She has worked with hydrology, climate analysis, environmental planning, environmental impact analysis and monitoring, and the development of projects and programs related to socio-environmental interests. She worked for 10 years with environmental management and regulatory compliance for public works projects in the coastal region of Maranhão. Currently, her research focuses on coastal communities and the characterization of socioeconomic activities.

Leonardo Silva Soares, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

He holds a degree in Aquatic Sciences from Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), a Master’s degree in Ecosystem Sustainability (UFMA), a PhD in Development and Environment through the PRODEMA Network, and a postdoctoral degree in Environmental Planning and Landscape Geoecology from Federal University of Ceará (UFC).

He is a professor at Federal University of Maranhão, serving in the coordination of the Oceanography undergraduate program. In graduate education, he is a permanent faculty member in the PhD Program in Development and Environment (PRODEMA Network), the Master’s Program in Development and Environment (UFMA), and the Master’s Program in Health and Environment (UFMA).

He founded and coordinates the Laboratory and Research Group in Environmental Sciences and Planning (LACPLAM/UFMA), the PROLITORAL Research Network, and the Coastal Governance School (ESCOGERCO).

In university administration, he served as Dean of Student Affairs at UFMA from 2019 to 2023 and currently serves as Vice-Rector of UFMA for the 2023–2027 term. He is also a member of the University Council (CONSUN), the Teaching, Research, and Extension Council (CONSEPE), and the Administrative Council (CONSAD), with continuous participation since 2019.

He has experience in Environmental Sciences and interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on Watershed Management, Coastal Management, and the Integrated Assessment of Socio-Environmental Impacts. He currently serves as a council member of the Reserva Extrativista da Baía de Tubarão, managed by Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio).

Antonio Carlos Leal de Castro, Universidade Federal do Maranhão

He holds a degree in Agronomic Engineering from the Federation of Higher Schools of Maranhão (1977), a specialization in Oceanography from the Oceanographic Institute of the University of São Paulo (1984), a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of São Paulo (1991), and a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Sciences from the University of São Paulo (1994).

He is currently a Full and Emeritus Professor at the Federal University of Maranhão, affiliated with the Department of Oceanography and Limnology. He has experience in the field of Ecology, with an emphasis on Applied Ecology, mainly working on the following topics: Fish Population Dynamics, Fish Biology and Ecology, Numerical Ecology, and Fishery Resources.

He also works in the area of Integrated Environmental Assessment, with emphasis on Environmental Impacts, Planning, and Monitoring, as well as in the field of Environmental Quality and Sustainability, focusing on Environmental Health and Sanitation Indicators.

In addition, he serves as a permanent faculty member in the Graduate Programs in Development and Environment (Master’s and Doctoral levels) and Health and Environment (Master’s level).

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2026-08-06

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Vol. 23 No. 1, jan./dez. (2026): fluxo contínuo

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