The Vitória-Minas Railroad (EFVM) recently obtained Corrective Operating License 967/2010, issued by IBAMA, Brazil’s environmental regulator. The license, which is valid for five years, confirms that the railroad complies with rules established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA) to reduce and control environmental and social impacts.
A new resolution came into force in 2004 and, since then, Vale has been engaged in a process to adapt its environmental controls to the new requirements. The first step was to conduct a comprehensive survey of environmental issues and impacts along the course of the 905 km railroad. This study examined all of our operations and structures.
The information collected was used as the foundation for a Basic Environmental Plan (PBA), registered with IBAMA in 2008. In 2009 and 2010, IBAMA inspectors and analysts carried out various inspections along the route of the railroad and verified compliance with all legal requirements.
Challenges for 2011
Obtaining the license is a big environmental achievement for the railroad, which is 106 years old and crosses 40 municipalities in the states of Minas Gerais and Espírito Santo. The document reflects Vale’s commitment to preserving the environment.
Corrective Operating License 967/2010 establishes major challenges that EFVM must meet in 2011, including the creation of environmental management, water resource and waste programs, among others.