Method for economic valuation of groundwaters impacted by contaminant activities in the state of São Paulo

Abstract

Groundwater has a remarkable importance for ecosystems, ensuring river flows and sustaining aquatic life, as well as on meeting various types of human needs. These waters have been deteriorating in the last decades, especially in urban areas, putting at risk their ecosystem functions and services. The procedures for the management of contaminated sites (GAC) in the state of São Paulo, described in the state Law 13577/2009 and its instruments, contribute to the improvement of environmental conditions and create safe conditions for land use. However, it is acknowledged that the actions foreseen in the GAC procedures do not result in the total extraction of contaminants from the environment, especially in groundwater, which leads to the creation of non-compliance with broader federal laws, which require full compensation of the environmental damages. This work aims to present a method for calculating the economic value of ecosystem services provided by groundwater and aquifers, serving as a parameter for the quantification of the full compensation of the environmental damage. The method implies the accomplishment of the calculation of groundwater volumes associated with the environmental problem, multiplied by a unit cost value of groundwater. The equations used to quantify water volumes are presented, as well as a discussion on the use of the unit values. The final result of this work, it is believed, is the creation of conformities between the State and Federal legislations that deal with the subject