A recent inspection confirmed that sewerage is being dumped in the Tres Irmaos dam in Sao Paulo. The dam was built by the state electricity company - CESP who undertook to construct an alternative system to receive the sewerage from the town of Pereira Barreto. Planning permission was given for the construction of the dam because of the existence of this system in the plans. This trend which is becoming common in some states is beginning to worry many human rights organizations because in some instances with the installation of the barriers low income people are refused entry to such towns. Such ships present numerous hazards to human life and to the environment.
Some Brazilian ports have more rigid checks and have avoided the risks presented by such ships.
The number of deaths from cholera has almost doubled when 1993 and 1994 figures are compared for Rio de Janeiro even though the total number of people with the disease dropped significantly. The death rate in Sao Paulo is even higher. This region is the largest producer of milk in the State of sao Paulo. Such residues destined for recycling are also included. Radio active material will only be included in three months' time.