>Sao Paulo Metropolitan Beltway
The expressway encircling the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo is the largest and most complex urban transportation project in Brazil. When complete, it will cover approximately 174 kilometers, linking the 10 highways that radiate off the region. Its conclusion will take 15 to 20 years, according to a four phase plan, and will require investments in excess of US$ 10 billion. JGP has been involved with the project since its beginning in 1997 and was responsible for development of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) of all four phases.
The 1st phase, known as the Western Segment, was concluded in 2002. This is an 8 lane (4 x 2) expressway covering 32 kilometers and including seven major intersections and six tunnels (3 x 2).
JGP’s team was responsible for
preparation of the Western Segment’s ESIA during 1997-1998. This
required thorough evaluation of alternative alignments, extensive
negotiations with local governments (7 municipalities are intercepted)
and an all encompassing public disclosure and consultation program (7
Public Hearings and over 30 open public meetings were held). The segment
required involuntary resettlement of over 1,800 families in sub-normal
housing.
Subsequently, JGP’s team was responsible for development of the Environmental & Social Management Plans of the Western Segment, covering both construction and operation phases and leading to emission of the Environmental Installation License. This included preparation of impact control procedures, monitoring programs and contingency plans. A Resettlement Policy Framework and Preliminary Resettlement Action Plan were also prepared, establishing guidelines for the relocation projects necessary to host displaced irregular settlements.
In November 2003, JGP was awarded a contract for preparation of the ESIA on the 2nd Phase of the Beltway, which is the Southern Segment. This segment is 61 kilometers long and virtually all of its alignment intercepts the watersheds of some of São Paulo’s main water supply sources. Due to this, the permitting process was extremely complex and faced strong opposition from NGOs. Exhaustive alignment studies were conducted and over 20 alternatives were assessed.
Induced urbanization over watershed
protection areas, extensive earth movement adjacent to reservoirs,
relocation of irregular settlements and impacts on remaining natural
forests, are some of the critical issues tackled by JGP’s team in this
segment. Extensive public consultation took place involving 13 Public
Hearings, leading to a Preliminary Environmental License in February
2006.
Subsequently, JGP was responsible for detailing all construction phase Environmental and Social Management Plans and Monitoring Programs. Construction began in August 2006 and JGP was responsible for environmental supervision of one on the most critical segments (20 km). Before beginning of operations, JGP developed the operation phase Environmental and Social Management Plans.
In 2008 – 2009, JGP developed the ESIA of the Eastern Segment (3rd Phase) with 41 km. This phase includes three intersections and also required significant involuntary resettlement. The Preliminary Environmental License was issued in April 2010.
Finally, between January and September 2010, JGP developed the ESIA for the Northern Segment (4th and last Phase). This is 42 km long and includes 7 tunnel reaches. The alignment is inserted between the consolidated urban fabric of the Metropolitan Region and the limits of the Cantareira State Park. It requires clearing of over 120 hectares of Atlantic Forest (mata atlântica) and involuntary resettlement of over 2,500 families. After issuance of the Preliminary Environmental License, JGP was responsible for detailing all Environmental and Social Management Plans and Monitoring Programs. |
> OTHER LANDMARK PROJECTS
Imigrantes Highway Duplication Sao Paulo Metropolitan Beltway Social Action Plan for the Onca Puma Mining Project Socio-environmental assessments of non-wood forest product extraction in the Amazon Region Quinta da Baronesa residential development Comprehensive resettlement plan for irregular buildings in transmission line easements in central and southern Peru Environmental management system and supply chain environmental stewardship procedure, for a soybean and vegetable oil complex in the states of Mato Grosso and Amazonas Risk analysis and preliminary planning of emergency works in 23 irregular settlements in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo Implementation of environmental management and monitoring programs during construction of the Ourinhos hydroelectric plant |
