New Drainage System Reinforces Initiatives to Stabilize the Mutange Slope

- The network will use polyethylene pipes, which are more durable and tailored to the soil characteristics of the region.
Maceió, September 20, 2024 - A new and modern drainage system is under implementation in the Mutange Slope region. The initiative is part of the package of soil stabilization measures adopted by Braskem. The objective is to ensure that rainwater follows the natural flow of runoff to the Mundaú Lagoon without overloading the naturally unstable soil on the slope. The new network complements the Mutange Slope stabilization project, which includes earthmoving, construction of drainage stairs and planting of vegetation cover.
The Socio-Environmental Agreement signed in December 2020 by the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) and Braskem, with the participation of the State Public Prosecutor's Office (MPE) and the Municipality of Maceió, includes measures to stabilize the soil in vacant areas.
Innovation
The technical definitions of the drainage project were based on data collected over two years at the meteorological station installed in the region, combined with historical information. Drawing on references, a customized solution was developed that considers specific soil conditions and rainfall volumes, determining the most suitable dimensions, materials, and types of piping.
The new system will have two High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes, each almost one meter in diameter, installed in parallel. These pipes will extend from the highest region of Pinheiro to the slope base, in Mutange, where they will connect to an energy dissipation box, equipment responsible for reducing the speed at which water reaches the lake.
The HDPE offers greater strength and flexibility, making the network safer and more durable compared to traditional pipes made of concrete. This solution also reduces the risk of network rupture and was designed to withstand larger volumes of water.
Safety
The pipes will be installed using the directional drilling method, which is faster and safer than traditional excavations for installing concrete pipes. Drilling will reach depths of up to 27 meters in some sections. This method ensures greater safety for the workers involved and preserves the integrity of the soil.
Four hundred meters of 90-cm diameter pipes will be installed in the upper part and approximately 700 meters with a diameter of 70 cm on the Mutange Slope. An additional system, with 1.4-meter diameter pipes and approximately 100 meters long, will connect this network to Lagoa Mundaú.
The new network is anticipated to be installed within six months, half the time required compared to traditional methods involving concrete structures. Completion of the work is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025.
Commitments to Maceió
Since 2019, the company has been implementing a series of initiatives and programs, in accordance with agreements signed with authorities, aimed at addressing, mitigating, and compensating for the impacts of soil subsidence.
The drainage works in the Pinheiro neighborhood are part of commitment 3, encompassing efforts to stabilize and continuously monitor soil conditions in affected areas. To learn more about our Commitments to Maceió, visit https://www.braskem.com.br/compromissosmaceio.