ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF A CHARCOAL PLANT: A CASE STUDY

DIAGNÓSTICO AMBIENTAL DE UMA CARVOARIA: UM ESTUDO DE CASO

Abstract

The production of charcoal is a traditional activity carried out on small rural properties in several cities in the state. The activity has economic and cultural importance because, in addition to being an important source of income for several families, it also represents a traditional heritage, as the transfer of knowledge is intergenerational. However, the increase in demand for charcoal due to urban expansion, associated with the technological deficiency of production methods, has been causing health problems in the surrounding communities. Each beehive furnace generates an average of 600 kg of pyrolysis vapours per day, which are released into the atmosphere. Empirical efforts to reduce negative impacts, such as the combination of burners in ovens, have shown limited results. This paper presents a case study carried out in a charcoal plant in the city of Ivoti, in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The objective was to identify the most significant environmental aspects of the activity on the property, propose alternative technologies and structure an action plan to reduce the impacts of charcoal production.