IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS DA RETIRADA INADEQUADA DE BARRO: ESTUDO SOBRE EROSÃO E DEGRADAÇÃO NA ESTRADA DO AEROPORTO, BAIRRO SANTA ETELVINA - SANTO ANTÔNIO DO IÇÁ/AM

Environmental impacts of improper clay extraction: a study of erosion and land degradation on Airport Road, Santa Etelvina neighborhood, Santo Antônio do Içá, Amazonas, Brazil.

Resumen

This article analyzes the environmental impacts resulting from the improper extraction of clay from an area located along Estrada do Aeroporto, in the Santa Etelvina neighborhood, in the municipality of Santo Antônio do Içá, Amazonas, Brazil. The study is justified by the need to understand the effects of this activity on the soil and local landscape, as well as to contribute to the planning of measures aimed at preventing, controlling, and restoring environmentally degraded areas. The main objective was to assess how clay extraction contributed to the development of erosive processes and environmental degradation in the area, considering technical, legal, environmental, and institutional aspects. The research is descriptive, adopts a qualitative approach, and was conducted as a case study. The methodological procedures included bibliographic and documentary research, field visits, direct observation, photographic records, a field diary, and a semi-structured interview with a representative of the municipal environmental agency. The results showed that clay extraction was carried out without adequate technical planning and without documentary evidence of environmental licensing, contributing to soil exposure and degradation, loss of vegetation cover, the formation of erosional features, slope instability, landscape alteration, and reduced natural regeneration capacity. Weaknesses were also identified in environmental inspection, land-use control, and the implementation of restoration measures. It is concluded that integrated actions involving environmental inspection, planning, erosion control, revegetation, and environmental education are necessary.