Santos-Guarujá tunnel project clears environmental hurdle ahead of auction

The Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo (Cetesb) issued the preliminary environmental license this Monday (August 11) for the Santos-Guarujá immersed tunnel. The approval confirms the project’s environmental feasibility and authorizes the advancement of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP), whose auction is scheduled for September 5 at the São Paulo Stock Exchange (B3).

“The future winning consortium will compete for the concession with the assurance of having initial environmental licensing already approved—an action that helps reduce risks and delays in the implementation of the project,” Cetesb said in a statement.

This initial license defines the environmental parameters that the consortium winning the auction must meet. It enables the future concessionaire to apply for the installation license (to commence construction) and subsequently the operating license (to initiate full tunnel operations).

During the technical review, Cetesb evaluated impacts on mangroves, noise, expropriations, conservation units, and effects on regional fauna and flora.

The future concessionaire will be responsible for submitting detailed environmental mitigation and compensation plans, as well as community engagement programs. Only after meeting these requirements will it be possible to obtain the licenses needed to begin construction.

The project
With an estimated investment of over R$6 billion, the project involves building an 870-meter tunnel beneath the port channel, connecting Santos and Guarujá. The structure will feature three lanes in each direction, including one lane for a Light Rail Vehicle (LRT), as well as pedestrian and cyclist access, and a service gallery.

According to the Environmental Impact Study and Report (EIA-Rima) presented in July 2024, the tunnel aims to resolve a longstanding mobility bottleneck between the two cities.

Currently, there are two main crossing options: the 43-kilometer route via the Cônego Domênico Rangoni Highway, used by commercial vehicles, with an average travel time of 60 minutes; and the ferry and barge system used by pedestrians, cyclists, and light vehicles, with crossing times ranging from 18 to 60 minutes depending on port operations.

The new connection is expected to ease pressure on the current crossing systems and improve the region’s logistical integration. The project is estimated to generate around 9,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

Consema
Before issuing the preliminary license, the State Environmental Council (Consema) approved Cetesb’s technical opinion in favor of the Santos-Guarujá tunnel project last Thursday.

The extraordinary meeting took place at the State Secretariat for the Environment, Infrastructure, and Logistics (Semil), in São Paulo.

Cetesb expressed support for the project last month after analyzing the EIA-Rima prepared by the Economic Research Institute Foundation (Fipe) and submitted by the State Secretariat for Investment Partnerships (SPI) last year.

The report concluded that the project’s socio-environmental balance is positive, noting that the tunnel is considered strategic for the Baixada Santista region, with direct effects on mobility, the economy, and quality of life.

Committee
During the Consema meeting that approved Cetesb’s technical opinion for the issuance of the tunnel’s preliminary license, held last Thursday (August 7), the council rejected the proposal to create a Permanent Regional Committee for Monitoring Environmental Impacts. The committee was proposed during the meeting by the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), based on a suggestion from the Santos Port Authority (APS). It would have included mechanisms for active public participation in the Baixada Santista region during the tunnel’s construction, ensuring shared management of impacts and conflict resolution. The APS has requested reconsideration.

Source: A Tribuna

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