Brazilian prosecutor's office suspends 240-MW wind park installation

Brazil's federal prosecutor's office known as MPF has received a preliminary injunction, described as urgent and provisional, to halt the installation processes for a 240-MW wind park in Maranhao state.

MPF made the move through a public civil action calling for the suspension of the preliminary and installation licensing processes granted to the project. The wind farm is planned to feature 40 wind turbines in the town of Arpoador, in the Parnaiba Delta Environmental Protection Area (APA).

According to the lawsuit, the location of the project is classified as a Community Use Zone (Zuco), where large-scale industrial activities, such as wind power generation, are not permitted.

In its decision, the 8th Federal Court of Maranhao ruled that granting the environmental licences was allegedly illegal, as they were issued without the presentation of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA/RIMA).

Furthermore, the installation of the wind farm was not duly authorised by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio). The judge responsible for the action noted the suspension is effective until the licensing is regularised.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!