Challenges of adapting to environmental issue in cold storages in the city of São Luís, Maranhão: situation diagnosis

The present study was performed in order to make a diagnosis of the challenges of adapting to environmental issue in cold storages in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. For this study, interviews were conducted and samples of liquid effluent were collected from three cold storages that slaughter cattle in the period from September to December 2012. We also evaluate the actions undertaken and the company's position regarding environmental issues. Te environmental impacts of cattle slaughter in São Luís, Maranhão, involve a number of issues, especially the incorrect storage and transportation of solid waste, high dependence on water, wastewater emissions in disagreement with the current legislation and the release of aversive odors. From the interviews, it was possible to notice that the main limitations of the company for its environmental sustainability are not to value the environment and the lack of a leadership to defense and disseminate this matter. Tus, we conclude that the cold storages in São Luís, Maranhão, are not concerned with keeping their production process without harming the environment.