The Amazon Environmental Protection Institute (Ipaam) imposed total fines of R$ 13.3 million due to atmospheric pollution in four cities in the state, covering the period between September and October 2026. In total, five notices were registered related to the improper burning of solid waste in the open in the localities of Manaus, Humaitá, Manacapuru, and Careiro.
The highest penalty, amounting to R$ 5.5 million, was applied on October 7, specifically in Industrial District 2 of Manaus, during the second phase of Operation Fire Alert. According to Ipaam information, the inspection detected the use of fire and its impacts on air quality, which included reports of respiratory discomfort and odors from residents in the area.
Some of the incidents occurred before the enforcement of State Decree No. 55.339, dated September 9, 2026, which established the prohibition of using fire in Amazonas for a period of 120 days.
Fines by municipality
Of the total amounts applied, R$ 7.5 million are associated with three fines related to the burning of solid waste in municipal landfills. In Manacapuru, located 68 kilometers from Manaus, the institute applied a fine of R$ 2.5 million on September 2, after finding the burning of debris in the open at the local dump.
In Humaitá, 590 kilometers from the capital, two fines of R$ 2.5 million each were issued on September 18 and 23. The inspections conducted confirmed the irregular burning of solid waste, resulting in the release of polluting gases into the atmosphere.
Additionally, in Careiro, situated 88 kilometers from Manaus, an inspection carried out on October 8, during the 12th stage of Operation Tamoiotatá 6, resulted in a fine of R$ 260 thousand for air pollution. Ipaam recorded reports of respiratory discomfort caused by odors in the region.
Environmental Inspection
Gustavo Picanço, president-director of Ipaam, stated that the objective of these notices is to hold those responsible accountable and reduce the damage of air pollution to the population, especially during the dry season. He emphasized that the Government of Amazonas, under the administration of Roberto Cidade, has intensified this inspection work, particularly during this dry period.
Marcelo Barroncas, Environmental Inspection Manager at Ipaam, detailed that the agency's activities include monitoring enterprises that have or are subject to environmental licensing, as well as investigating complaints and conducting operations to identify irregularities. When infractions are proven, the institute has the prerogative to apply fines and implement other administrative actions, such as embargoes and closures, depending on the severity of the case and current environmental legislation.
Barroncas clarified that the scope of action goes beyond imposing fines, as the inspection also aims to prevent environmental damage and stop illegal practices from continuing to affect air quality. The resources collected from these infraction notices are destined for the State Environmental Fund (Fema), which is managed by the State Secretariat of the Environment (Sema).
How to report
The public can report possible environmental infractions under Ipaam's jurisdiction via WhatsApp, using the number (92) 98557-9454. For active fire situations requiring immediate intervention, the Military Fire Department of Amazonas must be contacted at phone number 193.