Ponta Grossa City Hall Completes Sediment Removal from Olarias Lake
Closure of gates marks the completion of intervention stages, which removed approximately 50,000 cubic meters of sediments and also included the installation of ecological structures, landscaping and improvements in different areas of the complex.
The Prefeitura de Ponta Grossa completed, on Friday (13), all stages of the works of desassenting of the Lake of Olarias. At the end of the afternoon, the first floodgates were closed, allowing the beginning of the gradual recomposition of the water level. The expectation is that next week, the lake will be full again, presenting a new landscape and environmental configuration.
The intervention, carried out over eight months, according to the timetable released in March, removed approximately 50,000 cubic meters of accumulated sediments at the bottom of the lake. The work aimed to recover the hydraulic capacity of the reservoir, contribute to the improvement of environmental conditions and strengthen the drainage function performed by the space in the region of Olarias.
The prefeita Elizabeth Schmidt highlights that the completion represents an important moment for the city and for the preservation of one of its main living spaces.
"Today is a very special day for Ponta Grossa. The Lake of Olarias begins to fill again, and this represents much more than seeing the water coming back. It was months of necessary, planned and large-scale work to recover the capacity of the lake, improve drainage conditions and care for the meio ambiente. We are looking to the present, but also to the future of our city, so that this space continues to fulfill its environmental function and being a meeting place, leisure and quality of life for families," he says.
Ecological structures and environmental recovery
In addition to the removal of sediments, the project contemplated the implantation of ecological cells of sedimentological control and an ecological and landscape island, planned to expand and diversify the habitats available to the fauna.
For the conformation of these structures, approximately 17,000 cubic meters of material were used. About 700 cubic meters of rachão, rocky material used in the containment of the cells and the island, were also used.
These structures integrate the new lake configuration and are part of the measures aimed at sediment control and environmental diversification of the reservoir.
The Lake of Olarias is inserted in a park with a total area of approximately 160,7 thousand square meters, of which about 93,2 thousand square meters correspond to the water mirror. The extension between the entrance and the dump is approximately 500 meters, a dimension that helps to demonstrate the amplitude of the operation carried out.
Operation mobilized municipal equipment and teams
The execution required a large operational structure, with the mobilization of 19 equipment: six hydraulic excavators of 13 tons, a hydraulic excavator of 20 tons, six trucks-hunting, a backhoe, two mini-excavators and three mini-loaders.
The team directly involved brought together 18 professionals, including the manager, operators of excavators, backhoe loaders, mini-excavators and mini-loaders, as well as tax officers, manager and coordination of the work.
The work directly involved three municipal secretariats: Meio Ambiente, Infrastructure and Public Services, with design and permanent action of the Municipal Secretariat of Meio Ambiente.
Landscaping and improvements throughout the complex
The City Council is also carrying out a series of interventions of zelatoria, maintenance and landscaping, with the aim of valuing the environment and improving the experience of those who frequent the Lake of Olarias.
The survey of the landscaping team records the planting of 223 trees and 4,242 shrubs, in addition to the implementation of approximately 4 thousand square meters of grass. Among the tree species are yellow ipes, thimbles, cherry trees, pittans, spruce, cedars, cow's paws and guabirobas. Landscaping has also received different ornamental species, such as agapanthus, lyriopes, dianelas, azaleas and bougainvilleas.
The landscaping program also provides for a new planting stage between November 16 and 19, with more 6,224 units of trees, shrubs and ornamental plants, including cherry trees, bushes, viburnums, imperial palms, yellow-peas, agapanthus and lyropes.
The improvements also reached the spaces of coexistence and leisure. The services of stewardship and maintenance of the public areas, revitalization of the outdoor gym, painting of benches and decks, care of flower beds and signs, as well as the installation of a space for photos and drinking fountains for people and pets.
The sports courts and the pet park also received improvements, expanding the care with different environments used daily by the population.
The mayor emphasizes that the intervention was designed to look at the Lake as a whole, considering both its environmental function and the importance for the daily life of the residents.
"The Lake of Olarias is an affective heritage of our city. It is where people walk, do physical activities, walk with their family, meet friends and enjoy nature. So our work wasn't limited to the bottom of the lake. We also take care of the landscape, the trees, the gardens, the equipment and the living spaces. We want to provide the population with an even more beautiful, welcoming and prepared environment to welcome everyone,” said Elizabeth.
An important space for the city
More than one of the main postcards of Ponta Grossa, Lake Olarias plays a relevant role in the urban and environmental structure of the region. The recovery of its hydraulic capacity contributes to the functioning of the drainage system and to the reduction of risks and impacts related to the accumulation of rainwater.
With the closing of the gates and the gradual return of the water level, the population will be able to follow the new configuration of the space, the result of an intervention that brought together engineering, environmental recovery, landscaping and stewardship.
"To take care of Ponta Grossa is also to do the interventions that do not always appear immediately, but which are fundamental for the future of the city. Disabling, environmental structures, planting and revitalizing spaces are part of the same commitment: to preserve our public spaces and offer more quality of life for people. Now, with the lake filling up again, everyone will be able to realize this result even more. And we want the people to also do their part, helping to preserve this place that belongs to everyone," concludes the mayor.
