Soccer

WILL IT CAUSE A PROBLEM FOR THE FLAMENGO STADIUM? GASOMETER SOIL IS CONTAMINATED

The site, which functioned as a gas storage and distribution center for a long time, never underwent complete decontamination and the degree and types of contaminants that currently exist are unknown.

10 Jul 2024 | 13:51 |

From 1895 until 2005, the Rio de Janeiro Gasometer area, where Flamengo wants its football stadium to be built, functioned as a gas storage and distribution center. Because of this, the soil on the land was contaminated, especially in cases of pipe leaks during the period of most intense activity. The document released by Rio City Hall this Tuesday (07/09) shows that the degree and type of contamination at the site are still unknown.

At the beginning of it all, in 1895, gas was produced from the burning of mineral coal. In 1911, being considered the largest in the world in this type of production, the Rio Gasometer operated to supply 180 thousand cubic meters of gas per day.

Some academic works observed this issue of soil contamination in the region of Gasometer. Among them is that of Mariana Velasco Gomes de Almeida, who wrote her master's thesis “Contamination of port areas — a case study in the port of Rio de Janeiro”, in the Postgraduate Program in Urban and Environmental Engineering at PUC-Rio . In the text, presented in 2015, Mariana highlighted that the first geoenvironmental studies were carried out in the area in 1997.

Five years later, in 2002, new studies were carried out that detected chemicals such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene in the field and xylenes; Hydrocarbons; lead, copper, nickel, arsenic, mercury and cyanide. All above the acceptable quantity.

“It is not known for sure how this waste was disposed of on the land, that is, if it was placed in a specific place or if it was just left in direct contact with the soil at the site. “, emphasizes Mariana Velasco in her research.

In 2011, the State Environmental Institute (Inea) diagnosed the space as a Contaminated Area under Investigation (ACI). The following year, the land passed to the Porto Region Urban Development Company (CDURP). Subsequently, in 2013, another decontamination plan was presented. But it was not implemented. In Inea's processes, it does not appear that the area is suitable for changing land use and occupation.

Last minute

Soccer

Rossi preaches focus on Flamengo despite dreaming of playing for the Argentine national team

The goalkeeper doesn't deny that reaching the current world champion is a goal, but says it's necessary to keep his head in his work at Mengão

Rossi doesn't deny his dream of wearing the Argentine national team shirt, but he urges focus on Flamengo - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

16 Set 2025 | 22:00 |

In a press conference at Ninho do Urubu, goalkeeper Agustín Rossi spoke about his desire to be called up to the Argentina national team , the current world champion. Despite his dream, the goalkeeper made it clear that his priority remains Flamengo.

Rossi on his dream of joining the Argentine national team: "My job is for Flamengo"

"Obviously, I've always wanted to be called up. I think Brazilian football is very strong, not only in South America, but worldwide as well. In the last call-up, there were players from here. But I'm not thinking about that right now . I think that if I do my job well, that call-up could come," Rossi stated.

TOTAL FOCUS ON FLAMENGO

The Argentine stressed that he keeps his feet on the ground and that his main goal is to continue showing consistency for the Rubro-Negro , who have the best defense in the Brasileirão, conceding only 10 goals in 22 games. At Maracanã, the Mais Querido conceded only three goals.

"I'm in no rush, because my job is for Flamengo , day to day, game to game. My biggest focus is to maintain this streak so that the call-up can come. Of course I have that desire, but I don't treat it as a requirement . I'm Flamengo's goalkeeper, I'm responsible for Flamengo. If the call-up comes, I'll welcome it," he added.

INCOME AND TITLES WITH THE MANTLE

Since joining Flamengo in 2023, Rossi has already won four titles. Last season, he was a key player in the undefeated Carioca Championship and also played in the Copa do Brasil victory. In 2025, he maintained his starting spot in the Supercopa do Brasil and the Campeonato Estadual . In total, he has represented Flamengo in 125 official matches, establishing himself as a pillar of the team.

WILL IT CAUSE A PROBLEM FOR THE FLAMENGO STADIUM? GASOMETER SOIL IS CONTAMINATED