Curtiembre San Benito

Impacto de las curtiembres localidad de San Benito
Environmental issues
Mateo Cárdenas
Ximena Hamón
Nathalia Osorio
Juan Pablo Ospina
Jorge Solano
Diego Ruiz
Universidad Sergio Arboleda
Escuela Internacional de Administración y Marketing
17 noviembre 2019
Bogotá Dc
1 CONVENIO 014 DE 2006 DAMA – UNISABANA. Informe Final. El Cid Litografía y Cía. S.A., Bogotá, 2007, p. 19. 2.
2.SECRETARIA DISTRITAL DE AMBIENTE SDA. Diagnóstico final de la cadena productiva del cuero en San Benito. Bogotá, D.C., 2008, p. 55
1-6 Propuesta de Producción Más Limpia –PML– en las curtiembres de San Benito, más «amigable» con el ambiente. Avances y propuestas actuales hacia su
implementación”.
SECRETARIA DISTRITAL DE AMBIENTE., Diagnostico final de la cadena productiva del cuero en San Benito, Bogotá. 2008.
SECRETARIA DISTRITAL DE AMBIENTE. Proyecto “Estudio de factibilidad para la Planta Centralizada de Pelambre y Curtición San Be
Abstract
This paper aims to analyze the different socio-environmental problems generated by the tanneries
in the SAN BENITO neighborhood in the south-west of the city of Bogotá, we want to present the
different techniques used for the processing of skins for production of leather and the effects
generated in the hydraulic sources of that area by means of the sewage system when pouring the
water used in the process which is contaminated with oils, fats, chemical elements such as sulfur
and chromium, in addition to the different effects whether direct and indirect generated to the
population.
We will study what are the current norms for this process and be able to know that environmental
norms are not being complied with and in this way be able to propose some solutions that could
serve to significantly reduce the damage generated by these tanneries.
The San Benito neighborhood has about 200 industries dedicated to the production of leather, of
these the majority are about to close because they do not meet the established environmental
standards and the high pollution that this industry generates, although we must have Keep in mind
that this activity is the main source of income for the sector and generates approximately 2000 jobs
Description of the problem:
The problematic aspects described below reflect to some extent, the current ethical-normative,
technical and environmental performance of the tanning industry in the San Benito
neighborhood.
The tannery sector located in San Benito, is a sector predominantly composed of micro and small
companies, which generate a high environmental impact due to the generation of industrial
discharges with significant BOD and COD loads, derived mainly from the tanning process,
where use a variety of chemicals to process leather. These discharges generated by the tanneries
are discharged to the sewerage network in the area, from where they are taken to the Tunjuelo
River, contributing to the contamination of the Bogotá River.
According to the diagnostic document created by the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada and the
District Secretary of Environment in 2010 at served to formulate the Plan for the Management of
Hazardous Waste for the Capital District, it is estimated that during the year 2013 around
176,000 were generated tons of hazardous waste, of this amount only 10% to 20% would enter
the authorized management chains (27,000 tons), which would correspond to the amount
reported in the Register of generators by small, medium and large generators. Gestión
ambiental Urbana. Bogotá mejor para todos. Secretaría distrital de ambiente. Enero 11 de
2017. Pg 9
As mentioned earlier, the greatest environmental impact is caused by the discharges in the
ravines, which generate high damages both to the community living in the San Benito
neighborhood, as well as damage to the water resources of the sector. As of 2018, 254 leather
tanning microenterprises were registered, of these due to non-compliance with the sealed 50. A
major problem for the authorities has been to guarantee control over the treatment of waste and
poor training of plant personnel.
The environmental secretary in one of its reports defined the chemical residues found in the
spills and characterized the damages that each one can generate.
 Parameters and characteristics of sewage from untreated tanneries
PARAMETERS CHARACTERISTICS
COD and BOD This are the parameters used to measure the organic matter present in
the effluent. When high concentrations of BOD and COD are present in
the bodies of water, deoxygenation can occur.
pH It is an important parameter that indicates the intensity of acidity or
effluent alkalinity. Generally, the effluents of tanneries
present variations between 2.5 and 12.0. PH variations affect
considerably the aquatic life of the receiving currents.
SULFIDE It presents a risk of formation of hydrogen sulfide gas, which in low
concentration generates an unpleasant smell and in high concentration
can be very toxic.
AMMONIUM It is toxic to fish. It is a nutrient that can cause proliferation of aquatic
plants.
NITROGEN It is the total of organic and ammoniacal nitrogen. Its presence in high
concentrations can cause accelerated growth of aquatic plants.
NITRATE Su presencia en altas concentraciones en agua potable es riesgosa para
la salud
PHOSPHATE It is not toxic but stimulates the growth of aquatic plants and algae.
CHROME Persistent heavy metal that can cause problems to human health in high
concentrations.
ARTIFICIAL It comes from tannins and dyes, damages the photosynthetic activity of
COLORS aquatic plants and causes their death.
SOLID They cause the formation of sludge banks that produce unpleasant
SEDIMENTS odors.
FONT: Secretaria Distrital de Ambiente SDA – Corporación para el Desarrollo de las
Microempresas CDM, 2007.
 Categorization of the problem.
1. Human and technical problems.
a. The sector lacks modern technology for the realization of tannery and appalled processes.
Due to the fact that most of the companies are familiar, an artisanal process for the treatment
of leather has always been handled, which doesn’t allow for an easy adaptation to new
production techniques and environmentally friendly processes.
b. In San Benito the degree of mechanization is 20%, and analyzing the technological evolution
it is seen that the conversion, automation and innovation carried out is minimal, without
ignoring some atomized efforts in the sector. SECRETARIA DISTRITAL DE
AMBIENTE SDA. Diagnóstico final de la cadena productiva del cuero en San Benito.
Bogotá, D.C., 2008, p. 78 As a consequence of this technological condition, not only an
impact on water resources and soils is generated, but also great noise and air pollution.
c. Most of the lots built in the San Benito neighborhood, are destined for housing, therefore the
micro factories installed in the sector don’t have an infrastructure suitable for the leather
tanning process. These infrastructure failures make waste treatment processes difficult and
the implementation of eco-efficient operational processes is almost impossible.
d. There is a high ignorance about the regulations and technical regulations that apply to the
tannery industry by the factory owners and their employees. Although the ignorance does not
exempt from the application of the law, pollution is generated by excessive chemical dosing,
poor treatment of waste and additionally, in the sector there is a high percentage of
occupational accidents, for not following the safety parameters.
e. The environmental and social damages caused by the poor infrastructure of the factories in
the San Benito neighborhood, directly affect residential areas with bad odors and spreading of
diseases generated from contaminated water resources and the poor management of the solid
waste.
2. Environmental Impact:
a. The non-existence of a process and technology for the treatment of waste in most of the
industrial plants of San Benito, directs the waste directly to the Tunjuelo River and to the
sanitary landfill of Doña Juana, instead of being reused and processed for other purposes and
the generation of a lower environmental impact.
b. Chemical and solid waste from factories is discharged directly into the sewer system of the
sector or in the worst case directly into the Tunjuelo River, without any type of treatment or
treatment, generating great damage to the health of the community and the species that
receive or inhabit the water coming from this river. As classified in the frame of parameters
and characteristics of sewage from untreated tanneries, untreated chemicals resulting from
the tanning process have high toxicity and corrosive capacity.
3. Businessmen and government institutions:

a. There is an insufficient environmental commitment on the part of the entrepreneurs, due to
the prevalence of an economic interest on the environmental impact. On the other hand, it is
an industry that has been operating in the sector for approximately 70 years, technified almost
40 years ago, and yet, rarely have major interventions been carried out in the San Benito
neighborhood by government and environmental regulation entities, which give rigorous and
long-term solutions or controls to factories.
Geographical context:
During the 30s and 40s of the last century, peasants established the first rural colonies around the
Tunjuelito River, near what was then known as the city. Most of them, who came from the
northern part of Cundinamarca, especially Villapinzón, founded handmade tanneries. It was
more profitable to work leather in the river, a few kilometers from Bogotá. Bogotá,20 Enero
2013 ,Camilo Segura Álvarez https://www.elespectador.com/noticias/bogota/san-benito-
corazon-de-cuero-articulo-397676
In a few years, the use of land, of agricultural vocation, became industrial, commercial and
residential. The increase of the areas destined to the industry was accompanied by the
construction of housing for workers and employees of the tanneries.
The town of Tunjuelito is located south of the city, on the right bank of the Tunjuelito River. It
borders, to the north, with the towns of Puente Aranda and Kennedy; to the west, with the town
of Ciudad Bolívar; to the south, with the town of Usme, and to the east, with the town of Rafael
Uribe Uribe. ALCALDÍA MAYOR DE BOGOTÁ, D.C. Secretaría de Hacienda.
Departamento Administrativo de Planeación. Diagnóstico físico y socioeconómico de las
localidades de Bogotá, D.C. 2004. pag 11.
1. San Benito neighborhood, Bogotá, Colombia.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/San+Benito,+Bogot%C3%A1/@4.5630366,-
74.1390563,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8e3f9f4f4eaf3683:0xac7d2fc71fe89210!8m2!3d
4.5621143!4d-74.1342726
2. Geographical characteristics:
The San Benito neighborhood is located in an area defined as irregular flat topography due to its
proximity to the round of the Tunjuelito River and the Chiguaza ravine. Tectonically affected,
dry and arid climate and with the development of erosive processes that manifest themselves in
the phenomenon of digging ALCALDIA DE TUNJUELITO. Datos y estadísticas barriales.
Reseña histórica de San Benito.2003. Pag 5.
3. Socio-economic activity of the San Benito neighborhood:
In the San Benito neighborhood, relevant socio-economic activity types are consolidated:
industrial, commercial and services, and residential.
1. Industrial: It groups different production instances among which the tanning of skins, the
processing of by-products and related activities such as the commercialization of chemical inputs
stand out. Some productive units of sectors such as wood and furniture are also identified.
2. Commercial and services: Formed by establishments related to distribution of chemical inputs,
clothing and marketing of leather goods, pharmacies, bakeries, sale of food and market place.
3. Residential: It is distributed throughout the neighborhood, in a representative way. However, it is
highlighted that in industries the use is shared with housing, which makes many establishments
constituted as mixed type.
SECRETARIA DISTRITAL DE AMBIENTE SDA. Diagnóstico final de la cadena
productiva del cuero en San Benito. Bogotá D.C. 2008. pag 55.
Definition, use and process of the leather

Leather (from Latin corium, "animal skin, tanned") “is animal skin treated by tanning, that is to
say chemically prepared to obtain a robust, flexible and rot-resistant material. It comes from a
layer of tissue that covers animals and has strength and flexibility properties that are quite
appropriate for subsequent handling” (Diario Norte, 2014). Is considered worldwide as a raw
material of great importance given its qualities can be highlighted as being robust, flexible,
supports rot, has water vapor permeability without losing dry touch and few deformation problems.
The importance of the leather in Colombia is significant, the national government of Colombia has
selected manufacturing activity as one of the best priority products for the country
Colombia is considered the eighth country in livestock breeding worldwide, produces the finest
skins in the world, “articles made of leather enter to compete in international markets with 50% of
national production, generate foreign exchange and a high labor force participation in the country.
It is estimated that in the last decade no less than one million people have had employment in this
sector, which for the next year aims to export more than 60 million dollars”. (Semana, 1985)
Tanning is the process of transforming animal skins into leather, as a result of the stabilization of
the collagen fibers of the skin with tanning agents, through the formation of complexes type
chelates. This process is carried out in order to prevent its decomposition and facilitate its use to
the manufacture of footwear, leather goods, saddlery, upholstered, among others. (Secretaria
Distrital de Ambiente, 2015, pg 9)
The processes are similar but it can be divided in two presentations: fresh skins and salted skins in
order the first are those where the slaughter time of the animal has been short, it can be said
between three and five hours, and here the tanning can be done without any pretreatment, in the
second case the skins need to be salted to preserve them and be able to store them, preventing the
appearance of microorganisms that lead to putrefaction, usually made with brine or common salt.
Source: Secretaria de Ambiente
https://wanderlustgallerie.com/leather-making-process/
The main process can be classified in four stages which have other stages inside
1. Ribera phase: Characterized by using large amounts of water in it. Its objective is to clean
and prepare the skin dividing it in two layers in order to leave it ready to absorb tanning
materials. The common operations regarding this process are the following:
1.1 Pre removing of flesh: It consists of removing the muscles and traces of fat from the
skin
1.2 Soaking: In this stage of the process, fresh, dried skins, or those that are preserved with
salt, are treated with water so that they acquire the flexibility and morbidity they had
when they were removed from the animal's body. At the same time, salt, blood, manure
and other impurities are removed from the skin.
1.3 Pelambre or shaved: It consists of submerging the skins in an alkaline solution of
sodium sulphide, calcium hydroxide or slaked lime, and water, to bleach or whitewash
it, with the purpose of removing the hair from the skin, partially saponifying natural fats
and dilating the fibers for the subsequent tanning process.
1.4 Removing of the flesh:. Remove grease from the connective tissue through the machine
1.5 Divided: It consists of the mechanical separation of the upper layer - "flower" (dermis)
and the lower layer or carnaza of the skins. This last layer is separated and used in the
manufacture of various industrial items such as jelly, gloves and canine toys.
2. Tanning phase: at this stage the skins are prepared to be transformed into resistant
materials and capable of supporting rot, by means of tanning agents creating chemical
bonds in the collagen fibers, mainly chromium metal salts are used.
2.1 Disembodied: It consists of removing the alkaline agents from the skin, using
ammonium salts, organic acids, salts and molasses in order to neutralize the skin
and stop its swelling, either manually or through the use of a specialized machine,
pure fatty tissue, to improve the penetration of tanning agents. The by-product that
is generated is used as raw material for the industrial production of soaps and other
chemical products
2.2 Flaking and purging: Process that removes sodium sulfide and lime from the skin,
contained in the fur bath and that causes the skin to deflate. Acid reaction salts such
as ammonium sulfate are used for this purpose. Proteolytic and bacterial enzymes
are also added in order to modify the protein of the skin fibers and convert it into a
soft and flexible material that facilitates the penetration of tanning agents.
2.3 Piquelado: It consists of treating the skins with acids such as formic and / or
sulfuric acid, in the presence of salts such as sodium chloride, to give the skin a pH
between 2 and 3.5 in order to facilitate the penetration of chromium-based tanning
agents.
2.4 Chrome Tanning: A mineral tanning agent - the basic chromium sulfate is applied
to the skin, to form a complex (leather) resistant to physical or biological
degradation. Once tanned, the skin is allowed to rest for several hours and drained
in a specialized machine to remove excess chrome liquor. This final product is
called "Wetblue".
2.5 Drained: In this phase the moisture is removed and the skin is stretched evenly to
give a fixed thickness
2.6 Reduce: A final gauge is given to the wet blue using a machine with special blades
3. Wet finish phase: It includes those processes that provide leather with the final
characteristics in terms of texture, touch, color and softness. They are usually carried out
one after the other as a single operation and in a certain time depending on the type of
leather to be processed.
3.1 Retanned: Wet blue is given the final characteristics as desired with respect to
strength and firmness
3.2 Dyed and greased: In this phase the color, texture, flexibility is provided.
3.3 Drained: By means of plush rollers moisture is removed and wrinkles are removed.
4. Dry finish phase: This is that it gives color and brightness controlling imperfections.
4.1 Drying: Eliminates moisture from the skins naturally (ventilation) or vacuum
drying, by using electrical energy.
4.2 Soften: Leather firmness is reduced to make it softer.
4.3 Frosted: Sanding to reduce defects and match the product
4.4 Dusted: The fine dust that remains as a residue of the grinding phase is removed
from the surface.
4.5 Pigmented: Paint the leather surface by different methods.
4.6 Pressing or ironing: The leather is pressed on a hot plate that can be smooth or
with figures.
4.7 Lacquered: The product is finished to protect the quality.
4.8 Measure: Take the measurements of the leather piece.
4.9 Stored: Deposit the leather for marketing and use.
Possible strategies to mitigate the impact of tanneries
Cleaner production is the program established by the United Nations where a series of strategies
for the rational use of natural resources, raw materials, energy and the elimination of toxic
substances is proposed.
It is important to change the way in which the processes are carried out, since this not only benefits
the environment and therefore the communities, because it creates the possibility of having more
prosperous economies and benefits within the same operation in the tanneries.
Among the benefits that can be taken advantage of are the following if the strategies presented
below are implemented.
Motivations for the implementation of cleaner production
- Improve competitiveness.
- Guarantee the continuity of the productive activity.
- Improve efficiency in production processes, in products and services.
- Help to comply with environmental regulations.
- Ensure the continuous improvement of environmental management.
- Reduce investments in control systems by end of the process.
- Having the conviction that it is a strategy aimed at sustainable development. (
Secretaria Distrital de Ambiente, 2015, pg 21).
Specific main strategies per unit stage in the tanneries sector as proposed by the United Nations
1. Ribera phase:
 Reception and storage of skins: Unload skins in areas without drains.
 Enlistment: Remove excess salt from the skins to reduce water pollution and
time in the soaking stage.
 Use fresh skins more frequently to reduce chemical consumption and take
advantage of organic waste.
 Pre removing of flesh: Take scraps and tallow and trim pieces like tail, balls,
ears, masks, nipples and subcutaneous fat, optimizes the capacity of the drums
and reduces the consumption of water and supplies, as well as fat concentration
and organic load in the effluent.
 Soaking: Reuse water possible from soaking using the second wash bath as the
first wash bath for the next production batch.
 Add bactericides biodegradable and enzymes reducing the pollutant load in the
water (COD) and minimizes bacterial attacks.
 Pelambre and Liming: Recirculate the fur bath.
 Use hair immunization to prevent it from degrading and mixing with sewage
of the furring process. It decreases the organic matter load.
 Implement a depilatory paste and remove hair manually or mechanically which
reduces the use of chemicals.
 Removing of the flesh: Sharpen the blades to achieve uniform cuts and reduce
waste thereof.
2. Tanning phase:
 Descaling and enzymatic purge: Use organic or inorganic acids free of nitrogen
which helps reduce waste in water and eliminates odor.
 Pickled: Using the special “piquelante” agent to not add salt avoids its cost and
high treatment.
 Recirculate the bathroom reduces the consumption of water, salt and acids (formic,
sulfuric or hydrochloric). Prior to recycling the bathroom, fats and solids are filtered
to prevent possible damage.
 Tanning: Recirculate chrome baths by filtering it for use in other processes.
 Carry out controls on processes where enough chemicals are applied so as not to
exceed and contaminate more.
 Lowered : recover the leather chip for other processes
3. Wet and dry finish:
 Retanning: Using products without ammonia allows reduce nitrogen and effluent
load.
 Dyed: Recycle the dye bath water which reduces both the use of dyes and waste in
the water, does not require any additional machine just one piece to process the fats.
 Replace solvents with aqueous solutions.
 Dried out: Have an optimal separation process so that the water drains properly to
be able to use the drying machines at a low temperature which decreases energy
consumption.
Taking into account what is mentioned in the united nations, the impact of tanneries processes is
not only implemented in the process itself, it is necessary to combine all the sectors that are affected
to reduce the problem to the maximum, in this way it is necessary to talk about the process, the
treatment of wastewater, solid waste and emissions.
There are water treatment systems that reduce the pollution load in the discharges, this can be:
Remove solid and floating waste:

 Grilles: Remove waste from water
 Desalter: Separates sands and particles heavier than solids.
 Grease trap: Separates fats from wastewater.
 Flotation: Forces the entry of air into the wastewater so that solids ascend to the surface
to be removed.
Remove most of contaminants in wastewater, such as organic matter (BOD, COD),

sulfides and chromium:
 • Coagulation: Chemical products are added wastewater to let solids adhere to each
other and precipitate.
 • Flocculation: Chemical products are added as polymers for cause agglutination of
suspended solids.
 Sedimentation: Separates solids from water in a tank, which by the retention time
allows their precipitation.
Reduce the amount of organic matter that may have wastewater:

Activated sludge: Gelatinous sludge particles are suspended in a tank and subsequently
settled
Reduce specific chemical contaminants, pathogen and parasites
 Nitrification and denitrification: For the removal of nitrogen the biological oxidation of
nitrogen from the ammonia to nitrate (nitrification). By reduction, nitrate is converted to
nitrogen (denitrification) which is emitted into the atmosphere.
 Sedimentation and sludge management: The shape and dimensions of the tanks and
collectors are decisive for achieve a good sedimentation rate. Vertical sedimentation tanks
are more efficient although they generate higher cost
Finally, it can be said that solid waste is the one that can best be treated and can generate benefits
and other product lines within the same industry as this waste can be used to create totally new
products
Identification of solid waste in the tanneries
Semana, 1985, Industria del Cuero, Recuperado 10 de noviembre de 2019 del sitio web,
https://www.semana.com/especiales/articulo/industria-del-cuero/6760-3
Diario Norte, 2014, La Industria del Cuero, Recuperado 10 de noviembre de 2019 del sitio web,
http://www.diarionorte.com/article/112171/la-industria-del-cuero
Secretaria Distrital de Ambiente, 2015, Guia de Producción más Limpia para el Sector de Curtiembres de
Bogotá, Enfoque en Vertimientos y Residuos, Recuperado 7 de noviembre de 2019 del sitio web,
http://www.ambientebogota.gov.co/documents/24732/3987253/Gu%C3%ADa+de+producci%C3%B3n+
m%C3%A1s+limpia+para+el+sector+curtiembres+de+Bogot%C3%A1.+Enfoque+en+vertimientos+y+re
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Impacto de las curtiembres localidad de San Benito

Juan Pablo Ospina

Universidad Sergio Arboleda

Escuela Internacional de Administración y Marketing

 Categorization of the problem.

1. Human and technical problems.

3. Businessmen and government institutions:

Definition, use and process of the leather

Source: Secretaria de Ambiente

Possible strategies to mitigate the impact of tanneries

3. Wet and dry finish:

Remove solid and floating waste:

Remove most of contaminants in wastewater, such as organic matter (BOD, COD),

Reduce the amount of organic matter that may have wastewater:

Identification of solid waste in the tanneries

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