What if this pumping station could talk? The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o. It would tell a tale of ambition, engineering and a changing city. This is the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o. It stands on the Rio Pinheiros near the Engenheiro Ary Torres Bridge. It was built to boost the Henry Borden Hydroelectric Plant’s power. The plant sits in Cubat\u00e3o at the foot of the Serra do Mar.
Inaugurated in 1940 the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o has witnessed decades of change. It was a project by the S\u00e3o Paulo Tramway Light and Power Company. Later it was managed by LIght Paulistana SA then AES Eletropaulo. Since 1998 EMAE maintains the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o.
The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o’s main goal was flood control. It aimed to channel water to the Billings Reservoir. This involved reversing the flow of the Tiet\u00ea and Pinheiros rivers. The water would then go to the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Pedreira. Today the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o continues to help prevent floods. It is vital for managing water levels during heavy rains.
The name “Trai\u00e7\u00e3o” comes from its location. It is near the C\u00f3rrego da Trai\u00e7\u00e3o a local stream. The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o is responsible for reversing the Rio Pinheiros’ course. This river now feeds the Billings Reservoir depending on the operational status.
The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o divides the Pinheiros canal into two parts. The Pinheiros Inferior canal stretches 10083 meters. It runs from the Tiet\u00ea confluence to Trai\u00e7\u00e3o. The Pinheiros Superior canal spans 15461 meters. It connects the Trai\u00e7\u00e3o and Pedreira pumping stations.
The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o has a pumping capacity of 280 cubic meters per second. It raises the water by about five meters. Another critical job is removing waste. In 2010 alone the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o removed 2250 cubic meters of trash. This equals about 900 tons.
Jos\u00e9 Marcos Dias dos Santos started working here in 1977. He is the Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o’s longest-serving employee. He began at age 18 operating a trash machine.
The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o stands as a testament to S\u00e3o Paulo’s drive. It reflects the city’s commitment to progress and problem-solving. So next time you cross the Ponte Engenheiro Ary Torres remember this vital structure. The Usina Elevat\u00f3ria de Trai\u00e7\u00e3o silently works. It helps keep the city flowing.