Avaliação dos programas ambientais de monitoramento da qualidade de água e reflorestamento da represa presente na bacia hidrográfica do médio Paraíba do Sul

Abstract

In Brazil, most hydroelectric power plants were built before the establishment of environmental licensing legislation, causing a distortion in the regularization of these projects. This study conducted a historical review of the environmental licensing process for the Funil Dam located in the Hydrographic Basin of the Middle Paraíba do Sul, carried out after the plant's installation. An evaluation of the environmental programs implemented as conditions for the operating license was also performed, with a focus on water quality monitoring and reforestation programs. Water quality in this region was assessed based on data from INEA and CETESB. The historical study, based on legislation, allowed an assessment of the main impacts caused by this plant, which was installed before the creation of environmental licensing processes for such projects in Brazil. Through a critical analysis of the documents, it is suggested to implement systematic monitoring of other water quality parameters that are not currently monitored and disclosed to the public, such as those used in the assessment of reservoir eutrophication and cyanobacteria. Finally, both in the State of Rio de Janeiro and in the State of São Paulo, improvements in water quality management are needed, advancing in terms of basic sanitation and compliance with acceptable parameters for Class II water bodies according to CONAMA Resolution 357/2011. It can be observed that the water quality is not acceptable, and there is a high organic load. In addition, the reforestation program for the reservoir needs to be effective in improving water quality and reducing reservoir erosion.