The Renova Foundation clarifies that it has been following the historical increase in rainfall volume in recent days and its effects in the municipalities where it operates in Minas Gerais and Espirito Santo.
Within the scope of operations of the Renova Foundation and taking into account the region’s history of flooding, some actions are being applied:
The Quali-Quantitative Systematic Monitoring Program (PMQQS) monitors the evolution of water quality parameters in 92 points, from Mariana (MG) to the river mouth in Linhares (ES). Among these points are 22 automatic stations that transmit daily data that is also used for the preventive planning of the basin’s water supply systems. The information is stored in a database and shared with environmental agencies.
Last weekend, the turbidity alert went off at two of the 22 automatic stations that monitor the water in the Doce River Basin. Currently, the turbidity level is within normal range for the rainy season.
In Gesteira, subdistrict of Barra Longa (MG), the Renova Foundation has been carrying out specific maintenance actions at the Gustavo Capanema Municipal School, built in the emergency period shortly after the Fundao dam collapse in Mariana (MG).
At the Risoleta Neves Hydroelectric Plant (Candonga), due to the large volume of water resulting from the rains, a slight inclination was identified in the first of three metallic barriers that were built to contain the tailings that could still reach the hydroelectric reservoir. Although technical analysis indicates low risk, as a precaution and for safety reasons the Renova Foundation isolated the area and access to the reservoir margins, following the evacuation and emergency plan prepared for the area.
In Governador Valadares, the Renova Foundation provided technical support at the Autonomous Water Sanitation Service (SAAE) and measures are being taken to prevent water shortages in the municipality, which include the provision of water intake pumps at the Central Treatment Plants and at the Treatment Plant in the Santa Rita neighborhood. The pipeline’s construction schedule will not change due to the rainy season.
In Galileia, the new Treatment Plant built by the Renova Foundation is already in assisted operation phase together with the municipal Autonomous Water and Sewage Service. The Renova Foundation continues to monitor the water level of the Doce River in the municipality.
In Linhares, the Renova Foundation reports that it increased the height of the Pequeno River cofferdam in the early morning of last Sunday (1/26). The cofferdam is a temporary structure that prevents contact between the waters of the Doce River and the Juparana Lagoon. As a precaution, the construction of a temporary structure was also carried out to prevent contact between the waters of the Doce River and the Nova Lagoon. The Renova Foundation has also been working with the Municipal Civil Defense to monitor the level of the rivers.