All the tributaries are expected to be recovered by June 2017
Out of the 101 tributaries of the Gualaxo do Norte, Carmo and Doce Rivers mapped as impacted by the collapse of the Fundão dam, 60 have gone through the recovery process. The objective of the action is to reduce the turbidity and prevent solids from being carried along by the water. The other tributaries are expected to be recovered by June 2017.
The work began with the tributaries which most compromised the main rivers. After cleaning dead vegetation left in riverbeds and on surrounding plains, turbidity plume was removed from the bottom of the river and the land on the sides was made adequate.
Recovery works of the tributaries of the Gualaxo River. | Photo: Leo Drumond / NITRO
One of the stages of the process provides for the protection of the margins, with the construction of a type of slope, or embankment, and the placement of riprap on each side. The areas will also be coated with a biodegradable blanket made of coconut fiber or straw and replanted with seeds.
These elements form a natural protection of the soil for later planting of native plants. In addition to preventing erosion, the recovery actions contribute to the Action Plan for the rainy season, managed by the Renova Foundation.