The first actions are the fencing and protection of 34 springs and the construction of retention basins
The Lages stream (Córrego das Lages), which supplies the municipality of Rio Doce (MG) and passes through about 50 rural properties, is being recovered. The initiative – one of the conditions for the release of the licensing for the construction works of the Candonga dam – is part of the actions of the Agroforestry Operations front of the Renova Foundation.
So far, 12 springs have been fenced and 91 retention basins have been constructed on eight properties. | Photo: Released
Several strategies will be put in place to recover the stream. The first ones are the fencing and protection of 34 springs, which are located on 14 rural properties, and the construction of retention basins on these sites. So far, 12 springs have been fenced and 91 retention basins have been constructed on eight properties.
“A retention basin is an excavation in areas where rainwater (floods) passes, generally in sloping areas. It holds the rainwater and sediments that come down the hills, increasing the infiltration underground and avoiding the silting of watercourses,” explains Nathalia Horta, from the Agroforestry Operations front.
Also planned are the planting of riparian forest in Permanent Preservation Areas (PPAs) and on hilltops, construction of septic tanks to avoid the contamination of watercourses by sewage of the properties, and improvements to the roads that give access to the area, also avoiding erosion and silting.