Biodiversity in the Paraopeba
River Basin
The recovery of the Paraopeba river and its biodiversity is one of Vale's commitments in the reparation
work. Therefore, since the rupture of the B1 dam in Brumadinho, short, medium and long-term measures
have been carried out.
On this page, you will learn about monitoring and remediation initiatives aimed at terrestrial and
aquatic biodiversity.
Monitoring
Biodiversity monitoring is carried out on a permanent basis by companies specialized in the area of the
environment, biologists, field assistants and veterinarians, with the coordination of university professors.
In all, 35 points are studied for aquatic
biodiversity and 20 areas for terrestrial biodiversity, which cover regions not affected, areas affected in
lesser intensity and areas severely affected by tailings.
The fauna and flora in some marginal lakes and in the main tributaries of the Paraopeba river are also
analysed.
By expanding monitoring to unaffected locations, it is possible to assess the environmental conditions and
the real impact of the disruption on biodiversity.
It is based on these constant analyses that we understand the impacts and can understand the best actions to
be taken in favour of the local flora and fauna
Watch the video below to find out how monitoring is done
Stay on top of our initiatives in the region
Photo: Ailton Junior
Genetic conservation technology enables the recovery of plant
species in Brumadinho
The vegetation impacted by the rupture of Dam B1 is receiving an important contribution from
technology to promote its recovery. An innovative technique developed by researchers of the
Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa - UFV),
capable of rescuing DNA and creating copies of plants in the region, has begun to be applied for
forest rehabilitation in the area. Seedlings, which could take more than eight years to flower,
start this process between six and
twelve months, which will effectively contribute to accelerate the recovery of biodiversity in
the region.
Keep reading
Explore the studied area
Hover the Mouse over map to see more details
Click on the map to see more details
Photo: Vale Archive
Aquatic Biodiversity
Currently, the study area of aquatic communities on the Paraopeba river ranges from the Salto do
Paraopeba Small Hydroelectric Plant, in Jeceaba, to beyond the Três Marias dam.
After studies by experts from government institutions, 35 points were selected for aquatic
monitoring, in affected and unaffected areas.
What is monitored?
In the river, we monitor fish, aquatic insects and microscopic plant and animal organisms, known as
plankton, using the following methods:
-
Collection of sediment from the bottom with specific equipment, such as a dredger;
- Manual collection of rocks and leaves that are at the bottom;
- Trawl for plankton collection;
- Collection of aquatic plants, the so-called “macrophytes”;
- Collecting fish with nets, nets and other equipment.
Photo: Vale Archive
The
reparation so far
At the end of December 2019, Vale started the Aquatic Biodiversity Monitoring Program,
following the guidelines presented by the Minas Gerais State Forestry Institute (IEF).
The
reparation so far
In 2020, tailings were removed at the mouth of the Ferro Carvão stream’s estuary, from the
Alberto Flores Bridge to the confluence of the Ferro Carvão stream’s estuary with the Paraopeba
river. The stabilization of the banks of the creek and the reconstitution of its gutter was
also carried out;
 What types of analyses are performed?
- Histopathological analysis –
Procedure performed to assess possible diseases or damage to fish due to exposure to waste
arising from the break.
- Helmintofauna Assessment –
This procedure assesses the presence of parasites as bioindicators for monitoring
environmental impact.
- Bioaccumulation of metals –
Procedure in which animals undergo identification, biometrics and removal of muscle and
liver, to verify the presence of metals such as aluminium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, among
others. That is, we check whether there are high concentrations of a particular chemical in
organisms at the highest level of the food chain;
- Toxicology and genotoxicity in fish and aquatic invertebrates –
scientific studies that analyse the effects of chemical substances on organisms and their
ability to induce alterations in the genetic material of animals that have been exposed to
them.
Important
On February 28, 2019, fishing for native species was prohibited in the Paraopeba river basin, by
Ordinance No. 16 issued by the State Forestry Institute (Instituto Estadual de Florestas – IEF), and
this continues until the publication of a new Ordinance.
Photo: Vale Archive
Planktonic communities
The technical team also studies planktonic communities (formed by different
microorganisms), which have some important bioindicators. These bioindicators are sensitive to
pollution and help us to verify that the physical, chemical and
biological parameters of the river water are adequate. The collections of these microorganisms are
carried out with plankton nets and the analyses are carried out in the laboratory, using a
microscope.
What are the studied bioindicators?
What are the studied bioindicators?
Phytoplankton – A group of photosynthetic microorganisms
composed of microscopic unicellular algae and cyanobacteria that live dispersed in
water.
Zooplankton – Set of aquatic organisms, usually
microscopic, that do not carry out photosynthesis and live dispersed in the water
column. Includes protozoa, worms, crustaceans, among others.
Periphyton – A set of organisms that attach to solid
surfaces and can form a thin layer on these surfaces in aquatic habitats . Their
size ranges from microscopic organisms to some several
meters in size.
Zoobenthos – Set of organisms that live in water during at
least one phase of their life cycle and that are larger than 0.5 mm; hence they are
called macroinvertebrates. Insect larvae, crustaceans
and molluscs are some examples of these organisms.
Terrestrial biodiversity
In the forest areas of the Ferro-Carvão river basin and surrounding areas, and on the banks of the Paraopeba
river, the technical teams analyse the cycle of nutrients in nature, the composition and structure of the
vegetation and various animal species
(selected as bioindicators) present there. The main study methods used are:
Hover the mouse and get to know the main study methods used
Click to know the main study methods used
A The
reparation so far
More than 500 thousand meters of
fence were placed in the Permanent Preservation Areas of the Paraopeba river basin, an important
measure to guarantee the growth of the vegetation present in spaces
close to water courses;
A The
reparation so far
Use of bioengineering techniques to
reclaim soil and control erosion;
A The
reparation so far
More than 129 wild animals carefully
returned to nature and in accordance with the appropriate technical and legal procedures;
A The
reparation so far
More than 200 professionals,
including biologists, veterinarians, environmental engineers and field assistants dedicated to
the rescue of animals, care and preparation for reintegration into nature;
A The
reparation so far
Execution of the revegetation project at Ground Zero , which will
plant 4,000 seedlings of tree species native to the region;
A The
reparation so far
Around 1,500 domestic and 200 wild animals
have passed through and were taken care of at the Fauna Shelter Farm in Brumadinho, by
the end of June 2021.
Pets
Pets were also impacted by the B1 dam failure. Dogs, cats and farm animals were rescued
from the affected areas, in community homes or left by voluntary donation. In addition
to the shelter, our technical team provides all the necessary care and animals
that do not have a guardian are available for adoption.
Get to know them and learn
how to adopt them
Photo: Vale Archive
Wildlife
Wild animals - such as birds, snakes, tortoises, opossums, among others - found in the
areas of emergency works are captured and clinically evaluated. The rescue and rescue
actions are carried out respecting all protocols and measures of capture and
containment,
according to the fauna group to which it belongs (amphibians, reptiles, birds or
mammals). All procedures aim to ensure the animal's well-being and safety, always
seeking the best destination for each individual. If they
are in good condition, they are immediately released into their natural habitat . If
they need veterinary treatment that requires a period of hospital stay, they are sent to
the Fauna Shelter Farm, in Brumadinho/MG, where
they are housed in roomy environments that respect the specificities of their biology
and ecology.
Photo: Vale Archive
These animals are monitored by specialists who perform various procedures: laboratory tests,
balanced nutrition to aid in physical and behavioural recovery, muscle training, among others.
They can also be sent to the Wild Fauna Rehabilitation and Reintroduction
Program, where tests and training are carried out for the development of abilities and skills
for survival in a natural environment.
Once rehabilitated, animals in good condition are reintegrated into their natural environment.
Those who do not have the capacity for rehabilitation or release are referred to an institution
that is capable of maintaining their physical and psychological
well-being throughout their life in captivity, such as a breeding, maintenance or zoo. All these
actions are in compliance with current environmental standards and are authorized by the
environmental agency.
Exotic wild animals
Exotic wild animals rescued or captured undergo the same veterinary care, however, they are
not reintroduced into the wild. After the treatment has been carried out, Vale decides with
the environmental agency which is the best destination for the exotic
animal.
Photo: Vale Archive
Botanical Monitoring
In order to assess whether there was an impact on vegetation beyond the area directly affected by
the tailings, botanical studies are carried out to monitor, among other things, possible changes in
the structure of the vegetation and in the diversity
of species.
For this monitoring, plots are marked on plots installed in forested areas close to the tailings
patch and also in areas far from the tailings for comparison purposes. These locations are monitored
over time to verify whether the proximity to the tailings
will generate any long-term impact and, if so, what are the best mitigation measures.
Rescue of plant species
The impacted vegetation is receiving a contribution from technology for its recovery. A technique
developed by researchers at the Federal University of Viçosa (Universidade Federal de Viçosa –
UFV)”, capable of rescuing DNA and creating copies of plants
in the region, has begun to be applied for forest rehabilitation in the area. Trees that could take
more than eight years to flower should start this process between six and 12 months, which will help
to accelerate the recovery of
biodiversity in the region. Genetic material has already been collected from five pre-selected
species, including endangered species such as Stephanopodium engleri, braúna (Melanoxylonbrauna) and
caviúna (Dalbergianigra)and protected
by law, such as the yellow ipe (Handroanthus serratifolius). Part of the seedlings produced
from the recovered material were planted in the impacted area in the first months of 2021.
Photo: Vale Archive
Revegetation - Ground Zero Project
In December 2020, Vale completed the first stage of the Ground Zero project, which involved forest
restoration work such as: seed collection, seedling production, acclimatization and planting in areas to
be recovered at the mouth of the Ferro-Carvão stream's
estuary. Other ecological restoration techniques used were nucleation (which forms favourable
microhabitats to attract species and accelerate the process of succession and local diversity), through
the installation of artificial perches
and soil transposition; which will also contribute to the recovery process in the medium term. At the
end of the restoration work, the Ground Zero area will have around 4,000 seedlings of tree species
native to the region.
Photo Gallery
Flock of collared swallows (Pygochelidon melanoleuca). Photo: Afonso
Carlos Oliveira.
Phyllomedusa burmeisteri
(leaf frog), an amphibian recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Hans Thomassen.
Scinax luizotavioi
(pererequinha), an amphibian recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Hans Thomassen
Dendropsophus elegans
(frame-perereca), an amphibian recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Hans Thomassen.
Enyalius bilineatusI
(little chameleon), lizard recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Hans Thomassen.
Boana lundii (Lund's
perereca), an amphibian recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Hans Thomassen.
Otter footprints (Otter longicaudis). Photo: Ana Yoko Meiga.
Micronycteris
megalotis, bat recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo: Jeanneson Sales
Artibeus lituratus, bat recorded during biodiversity monitoring. Photo:
Jeanneson Sales.
Cuíca-graciosa (Gracilinanus agilis),
captured and released after the installation of the identification earring. Photo: Rodolfo
Stumpp.
.jpg)
Bearded tortor (Phrynops geoffroanus),
captured and released after marking, for population monitoring. Photo: Aline Costa.
Capybaras (Hydrochoerus
hydrochaeris) on the bank of the Paraopeba river. Photo: Ana Yoko Meiga.
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