Management of the Impacts of Hydroelectric Power Plants about Icthyofauna: A Case Study about Cemig’s Activity

State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG), Brazil

Abstract: This article analyzes the impacts of hydroelectric plants on the ichthyofauna, with a description of the socioenvironmental damages and their causes, as well as the identification of the management methods used by CEMIG for their mitigation in the Três Marias, Minas Gerais unit. From harmful events for the ichthyofauna occurred in the Três Marias hydroelectric power plant, Minas Gerais, in the years 2006 and 2007, new methods of environmental management were adopted by CEMIG and studied in this article. This study was based on the analysis of documents provided by CEMIG and interviews that allowed us to conclude that efficient management methods are linked to the companies' perception of the importance of complying with environmental legislation, meeting the society's wishes to protect the natural environment, and preservation of income generation and employment, with repercussions on the corporate image. A recent analysis of more recent reports produced by CEMIG, 2012-2013 revealed that the management plans have an even more efficient profile and an innovative vision for the four-year period 2014-2018.