Decharacterization programs for dams in Brazil: solutions and challenges
ipt.br
The bulletin “Dam Safety in the State of Sao Paulo – 2024” reports that, in the state of Sao Paulo,
424 dams are registered under the National Dam Safety Policy (PNSB), as per the criteria
established by Federal Law No. 12,334/2010. Of these, 125 dams are used for energy generation,
with 115 classified as having high Associated Potential Damage. These dams require efforts to
coordinate and implement monitoring activities, communicate dam safety measures and, in certain
cases, evaluate their decharacterization. Dam decharacterization involves a series of actions aimed
at safely ceasing the operational activities of a dam while minimizing environmental, social, and
economic impacts at the regional level. This process may encompass three primary scenarios:
maintenance, partial removal and complete removal of a dam. This article explores these scenarios
within the context of current Brazilian legislation and regulatory frameworks, aiming to contribute to
the mitigation of accident and disaster risks associated with dams and the restoration of impacted
ecosystems. In response to recent catastrophic dam failures in Brazil, mining companies have
increasingly invested in dam decharacterization programs, particularly targeting upstream -raised
structures. The article places particular emphasis on the geological-geotechnical aspects of various
engineering solutions applicable to dam decharacterization, especially for small-scale dams
constructed for water storage. Despite the growing focus on this issue, successful cases of dam
decharacterization in Brazil remain limited, with no examples related to hydropower facilities in the
state of Sao Paulo. To address this gap, the article presents real-world examples from other parts
of Brazil, illustrating various engineering approaches to the decharacterization of hydropower dams.
It highlights the benefits of such initiatives for local communities and ecosystems, potential adverse
impacts, regulatory advancements and institutional challenges. It is anticipated that, within the next
few decades, the state of Sao Paulo will need to align with this emerging reality.
Abstact:
Publicidade
424 dams are registered under the National Dam Safety Policy (PNSB), as per the criteria
established by Federal Law No. 12,334/2010. Of these, 125 dams are used for energy generation,
with 115 classified as having high Associated Potential Damage. These dams require efforts to
coordinate and implement monitoring activities, communicate dam safety measures and, in certain
cases, evaluate their decharacterization. Dam decharacterization involves a series of actions aimed
at safely ceasing the operational activities of a dam while minimizing environmental, social, and
economic impacts at the regional level. This process may encompass three primary scenarios:
maintenance, partial removal and complete removal of a dam. This article explores these scenarios
within the context of current Brazilian legislation and regulatory frameworks, aiming to contribute to
the mitigation of accident and disaster risks associated with dams and the restoration of impacted
ecosystems. In response to recent catastrophic dam failures in Brazil, mining companies have
increasingly invested in dam decharacterization programs, particularly targeting upstream -raised
structures. The article places particular emphasis on the geological-geotechnical aspects of various
engineering solutions applicable to dam decharacterization, especially for small-scale dams
constructed for water storage. Despite the growing focus on this issue, successful cases of dam
decharacterization in Brazil remain limited, with no examples related to hydropower facilities in the
state of Sao Paulo. To address this gap, the article presents real-world examples from other parts
of Brazil, illustrating various engineering approaches to the decharacterization of hydropower dams.
It highlights the benefits of such initiatives for local communities and ecosystems, potential adverse
impacts, regulatory advancements and institutional challenges. It is anticipated that, within the next
few decades, the state of Sao Paulo will need to align with this emerging reality.
Referência:
SANTOS, Felipe S.; NISHIJIMA, Paula S.; CAMPOS, Gisleine C.; IYOMASA, Wilson S. Decharacterization program for dams in Brazil: solutions and challenges. In: INTERNATIONAL DAM WORLD CONFERENCE, 5., 2025, Lisbaoa. Proceedings… v.2, p.2345-2365.
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https://escriba.ipt.br/pdf_restrito/179594.pdf
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