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job site alone makes
clear the magnitude of
the enterprise. |
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In the waters of the Jequitinhonha river, just between the municipalities of Berilo and Grão Mogol, the
Presidente Juscelino Kubitscheck Power Plant is being erected. The Irapé hydropower plant is of strategic importance for the Minas Gerais state government due to its social and economic influences upon the communities, most especially those located in the
Jequitinhonha Valley and in the northern regions of the State. With its inauguration expected to take place by June 2006, the plant will generate 360 MW, which is energy enough, both in terms of quantity and quality, to help boost the economy of this region that is so challenged by its geography and adverse climatic conditions. Therefore, just as it does so generously with its people's art, the Valley will be able to offer this potential to both the state of Minas Gerais and Brazil.
The potential for the installation of a hydro power plant in the Jequitinhonha river was identified in 1963 and, ever since, the project has been seen as a chance to promote development in the Valley. Despite the long delay, the dream started to come true in 1998, when Cemig placed a winning bid at the bidding process run by Aneel - the National Electric Energy Agency - therefore being granted the concession to construct and operate the hydropower plant that will boast the highest dam in Brazil and the second highest in South America with a 208-meter crest.
Due to the magnitude of the enterprise, it was deemed necessary to work out the details so as to ensure that both community and company could go forward in the same direction. Then, once all
legal and environmental requirements
had been complied with, Cemig initiated civil construction in 2002. In April 2003, another decisive step was taken, when the
Jequitinhonha river was diverted into two tunnels over 1.2 km long each, thereby creating the conditions for further development of the civil construction and of the dam itself, whose reservoir encompasses
seven different municipalities.
Besides the construction, a special project was accomplished for transferring the nearly 1,100 families living in those areas within the enterprise's reach to other localities. It was definitely not an easy task, as it was not simply about relocating the families. Cemig sought to preserve, as much as possible, the history, the culture, the social and family bonds, intrinsic to these men, women and children. To aid in doing so, the Company heard the wishes of the riverside populations, and made great efforts to seek out quality lands, as well as to provide them with the technical assistance necessary for the sustainability, development and survival of these communities.
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The Irapé plant was designed so as to lead to the least possible impact, be it either social or environmental. In compliance with the environmental legislation, Cemig carried out the analysis of all data gathered in the field surveys, consolidated all EIA - environmental impact analysis and EIR - environmental impact reports. Therefore, the LP - Previous Licensing for the undertaking was issued in December, 1997 by FEAM - the state environmental authority. The next stage was to obtain the Installation Licensing (LI). During this stage, Cemig carried out a number of studies and held meetings with community leaders and municipal leaderships to both provide information and produce a Work Plan. Cemig also hired other institutions to aid in accomplishing all the work carried out in the region. Emater - state-run company providing technical assistance in rural areas - conducted the first land survey that determined the land areas best suited to receive the population to be relocated during the project and also worked in forming the groups and associations, in devising the development plans, in providing technical support for the plantations and in other activities related to its expertise. UFMG - the Federal University of Minas Gerais, was in charge of the studies regarding the archaeological heritage. The PCA - the environmental control plan - was prepared by Delphi Engenharia e Consultoria. The next stage is to obtain the Operations Licensing (LO), to be requested once the Plant has been constructed and the families have been transferred.
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