Environmental Impact Assessment of Hydroelectric Foz Tua
Douro/Trás-os-Montes (Foz Tua) , Portugal
EDP – Gestão da Produção de Energia, S.A.
The hydroelectric Foz Tua (AHFT) was the first of the facilities of the National Programme for Dams with High Hydroelectric Potential (PNBEPH) to be subject to the EIA procedure.
• The EIA took place in the period 2006 - 2008, covering a broad multidisciplinary team , with over 50 members, which included experts from various subjects of study, of whom people from the various centers of competence of the Northern region. This team conducted an environmental assessment of the project with several alternatives, in areas such as climate, geology and geomorphology, Water Resources Surface and Groundwater, Soil, Flora, Vegetation and Habitats, Fauna and their Habitats support, Aquatic Ecosystems, Land Use, Spatial Planning, Air Quality, Sound Environment, Landscape, Heritage and Socioeconomics.
• The EIA first assessed as alternatives quotas Full Storage Level ( NPA ) on the fringe ( 185 ) - ( 195 ), based on the reference dimension ( 195 ) resulting from previous studies of EDP. The spectrum analysis was extended later by indication of EDP, a demarcated inferiorly by quota ( 170 ) band, so framing scenarios lesser degree of affectation of agricultural uses ( municipality Murça ), safeguarding agroindustrial facilities (Fifth the Brunheda ), safeguarding infrastructure thermal character ( Caldas Carlão ) and lower degree of affectation of the railway, Tua railway. The NPA quota ( 170 ) deserved a conditional Favorable Decision by the Environment Ministry.
