Simplified evaluation of environmental impacts in the Alto Sorocaba basin (SP)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate environmental impacts on the Alto Sorocaba basin in order to define the most degraded areas and their causes and to propose solutions and management strategies for them. An impacts indicator questionnaire was designed, that allowed us to establish a direct relationship between reactions achieved and environmental factors by attributing value to some impacting parameters obtained by simple visualization in the field. The questionnaire was applied at 50 points, based on the influence area of the sub-basin and variability in land use. It was determined that the main environmental impacts that affect the basin are deforestation, due to the intensive agriculture and real estate development at the margins of the reservoir, and the in natura domestic wastewater released into water bodies. These factors were mainly noticed near to Ibiúna district, the most populated region. Such information provides subsidies necessary to environmental management in this basin and to decreasing environmental degradation. Among the management strategies suggested, it is possible to highlight that related to the accomplishment of environmental legislation, recuperation of degraded areas recuperation and sustainable planning for natural resources. Key-words: Watershed, Environmental Impact Assessment, Alto Sorocaba basin.