URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: MEASURES TO CONTROL THE SUPERFICIAL FLOW IN THE CITY RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL

Abstract

The accelerated urban growth in Brazilian metropolis and the absence of a permanent environmental planning contributed to an increase in the superficial flow, mainly due to the soil impermeabilization. During some decades in Brazil, the interventions followed traditional practices, which aim was related to the increase in the urban drainage systems capacity, transferring the superficial flow downstream in the watershed. Another alternative refers to the control of the superficial flow, by adopting non conventional practices to implement soil infiltration and temporary storage of flows in order to compensate the urban effects on hydrological processes. This article presents the description of the problem and the main measures adopted in the city of Rio de Janeiro in order to reduce floods downstream. The research methodology was based on a literature review and field observations. Keywords: urban drainage; reservoirs; environmental quality.