PRELIMINARY METHODOLOGICAL PROPOSAL FOR ESTIMATING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS IN PROJECTS APPROVED BY THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (MADS), COLOMBIA

• Published in: Acta biológica colombiana Vol. 19; no. 1; p. 43
• Main Authors: Pinilla Agudelo, Gabriel A., Rodríguez Sandoval, Erasmo A., Camacho Botero, Luis A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bogota Universidad Nacional de Colombia 2014
• Subjects: biotic integrity index; environmental flow; habitat integrity index; licensed projects; Urrá
• ISSN: 0120-548X; 1900-1649
• DOI: 10.15446/abc.v19n1.38040

A methodological proposal for estimating environmental flows in large projects approved by Agencia Nacional de Licencias Ambientales (ANLA) in Colombian rivers was developed. The project is the result of an agreement between the MADS and the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá (UNC). The proposed method begins with an evaluation of hydrological criteria,continues with a hydraulic and water quality validation, and follows with the determination of habitat integrity. This is an iterative process that compares conditions before and after the project construction and allows to obtain the magnitude of a monthly flow that, besides preserving the ecological functions of the river, guarantees the water uses downstream. Regarding to the biotic component, the proposal includes the establishment and monitoring of biotic integrity indices for four aquatic communities (periphyton, macroinvertebrates, riparian vegetation, and fish). The effects that flow reduction may produce in the medium and long term can be assessed by these indices. We present the results of applying the methodology to several projects licensed by the MADS.