Abstract
Objective: To critically analyze the environmental licensing processes in hydroelectric dams in Brazil, regarding the environmental health programs directed to the affected populations in the Belo Monte, Estreito and Santo Antônio hydroelectric reservoirs, located in the Brazilian Legal Amazon. Methods: Qualitative descriptive documentary research in 3 areas in the Brazilian Legal Amazon, two in the northern region; Belo Monte HPP, located on the Xingu River and Santo Antônio HPP, on the Madeira River and an area in northeastern Brazil, Estreito HPP, on the Tocantins River. Estimated audience at 772,061. Research instrument elaborated by the Delphi method. Results: Of the 3 areas of study, 107 environmental programs were described in the Environmental Impact Study (EIA), including (10) programs and projects concerning the health of the affected population. The structuring and systematization, are incipient in the scientific technical standard, referring to the study theme and highlight only one disease as a potential risk, Malaria. Conclusion: There is a need for a critical balance of the model that has been used for the construction of environmental health programs. Effective technical, scientific and epidemiological measures should be introduced, in addition to environmental considerations in the environmental licensing decision-making process.