<p>Este estudo discute as tensões e conflitos na relação entre meio ambiente e sociedade na Bacia do Rio dos Sinos, no estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Um desastre ambiental ocorrido em 2006, o qual resultou na morte de 100 toneladas de peixes no Rio dos Sinos, é a linha divisória para este estudo. Uma análise de documentos e entrevistas de campo com representantes do governo municipal e empresas da região foram usados para analisar o impacto das políticas públicas sobre o meio ambiente e quais deficiências permanecem.</p>

<p>This study discusses the tensions and conflicts in the relationship between environment and society in the Sinos River Basin, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. An environmental disaster in 2006, which resulted in the death of 100 tons of fish in the Sinos River, is the dividing line for this study. A review of documents and field interviews with representatives of the municipal government and companies in the region were used to analyze the impact of public policies on the environment and which deficiencies remain<xref ref-type="fn" rid="fn01">¹</xref><fn fn-type="other" id="fn01"><label>1</label><p>We thank Malcon Naor Voltz and Ana Arnoldo, undergraduate research grant holders, for their participation in data collection for this study.</p></fn>.</p>