Assessment of Environmental Impacts of Quarry Operation in Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated the environmental effects of quarry operations in Abeokuta, Ogun state, while it specifically sought to identify corresponding environmental impacts posed in quarry operation and, assess the efforts towards minimizing environmental impacts of their operations. Primary data used for this study was obtained from 100 residents of the community and staffs of the company, randomly chosen and administered with structured questionnaires. Ninety one percent of the respondents noted that environmental problems like land degradation and pollution (including air, water and noise pollution) are associated with mining activities in their respective communities. Air pollution and noise pollution were found to have significant (p < 0.05). Long period (58.0%) of surface mining (71.7%) is prominent in the study area, while it posed some hazards to residents in the study area (84.0%). This includes (degradation of land and vegetation (72.0%), water pollution (44.0%), air pollution (44.0%) and noise pollution (56.0%). Noise and air pollution and governmental intervention in environmental degradation of Mining were found to have significant (p < 0.05) impact on host community as identified by staff of mine and residents. Efforts towards minimizing environmental impacts of quarrying include resettlement and compensation of affected communities (20%). Environmental effects such as land degradation and pollution of various forms (air, ground vibration and noise) in the surrounding communities where the mining activities (quarry operations) are carried out are associated with surface mining activities. It is therefore recommended that government agencies overseeing mining operations revise environmental management policy to ensure that the environmental effects of mining activities are reduced to the barest minimum.