ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE STUDIES FOR OIL POLLUTION CONTROL IN NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT A comprehensive, three-year study was conducted in 1982–1985 of petroleum-producing regions of Nigeria. This study was designed to provide the scientific basis for determining the special requirements of the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of Nigeria that need to be accommodated in oil-pollution control regulations for both sudden spills and the continuous releases associated with chronic oil pollution. The study plan was composed of extensive literature review and field collection of data in the following areas:Chemical quality assessment through surface water, ground water, bottom sediments, and biological samples collected at over 600 stations, including seasonal considerationsBiological sampling of all major terrestrial and aquatic ecosystemsCoastal geology studies for trajectory analysis and environmental sensitivity mapping of the outer coast and the Bonny River estuarySocioeconomic studies to determine public and corporate perspectives on the impacts and problems of the petroleum industry in NigeriaOperational audits at 16 installations to examine state-of-practice technologiesLegal and regulatory review of worldwide oil pollution contract legislation (options for criteria and standards for Nigeria were analyzed at a workshop of international experts) The results of this study, probably the most comprehensive inventory and synthesis of the ecology of a tropical system to date, will provide Nigeria with the scientific tools to formulate a plan for oil pollution control that may be a model for many other countries.