Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Oil and Gas Exploitation: Issues of Compliance, Cost of Production, and Community Awareness

Jones Lewis Arthur

doi:10.4236/jpee.2020.89005

Abstract

This study assessed the effectiveness of mitigation measures adopted to address the environmental effects of oil and gas industries from the perspective of compliance, cost of production, and community awareness. The research applied a case study through multi-method-qualitative and quantitative approaches. The target population of 547,368 people involved people in Takoradi, Shama and Newtown communities. A sample size of 150 was selected and categorised under 36% for Shama, 30% for Newtown and 34% for Takoradi. A combination of probability (simple random) and non-probability (cluster and convenience) sampling frames were used to access the respondents for the study. Data collection tools were limited to questionnaires and interview sessions. The descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII) and significance testing using a one-sample t-test module guided the analysis. Interview sessions were compiled into transcripts and later categorized into themes that directly reflected the patterns of the questions on the questionnaire. The conclusion rated major decisions in mitigating oil and gas impacts on the environment as first for conscious effort to package fuel and other chemicals in safe storages, followed by the use of best road systems to reduce the risk of accidents, then application of strict rules and regulations to curb impacts and lastly capacity building for participants in the oil and gas production industry. While significant measures have been adopted to mitigate the effects of oil and gas exploration, there remain challenges with effectiveness as a result of weakness in community involvement efforts, lack of motivation, weak laws and regulations and loss of respect. For effectiveness in reducing the challenges to mitigate the environmental impacts of the oil and gas production activity, policymakers, as well as the practitioners in the oil production industry, are advised to motivate people into buying into their policy to reduce such impacts.

Highlights

Introduction and Literature ReviewThe extraction of oil and gas resources, including both onshore and offshore activities are vigorously pursued by the African States and international corporations because the resource continues to form a major share of global energy needs [1]
The conclusion rated major decisions in mitigating oil and gas impacts on the environment as first for conscious effort to package fuel and other chemicals in safe storages, followed by the use of best road systems to reduce the risk of accidents, application of strict rules and regulations to curb impacts and lastly capacity building for participants in the oil and gas production industry
For effectiveness in reducing the challenges to mitigate the environmental impacts of the oil and gas production activity, policymakers, as well as the practitioners in the oil production industry, are advised to motivate people into buying into their policy to reduce such impacts

Summary

Introduction

The extraction of oil and gas resources, including both onshore and offshore activities are vigorously pursued by the African States and international corporations because the resource continues to form a major share of global energy needs [1]. Economies with abundant oil and gas resources could sustain their growth path by creating opportunities for the wide-ranging use for oil and gas resources in the domestic economy [5]. This trend will lead to the expansion of domestic markets, an increase in the absorptive capacity of the economy, an enhancement in the effectiveness of factors of production, and the creation of conditions for technological progress, all of which are essential for the attainment of sustainable economic growth. The benefits of oil and gas exploitation are enormous, the adverse impacts of the related activities are compelling and real

Methods

Results

Conclusion