Spatial Distribution and Environmental Risk Assessment of Petrol Stations in Abeokuta Metropolis, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the spatial distribution and risk associated with the proliferation and indiscriminate establishment of petrol stations in Abeokuta metropolis, Nigeria. All effective parameters in petrol stations risks were identified and assessed using Williams–Fine and FMEA methods for petrol stations in the metropolis while structured questionnaire was administered on respondents near the petrol stations to elicit relevant information. Number of existing petrol stations, road networks and other spatial attributes served as input into the GIS environment with ArcGIS 10.0. Distances between road edge and petrol station, petrol station and residential buildings and between petrol stations were determined using preset criteria. The fire risk assessment revealed that 88 of the petrol stations had high risk (range: >201) while 20 and nine had medium (range: 201-101) and low (range: <100) risks respectively. Majority (113) of the 117 active petrol stations in Abeokuta have few or no functioning fire extinguishing systems, which make them vulnerable to fire incidences. Risk analysis indicated that distances between petrol stations and residential buildings in the metropolis does not comply with the 450 m distance standard. Majority were located within residential, commercial and educational land use areas where they constitute environmental risks including fire disasters, and soil and groundwater pollution.