PAPER TITLE:
EIA OF A FLOOD PLAIN REGION OF OMUMA LGA OF R/S OF NIGERIA
By Akien Alli I.Job of Atlantic International University, Honolulu
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………2
2.0 GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING EIA………..……………………………..5
3.0 APPROACHES TAKEN BY JOBRIGS ECOTACTIC BIOSAFETY (JEB) TEAM………11
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT…………………………………………..14
5.0 THE DESIGN CONCEPT……………………………………………………………………...16
6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY………………………………………………..20
7.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION……………………………………………….24
Reference…………………………………………………………………………….24
Appendix: Pictures………………………………………………………………….26
COURSE TITLE: ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENCY AND
MODELING
(A CASE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF A FLOODPLAIN REGION
OF OMUMA LGA OF RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA)
ABSTRACT
This article provides an overview of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) legal regime for
construction projects in Nigeria. Based on a historical review of the emergence and development of EIA as a
regulatory mechanism 1986 the dumping of toxic wastes at KOKO town (Abu Bala Dan. 1988) ) to the
promulgation of the more sophisticated Environmental Impact Assessment Law (EIA Law) in 1999, the
article critically analyzes statutory gaps and flaws, including the relatively projects subject to strict
environmental scrutiny, excessive power granted to the Ministry of Environment authorities in approving
EIAs, limited public participation and inadequate disclosure of information, and minimal violation penalties
in contrast to high compliance costs. Weak implementation and enforcement further impact the
effectiveness of the EIA mechanism. The quality of EIA conducted by some EIA institutions is worrying;
EIA approval authorities are pressured by local protectionism and post-EIA monitoring seldom takes place
to ensure compliance. A Floodplain erosion control EIA case study of a Local Government in Rivers State
of Nigeria was carried out to address the above problems, legal reform, systemic change, and how
institution-building are essential in making EIA for construction projects and the importance of effective
decision-making tool that prevents and mitigates potential environmental harm so as to achieve long-term
sustainable development. In summary, the beauty of EIA and its modeling lies on predicting the anticipated
impacts and the use these checklist Leopold matrix impacts for evaluation using Battelle’s method of
multiplying environmental quality (EQ) and environmental parameters importance units (PIU) to provide
environmental score.
Keyword: Sustainable Development; Floodplain Zone; Ecosystem; Mathematical Models; Matrics;
Legislative Development; Drainage System; Scooping; Screening Exercise
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
This paper examine the need for environmental impact assessment (EIA) formulating a project in control of
flood plain environment of the affected communities namely Umukoyoro, Umuoko, Amaji, Umukirikpo,
Umuchere, Eberi, Umunju, Umuokpuru, Umuodu and Umuogu of Omuma LGA with a land covering area
of 34 kilometers square.
The proposed project implement describes the conceptual approach to EIA methodology which assisted in
identifying and describing the likely environmental impacts in a floodplain region where the case study is
carried out. However, EIA as a tool helps in forecasting and assessing these changes before they occur so
that they can be better controlled and managed. (John Glasson, Riki Therivel, Andrew Chadwick. 1994)
In the specific cases of Nigeria, since 1960, efforts have been steadily geared towards achieving the goal of
economic development as can be observed in the trends of growth of the economic indicator particularly in
the industrial sector. The three National Development plans of 1962/68, 1970/74 and 1975/80 laid emphasis
on industrialization and less sustainability but fortunately enhanced on the increased foreign exchange
earnings from the oil boom.
Generally, the fact that national development programme activities have brought about physical, ecological
and sociological change in the country’s environment is easily acknowledged. These developments before
the inception of EIA in our governmental systems has already influenced the degree of changes that has
affected our environments today and even now these changes are still occurring because of toothless
regulatory system in the country that is inactive and every environmental impact assessment (EIA) carried
out presently are done to fulfill government requirements and not for the purpose of environmental
sustainability, which ordinarily should involved identifying, predicting, evaluating and mitigating the
immediate and remote negative impacts and as the project commences construction, environmental
monitoring and auditing activities at the site of construction must be strictly carried out and followed in
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accordance of environmental impact assessment decree 86 of 1992 which further underwent amendment to
decree 14 of 1999. The purpose of the assessment is to ensure that decision makers consider the ensuing
environmental impacts when deciding whether to proceed with a project. EIAs are unique in that they do not
require adherence to a predetermined environmental outcome, but rather they require decision makers to
account for environmental values in their decisions and to justify those decisions in light of detailed
environmental studies and public comments on the potential environmental impacts of the proposal.( Holder,
J., 2004)
1.1 DEFINITION AND SIGNIFICANCE OBJECTIVES FOR THE STUDY.
There is no generally accepted definition of the purpose and nature of EIA. It is a term which has developed
over years in the light of environmental concepts, policy, assessment techniques, and practice. In fact,
environmental impact assessment can be defined as an assessment of the possible positive or negative
impact in a proposed project in relation of the environmental natural, social and economic wellbeing.
The need to reduce the burden of environmental impacts is the major objective and very necessary if
development is to become sustainable. As a result, EIA has become ever increasing importance as a tool for
developmental decision- making process.
International Association for impact Assessment (IAIA) defines an EIA as the process of identifying,
predicting, evaluating and mitigation the biophysical, social and other relevant effects of development
proposals prior to major decisions being taken and commitments.(IAIA 1999 but Patrick Duffy (1999) laid
emphasized on thinking process in identifying the impacts and therefore defined EIA as an activity which
predicts the impacts of a proposed project or action on human well being, including well being of
ecosystems on which human survival depend.
EIA is recognized for its potential to promote and deliver sustainable development. In practice, EIA is
applied primarily to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of major development proposals as the case of
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flood control of a Floodplain zone in Omuma local government area of Rivers State of Nigeria where this
study carried out its practical assessment. Omuma LGA is an identified area of varying flood hazard, a nonstructural floodplain that required management measure. Conventionally, floodplain zone due to earth crust
is based on hydraulic and hydrological techniques process.
The major objective of this study is for EIA application in Omuma LGA floodplain erosion control. This
paper is developed as a result of applying a suitable alternative, ecological approach to floodplain zone,
using biophysical features as flooding indicators. Three zones are identified: low-risk floodplain land, floodprone land which includes two sub-categories)and floodway land. Land use policies based on a land use
decree is considered when writing the EIA for erosion control and development of each floodplain zone.
Hence, the objectives are:i) To focus or concentrate on the possible effects on the environment:ii), Adequate response to issue and realities.
iii), Ensure public participation in EIA preparation.
iv), EIA must be transparent with adequate clear and easily understood.
(v) Rigorously employ best practicable method to mitigate negative measures.
(vi), Professionalism and objectivity must be strictly adhered.
(vii) Least cost efficient and benefit should be imposed on the proponents.
Use of EIA as a principal and philosophy can be traced back to the 1960s as a rationalistic decision making
process. It involved a technical evaluation that would lead to objective decision making. EIA was made
legislation in the US in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 1969. It has since evolved as it has
been used increasingly in many countries around the world. EIA as it is practiced today is being used as a
decision aiding tool rather than decision making tool. There is growing dissent on the use of EIA as its
influence on development decisions is limited and there is a view it is falling short of its full potential. There
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is a need for stronger foundation of EIA practice through training for practitioners, guidance on EIA
practice and continuing research.
A typical EIA is divided into two different categories: the immediate and long term aim and objectives. The
immediate aim of EIA is to categories a project for mandatory and decision making because of identified
potentially significant environmental impacts and risks of development proposal; while the long term aim of
EIA is to promote sustainable development proposals by ensuring that development proposal does not
underscore the critical resources and ecological functions of the well being, lifestyle and livelihood of the
communities and peoples who depend on them.
In summary,
A). The immediate objectives of EIA are
i). To improved the environmental design of the proposal,
ii) To ensure that resources are used appropriately and efficiently
iii) To identify appropriate measures for mitigating the potential impacts of the proposal, and
iv) The environmental terms and conditions for implementing the proposal.
B), The long term objectives of EIA are
(1) To maintenance sustainability for protection of human health and safety
(ii) To avoid irreversible change and serious damage to the environment.
(iii) To safeguard valued resources, natural areas and ecosystem components, and
(iv), To enhance the social aspects of the proposal
Evaluating mathematical models help to clear certain doubts on decision making and predicting the remote
events as mandatory projects are identified by government environmental regulation and serious irreversible
impact of high risk are avoided by declaring such developments as no action option alternative.
Considerably, all alternatives measures are usually thoroughly screen in order to protect human and the
safety of the environment when considering (i) the type and nature of impact;(ii) magnitude of the impacts,
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(iii)extent of the impact the timing of the impact manifestation (iv) duration of the exposure of the impacts
(v)uncertainty of the impacts risk to the environment (vi) the reversibility of the impacts and (vii)
significance of the potential impacts.
2.0 GENERAL PROCEDURE FOR CONDUCTING EIA
Two systematic processes were involved such as
1, Organizing and Conducting EIA:- Organizing process is involved in developmental planning and
technical assessment.
2, Integration of EIA is considered as planning and Management.
1A) In EIA organization, the planning is a very crucial aspect of project description which includes :i), Screening:- Screening is seeking the regulatory compliance for the project and its specification through
the Agency. In the regulatory process, the project is categorized into three head either it is considered as
category 1 which is very sensitive; or category 2 which is less or moderately sensitive and the third one is
category 3 with no impact effect which commence construction after planning and conflict resolution
phases.
ii) Cost effective in your CBA.
iii) Estimate land requirement and site identification.
iv) Selection of potential sites which attract land application / conflict resolution.
Base data collection involves baseline study and feasibility study (initial environmental evaluation) or
preliminary evaluation for site definition, population and forecasts.
1B) In second EIA organization phase, detailed project description on technical assessment is carried which
involved the following :Further expensive site investigation and field testing programs on land use relationship using Leopold
matrics of identification and Battelle’s evaluation method, but for Leopold technique involved matching
project actions and environmental characteristics and conditions for Leopold method.
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While Battelle evaluation on checklists of weighing environmental parameters according to their
significance by assigning numbers.
1. Development of preliminary design criteria and costs. 2, Evaluation of alternatives. 3,Consideration
of alternative on land application and cost effective. 3,Initiation of identification, prediction, and
treatment or mitigation design.
2, Conducting EIA for impact assessment: This process involved the following :i) Probable impacts of proposed action on the environment such as a) Positive and Negative effects
b) Direct and Indirect consequences
c) Short and long term consequences.
ii) Alternative to the proposed action
1. Those that might enhance environmental quality 2, Those that might avoid some or all adverse
effects 3, Cost benefit of alternatives.
iii) Probable adverse environmental effects.
1. Which cannot be avoided 2, Adverse and unavoidable impacts 3, Mitigative action for avoidable
adverse impacts
iv) Relationship between short term uses of environment and long-term productivity, maintenance /
enhancement.: Irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources analysis.
3, Integrating EIA for decision making process.
a) Consultation and Public participation b) Reviewing for systematic appraisal of the quality of the EIS.
2.1 DESCRIPTION OF LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENT
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standard 14011 covers EIA and includes
key steps for carrying out the assessment. These steps include the scope of EIA. EIAs have often
been criticized for having too narrow spatial and temporal scope. At present no procedure has been
specified for determining a system boundary for the assessment. The system boundary refers to ‘the
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spatial and temporal boundary of the proposal’s effects’. This boundary is determined by the
applicant and the lead assessor, but in practice, almost all EIAs address the direct, on-site effects
alone. Project planning and decision making should include the integrated consideration of technical,
economic, environmental, social and other factors. The inventory compiled forms a check list of
descriptors for the physical, biological and cultural environment.
The environmental Impact Assessment and its model study address the following environmental effects.
On biophysical and resources:- The biophysical environment refers to the relation of flora and fauna of an
area such as species of trees, grasses, fish, and herpes to fauna, birds and mammals to physical environment
of geology topography, surface water and ground water resources, water quality, air quality and
climatology. For overall interest of a ecological system, biodiversity factor and any rare or endangered
plants and animals species are considered special reference data.
Social And Cultural Impacts:- The social and cultural impacts is the vital factors in Nigeria where most
displaced slavery and vulnerable towns and ethnic minorities have response to the ill-treatment and nonpublic participation to EIA development. Pollution climate change, biodiversity cons and lack of
construction restoration or rehabilitation are well known occurrence due to inadequate mitigated and poor
environmental regulation enforcement. These lead to major controversies such as vandalization of oil
pipelines and youth unrest and militancy.
Robert Goodland, (2005) wrote in his state of the Art on social and Environment Impact assessment that the
social and environmental assessments have not yet become the norm, some assessments are weak, some
assessment teams try to protect the multinational proponent rather than the impacted people or the
environment, and the mitigation measures provided in the assessments are not always sustainably
implemented.
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In spite of EIA legislative broad potential as a influential tool of environment decision making; EIA
legislation in Nigeria has primarily been implemented in relation to the seating of new projects.
The policy roots in EIA in Nigeria can be found to be first launched in 1988 with Decree No 58 of the
Federal Governmental Agency (FEPA) and was amended by Decree No 14 of1999. The decree places on
FEPA the overall responsibility for the protection and development of the environment and biodiversity
conservation and sustainable development of Nigeria’s natural resources in general. The Agency is also
empowered to prepare comprehensive national policy on environment and conservation of natural resources
including procedure for environment impact assessment for all development projects. In fact, in line with
the Global Agenda 21, which Nigeria also attended and in Agenda 21 summit it identifies major priorities
that alleviate of poverty, promotion of forestation program particularly in the semi-arid zone, and also
suggest mitigation of effects of drought. This is essentially designed to integrate environmental development
which seeks to attain sustainable development.
The environmental impact study is only guided by the implementation of the terms of Reference (TOR)
provided by the ministry of Environment which based on social, economical, biological and physical
criteria.
In december, 2009, the Jobrigs Ecotactic Biosafety as the consultant firm made inquiry from the Ministry of
Environment for detailed term of reference in preparing EIA for flood control in Omuma L.G.A of Rivers
State in accordance with EIA decree 36, 1992 of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) and
Decree 38, 1992 of Nigeria Urban and Regional Planning.
The enquiry enable categories the project as EIA mandatory project which referred JEB to the ministry for
specific terms of Reference (TOR) that is offered according to their various sectors such as energy,
transport, chemical, mining, industry and agriculture.
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In 1999, Nigeria constitution (Article) enshrines the basic right of every Nigeria citizen to participate,
individually or in a group, in matters which may affect their political, social, cultural and economic life.
There exist legislative instruments which endorse and facilitate every Nigerian citizen the rights to
participate in decision making that may affect the environment or indigenous peoples rights. Hence of
legislative instruments promulgate the proponent a sound legal framework for involving public
participation. Despite this, EIA process and procedures still encountered impediment hindering realization
of effective public participation because of poor organized and developed institutional framework to
implement the legal requirements. There is often a lack of resources within government and representing
institutions which tends to limit the amounts of consultation and facilitation. In fact, yet to mature initiated
public participation is a recent notably legislative EIA process that should have encouraged public hearing
process.
2.2 THE SEQUENCE OF THE EIA PROCESS
The first step includes an Environmental diagnostic of Alternatives, which basically is to guarantee that the
best place has been chosen for developing the project. Normally, the three different options analyzed are
(1) Biophysical (2) socio-economic (3) technical these three influence the site, location, process and
Direct and indirect areas of influence were established. The methodology used to predict impacts was based
upon a matrix called Leopold; which associated the activity development and the effect produced on the
environment. The impacts were ranked according to the live characteristics.
Type positive or Negative
Magnitude: high medium and low scale
Duration: short term (less than one month); medium term (up to ten months) and long term (life long of the
product
Tendency: Increasing stable and decreasing.
Alternative of management:. Prevent, mitigate, substitute, compensate.
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Indicators of physical, biotic and social components were also used in order to identify impact.
3.0 APPROACHES TAKEN BY JOBRIGS ECOTACTIC BIOSAFETY (JEB) TEAM
In order to alleviate the erosion in their land and soil gullies, soil samples at various location of the entire
site of the project were taken and analyzed as preliminary evaluation or known as initial environmental
evaluation (IEE) which help to contribute to the effectiveness of EIA process. In addition, different studies
were carried out, starting with analysis of four alternatives for selection of drainage sites.
3.1 CASE STUDY ON RECENT EIA REPORT ON FLOOD AND EROSION CONTROL OF
OMUMA LGA OF RIVERS STATE
In order to develop and produce EIA, field surveillance work was carried for some days. This phase of EIA
process regarded as initial environmental evaluation (IEE) allowed the EIA team to conduct the following
activities.
Collection of baseline data within a given site which will be used to assess the significance of the project
activity on its surrounding environment.,
Understanding more about the area or region from first hand experience
Conducting with those people which may be affected by the projects development, so as to inform them
about the project to seek their agreement to the project and to feedback their comments, concerns and fears
so as to mitigate against potential impacts and better understanding of any possible conflict management.
In the surveillance visit, the topographical study was carried out with the local government council
personnel. It was understood that the perennial floods in Rivers, Imo and Abia States boundaries influenced
the direct consequence of environmental floodplain of Omuma LGA topographic nature. The Omuma Local
Government Area in Rivers State is a topical case study where flood disaster in particular attributed to the
construction of houses within the flood plain region resulting flood and erosion to some part of the
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communities as the main streams flowing through the communities. In addition, there have been extensive
deforestation and excavation of soil around Umuchere from sand selling business at stream banks of Imo
River.
To consider the EIA as a mandatory one, the term of reference (TORS) offered by Decree 36 of 1986 FEPA
of the Ministry of Environment is compared with available initial Environmental Evaluation Data; which
stimulates the emergence of EIA draft for identifying and predicting along with available alternatives due to
availability of environmental impact characterization on social Biophysical and sustainable development
benefits.
3.2 LOCATION AND SCALE OF THE PROJECT AND HISTORY OF THE SITE
The communities’ site is observed to have a terrain of floodplain which require effective drainage system
with a structural culverts for flood control. Flooding has caused serious consequences of deforestation, gully
erosion and siltation of major streams of the communities resulting to continual shallow of stream bed, the
stream only is the source of water for irrigation and other uses. The affected communities are: Umukoyoro,
Umuoko, Amaji, Umukirikpo, Umuchere, Eberi, Umunju, Umuokpuru, Umuodu and Umuogu of Omuma
LGA with a land covering area of 34 kilometers square
The Omuma LGA’s stream is parallel to Imo River at the south pole of the LGA and Northward pole is the
boundary of Abia State.
The gully erosion has a history of long time occurrence because of landscape clearance for road construction
keeping the exposed soil for subsequent rainy seasons which drastically increase surface run off and
emptied in the stream as catchment zone. So the community terrain has a flood plain zone and steep zone of
about 10 – 20% slope gradient.
And the tar road is about 28 kilometers length, while 24 kilometers is without drain culvert for rain water
collection except at the Amaji Community zone where the culvert stopped without a direction to a
catchment area via slope gradient drain culvert as in picture 2.
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It was observed that this surface runoff has caused eutrophic sedimentation and siltation with silt size of
0.002 – 0.006metres as shown in Picture 1. This occur because during the road construction of the Omuma
LGA environment without effective Environmental Management Plan (EMP) which should have predicted
post construction effect resulting to further flood risk. This called for an elaborate feasibility study and
environmental impact Assessment EIA of this flood prone zone.
The road construction started since 1994 and finished in 2009 without considering drainage system for flood
control in Omuma Local Government Area Western Region.
3.3 SIZE OR MAGNITUDE OF OPERATION
The study area covers basically from Umukoyoro Community to Umuogu of 34 kilometers square of
Omuma LGA as shown on Map 1 range of geographic locations within Omuma Local Government Area,
sharing borders with Abia State towards the northern part and Imo Rivers on the south way. The project area
covered is 34 square kilometers which is 45% of the surface area of Omuma LGA. However, the other
related area is also included, if required for the study.
3.4 PROPOSED PLANNING, FOR APPROVAL AND IMPLEMENTATION
2.1
RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARTIES: The project proponent has commissioned consultants to carry
out the feasibility study of the project. The detailed planning and design of the project will be performed by
the project proponents in house resources. The implementation of the project performed by specialist
contractor(s) which is appointed by the project proponent as the Executive Chairman of Omuma LGA and
in conjunction with Philadelphia Nmatric Limited.
3.5 PRELIMINARY PROJECT TIME TABLE:
The project is scheduled for funding application under the Federal Government of Nigeria Ecological Fund.
The tentative programme for planning, design and implementation of the project is as follows:
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Task
Task title
Start date
End date
Duration (M)
1
Design phase
Decemder 2009
March 2010
4
2
Tender phase
April 2010
June 2010
3
3
Work phase
July 2010
No
Total
X Months
The decommissioning and removal of structure for drainage system which will be conducted during the
early stage of the work will last approximately 6 to 9 months period.
4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED FLOOD CONTROL DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
4.1 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The project involves construction of Drainages System that connects tar road drain culvert and a
construction of concretized drain culvert along the slope toward the stream. It is therefore unlikely that the
project will encounter an interface with any other infrastructural projects. Interaction with other projects is
not considered to be a factor for project programming.
4.2 OVERVIEW OF COMMUNITIES TERRAIN FOR THE PROPOSED PROJECT
The proposed flood control – drainage pavement project is to be located at Western region of Omuma Local
Government Area between Umuoyoro to Umuodu Communities. It is Located North of Imo Rivers and
westward towards Aba-PH road about 25 kilometers square drive from Imo River Bridge. This site is about
34 kilometers of trapezoidal shape for 45% surface area of Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State.
4.3 PHYSIOGRAPHIC AND EDAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
The preliminary site studies show more of topographic feature with a slight relief feature of the north part
boundary of Abia State, which may cause over flow of rainfall on the communities of flood plain as
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indicated in Map1. The communities housing area is relatively flat with the sandy-clay soil texture, which
may result to sheet erosion during flooding era. The average flood depth on the houses is about 22cm height.
The nature of the soil was subjected to soil test for soil moisture, pH, and texture.
Simplified map of flood affected communities with measurement of water logging and soil salinity without
the need of bore holes. The project area soil is basically flood plain transitions landform with a soil phase of
moderate poorly drained alluvial soil, while the properties effective depth (PEP) is greater than 0.9 meters,
and the soil property surface texture is made up of loam soil of 85% and fine sand 15%; with a subsoil of
clay and slight salinity. The topography slope is about < 2% except downward stream which is <10%.
Analysis of the terrain soil drainage is calculated to be soil drainage as moderate; ground water level as
between 1.0 – 1.5 metres; the impervious layer is between 2.0 to 3.0 metres; The hydraulic conductivity is
2.0 to 3.0 metres / day; and natural drainage as in sufficient.
4.4 SITE ANALYSIS
Project site analysis is carried out to overcome the short comings of flood control. Such as:
Site analysis is to minimize disturbance on the land and disruption of natural water flow which often destroy
wildlife habitat.
The analysis also help to reduce regular maintenance which if neglected can have disastrous consequences.
The flood protection level to be considered must conform to technical measurable pattern of evacuating rain
water via concretized culverts which cannot exceed to form larger floods in the future to cause extensive
damage. It is done to promote more intensive land use and development in the flood plain of the project
communities.
The proposed site has a set back of 20km from Port Harcourt- Aba Road and this set back is given an
elaborate landscape treatment with a tar road from Port Harcourt. –Aba high way. Minimizing soil erosion
during construction activities is duly considered because of its time consuming process and has more
variables which have to be taken into account. Thus, a tool or support system shall be put in place to
withstand the challenge of collection, processing, and transportation of soil waste to dump site. Noise and
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gaseous emission will be minimal because of the quality excavators which shall be used for excavating work
whose fuel contaminated fluids are control if available. Dust is to be subjected under control by wetting and
evacuation by good house keeping and safety gadget of nose mask for the workers.
At the period of drainage channel construction at Tar road, precautionary measures by Tagout policy shall
be strictly enforced for easy movement of vessels on the public road.
Below is the summary of the site analysis.
Area of project site …………….........… 34sq kilometers
Length for Roadside drainage channel for construction … 20 kilometers
Width of each of the DP1 to DP5 ………….. 150 centimeters
Width of concretized access way….………… 3 meters.
5 different drainage pavement (DP) Outlets from the main Tar Road
-Length of outlet DP1 from Elder Nwafor compound of Umuchere Community is1.0 kilometer long.
-Length of outlet DP2 from Roman Catholic Church close of Amaji Community is 1.3 kilometers long.
-Length of outlet DP3 from Nkwo Market of Umuobuo to Umugwu Community as 1.5 kilometers long.
-Length of outlet DP4 from Eberi Market to Umuocham Community via the Secondary School is 2.2
kilometers long.
-Length of outlet DP5 from Umuodu to Umuabali via the Umugu Community as 4 kilometers long.
vi) Total length covered by Drainage System Construction from Umuchere community to Umuodu,
including the Outlets DP1; DP2 ;DP3; DP4 and DP5, = 30 kilometers long
5.0 THE DESIGN CONCEPT
An analysis of the site plan considered more on sustainable development which systems concept has been
employed in which different parts are brought together to function as a whole. This is unity of purpose and
functionality in the design.
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The proposed flood control-damage pavement has been designed to allow for proper functioning damage
system as well as provide comfort for the habitants. The road pavement which should be made up of
concrete slab attached to drainage channel of 150cm divide to accommodate the large volume of flood
during heavy rainfall. These channels are to be linked to the main Tar road drainage system which release
its flood to the catchments outlets for Imo Rivers. Because of the distance covered and flood capacity, five
loctions such as: Elder Nwafor compound of Umuchere Community (DP1 ); near Roman Catholic Church
Amaji Town (DP2); Nkwo Market of Umuobuo Community (DP3); Eberi Market (DP4 ); Umuodu (DP5 ) to
catchment’s zones of the stream.
The approach to the flood control – drainage culvert concretized access way shall be carefully adapted
through landscaping and this shall be extended to other parts of the proposed site. This will make the natural
landscape elements such as shrubs, flowers plants to blend with the man-made concrete materials used on
the site. The architectural elements have also been properly employed to provide protection against
unpleasant effects of harsh weather.
The design of the flood control drainage culvert concretized access way equally addresses sustainable
development of vegetation and sustainability of water resources streams as well as observing appropriate
distances between flood-water collection and rainwater catchment zones.
Due to the flood plain terrain, the construction of drainage system does not warrant any inundation in the
area. The screening checklist of the potential impacts is presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1: SCREENING CHECKLIST FOR OMUMA FLOOD SUBPROJECT
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM
SL
Impact
Remarks
Yes
No
1
Environment problems due to project location
1.1 Encroachment into Area of
V
The subproject does not fall within any
conservation significance
ecologically sensitive area such as wildlife,
sanctuaries or wetlands.
1.2 Impediments to movements of
V
Being an existing system there won’t be any
wildlife, livestock and people
additional impediments.
1.3 Encroachment on Historical and
V
The area has no significant historical
cultural sites
archaeological, cultural and religions
landmarks. However, there is a distant small
patch of burial ground downstream of the
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proposed intake site.
The subproject irrigation system being in
operation for many years system for water
use has been established and no records are
available showing any evidence of
misunderstanding or conflicts among users.
Flooding and drainage hazards
V
The subproject intervention will not have
flooding and drainage hazard as the
command area is a steep area.
Displacement of people and
V
No land acquisition is needed for the
property
subprojects.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS RELATED TO PROJECT DESIGN
Watershed Erosion
Due to steep hill side, some of parts of the
canal is prone to soil erosion
Downstream water quality
V
The subproject is a rehabilitation project
problem
therefore no other water sources (e.g.
groundwater) will be utilized. Therefore
quality of water supply will not be change.
Suitability of Natural water for
V
The water sources have been used prior to
irrigation
rehabilitation works. There will be no
changes in water use during the subproject
implementation.
Over pumping of Grand water
V
Groundwater will not be used in this
subproject.
Adequacy of Drainage Planning
V
Project area is on flood plain slopping area,
drainage planning may or may not be
necessary.
Disruption of Existing Farmer
V
There are no existing farmers’ co-operatives
Cooperative systems
within the command area.
Land Use Conflicts
V
The land use within the command area has
been established prior to the implementation
of the Subproject. No records are available
showing misunderstanding or conflicts
among different land uses
Inadequacies in Water
V
Though command area is proposed to be
Distribution
extended, water balance study has not shown
water shortage.
Canal Management
V
The operation and maintenance (O&M) of
the existing irrigation system has been in
place prior to implementation of the
Subproject. The (O&M) of the main canal
has to be worked out.
Passageways
V
The existing passageways are not sufficient
for movement of people and livestock. The
Subproject will construct necessary number
of crossings and passageways.
Scouring Hazards
V
Some of the canals are subjected to seasonal
scouring when water flows are high. The
strengthening of the canal walls and
canalling has been proposed at different
sections. Identification of critical stretches,
1.4 Water resource conflicts
1.5
1.6
2
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
V
18
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8
4
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
5
5.1
bio-engineering works should be identified.
Environmental Problems Related to Construction Stage
Excavation
V
Only excavation at structure sites. New
excavation outside the indicated spots.
Construction materials sites
V
The construction work will require 270m3
(Quarry Sites)
sand 156m3 of aggregates and 494m3 block
stone which can be fulfilled from the quarry
site for the subproject may not be feasible.
Work camp location and
V
The contractor will have to establish work
operation
camp for the construction activities.
Labour Camp
V
Total labour requirement will be about 3,658
unskilled and 814 skilled. Assuming actual
construction working season of 17 months,
the average labour requirement per day
would be 10 unskilled and some of skilled
manpower will be fulfilled from the local
area. Hence, labour camp will not be
operated. Some of the outside labour will
reside within the work camp itself.
Stockpiling of materials
V
The construction material will be stored at
the convenient locations for the construction
activities.
Operation of construction
V
No heavy construction equipments are
equipment and transport
needed and only small dewatering pumps,
mixers, vibrators, etc will be used which do
not contribute major air pollution. Tractors
and trucks would be used for materials
transportation.
Occupation health and safety
V
Occupational health and safety of the
workers will be addressed.
Temporary Closure of Irrigation V
Construction activities are likely to disturb
System
the supply of irrigation water.
Environmental Problems Resulting from Project Operations
Effect on downstream water use
V
There is still plenty of water for the
downstream users after proposed
intervention. Hence effect on downstream
users has not been foreseen.
Adverse soil modifications
V
The proposed subproject is the rehabilitation
of the existing irrigation system, adverse soil
modification will not occur due to the
proposed subproject implementation.
Changes in groundwater
V
The subproject command is being in a
hydrology
floodplain terrain, groundwater recharge will
be minimal.
Mosquito Breeding
V
The command area being in floodplain
allows for mosquito breeding.
Realization of Enhancement Potentials
Employment to the local people V
Construction activities will require
construction labours. Local people will get
opportunity in employment. In addition
farmers have to share the construction cost
19
5.2
Community water supply in
command area
V
5.3
Aquaculture in command area
V
5.4
Livelihood programs for
landless households
V
5.5
Feasibility of cooperatives
V
which will be mostly usually in terms of
labour force.
The farmers in the command used stream
water. Canal waters are not used for
domestic purpose and will not be used as
such after subproject implementation
Farmers are not practicing aquaculture within
the command area. It is unlikely that this will
changed using subproject implementation
Construction activities will require both skill
and unskilled labourers. The subproject will
also provide livelihood trainings to enhance
economic conditions of landless households.
The Project will implement institutional
development activities to strengthen capacity
of water users associations which could
function as a cooperative to support the
farmers.
In many environmental assessments there are certain effects that, although they will occur during
construction or operation stage, should be considered as impacts primarily of the location or design of the
project, as they would not occur if an alternative location or design was chosen.
5.1 ALTERNATIVES
The consideration of alternatives is one of the more proactive sides of environmental assessment –
enhancing the project design through examining options instead of only focusing on the more defensive task
of reducing adverse impacts of a single design. This call for systematic comparison of feasible alternatives
for the proposed project sites or location, scales, technology or processes, layouts, operational alternative
and the “no action” option.
However, with regards to the project, no necessary considered alternatives to the project is required because
it is consistent with FMWR for supporting the development of irrigation agriculture and EIA Act 86 1992 in
further amended decree 14 of 1999 of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) as listed
mandatory study of drainage and irrigation activity.
6.0 IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
Although the main elements of impact assessment involve identification, measurement, interpretation and
communication of impacts in concise and unambiguous manner, assessment methodologies vary. Prominent
among the methodologies are checklist method; matrix approach and overlay map.
20
Leopold matrix method is considered here while identifying significant impacts of project by placing these
anticipated impacts in diagonal line in appropriate cell of the matrix, magnitude and importance of impacts
are evaluated on a 1-10 scale and placed on either side of the diagonal. Whereas, Battelle environmental
evaluation system is based on the checklist of 78 environmental parameters. The predicted value of each
parameter is converted to a 0-1 scale of environmental quality (EQ) using value fuction graphs.Each
environmental parameter is assigned a weight out of 1000 parameters importance units (PIU) by ranked
pairwise comparison. EQ value is multiplied by PIU to improve environmental score.
Final score of alternative to difference between sum of scores with and without project.
6.1 THE CHECKLIST METHOD
Using Batelle Environmental Evaluation system involves the compilation of a comprehensive list of
environmental effect and impact indicators as stated above in the description of the environmental Baseline
study. This is done to stimulate analyst to think broadly about possible consequence of contemplated actions
which also allows an exhaustive list of areas to be considered in the assessment process.
6.2 THE MATRIX METHOD
By Leopold matrix incorporated, a list of Project actions with a checklist of environmental condition or
characteristics that might be affected. This method is flexible and allows expansion of component or
characteristics to be affected by the environment. It shows an interaction between causes and effects or
actions and impacts relationship.
It enabled us to make unbiased judgment which depends on experience. This method employs the use of
scaling to rate environments quality that is a scale of 1 to 10 is the best or highest quality scale, while one
(1) is the least scale in quality. And the scaling is scaled according to the severity of the said project of
having:- 1, No impact, 2, Minimum impact, 3, Significant Impact and 4, Real severe impact.
In this method, the project associated activities with the technique are identified and place on the horizontal
axis, while the environmental conditions are placed on the vertical axis.
21
The use of overlay method is a study of sub-dividing the study area into small units of homogenous
topographic land use as using cluster sampling technique collection of information in this method involves
the use of aerial photography.
Table 2: ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS DATA
Flood control
Solid waste disposal
Oil spillage
Traffic
-2/2
-3/3
-3/3
-2/2
-3/2
-2/2
Erosion
-3/3
-2/3
Land use/aquaculture
-6/6
-3/3
77
225
21.6
Duration
Excavated soil disposal
-2/2
Significance
Concrete mixing activities
-4/3
% Total impact
Excavating activities
-2/2
Total magnitude
Quarry depot
-2/2
Impact magnitude
Camping site
-3/3
components
Sewage
Pre-culvert-road activities
-2/2
Environmental
Operating/maintenance of
equipment
Site surveying
activity
74
Sig.
S.T.
Sig.
S.T.
Sig.
L.T
Ins
S.T
Air quality
Particulate
Gaseous emission
-3/3
54
-2/2
23
Soil/sediments
-4/5
35
-2/2
-2/2
-2/2
-2/3
-3/3
Soil microorganism
-2/2
-2/2
-3/4
-4/4
-2/2
Soil quality
-2/2
-2/2
-3/2
-3/4
-4/5
-2/2
-3/3
-4/5
-6/6
-5/6
-4/5
-3/3
-2/2
-2/2
80
-4/5
60
50
Water quality
TDS/TSS
Turbidity
-3/3
-2/2
Toxicity
-2/2
69
72
-3/3
-4/5
29
4/6
62
170
16.3
Geology/
hydrogeology
Ground water quality
-4/4
Bathymetry
-2/2
Vegetation / wildlife
-6/6
-3/3
-4/4
-2/2
-2/3
Terrestrial ecology
8
70
6.7
55
55
5.3
Sig.
S.T
-2/2
Climate
Animals
Plants
-3/4
-2/3
-2/2
22
-2/2
-2/2
-2/3
-2/2
18
40
3.8
Ins
S.T
6/8
+4/5
+3/
207
207
19.9
Sig.
S.T
4
4
0.4
Ins
L.T
93
93
8.9
Ins
S.T
Socio-economics
Employment / income
+4/3
+6/7
+2/2
+2/2
+8/8
+2/2
3
Settlement
Community health
+2/2
-2/2
-3/2
-2/2
-2/2
-3/3
-3/4
-4/5
-4/3
-4/4
-3/2
-2/3
issues
22
Noise
-2/2
-3/4
-2/2
Archaeology
-3/4
-2/3
-2/2
-2/2
-5/6
4/4
-2/2
-2/2
-2/2
44
44
4.2
Ins
S.T
58
58
5.5
Ins
S.T
1043
1043
6.3 IMPACT SCORE SHEET
This stage forms the central part of an EIA having considered the Leopold matrix model for
predicted impacts, several major options are likely to have been proposed either at the scoping or
before. Therefore this option will give us analysis of score sheet of realistic or affordable mitigating
measures.Impacts are rated from 1-5. This involves assigning weights ranging from 1 to 5
environmental factors. “1” being very negative impact and “5” being very positive impact.
: Attributes
Maximum Points
Points obtained
1.
Air Quality
-Particulate ………………………5
………..
2
-Gaseous Emission……….
5
……....
3
2.
Soil/Sediment
-Erosion………………….…
5
……….
3
-Land use / Aquaculture……
5
………
5
-Soil microorganism………………5
………
2
-Soil Quality…………………
5
………
3
3.
Water Quality
-TDS / TSS…………………
5
………
2
-Turbidity……………………
5
…………
3
-Toxicity…………………….
5
………
2
4.
Geology / Hydrogeology
-Ground water quality
…… 5
……….
3
-Bathymetry…………………
5
..………
2
5.
Vegetation …………………
5
………
5
6.
Tematial Ecology
-Climate…………………….
5………………
3
-Animals…………………….
5………………
5
-Plants………………………………5….……………
5
7.
Socio-economic
-Employment/Income
….. 5
………
5
-Settlement……………….…
5
………
5
-Community Health Issues……. 5
..………..
4
-Noise…………………….…
5
……….
3
-Archaeology……………….
5
..……..
4
100
72
The percentage score is derived thus:
% Performance
=
Point Obtained
x 100
Points Obtainable
1
=
72
x
100
100
1
Performance level =
72%
The Scoring Guide recommendation by the Nigeria Institute of town planners is given in the table
below:
23
Scoring Guide
Rating
5 – Very positive impact…………100% - 61% Acceptable
4 – Positive impact………………..60% - 41% critical consideration
3 – Neutral impact
2 – Negative impact
Below 40% Not Acceptable
1 – Very negative impact
7.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION:
In order to carry out this study; Jobrigs Ecotactic Biosafety (JEB) carried out the Batelles Checklist
Environmental Evaluation and Leopold matrix assessment in accordance with the draft of FEPA, EIA
procedure of 1992.
The scooping and screening exercise was carried out by the checklist method to identify the environmental
components that are likely to be affected by the proposed project of both construction and operational
phases. The baseline data of the environment for the assessment were collected through use of maps ( not
added in appendix), photographs, field sampling, survey, laboratory analysis, questionnaires and interviews.
From the data obtained it was possible to know the state of the existing environment and to evaluate the
potential impacts of the project activities on the physical and socio-economic environment using the
Leopold matrix technique. It was also possible to make recommendation for mitigative and ameliorative
measure to be taken to contain the negative impacts and the JEC to develop adequate management system in
its Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project.
However, major regulatory policy has been the fundamental flaws in the Nigeria environmental
management such as administrative regulatory process which is often vulnerable to influence special interest
groups as the multinational oil companies that easily triggered pollution. Secondly, there is often too much
distance between the regulatory body and which the government claimed to protect. The public has limited
access to the regulatory body’s classified information which separate the public from the EIA decision
making; thereby making it difficult for effective regulatory supervision of oil industrial facilities in the
mangrove swamp forests and the enforcement of health and safety compliance.
Reference:
Abu, Bala Dan. (1988) "Koko: To Move or Not to Move" Newswatch Nigeria
Bhata S.C. (2005), Textbook on Environmental Pollution and Control in Chemical Process Industries.
24
pp.449 . Khanna Publishers, Delhi 110006.
Robert Goodland, (2005) Editor on Social and Environmental Impact Assessment , Oil and Gas Pipeline –
IAIA 2005 Conference, Virginia, USA
Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) 1986 of Decree 58, Nigeria
Federal Environmental Protection Agency, Nigeria. "Achieving Sustainable Development
in Nigeria". National Report for the United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1992), 1-12
Holder, J., (2004), Environmental Assessment: The Regulation of Decision Making, Oxford University Press, New
York; For a comparative discussion of the elements of various domestic EIA systems,
International Association for Impact Assessment (IAIA) (1999) Principle of Environmental Impact
Assessment Best Practice.
John Glasson; Riki Therivel; Andrew Chadwick (1994). Textbook on Introduction to Environmental
Impact Assessment, 2 Edition , UCL Press.pg.3-25;245-278
Patrick Duffy (1999). Environmental Impact Assessment Training for Sustainable Agriculture and Rural
Development: Lessons and Experience from Cambodia.
Appendix 1 Pictures taken during the preliminary evaluation which show Siltation and Sedimentation
in Community Stream from Gully erosion of Omuma LGA of Rivers State
Difficult Transportation of Farm products
High hydraulic force gully erosion
Eutrophic post-Stream with high turbidity of
water bodies
Gradual sedimentation resulting to shallow
stream bed
25