SOCIAL IMPACT OF PETROL STATIONS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

The emergence of sub-standard and poorly located Petrol Stations (PS) is on the increase in Nigeria. These affect the various facets of life and are further aggravated by non-compliance with regulations. Social impact assessment studies which help in understanding such effects are few. This study was designed to assess the impact of petrol stations in Ibadan North Local Government Area, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was adopted. A global positioning system was used to determine geographical locations around PS. Petrol Stations were assessed for noise level using noise meter and the noise levels obtained were compared with National Guideline Limits (NGL). Vehicular traffic density was determined by manual counting for 12 hours per day for one month. Public perception of social impact of PS was assessed using structured interviewer-administered questionnaire among adjoining residents living and working within 50 metres from PS. Key informant interview were conducted among 58 PS operators categorised into major and independent marketers. Observational checklist was used to document impact variables such as setbacks from dwelling houses, traffic flow and risk indicators such as use of personal protective equipment, fire hazards and petrol vapour inhalation from all the PS. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, t-test and ANOVA were employed for data analyses.The mean age of PS adjoining respondents was 31.1±1.3 years. Mean vehicular traffic density was 414.6±65.2 vehicles per hour. The mean noise level recorded within PS was 92.4±19 dBA which was higher than NGL 90.0 dBA for duration of 8.0 hours per day. Majority (55.2%) of residents indicated that setbacks of PS from dwelling houses were less than Oyo State Urban and Regional Planning Board minimum setback 7.0 metres. Several residents (46. I %) stated that the noise level from petrol nation was high. Majority (98.3%) of adjoining residents revealed that there were no instances of violent criminal occurrences which could be linked to the siting of PS. Fifty-two percent noted that PS causes high vehicular traffic congestion. Thirty six percent of independent marketers compared with 63.1% of major marketers linked high noise level with PS (p<0.05) Thirty eight percent of major marketers compared with 20.7% of independent marketers associated PS with high vehicular traffic flow (p < 0.05). Majority (72.4%) of PS workers did not wear gas mask to protect themselves from petrol vapour. Sixty-seven percent of residents stated that PS in their localities were poorly located and 46.7% reported that noise from generators was the main problem associated with PS. Forty-one percent wanted Power Holding Company of Nigeria to regularly, supply electricity to PS to prevent noise pollution from generators. Some respondents (47.2%) stated that illegal commercial landuses are predominant around PS in their areas. Vehicular traffic density and noise levels were high within and around petrol stations. The siting and operations of petrol stations were not in compliance with laid down regulations. Strict compliance and enforcement of regulations regarding siting of petrol station is therefore, advocated.