Oben Projects Eiareport PDF

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited
Operator of the NNPC/Shell/Agip/Total Joint Venture
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

of
OBEN GAS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
FINAL REPORT
APRIL 2008
Table of Contents and Executive Summary
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TITLE PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS … … … … … … … … … ii
LIST OF PLATES … … … … … … … … … … vi
LIST OF FIGURES … … … … … … … … … … vii
LIST OF TABLES … … … … … … … … … … viii
LIST OF APPENDICES … … … … … … … … … … x
LIST OF ABBREVIATION AND ACRONYMS … … … … … … xi
EIA PREPARERS … … … … … … … … … … xiii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT … … … … … … … … … xiv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY … … … … … … … … … xv
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 Introduction … … … … … … … … … … 1-1
1.2 Project Background… … … … … … … … … … 1-2
1.3 The Proponent … … … … … … … … … 1-4
1.4 Legal and Administrative Framework … … … … … 1-4
1.4.1 Land-use Act 1978 … … … … … … … … 1-4
1.4.2 Petroleum Act … … … … … … … … 1-5
1.4.3 Oil Mining Lease, OML … … … … … … … 1-5
1.4.4 The Mineral Oils Safety Regulations 1963 (Amended 1997)… … … 1-5
1.4.5 Oil Pipelines Ordinances (CAP) 145, 1956 and Oil Pipelines Act 1965 … 1-5
1.4.6 National Inland Water ways authority (NIWA) Act 13 of 1997 … … 1-5
1.4.7 Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry
in Nigeria, EGASPIN (2002) … … … … … … … 1-6
1.4.8 Federal Ministry of Environment, (FMEnv) … … … … … 1-6
1.4.8.1 Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) Act No.58, 1988 … … 1-6
1.4.8.2 National Environmental Impact Assessment Act No. 86, 1992 … … 1-6
1.4.8.3 EIA Sectoral Guidelines (Oil & Gas Industry Projects) … … … 1-6
1.4.8.4 FMENV (formerly FEPA) Regulations … … … … … 1-6
1.4.9 Forestry Law CAP 52, 1994… … … … … … … 1-6
1.4.10 State Legislation … … … … … … … … 1-6
1.4.11 Public Health Law: … … … … … … … … 1-7
1.4.12 International Laws and Regulations … … … … … … 1-7
1.4.13 World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment {EA} (1991) … … 1-7
1.4.14 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) Guidelines … … … … … … … … 1-7
1.4.15 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals
(Bonn Convention). … … … … … … … … 1-7
1.4.16 Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) … .. … … … 1-8
1.4.17 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage Sites (or World Heritage Convention) (1972) … … … 1-8
1.4.18 Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of
Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) … … … … 1-8
1.4.19 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) … … 1-8
1.4.20 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from
Ships (MARPOL) (1973/78) operating on a global scale … … … 1-8
1.4.21 SPDC’s Community Affairs, Safety, Health, Environment and
Security {CASHES}Policy … … … … … … … 1-8
1.4.22 SPDC’s Environmental Assessment Policy … … … … … 1-8
1.4.23 SPDC’s Waste Management Policy … … … … … … 1-9
1.4.24 SCiN Biodiversity Policy … … … … … … … 1-9
ii
1.4.25 SPDC’s Flares-Down Policy … … … … … … … … 1-9

1.5 Structure of the Report … … … … … … … … … 1-9
1.6 Terms of Reference … … … … … … … … … 1-10
1.7 Declaration … … … … … … … … … … … 1-11
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Project Justification … … … … … … … … … 2-1
2.1 Need for the Project … … … … … … … … … 2-1
2.2 Value of the Project … … … … … … … … … 2-1
2.3 Envisaged Sustainability … … … … … … … … 2-1
2.3.1 Economic Sustainability … … … … … … … 2-1
2.3.2 Technical Sustainability … … … … … … … 2-1
2.3.3 Environmental Sustainability … … … … … … … 2-2
2.3.4 Social Sustainability … … … … … … … … 2-2
2.4 Project Objective … … … … … … … … … 2-2
2.5 Project Alternatives … … … … … … … … … 2-2
2.6 Project Location … … … … … … … … … … 2-2
2.6.1 Wells/Flowlines … … … … … … … … 2-3
2.6.2 Process Flow Scheme for the Existing Oben Gas Plant … … … 2-3
2.7 Project Scope … … … … … … … … … … 2-4
2.7.1 Project Activity Overview … … … … … … … 2-4
2.8 Drilling of one (1) New Well … … … … … … … … 2-6
2.8.1 Subsurface (Drilling) Activities … … … … … … 2-6
2.8.1.1 Well Location/Access Road Preparations … … … … … 2-6
2.8.1.2 Drilling of NAG Well … … … .. … … … … 2-6
2.8.1.3 Waste and/or By-Products Generated … … … … … 2-6
2.8.1.4 Risk of Accidents Resulting in Pollution or Hazards … … … … 2-7
2.9 Flowline Contruction … … … … … … … … … 2-8
2.9.1 Flowline Construction … … … … … … … 2-8
2.9.2 Land-take … … … … … … … … … 2-8
2.9.3 Site Preparation … … … … … … … … 2-8
2.9.4 Flushing of Existing Pipeline … … … … … … … 2-8
2.9.5 Excavation and removal of old flowlines … … … … … 2-8
2.9.6 Site Construction (Welding), Non-Destructive Testing [Radiography] … 2-9
2.9.7 Pressure Testing of the New Pipeline Section … … … … 2-9
2.9.8 Pipe Laying and Tie-in … … … … … … … 2-9
2.9.9 Backfilling … … … … … … … … … 2-9
2.9.10 Commissioning of the New Flowlines … … … … … 2-9
2.9.11 Operations/Maintenance … … … … … … … 2-9
2.9.12 Decommissioning … … … … … … … … 2-9
2.10 Operations Philosophy … … … … … … … … 2-10
2.10.1 Maintenance Philosophy & Strategies … … … … … 2-10
2.11 Project Schedule … … … … … … … … … 2-11
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Description of Environment … … … … … … … … 3-1
3.1 General … … … … … … … … … … … 3-1
3.2 Description of Existing Environment … … … … … … … 3-1
3.2.1 Climate/Meteorological Studies . … … … … … … 3-1
3.2.2 Air Quality and Noise … … … … … … … … 3-2
3.2.3 Soil Studies … … … … … … … … … 3-3
3.2.4 Landuse and Agriculture … … … … … … … 3-5
3.2.5 Vegetation … … … … … … … … … 3-8
iii
3.2.5.1 Floristic Composition and Profile … … … … … … 3-8

3.2.5.2 Farmlands and Plantations … … … … … … .. 3-12
3.2.5.3 Bush Fallow .. … … .. .. … .. .. … 3-12
3.2.5.4 Key Economic Plant Species … … … … … … 3-12
3.2.5.5 Plant Pathological Assessment … … … .. … … 3-13
3.2.6 Wild Life / Biodiversity Studies: … … … … … … 3-13
3.2.7 Soil Microbiological Studies … … … … … … … 3-15
3.2.8 Aquatic Studies … … … … … … … … 3-16
3.2.8.1 Comparison of the wet and dry season data … … … … … 3-16
3.2.8.2 Phytoplankton Studies … … … … … … … 3-18
3.2.8.3 Zooplankton Studies .. … … … … … … … 3-19
3.2.8.4 Macrobenthos … … … … … … … … 3-21
3.2.8.5 Microbiological Studies … … … … … … … 3-24
3.2.8.6 Fish/Fisheries Studies … … … … … … … 3-24
3.2.9 Hydrology/Hydrogeology … … … … … … … 3-26
3.2.9.1 Geology/Hydrogeology/Geophysics … … … … … … 3-26
3.2.9.1.1 General Geology … … … … … … … … 3-26
3.2.9.1.2 Hydrogeology … … … … … … … … 3-27
3.3.0 The Socio-Economic Environment … … … … … … … 3-28
3.3.1 Political and Socio-Cultural History … … … … … … 3-28
3.3.1.1 Totems … … … … … … … … … 3-28
3.3.1.2 Domestic Animals … … … … … … … … 3-28
3.3.1.3 Wildlife … … … … … … … … … 3-29
3.3.2 Settlement System … … … … … … … … 3-29
3.3.3. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents … … … … 3-29
3.3.3.1 Age and Sex Structure: … … … … … … … 3-29
3.3.3.2 Ethnicity and Religion … … … … … .. … 3-30
3.3.3.3 Marital Status: … … … … … … … … 3-31
3.3.3.4 Educational Characteristics: … … … … … … … 3-31
3.3.3.5 Household Size: … … … … … … … … 3-31
3.3.4 Cultural and Archeologically Sites … … … … … … 3-32
3.3.5 Recreational Facilities Programmes … … … … … 3-32
3.3.6 Economic Environment … … … … … … … 3-32
3.3.6.1 Occupational and economic activity pattern: … … … … 3-32
3.3.6.2 Major crops: … … … … … … … … … 3-33
3.3.6.3 Respondents Income Distribution: … … … … … … 3-33
3.3.6.4 Land tenure system and land acquisition: … … … … … 3-34
3.3.6.5 Residency Status: … … … … … … … … 3-34
3.3.6.6 Housing and Sanitation: … … … … … … … 3-34
3.3.7 Social and Infrastructural facilities: … … … … … … 3-35
3.3.7.1 Roads … … … … … … … … … … 3-35
3.3.7.2 Electricity … … … … … … … … … 3-35
3.3.7.3 Water … … … … … … … … … 3-35
3.3.7.4 Markets … … … … … … … … 3-35
3.3.7.5 Schools … … … … … … … … … 3-36
3.3.8 Quality of Life … … … … … … … … … 3-36
3.3.9 Perceived Environmental Problems … … … … … 3-36
3.3.10 Community concerns, needs and areas of assistance … … … 3-36
3.4 Health Studies … … … … … … … … 3-37
3.4.1 Introduction … … … … … … … … … 3-37
3.4.2 Nutritional status … … … … … … … … 3-40
3.4.3 Immunization status … … … … … … … 3-41
3.4.4 Social Habits and life style … … … … … … … 3-41
3.4.5 Personal Cleanliness /Hygiene … … … … … … 3-42
iv
3.4.6 Quality of Available Health Facilities … … … … … 3-42

3.4.7 Health professionals at Oben Cottage Hospital … … … … 3-49
3.4.8 Group Assembly Discussions on Health Issues and Community Concerns 3-51
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Associated and Potential Environmental Impacts… … … … … … 4-1
4.1 General… … … … … … … … … … … 4-1
4.2 Impact Prediction Methodology... … … … … … … … 4-1
4.3 Rating of impacts … … … … … … … … … 4-1
4.4 Impact Identification … … … … … … … … … 4-5
4.4.1 Project activities and sensitivities interaction matrix … … … … 4-7
4.4.2 Determination of environmental impacts … … … … … 4-7
4.4.3 List of identified impacts … … … … … … … 4-53
4.5 Description of Impacts … … … … … … … … 4-54
4.5.1 Mobilization Phase … … … … … … … … 4-54
4.5.1.1 Pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities 4-54
4.6 Construction/Drilling/Flowline Phases … … … … … … 4-55
4.7 Operations Phase … … … … … … … … … 4-58
4.8 Decommissioning … … … … … … … … … 4-59
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Mitigation Measures … … … … … .. … … … 5-1
51 Introduction… … … … … … … … … … … 5-1
5.2 Residual Impacts after Mitigation Measures … … … … … … 5-12
5.2.1 Community Unrest … … … … … … … … 5-12
5.2.2 Influx of People … … … … … … … … 5-12
5.2.3 Increase in Cost of Living / Inflation … … … … … … 5-12
5.2.4 Increase in Social Vices … … … … … … … 5-12
5.3 Enhancing Positive Impacts … … … … … … … … 5-13
5.3.1 Job Creation … … … … … … … … 5-13
5.3.2 Business / Economic Opportunities … … … … … … 5-13
5.3.3 Reduction in Gas Flaring … … … … … … … 5-13
5.3.4 Increase in Revenue to Government and SPDC … … … … 5-13
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 Environmental Management Plan… … … … … … … … 6-1
6.1 Introduction … … … … … … … … … … 6-1
6.2 Environmental Monitoring … … … … … … … … 6-1
6.3 Hazards and Effects Management Process (HEMP) … … … … 6-1
6.4 Safety and Hazard Identification … … … … … … … 6-3
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 Consultation … … … … … … … … … … 7-1
7.1 General… … … … … … … … … … … 7-1
7.2 EIA Scoping Workshops … … … … … … … … 7-1
7.3 Community Expectations about the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field … … 7-2
7.4 Community Assistance/Community Development Projects … … … … 7-2
CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0 Conclusion ... … … … … … … … … … 8-1
REFERENCES... … … … … … … … … … … 8-2
v
LIST OF PLATES
TITLE PAGES
Plate 1: Secondary Vegetation of the Project area … … … … … 3-9

Plate 2: Fallow land … … … … … … … … … 3-10
Plate 3: Farm land … … … … … … … … … 3-10
Plate 4: Group Assembly Discussion on Health Issues … … … … 3-55
Plate 5: Access Road being used by a commercial vehicle … … … … 7-3
Plate 6: Oben Potable Water Project … … … … … … … 7-3
Plate 7: Manpower Training … … … … … … … 7-4
Plate 8: Hospital Project .. .. .. .. .. .. … … 7-4
Plate 9: Market … … … … … … … … … 7-5
Plate 10: Farming … … … … … … … … … 7-5
Plate 11: Manpower Training .. … … … … … … … 7-6
vi
LIST OF FIGURES
TITLE PAGE
Fig.1.1 Map of Nigeria showing Edo State… … … … … … … 1-12
Fig.1.2 Map showing Oben location and SPDC Facilities… … … … … 1-12
Fig.2.1 Map of the Western Domestic Gas Network showing Oben Location … 2-3
Fig.2.2 Schematic of the Oben LTS Modules … … … … … 2-4
Fig.3.1a Pie chart showing Percentage Distribution of Land Use … … … 3-6
Fig.3.1b Bar chart showing Percentage Distribution of Land Use … … … 3-6
Fig.3.2 Landuse Map of Oben Field Area … … … … … … 3-7
Fig.3.3 Profile diagram of a typical bush fallow surrounding the study area … 3-8
Fig.3.4 Profile diagram of a farm around the Project location … … … 3-9
Fig.3.5 Demographic structure of the host communities of the
WDGS/WAGP at Oben field … … … … … … … 3-30
Fig.3.6 Income Structure … … … … … … … … 3-34
vii
LIST OF TABLES
TITLE PAGE
Table 1.1 APPR and FDP Study GIIP and GUR Comparison … … … … 1-2
Table 1.2: NAG wells production performance … … … … … … 1-3
Table 2.1: Project Schedule … … … … … … … … 2-11
Table 3.1: Wind Speed and Direction within Oben Field … … … … 3-2
Table 3.2 Air Quality and Noise results for Oben Sampling Stations …` … … 3-2
Table 3.3a: Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil in the Oben Field Area
(Dry Season) … … … … … … … … 3-3
Table 3.3b: Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil in the Oben Field Area
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … 3-4
Table 3.4a: Heavy metals and THC concentration of Soils in Oben Field Area
(Dry Season) … … … … … … … … 3-5
Table 3.4b: Heavy metals and THC concentration of Soils in Oben Field Area
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … 3-5
Table 3.5: Land use pattern and Pacentage Distribution … … … … 3-7
Table 3.6: The Composition and Frequency of Plant Species in Oben Field … … 3-11
Table 3.7: Mean Population Density of Key Economic Plant Species in Oben Field … 3-12
Table 3.8: Plant Diseases, Causal Organisms and Severity Index of Infection in the
Project Area … … … … … … … … … 3-13
Table 3.9: List of Wildlife species within the Oben Field Area … … … … 3-14
Table 3.10a: Soil heterotrophic bacterial and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria of the Oben Field
(Dry Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-15
Table 3.10b: Soil fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the Oben Field (Dry Season) … 3-15
Table 3.10c: Soil heterotrophic bacterial and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria of the Oben Field
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-16
Table 3.10d: Soil fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the Oben Field (Wet Season) … 3-16
Table 3.11a: Summary of the Physico-chemical Conditions in the water bodies (Dry Season) 3-16
Table 3.11b: Summary of the Physico-chemical Conditions in the water bodies (Wet Season) 3-17
Table 3.12a: Composition and Abundance of Phytoplankton in the Study Stations
(Dry season) … … … … … … … … … 3-18
Table 3.12b: Composition and abundance of phytoplankton in the study stations
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-19
Table 3.13a Composition and Abundance of Zooplankton in the Study Stations
(Dry season) … … … … … … … … … 3-20
Table 3.13b Composition and Abundance of Zooplankton in the Study Stations
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-21
Table 3.14a Composition and Abundance of Macrobenthic Fauna in the Study Stations
(Dry season) … … … … … … … … … 3-22
Table 3.14b Composition and Abundance of Macrobenthic Fauna in the Study Stations
(Wet season) … … … … … … … … … 3-23
Table 3.15a: Microbiological Properties of Surface Waters in Oben field (Dry season) … 3-24
Table 3.15b: Microbiological Properties of Surface Waters in Oben field (Wet season) … 3-24
Table 3.16: Fin fishes in the Jamieson river of the Oben field … … … … 3-25
Table 3.17a: Heavy metal concentrations in selected fish species from waters in Oben field
(Dry Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-25
Table 3.17b: Heavy metal concentrations in selected fish species from waters in Oben field
(Wet Season) … … … … … … … … … 3-25
Table 3.18: Physico-chemical Characteristics of Boreholes Waters in Oben Field
(Wet and Dry Seasons) … … … … … … … 3-27
Table 3.19 Population Census of Communities in Oben Field in 1991 and its Projected
Population in 2006 … … … … … … … … 3.28
viii
Table 3.20 Demographic structure of the host communities of the

WDGSP/WAGP at Oben field … … … … … … 3-29
Table 3.21 Religion and Ethnicity … … … … … … … … 3-30
Table 3.22: Marital Status … … … … … … … … 3-31
Table 3.23: Educational Characteristics … … … … … … … 3-31
Table 3.24: Household Size … … … … … … … … 3-32
Table 3.25: Occupational Structure … … … … … … … 3-33
Table 3.26: Average incomes in Study Area … … … … … … 3-33
Table 3.27: Housing Types and Structure in Oben Oil Filed Host Communities … 3-35
Table 3.28: Perception of Environmental Problems … … … … … 3-36
Table 3.29: Needs and Desires of Oben Oil Field Host Communities … … … 3-36
Table 3.30 Prevalent diseases at Oben communities (obtained from
questionnaire survey and clinical/physical examination) … … … 3-38
Table 3.31 Prevalent diseases among children at Oben communities (obtained
from questionnaire survey and clinical/physical examination) … … 3-39
Table 3.32: Nutritional status of Adult respondents as estimated by the Body
Mass Index (BMI) … … … … … … … … 3-40
Table 3.33: Indices of Underweight, stunting and wasting among children
in Oben community … … … … … … … … 3-41
Table 3.34: Health facilities at Oben field … … … … … … 3-42
Table 3.35: Prevalent diseases recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during
the period 2002-2005 … … … … … … … 3-43
Table 3.36: Out-patients recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005
and the distribution pattern according to the communities … … … 3-45
Table 3.37: In-patients recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005 and
the distribution pattern according to the communities. … … … 3-46
Table 3.38: Births and Still-births records at the Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005 … 3-47
Table 3.39: Number of children immunized between 2002 and 2005
at the Oben Cottage Hospital … … … … … … 3-48
Table 3.40: Records of Child immunization at the Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005 … 3-48
Table 3.41: Health professionals at Oben Cottage Hospital … … … … 3-49
Table 3.42: Equipment recorded and their functioning at Oben Cottage Hospital … 3-50
Table 3.43: Group Assembly Discussion on Health Issues … … … … 3-52
Table 4.1: Likelihood of occurrence … … … … … … … 4-2
Table 4.2: Potential consequence … … … … … … … 4-2
Table 4.3: Potential consequences classification matrix … … … … 4-3
Table 4.4: Degree of Impact Significance … … … … … … 4-5
Table 4.5: Impact Assessment Matrix … … … … … … … 4-5
Table 4.6a: Associated and Potential Impacts (Construction/Drilling) … … … 4-8
Table 4.6b: Associated and Potential Impacts (Operations) … … … … 4-31
Table 4.6c Associated and Potential Impacts (Decommissioning) … … … 4-41
Table 4.6d Associated and Potential Impacts (Flowlines) … … … … 4-47
Table 5.1: Proposed Mitigation Measures … … … … … … 5-2
Table 6.1 Environmental Management Plan for the various activities
in the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field … … … … … 6-4
ix
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix 1: Maps
Appendix 2 : Field Methodologies
Appendix 3: Questionaire for HIA
Appendix 4: Questionaire for SIA
Appendix 5: Hazard Rating and Definition (HEMP System)
Appendix 6: Minute of meetings/list of Attendance on Consultation Meeting at Oben Community Hall
Appendix 7: Detailed TOR
x
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ALARP As Low As Reasonably Possible

ANSI American National Standards Institute
APHA American Public Health Association
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers
cfu/g Colony forming unit per gram
cfu/ml Colony forming unit per millilitre
cm Centimetre
C Carbon
Ca Calcium
CAO Computer Assisted Operations
CEC Cation Exchange Capacity
Cl Chloride
Cu Copper
CO Carbon monoxide
CO2 Carbon dioxide
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CPF Central Processing Facility
DEP Design and Engineering Practice
DPR Department of Petroleum Resources
E East
EGASPIN Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria
E&P Exploration and Production
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
ESS Expandable Sand Screen
FMEnv Federal Ministry of Environment
FDP Field Development Plan
GC Gas Chromatograph
GPS Global Positioning System
GSI Gonadosamatic Indices
GTS Gas Transmission System
HAZOP Hazard and operability
HEMP Hazards and Effects Management Process
HNO3 Trioxonitrate (V) acid
HP High Pressure
HSE Health, Safety & Environment
HUB Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria
HUF Hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungi
H2SO4 Tetraoxosulphate (VI) acid
km kilometres
m metres
mg/kg milligram per kilogram
mg/l milligram per litre
ml millilitre
MMb Million Metric Barrels
MMstb Million Metric Standard barrels
mm milimetre
ms-1 metres per second
mS/cm Milli Siemens per centimetre
mv millivolt
N North
NAPIMS National Petroleum Investment Management Services of the NNPC
NNPC Nigerian National Petroleum Company
xi
NE North East
NOx Nitrogen Oxides
NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Unit
NW North West
OHGP Open Hole Gravel Pack
o
C Degree Celsius
PAH Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon
pH Hydrogen ion concentration
ppm Parts per million
ppt Parts per thousand
S South
SE South East
sp species
SPDC Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited
SPM Suspended Particulate Matter
SSW South South West
Stb Standard barrels
SW South West
SFAGG South Forcados Associated Gas Gathering
SSAGG Southern Swamp Associated Gas Gathering
STABOR Computer Programme for well bore stability
TBA Traditional Birth Attendant
TDS Total Dissolved Solid
TFC Total Fungal Count
THBC Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Count
THC Total Hydrocarbon Content
UR Undeveloped Reserve
VOC Volatile Organic Compounds
W West
% Percentage
< Less than
xii
EIA PREPARERS
MABOTES NIGERIA LIMITED TEAM
Mr. M.U. Joseph - Project Manager/ Air Quality
Dr. A.E. Ogbeibu - Project Coordinator/Hydrobiology & Fisheries
Mr. W. Adesanya - Microbiology
Dr. L. N. Edosomwan - Soil/ Sediment
Mr.Osokpor Jerry - Geology
Dr. J.F. Bamidele - Vegetation
Dr. I. Ikhuoria - SIA
Dr. C. E. Okaka - HIA
Mr. I. Francis - HSE Officer
ANALYTICAL PERSONNEL
Mrs. D Ogeleke - Chemistry/ Lab Manager

Mr. Sola Oladipo - Chemistry/ Lab Analyst
(SPDC) REPRESENTATIVES
Egnr. Ikechukwu Charles Okoro Corporate Head of Environment

Oby Moore Team Lead, EIA
Ifiok Sophia Samuel HIA Adviser
A.U. Agbama Environmental Adviser
Solomon Aliu Environmental Adviser
Egnr. B. Ezento Project HSE Adviser
I. Obi-Udu Project ELO
A. Onokhowomo Project HSE
Egnr. J.O Obiahu Medium Size Manager
Egnr. C. Umeasiegbu Project Team Lead
Egnr. B. Okonkwo Project Engineer
REPORT REVIEWERS
E. C. Ezeaku Environmental Adviser

Dr. L. Odokuma Environmental Adviser
F. Agho Environmental Adviser
xiii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) wishes to acknowledge the opportunity
granted it by the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through its Agencies, to conduct this
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Western Domestic Gas Supply at Oben Field. We have
unequivocally enjoyed the cordial working relationships with the National Petroleum Investment Management
Services (NAPIMS), our Joint Venture Partners, Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv), Department of
Petroleum Resources (DPR), Delta and Edo State Governments, Delta and Edo States Ministries of
Environment, the Local Government Council, the Elders, Chiefs and Youths of the host/pipeline communities.
The SPDC thanks Mabotes Nigeria Limited and his team of consultants for the professional way they have
handled the various aspects of the EIA data gathering, collation, analyses and reporting. Your initial
consultation with the host communities is commendable.
The efforts of the project Team comprising representatives from various SPDC departments, viz:- Environment
(EPG-PN-CFHLW), Public and Government Affairs (PRW-PAF), Geomatics (EPG-PN-TTSGM), Area Team A
(EPG-PN-CFHLW) and Legal (CLW LIT) are also recognized.
xiv
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 Background
The West African Pipeline Company (WAPco) is currently engaged in efforts to construct the West
African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) designed to deliver natural gas for power generation and industrial
development from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana. In January, 2003, these countries
signed the WAGP Treaty to foster a stable and harmonised legal environment in which the pipeline will
operate. They also entered into international project agreement with WAPco to realise the objective.
WAPco intends to construct and commission the WAGP by December, 2006. The Volta River Authority
(VRA) in Ghana plans to convert their oil-fired turbines in Takoradi (Ghana) to gas turbines using
Nigerian Natural gas.
In December, 2004, N-Gas (a joint venture company involving NNPC,Chevron and SPDC) entered into
a gas purchase agreement called the “Takoradi Gas Sales Agreement” with NNPC/SHELL joint venture
to supply about 50% of the “Foundation (Initial) Gas” required to commission the WAGP. The WAGP
gas demand forecast shows a build-up from 150MMscf/d at start-up (anchor contracts) to around
350MMscf/d over 20 years.
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is a major oil producing
company in Nigeria. SPDC is the operator of the Joint Venture between the Nigerian National
Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell Companies in Nigeria (SCiN), TotalFinaElf Nigerian Limited, and
Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). SPDC, as the proponent, carried out the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) of the Western Domestic Gas Supply Project/ West African Gas Pipeline
(WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben Field.
An Environmental Impact Assessment for the project has been carried out in accordance with the
requirement of Nigerian legislation and SPDC’s HSE policy.
1.2 Legal and Administrative Framework

The impact assessment was undertaken in compliance with the provisions of the relevant regulatory
framework stipulated by the then Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), now the Federal
Ministry of Environment (FMEnv & UD), and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR). The local
and international regulations and standards consulted include Oil Pipelines Ordinances CAP 145
(1956), Oil Pipelines Act (1965), FEPA Act No 58 (1988), EIA Act No 86 (1992), DPR (1999, 2002),
World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment (1991), UNFCC (1994), IUCN (1996), the Edo
State Forestry Law CAP 59 (1976) vol 3 previously known as Bendel State Forestry Law CAP 59 (1976)
are substantive legislation applicable.
1.3 The Project

The WDGSP/WAGP Project objectives are as follows:
• To supply quality gas to WAGP by December, 2006.
• Generate revenue for the Joint Venture and the nation
• To promote gas utilization and industrial development in the West Africa Sub-region
• Opportunity to upgrade ageing facilities
The entire project consists of the following sub activities;

a) Drop Low Temperature Separator (LTS) Pressure below 76 barg and re-compress gas using
Booster compressor
b) Install mechanical refrigeration plant
c) Install new Twister gas processing module
d) Construct new Turbo expander plant
e) Treat gas in Lagos with mechanical refrigeration
f) Run LTS at –20oc and Rehabilitate the gas process modules
xv
1.4 Project Location

The Oben Field where the project shall be carried out is located within OML 4 SPDC land location about
90km South of Benin-city in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State and Ethiope East LGA,
Delta State. It shares a common boundary with PAN OCEAN’s OML 98. The Field was discovered in
April 1972. The site lies between Eastings (5 52’ 3.718”E) and Northings (6 0’ 39.296”N) and is
bounded by Oben, Iguelaba, Ikobi and Obozogbe-Nugu communities in Orhionmwon Local Government
Area of Edo State. The Field comprises of a Flowstation, a Gas Plant and a Nigerian Gas Company
(NGC) compressor station.
1.5 Consultation
This is an integral part of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field, the project team, held a series of
stakeholder consultation sessions. The consultation sessions were in form of EIA scoping workshops,
sensitisation of Edo State Government and Orhionmwon Local Government Council and engagement of
stakeholders during data acquisition and open fora as part of the EIA studies. The stakeholders
identified for the project and who participated in the various consultation sessions included communities
within the project area, NGOs (Niger Delta Peace Coalition, Nigerian Environmental Society), regulators
(DPR, FMEnv, Edo State Ministry of Environment), other government agencies, consultants, CBOs,
media, etc. Consultations with stakeholders would improve corporate image through promotion of third
party participation especially during decommissioning activities which would lead to disengagement of
staff, labour issues and third party agitation
1.6 Baseline Environmental Status

The environmental characteristics of the proposed project area as indicated by the various ecological
components have been carefully studied through existing maps, meteorological reports, baseline
reports and detailed field studies.
1.6.1 Climate and Meteorology

The study area is located in the Gulf of Guinea and lies in the semi-hot equatorial zone and with distinct
climatic seasons, wet and dry. The climate in the area is typical of the equatorial rain forest. Two main
winds, southwest (SW) and the northeast (NE) generally influence the weather conditions in the project
area.
Within the project area, rainfall is generally high with an average of about 2480mm per annum, based
on historical records. Climatic conditions portray maximum wind speed of 55m/s in the north-eastern
direction at station 5 and a minimum of 0.9m/s at station 4 in the north-eastern direction
1.6.2 Air Quality and Noise

Gaseous pollutants, NOx, SOx suspended particulate matter (SPM) and all other air quality indicators are
all below DPR/FMEnv limits. The noise level ranged from 54.2-80.8dB(A), which is lower than
DPR/FMEnv limits of 90.0dB(A)
1.6.3 Soils
The texture of the soils in Oben Field ranges from sand to loamy sand. The percentages of silt and clay
are low. Clay particles ranged from 3.60 to 15.2% with a mean of 7.4%. Porosity is high and water
infiltration into the subsoil is fast. The soil pH is strongly to moderately acidic, ranging from 4.30 – 5.35
with a mean of 4.78.
The organic matter values were high and the exchangeable cations were very low. The heavy metal
concentrations of the soils in Oben Field were low except for iron whose concentration ranged between
115 and 340 mg/Kg. Most of the heavy metal values were below permissible limits to elicit
environmental concern. The total hydrocarbon (THC) values were low and below the 50 mg/Kg found in
soils with luxuriant growth of plants.
xvi
1.6.4 Land use and Agriculture.

The land use pattern in Oben Field are forestry, industrial, agricultural and settlements. The Oben Field
is part of the Urhonigbe Forest Reserve, although a sizable part of the forest has been destroyed by
human activities. Exploitation of this forest for economic trees is on-going. The Oben flowstation and
gas plant, with associated well heads, pipeline and flowline routes constitute the industrial land take in
the area. Arable crops like cassava, yam and maize were mostly cultivated in the area.
1.6.5 Vegetation
The project area is situated within the lowland rainforest belt of Nigeria. The natural vegetation has,
however, been altered in most parts of the project area by human activities. Secondary lowland
rainforests and bush fallows were the predominant types of vegetation cover. Various sizes of
farmlands were also observed in the project area.
The dominant plant species include Chromolaena odorata, Alchornea cordifolia (Christmas bush),
Icacina trichantha, Aspilia Africana ,Trema occidentalis, Musanga cercropioides, Solanum torvum, Ficus
esperata, Emilia coccinea, Tridax procumbens, Euphorbia heterophylla, and Panicum maximum
(Guinea grass). These species are good indicators of secondary succession. The vegetation was
generally found to be in good health.
1.6.6 Wild Life

The wildlife observed and sighted in the project area during the field study included insects, molluscs,
amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. The inventory of invertebrate fauna was diverse and
consisted of forest dwelling species dominated by ants, beetles and millipedes. Many genera and
species of arthropods were recorded. Ants, flies, butterflies and grasshoppers were a common feature
within the area. Some species of bugs, dragon flies and damsel flies were also recorded. The mollusca
fauna was represented by the presence of the giant African land snail, Archachatina marginata suturalis
and the garden snail, Limicolaria aurora.
1.6.7 Aquatic Environment

1.6.7.1 Surface/Ground Water Quality
The main water body adjoining the Oben Field is the Jamieson River’. It lies towards the north end of
the Field, and its closest distance from the Oben flowstation is about 15Km. The temperature of the
surface water in the area ranged from 28.7 to 33.3 0C. Turbidity values varied between 0.1NTU and
17.8NTU; total dissolved solids varied from 5.5 to 33.2mg/l and the suspended solids ranged between
<1.0 to 64.00 mg/l. Electrical conductivity values were between 12.56 and 70.5us/cm. The pH of the
surface and ground water were between 5.0-6.1. The chloride concentrations varied from 3.33 to
9.91mg/l and this is typical of freshwater systems.
Dissolved Oxygen values ranged from 1.4 to 3.5mg/l while Biochemical Oxygen Demand values ranged
from 0.8 to 1.2mg/l. The concentrations of Na+, K+, Ca++, and Mg++ ions ranged from 1.14mg/l to
3.74mg/l; 0.27mg/l to 5.31mg/l; 3.21mg/l to 6.41mg/l and 0.97mg/l to 1.94mg/l respectively. The
nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and volatile organic compounds were low in concentration. The
concentrations of the Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC) were also low. The heavy metal concentrations
were generally low. The values of all the measured parameters, with the exception of the pH, were
within DPR/FMEnv acceptable limits.
1.6.7.2 Aquatic Biota

The phytoplankton community of the surface water in the area had five (5) taxa belonging to the
Divisions Chlorophyta (1), Cyanophyta (3) and Euglenophyta (1). The Cyanophyta (Anabaena
cylindricum, Microcystis aeruginosa and Oscillatoria sp.) were the most predominant followed by the
Euglenoids (Euglena acus) and Chlorophyta (Spirogyra). In the Jamieson River, 19 taxa of
phytoplankton belonging to the Divisions Bacillariophyta, Chlorophta, Euglenophyta and Cyanophyta
were recorded. The chlorophyta dominated in terms of taxa number and total abundance. The
xvii
phytoplankton composition and abundance at Jamieson River are similar to what obtains in similar
water bodies in the Niger Delta. The poor occurrence of euglenoids and cyanophytes in the Jamieson
River indicates the unpolluted state of this river.
1.6.7.3 Zooplankton Studies

The zooplankton community of the surface water consisted mostly of Ostracoda and Copepoda. The
Ostracoda were represented by Cytheridella tepida and Stenocypris sp. The Copepoda was made up of
mainly Cyclopoids (Microcyclops varicans). Generally, the zooplankton diversity was very low.
1.6.7.4 Microbial Flora

The heterotrophic bacterial count of water samples of the Oben Field area ranged from 1.1 x 106 to 12.5
x 106 cfu/ml with low percentage of hydrocarbon utilizers (0.01 to 0.90%). The counts were within the
range usually obtained from unperturbed environment (102-106 cfu/ml). The predominant bacterial
species in the water bodies of the study area were Bacillus s. Staphylococcus sp. Pseudomonas sp.
and Escherichia sp.
The fungal counts of water samples from the Oben Field area ranged from 3.1 x 105 to 9.8 x105 cfu/ml.
The predominant fungal isolates in water samples within the Oben Field area were Mucor sp.,
Cladosporum sp Penicillium sp. and Candida sp. The low ratio of microbial counts to hydrocarbon
utilizers of below 1.0% indicates that there was low total hydrocarbon content in the waters of the study
area.
1.6.7.5 Hydrogeology/Hydrology
The altitude of the Oben Field rises slightly in excess of 50ft above mean sea level. Three (3) chrono-
stratigraphic units - Agbada, Akata and Benin formation have been identified in the sedimentary building
of the Niger Delta Basin. Sediment thickness in sequence in most basins was Quaternary deposits
characterized with geomorphologic units.
The hydrogeological set-up constitutes of fine medium grain sand aquifers, which were more than 15m
thick (Oben closest depth is between 46-60m). A clay layer ranging in thickness from 3.5-9.0m overlies
the aquifers and the static water level at Oben was low. The ground waters are portable and belong to
the Ca-Mg-CO3 facia type with low concentrations of hydrocarbons (<0.03ppm)
1.7 Socio-economic Environment

The host communities of the Oben Field are Iguelaba (1,348 people), Oben (1,186 people), Ikobi (739
people) and Obozogbe-Nugu (861 people). They are part of the Benin Kingdom and are in Ugu Ward of
Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. The other villages that constitute the Ugu Ward are
Umokhun-Nokhua, Urehue, Ologbo, Orogho, Obagie, Iwivbo and Emwobomwan. The village of Oben
is the principal location of the project.
The villages are autonomous units but the socio-political organisation structure is the same as in all
settlements in Benin Kingdom. The structure consists of (i) The Council of Elders headed by the Enogie
(Duke) or Odionwere (the eldest male if there is no Duke). The Council is responsible for all customary
and administrative issues. (ii) The Youth Council is made up of elected officials, and is responsible for
social and environmental development. (iii) The women group is responsible for women affairs. The
population structure has a broad youth base as children aged between 0 – 14 constitute 47.4%, while
youths between the ages of 15 and 39 years and elders between 40 and 59 years constitute 34.8% and
16.3% respectively.
The major economic activity of the communities was farming, which constitutes 67.2%. The other
economic activities were trading (15.3%), transportation (6.2%), while other sundry activities constitute
(15.5%). The major economic crops were cassava, yams, plantain, banana, maize, cocoyam and
vegetables.
xviii
The available social and infrastructural facilities in the host communities were primary and secondary
schools, borehole water schemes, teachers’ quarters, petrol station, model agricultural farm, cottage
hospital, electricity, cassava mills and markets.
The standard of living and income in the Oben Field communities were generally low. Over four-fifth of
the residents earned less than N10,000 per annum. The houses in the area were characterised by eight
(8) combinations of materials used in the construction of the walls and roofs. These were unplastered
mud walls with zinc roof; half plastered walls with zinc roof; fully plastered walls with zinc roof;
unplastered cement block walls with zinc; half plastered cement walls with zinc roof; fully plastered
cement walls with zinc roof; stick and mortar walls (Wastle and Daud Technology) with zinc roof and
stick and mortar walls with thatch roof.
The residents identified five (5) environmental problems, namely: gas flaring, flooding, erosion, poor
soils and pests. The expectations of the host communities were grouped into four (4), namely:
employment (15.7 %), electricity (14.4 %), micro-credit (11. %) and water supply (10.8 %).
1.8 Health Status

There was only one (cottage) hospital in the project area. There were also patent medicine stores,
traditional healers, traditional birth attendants (TBAs). The nearest specialist hospitals were at Sapele,
Warri and Benin City which are connected by road networks.
The common health problems identified among the adult population were malaria (30%), cough/URTI
(28 %), body pains/ rheumatism (26%), dysentery/diarrhea (26%), gastroenteritis (14%) and typhoid
(10%). Other common non-communicable ailments were injuries (16 %) dizziness (16 %), arthritis
(12%), and high blood pressure (12%). Sexually transmitted diseases (STI but not HIV/AIDS 8%) and
skin diseases (6%). Cholera was rare (4%) and worm infestations were low (4% from perceptions).
Among the children the most common health problems were malaria (36%) dysentery/diarrhoea (32%),
cough/URTI (24%), worm infestations (16%) typhoid (12%), gastroenteritis (10%) and measles (6%) in
that order.
The most prevalent communicable diseases were malaria, URTI or cough, diarrhoea diseases, skin
infections and worm infestations while the most prevalent non-communicable diseases were body
pains/rheumatism, arthritis, hernia, injuries and hypertension.
The food items consumed by the residents of the communities were starchy staples. Beans, fish,
shrimps, snails and bush meat from antelopes, grass cutter and rabbits are also consumed to a lesser
extent. The residents also reared goats, sheep and fowls for meat and income. Among the children
underweight, stunting and wasting were not common. The immunization coverage of the infants and
children for oral polio and measles vaccine could not be correctly ascertained due to absence of health
records but all parents (respondents) claimed to have given their children complete vaccination at birth
as well as annual house to house polio and measles vaccine.
Most adult males (about 80%) drank alcohol in each community. The male to female ratio in alcohol
consumption was 8:1. About 60% of the males smoked cigarettes or snuffed ground tobacco as against
5% in females who snuffed. Prostitution is known to exist in the communities. A few cases of STI were
reported from the hospitals. No HIV/AIDS cases were reported.
Environmental issues such as poor water supply, toilet facilities and personal hygiene contributed to
poor health conditions in the communities.
1.9 Impact Prediction

Environmental impacts were assessed using the Shell Global Assessment Tool, which considered
impacts arising from interactions between the various project activities and the sensitivities
(components of the environment) and also those from interactions among the sensitivities. The activities
xix
involved in the various phases (construction, drilling, flowline installation, operations and
decommissioning) of the project had impacts on the environment. Beneficial and adverse impacts were
identified, described and rated.
1.9.1 Construction Phase

The potential impacts of the construction phase could result from the various activities undertaken in the
phase.
1.9.1.1 Mobilisation
Mobilisation involving movement of personnel, equipment and materials will lead to impact such as
pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities. There are also
enhanced opportunities for employment, contracting, services and income generation. Other impacts
include increased pressure on existing infrastructure, social vices, third party agitations, cost of
living/inflation, nuisances, accidents and injuries.
1.9.1.2 Site preparation

Clearing of vegetation during site survey, site clearing and site excavation could result in the destruction
of indigenous plant communities in the acquired land area. This could lead to death and permanent
loss of some economic, medicinal and food crops, and potential emergence of species alien to the
environment.
Clearing of vegetation could cause loss of habitat for wildlife, provide increased access for hunting and
logging, increased erosion of the cleared area, and might expose field workers/community members to
attacks by poisonous snakes, bees, spiders/other wildlife, and contact with poisonous plants.
Noise, emissions and vibrations from heavy machinery used for site preparation could frighten wildlife
and scare them away. Destruction of vegetation and noise/emissions generated in the process could
lead to third party agitation while recruitment of labour force for site clearing could provide opportunities
for employment.
1.9.1.3 Construction/Drilling/Flowline Activities

The impacts from construction activities include increased pressure on existing infrastructure, and
diffusion of culture and traditions, which might result from increase in population, cost of living and
inflation. These impacts have negative, local and short-term effects, which are reversible. Some positive
impacts of these activities are increase in employment/contracting opportunities, and shift from
traditional occupations to financially more rewarding employment.
Other negative impacts that could arise are increased social vices, and road traffic accidents, which
could lead to third party agitation with consequences on corporate reputation.
1.9.1.4 Waste generations - emissions, effluents, solids

Emissions during construction activities could cause impairment of air quality, leading to increased
morbidity from respiratory tract diseases and consequent pressure on health infrastructure. Emissions
might also decrease the quality of the habitat and biodiversity.
Effluents and solid wastes could contaminate soil and surface water. Consumption of contaminated
water could cause illness, third party agitation, and pressure on health facilities. The management of
these wastes could, however, provide opportunity for employment and contracting.
1.9.1.5 Incidents
The main incidents that could take place include accidents, injuries and contact with poisonous
organisms. These could lead to third party agitations with effect on corporate reputation.
xx
1.9.1.6 Decommissioning of Structures

The decommissioning following the completion of the construction phase could lead to third party
agitation resulting from labour and human rights issues, related to loss of employment. Accidents and
injuries that could occur might put increased pressure on healthcare facilities. The recruitment of
workers for the activities could, however, provide opportunities for employment and contracting thus
providing increased income.
1.9.2. Operations Phase
1.9.2.1 Maintenance of Acquired Land

The proper maintenance of flowline right of way (ROW) could provide opportunities for
employment/contracting; improve access to forest and farmlands. However, it could expose the workers
engaged in maintenance work to attack by poisonous snakes, bees, scorpions, other wild animals and
contact with poisonous plants. This could result in injuries and increased pressure on healthcare
facilities.
1.9.2.2 Labour Requirement

The recruitment of the workers for maintenance and operation activities could provide opportunity for
increased employment and income generation. The increased population from the influx of workers and
camp followers could put pressure on existing social, healthcare and other infrastructure leading to
increase in social vices. This could lead to community agitation.
1.9.2.3 Waste Generation (emissions, effluents and solids)

Emissions from operational activities could impair air quality, which might result in increased morbidity
from respiratory tract diseases. Disposal of untreated effluents on land could cause impairment of the
recipient environments and the health of terrestrial life. This could adversely affect the traditional
occupations of farming, lumbering and hunting thereby reducing income from them, which could arouse
third party agitation. The management of solid wastes could provide opportunities for employment and
contracting resulting in increased income. Improper management could result in contamination of
surface water, impairment of health of terrestrial life, increased level of disease vectors and increase in
morbidity rate, thereby putting pressure on existing healthcare facilities.
1.9.2.4 Generation of Nuisance (noise, vibrations and continuous light)

The potential hearing impairment from noise and vibrations could cause increased pressure on existing
healthcare facilities and consequently arouse third party agitations. Similarly, continuous light could
cause disturbance to nocturnal organisms.
1.9.2.5 Incidents
Incidents such as emissions, spills, explosions, fires and electrocution which could occur during
operations might lead to loss of assets and properties, increased morbidity and mortality rates, pressure
on existing healthcare and emergency facilities. These incidents could lead to third party agitations and
adverse effect on corporate image.
1.9.3 Decommissioning Phase
1.9.3.1 Supplies
Supply of labour, food and materials during this phase could put pressure on available food, water, and
other infrastructure for transportation. The recruitment of workers from communities could create
opportunities for employment, contracting and increased income from provided services.
1.9.3.2 Dismantling of Structures

Dismantling activities could generate noise, vibrations, dust, and emissions, which might result in
increased level of nuisance, accidents, injuries and pressure on healthcare facilities. This could result in
third party agitation. Improper disposal of generated wastes could contaminate surface water and soil.
xxi
The packaging, removal and disposal of dismantled equipment and structures could provide
opportunities for employment and contracting.
1.10 Mitigation and Ameliorative Measures

Mitigation measures were provided for those impacts rated as moderate or major, while the identified
negligible/minor impacts would be addressed by existing standard practices in SPDC. The measures
proffered were to reduce the severity of identified negative impacts and enhance the beneficial effects
To ensure the successful execution of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field, SPDC shall apply the
following measures:
Effective journey management shall be applied through all phases of the project.
Ensuring that vegetation clearing activities are reduced to the barest minimum. The cutting of
vegetation outside the designated areas and creation of access routes into the forest shall be
prohibited.
HSE training and job hazard analysis shall be conducted to ensure that all staff observes safety
rules at work places.
Exposure to high noise equipment shall be restricted to the recommended 8-hour a day limit
SPDC shall maintain fuel combustion engines at optimal operating conditions to reduce
emissions of exhaust gases.
Routine inspection of wellheads and other facility shall be maintained to ensure facility integrity.
SPDC shall regularly monitor the project environment using an environmental monitoring plan.
Excavation and other activities that may result in the alteration of the landscape and condition of
the land cover shall be limited.
SPDC shall manage wastes generated in accordance with regulatory requirements and
standard practices.
SPDC shall keep to the operational lifespan of the project.
Appropriate warning signs shall be used to alert residents of the presence of
machines/equipment at abandonment and decommissioning.
SPDC shall embark on community development programmes in line with the MOUs.
SPDC shall activate her oil and gas spill contingency plans to minimize impacts of oil and spills
and leaks on the surrounding environment.
1.11 Environmental Management Plan

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field
incorporates various mitigation measures to ensure that adverse impacts associated with the project
are reduced to ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP) levels. The EMP addresses waste
management, environmental audit and environmental monitoring programmes of the WDGSP/WAGP at
Oben Field.
Waste management plan for the project is targeted primarily at waste minimisation, waste reuse and
recycling such as, reuse and recycling of drilling mud. Processes already exist to measure and record
quantity of waste generated.
Environmental audit will be conducted on a regular basis for all operations facilities throughout the life
span of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field.
The Environmental Monitoring Programmes for the proposed project, which shall cover environmental
components and discharge types, shall comply with DPR/FMEnv regulatory requirements.
1.12 Conclusion
The environmental impact assessment has shown that the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field could be
executed and operated with minimal negative impacts on the surrounding environment by implementing
recommended mitigative measures, environmental management plan and other provisions of this EIA.
The economic gains to the communities, Local Government Areas, States and the Federal government
xxii
from the project outweigh the adverse impacts. The approval of this EIA report for the execution of the
WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field is hereby solicited.
xxiii
Chapter One Introduction, Administrative & Legal Framework
CHAPTER ONE
1.1 INTRODUCTION
The Oben Field is situated in OML 4 ca. 60 km North East (NE) of Warri (Figure 1.1, Appendix I). A
major structural building growth fault separates the field into two blocks. To the south, the downthrown
block is a simple elongated rollover structure trending in the East West (EW) direction parallel to the
major growth fault while the upthrown block is a footwall closure dipping toward the north.
The field was discovered in 1972 on two-dimensional (2D) seismic dataset and came on stream in 1974
with oil production peaking at 40 Mbopd in 1985. A total of 32 wells drilled in the Oben Field
encountered hydrocarbons. Well 33 was drilled off structure. In the shallower reservoirs (C, D and E
sands) the hydrocarbons are located in the downthrown block while in the deeper reservoirs (F, G and
H) sands; the hydrocarbons are mainly in the upthrown block.
Shell International Exploration and Production (SIEP) carried out a detailed Field Review in 1982, which
formed the basis for a limited Field Development Plan of 1990. This led to the drilling of Oben-29 to
Oben-32 in 1990 and 1991. Oben Field supplies non-associated gas through drainage points in 3
Oben Wells (Oben-26, -27, -28) to NGC via ELPS. The existing flow station and gas plant has
throughput capacities of 60 Mb/d and 90 MMscf/d respectively. The 1990-limited FDP suggested that
the reservoir and fluid characteristics (strong aquifer, light crude and high GOR) make the use of gaslift
unattractive due to low commercial value.
A 3D seismic data (290 sq. km of 3000% multiplicity) was acquired over the Oben Field in Q3 1998 and
processed in Q4 1999. This 1998 seismic data formed the basis for the Integrated Petroleum
Engineering Studies (IPES) carried out in 2002. A total of seven key horizons namely C8, D2, E1, E3,
F7, G2 and H1 (Figures 2.1 and 2.2) were correlated over the entire field. Interpretation was done in the
Charisma workstation. The interpretation of the 3D seismic data led to a better understanding of the
structural configuration of the Oben Field with resultant revisions in the volumes booked in the ARPR
1/1/2004. There are significant changes in the structural pattern in the footwall closure against the major
boundary fault compared to the previous 2D maps. The seismic interpretation and mapping of the year
2002 were extended to cover the NAG reservoirs, however, no detailed study in terms of 3D static and
dynamic reservoir modeling and integrated study were carried out for any of the NAG reservoirs.
Due to the increasing Western Domestic Gas demands from both existing and new customers in the
network and the demand occasioned by the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP), an Oben Field NAG
reservoirs study team was set up in 2003 to carry out a detailed study of the NAG reservoirs.
Eight (8) major gas reservoirs (D2000M, D6500M, E6000M, E7000M, E8000M, F7000M, G1000M and
D5000M--selected on the basis of FGIIP and depth), constituting about 60% of the field GUR, were
modeled using SPIDER and MoReS.
These models were considered sufficient by the team since they captured the subsurface uncertainties
in the reservoirs and hence have been used for this study.
Compared to 1/1/2005 ARPR there was a 1.2 % and 17 % reduction in Exp FGIIP and UR
1-1
Table 1.1 APPR and FDP Study GIIP and GUR Comparison.
Reservoir 1/1/2005 ARPR GIIP (this ARPR UR FDP UR

GIIP (Bscf study) (Bscf) (Bscf) (Bscf)
D2000M 321.6 325.2 192.5 168.4
D6500M 270.9 271.4 174.9 155.8
E6000M 106.5 105.1 74.3 68.6
E7000M 105.4 100.8 72.5 62.5
E8000M 113.7 105.5 79.2 61.1
F7000M 123.7 117.4 94.9 47.2
G1000M 114.4 112.5 87.5 49.2
D5000M 246.2 247.1 147.5 151.2
Total 1402.4 1385 923.3 764
Forecasting of the NAG reservoir production performance was done for three gas scenarios with the
aim of optimizing ultimate gas recovery.
1.2 Project Background

development from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana. In January 2003, these countries
WAPco intends to construct and commission the WAGP by December 2006. The Volta River Authority
In December 2004, N-Gas (a joint venture company involving NNPC, Chevron and SPDC) entered into
The SPDC gas supply to WAGP is planned to come from the Utorogu and Oben Non-Associated Gas
(NAG) plants and the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) stations in Odidi, Escravos Beach and Jones
Creek. The Oben and Utorogu gas plants in their current operating conditions will not be able to meet
the WAGP specifications and therefore a major plant modification will be required. This EIA covers
activities proposed at the Oben project area.
The construction of the WAGP 620km offshore gas pipeline and related infrastructure that will transport
and commercialize Nigerian gas taken from the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) to the
aforementioned neighboring West African countries by WAPco is in progress’ The offshore portion was
proposed to have land fall spurs in Benin (Cotonou) , Togo (Lome) and Ghana (Tema , Takoradi and
Effasu) .
The WAGP GSA provides the prevailing gas specification in the western gas network from 2007. These
new data include 3D seismic volume, 3D based top and base structural maps, revised volumetric and
reserves estimate, production data, pressures, PVT samples and fluid contact movements.
1-2
The principal objective of the proposed development project is to carry out an upgrade of the Oben Gas
Plant in order to satisfy existing and future gas specifications thereby contributing to Nigeria’s ability to
sustain its growing energy needs and meet contractual obligations on the part of SPDC. The summary
of works to be carried out at the WDGSP/WAGP project at Oben Field are listed below:
a) Carry out WAGP Dew point related works;

b) Carry out WAGP Metering and Monitoring related works;
c) Carry out Integrity Works;
d) Control System Upgrade Works; and
e) Drill a new gas well at Oben in 2007.
f) Flowline construction
Oben field is located on OML 4, about 90km South of Benin -city (Figure 1.1). It is located in Edo State.
Thirty-three (33) wells have been drilled in the Oben field of which 3 are gas wells. It has 56 evaluated
hydrocarbon-bearing sands out of which 28 are non-associated gas (NAG) reservoirs. Oil production
from the field started in 1974 and peaked at 40 Mbopd in 1985, and has declined to about 1.3 Mbopd,
with a very significant loss in the number of wells in 2004 as a result of well interventions.
The field is of two accumulations “A and “M” blocks separated by a growth fault; the “M” block is further
intersected at the deeper levels by a antithetic fault which gives rise to a southern “B” block. Twenty two
of the 28 NAG reservoirs are in the downthrown block (M & B) with the remaining in the upthrown block
(A). The Oben Integrated Petroleum Engineering Study (IPES) previously carried out in 2002 identified
and mapped these reservoirs. The 2002 IPES study also estimated probabilistic gas volumes and
recovery factors using Shell proprietary softwares PROTEUS and SUITE respectively. The total Oben
Field Gas Initially In Place (FGIIP) and Gas Ultimate Recovery (GUR) recorded in the IPES report were
3051 Bscf and 2003 Bscf respectively.
A total of three gas wells have been completed in the Oben Field; Wells –26T, 27T and 28T. The three
wells have largely produced at varying rates due to fluctuation in the gas demand (Table 1.2).
Table 1.2: NAG Wells Production Performance (as at 31/12/04)
Well Reservoir FGIIP Peak Prod. Current Production Cumulative OBEN 028T
Bscf MMscf/d MMscf/d Bscf(1/10/2005) quit
26T D6500M 270.9 58.3 32.3 117.9 production in
27T D2000M 321.6 57.8 33.4 120.2 April 2004
28T E8000M 113.7 40.7 0 61.1 due to water
encroachment; its recovery from the E8000M reservoir was 61.1 Bscf or 54% of the FGIIP. This leaves
only two wells producing in Oben. If the same recovery factor found for the E8000M were applied to
both the D2000M and D6500M reservoirs the remaining life of OBEN026T and OBEN027T would be
4.3 and 2.6 years respectively. There is considerable risk of failing to meet gas supply obligations if
OBEN028T is not replaced before 2007. However, with the drilling and hook up of the two new Utorogu
wells (32 and 33) the replacement for Oben 28T might as well come in 2007 without posing any threat
to meeting the overall western gas supply obligations which requires the Oben plant to contribute as
much as possible of the station capacity of 90MMscf/d.
This project therefore proposes to drill one (1) infill gas well on the D5000M reservoir by Q4 2007 to fill
and maintain the 90 MMscf/d plant capacity. Additional wells will be required by 2011 - to keep the
facility full. Expansion of Oben gas plant in line with increasing domestic gas demand cannot be
proposed now until other supply alternatives like Ughelli-East and Utorogu have been studied. In
addition to the imperative for replacing well potential at the Oben Field, some of its facilities require
modifications for meeting the WAGP gas hydrocarbon dew point specification of 10oC at 27 bars, which
1-3
is more stringent than the current specification of 15oC at 76 bars. The Oben gas plant suffers from a
catalogue of technical integrity problems including glycol regeneration unit, metering, valves, etc.
Operating envelope studies on the gas plant show that by restoring technical integrity no process
modification is required to meet the WAGP gas specifications. However, new facilities will have to be
installed to address the WAGP metering and monitoring requirements.
1.3 The Proponent

Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) is a major Oil & Gas Exploration
and Production (E & P) Company in Nigeria. It operates a joint Venture Partnership with Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), ELF Petroleum Nigeria Ltd (EPNL) and Nigerian Agip Oil
Company (NAOC). The partnership participation are 55%, 30%, 10% and 5% for NNPC, SPDC, ELF
and NAOC, respectively.
SPDC first discovered oil in commercial quantities in Nigeria in 1956, although it had been operating in
Nigeria since 1938.
The company finally adopted the name Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited in
1978 after previously changing its name from Shell D’ Arcy to Shell-BP.
The company has 92 producing oil fields. These fields are located in the Sedimentary basin of the Niger
Delta region with a production potential of over one million barrels of oil per day (about 50% of Nigeria’s
Oil production capacity), the SPDC is the largest Oil Exploration and Production Company in Nigeria.
1.4 Legal and Administrative Framework

There are statutory regulations that require that a Development Permit for any new project and a Permit
to Survey (PTS) a pipeline route be obtained by Oil Companies from the Minister of Petroleum
Resources. There are regulations that require the proponent of a major/mandatory project to submit an
EIA study report prior to the execution and before an approval for project execution. The Western
Domestic Gas Supply Project/West African Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben Field project is
subject to many other specific statutes, guidelines and standards that ensure compliance with
environmental pollution abatement in industries and facilities that generate wastes and deal with spills,
discharges, groundwater protection and surface impoundment, health and safety, hazardous
substances.
1.4.1 Land-use Act 1978

The Land-use Act was promulgated in 1978 with commencement date of March 29, 1978. It vests all
land in each State of the Federation (except land already vested in the Federal Government of Nigeria
or its agencies) in the Governor of the State. It makes the State Government the authority for allocating
land in all urban areas for residential, agricultural, commercial and other purposes, while it confers
similar powers regarding non-urban areas on the local governments in such cases. The governor of a
State can revoke a right of occupancy for overriding public interest (e.g. petroleum mining and pipelines
purposes)
The following surface rights are permitted under Section 51 of the Land use Act:
• Fishing rights
• Buildings and other structures, juju shrines, objects of worship
• Farms, cultivated crops, economic trees, roads
• Loss of use of the land
1-4
1.4.2 Petroleum Act – Cap 350 1990 and Exclusive Legislative List, (Constitution of Federal Republic
of Nigeria)
These legal provisions vest the entire ownership and control of all petroleum (natural gas included) in,
under, or upon any lands and anywhere in Nigeria, its territorial waters, continental shelf areas as well
as the exclusive economic zone areas in the Federal Government.
In the course of land acquisition oil companies are enjoined to pay adequately for any damage caused
to the land surface, including the surface rights.
1.4.3 Oil Mining Lease, OML

As long as it pays adequate compensation a lessee of an Oil Mining Lease can enter upon any land
within its concession to affect the rights granted by the OML regardless of third party surface rights.
Any person who interferes with or obstructs the holder of an OML or his servants and agents in the
exercise of his rights shall be guilty of an offence.
1.4.4 The Mineral Oil (Safety) Regulations, 1963 (Amended 1997)

Section 37 and 40 require provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the safety measures
for workers in drilling and production operation in accordance with international standards.
1.4.5 Oil Pipelines Ordinances (CAP) 145, 1956 and Oil Pipelines Act, 1965
The oil pipelines ordinance (CAP 1945), 1956, as amended by the Oil Pipelines Act 1965 provides
under section 4(2) for a permit to survey (PTS) the pipeline route to be issued to the applicant by the
Minister of Petroleum resources, for the purpose of transporting mineral oil, natural gas or any product
of such oil or gas to any point of destination to which such a person requires such oil, gas or product,
thereof, for any purpose connected with petroleum trade or operations. Such a survey should include
the approximate route or alternative routes proposed, in order to determine the suitability of the land for
laying and construction of the pipelines and ancillary installations. Section 15(1) of the Oil Pipelines
Ordinance (CAP) 145 prohibits the holder of an OPL to enter upon, take possession of or use any of the
following land unless the occupiers or persons in charge thereof have given their assent.
(a) Any land occupied by a burial ground or cemetery;
(b) Any land containing any grave, grotto and trees or things to be held sacred or the object of
veneration;
(c) Any land under actual cultivation.
Further, the Federal republic of Nigeria Official Gazette on 2nd October 1995 Vol. 82 No: 26 on Oil
Pipelines Acts provides in details all the regulations on pipelines, proposed routes, construction
activities and the associated protection measures. Consideration for public safety shall be in
accordance with the provision of API/RP 1102 or any other recognized equivalent standards. The
overall implication is that pipelines are constructed, in conformity with ASME B31.8 standards.
1.4.6 National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Act 13 of 1997

NIWA is a statutory body established by the Federal Government of Nigeria with the power to regulate
the use and utilization of declared Inland waterways and the Right of way (ROW) of declared
waterways, creeks and lagoons.
The following permits must be granted by NIWA for the execution of any pipe-laying project:
i) Permit to survey (PTS) pipeline route that falls within the ROW and declared waterway.
ii) License to lay pipe (OPL) for the approved pipeline routes stated in (i) above.
iii) Permit for dredging activities within the declared waterways and ROW.
iv) Any other relevant requirement as contained in Act No. 13 of 1997 and its operating Tariff
thereof.
1-5
1.4.7 Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in Nigeria, EGASPIN ( 2002)
The DPR Environmental Guidelines and Standards of 2002 stipulates in part VIII (A), the manner of
preparing EIA. Section 6 provides guidelines for preliminary EIA Report. The content of detailed EIA
Reports is outlined in Section 5 of Part VIII (A).
1.4.8 Federal Ministry of Environment, (FMEnv)

The Federal Ministry of Environment is now the apex institution in Nigeria charged with the overall
responsibility for the protection and development of the environment, biodiversity conservation and
sustainable development of Nigeria’s natural resources. The Ministry grants permits for environmental
and laboratory consultancies and must approve an EIA study of a major development activity such as
this one before the proponent can implement execution.
1.4.8.1 Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) Act No.58, 1988

The Act, which was issued in 1991, provides National Interim Guidelines and Standards for industrial
effluents, gaseous emissions, noise, air quality and hazardous wastes management for Nigeria.
1.4.8.2 National Environmental Impact Assessment Act No. 86, 1992

This Act, which became operational on 10th December 1992, provides guidelines for activities for which
EIA is mandatory in Nigeria. Such developments include the following:
• Coastal reclamation involving an area of 50 hectares or more;
• Conversion of mangrove swamps for industrial use covering an area of 50 hectares or more
• Hydrocarbon processing facilities such as flow station or gas plant.
This process involves the undertaking of mandatory study/meditation or assessment by a review panel
and the preparation of a mandatory EIA report.
1.4.8.3 EIA Sectoral Guidelines (Oil & Gas Industry Projects)

These guidelines are to assist project proponents in conforming with the requirements of the EIA Act
No. 86 of 1992 to obtain certification from the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Federal
Ministry of Environment.
1.4.8.4 FMENV (formerly FEPA) Regulations

The Federal Ministry of Environment through former FEPA, also has the following regulations, policies
and guidelines:
(a) The National Policy on Environment, Federal Government of Nigeria 1989
(b) National Guidelines and Standards for Environmental Pollution Control in Nigeria
(c) National Effluent Limitations Regulations S.1.8, 1991, lists the parameters in industrial effluents
and gaseous emissions and their limitations and standards of discharges into the environment.
(d) National Pollution Abatement in Industries and Facilities General Wastes Regulations S.1.9 1991
requires every industry to install anti-pollution abatement equipment to treat effluent discharges
and gaseous emissions to the standards and limits prescribed in Regulations S.1.8
(e) Waste Management and Hazardous Wastes Regulations S.1.15
1.4.9 Forestry Law CAP 59, 1976

Edo State Forestry Law CAP 59 (1976) vol 3 previously known as Bendel State Forestry Law CAP 59
(1976) are substantive legislation applicable. The law prohibits any act that may lead to the destruction
of or cause injury to any forest produce, forest growth or forest property. The law prescribes the
administrative framework for the management, utilization and protection of forestry resources in Nigeria.
This law is applicable to the mangrove forest of the Niger Delta.
1.4.10 State Legislation

The Nigerian Constitution permits states to make legislations, laws, and edicts on the environment. The
EIA Act No. 86 of 1992 also recommended the setting up of State Environmental Protection Agencies to
participate in regulating the consequences of project development on their environment. In accordance
with the provisions of Section 245 of FMEnv Act 58 of 1988 and Chapter 131 of the Laws of the
1-6
Federation of Nigeria, Edict No 3 of January, 1994 as enacted by Military Administrator of Edo State of
Nigeria to establish the Edo State Environmental Protection Agency (ESEPA), now State Ministry of
Environment. They are important stakeholders in the Western Domestic Gas Supply Project/West
African Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben Field
1.4.11 Public Health Law:

The public health Law- CAP 103 of the Laws of Nigeria
The public Health Order 47 of 1950 was amended to Public Health Law Cap 103 in October 1963. The
law prohibits any act that may lead to the destruction of or cause injury to any human being in any LGA.
Relevant sections are:
Part 1 subsection 7 (d, h, k, l and n) and
Part ll on sanitation sections 42, 45, 46, 48, and 52
1.4.12 International Laws and Regulations

Nigeria is signatory to several laws, treaties and regulations that govern the environment.
Among these are:
(i) World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment {EA} (1991)
(ii) International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Guidelines
(iii) Convention on the Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention)
(iv) Convention of Biological Diversity
(v) Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural an National Heritage Sites (World
Heritage Convention) and
(v) Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal.
(vi) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)
1.4.13 World Bank Guidelines on Environmental Assessment {EA} (1991)

The World Bank requires the execution of an EIA on a proposed industrial activity by a borrower as a
pre-requisite for granting any financial assistance in form of loans. Details of World Bank’s EIA
procedures and guidelines are published in the Bank’s EA Source Book vols. I -III of 1991. Potential
issues considered for EA in the upstream oil and gas industry include the following:
• Biological Diversity
• Coastal and Marine Resources Management
• Cultural Properties
• Hazardous and Toxic Materials and
• International waterways.
1.4.14 International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

(IUCN) Guidelines (1948/1956)
The IUCN in conjunction with the Oil Industry International Exploration and Production Forum presented a set
of guidelines for oil and gas exploration and production in mangrove areas. These guidelines are aimed at
conservation of mangroves and enhancing the protection of marine ecosystems during E & P activities. The
document also discusses the policy and principles for environmental management in mangrove areas as well
as EIA procedures, Environmental Audit and Monitoring.
1.4.15 Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (Bonn Convention).
(1979)
The Bonn Convention concerns the promotion of measures for the conservation (including habitat
conservation especially for endangered species listed in Bonn) and management of migratory species.
1-7
1.4.16 Convention on Biological Diversity (1992)

The objectives of the Convention include the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of
its components, and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic
resources.
1.4.17 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sites (or
World Heritage Convention) (1972)
The convention sets aside areas of cultural and natural heritage for protection. The latter is defined as
areas with outstanding universal value from the aesthetic, scientific and conservation points of view.
1.4.18 Basel Convention on the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their
Disposal. (1989)
The convention focuses attention on the hazards of the generation and disposal of hazardous wastes.
The convention defines the wastes to be regulated and control their trans-boundary movement to
protect human and environmental health against their adverse effects.
1.4.19 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992)

In order to achieve sustainable social and economic development, energy consumption for developing
countries needs to grow taking into account the possibilities for achieving greater energy efficiency and
for controlling greenhouse gas emissions in general. This also include the application of new
technologies on terms which make such an application economically and socially beneficial, determined
to protect the climate system for present and future generations.
1.4.20 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) (1973/78)
operating on a global scale
The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution of Ships, 1973 was adopted in 1973. This
Convention was subsequently modified by the Protocol 1978 relating thereto, which was adopted in
1978. The Protocol introduced stricter regulations for the survey and certification of ships. It is to be
read as one instrument and is usually referred to as MARPOL 73/78.
This Conventions deals with pollution from land- based sources and dumping from ships, aircrafts,
offshore drilling, underwater pipelines, nuclear plants and artificial islands. It includes a prohibition on
the dumping of radioactive substances, including wastes.
1.4.21 SPDC’s Community Affairs, Safety, Health, Environment and Security {CASHES}Policy
SPDC operates under the guidelines of Shell International and complies strictly with them. Where
national standards and regulations are more stringent than Shell guidelines, SPDC’s policy is to comply
with the existing national legislation.
It is SPDC's policy that all activities are planned and executed in a manner that:
• Preserves the health, safety and security of its employees, the employees of SPDC contractors,
and all members of the public who may be affected by SPDC operation.
• Minimizes the impact of its operations on the environment.
• Is sensitive to the needs and concerns of SPDC’s host communities.
1.4.22 SPDC’s Environmental Assessment Policy

It is SPDC’s policy to:
• Carry out Environmental Impact Assessments and Evaluation in relation to all aspects of the natural
and social environment that may affect or be affected by its activities;
• Identify any such interface for the complete life cycle of both new and existing facilities and
operations;
• Enhance positive effects, prevent intolerable impacts from occurring;
1-8
• Limit the nature and extent of any residual negative impacts, however caused, such that they are as
low as practicable;
• Consult relevant stakeholders;
• Leave the environment at the end of the useful life of any operation in a condition suitable for future
use;
• Routinely monitor the environmental status of each operation and take corrective action as
necessary.
1.4.23 SPDC’s Waste Management Policy

It is the policy of SPDC to:
• Take all practical and reasonable measures to minimize the generation of solid and liquid
wastes, as well as emissions from flares and otherwise;
• Not use mineral oil-based mud in drilling;
• Manage and dispose of wastes in an environmentally responsible manner;
• Track and maintain records of waste streams and provide an auditable trail as to their management
and disposal.
1.4.24 SCiN Biodiversity Policy

Which states that in Shell, we recognise the importance of biodiversity. Therefore, we are committed to:
Work with others to maintain Ecosystems
Respect the basic concept of Protected Areas
Partner with others to make positive contributions towards the conservation of biodiversity in our
areas of operations
Conduct Environmental Assessments with increased focus on impacts on biodiversity
Engage and collaborate with other stakeholders to manage biodiversity responsibly especially in
sensitive environments
1.4.25 SPDC’s Flares-Down Policy

SPDC is committed to the elimination of routine flaring and venting as means of disposal of associated
gas, and to a continuous reduction in the proportion of gas wasted as a result of operational or
equipment failures.
By 2008, all SPDC operated flowstations and processing facilities will be provided with equipment to
gather and harness a Associated Gas (AG), and SPDC and its customers will be able to utilize this gas
under normal operating conditions. Continuous venting of gas shall be eliminated by 2003. Also by
2008, facilities shall be installed to utilize more than 90% of AG and by investing to achieve continuous
improvement to the level of best Group practice thereafter.
To implement this policy, SPDC shall carry out the following:
• Gather High Pressure (HP), Low Pressure (LP) and Surge Vessel (SV) gas, unless SV volumes are
fully required for flare purge;
• Upgrade flares systems with Knock Out (KO) pots and clean-combustion tips. Low-purge flare tips
shall be considered when units are replaced;
• Consider shielded flares for sensitive locations;
• Standby spare compressors shall not be provided;
1.5 Structure of the Report

The EIA report of Western Domestic Gas Supply (WDGSP/WAGP) Project at Oben Field is divided into
eight chapters as follows:
Chapter 1 introduces the project, presents the legal and administrative framework, while Chapter 2
provides the project justification, objectives, design considerations and project description, Chapter 3
1-9
describes the existing environment. Chapter 4 highlights the associated and potential impacts of the
proposed project, Chapter 5 is on the mitigation measures of the envisaged Impacts, Chapter 6
provides the Environmental Management Plan. Chapter 7 talks about the consultation programme
embarked upon for the project. while. Chapter 8 gives the conclusion and recommendations.
1.6 Terms of Reference

SPDC commissioned an EIA of the Western Domestic/WAGP Gas Supply Project at Oben Field in
order to comply with statutory requirements. The EIA will establish the environmental issues associated
with the project, predict their impacts and magnitudes; suggest and evaluate project alternatives with
regard to cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness and recommend mitigation measures.
The summary of the scope of the EIA is as follows;
Literature review
Baseline Data Collection:
• Field Work
• Laboratory/Data Analyses
Assessment and Prediction of Potential Impacts
Determination of Appropriate Mitigation Measures
Environmental Management Plan
The workscope of the baseline data acquisition was;
Biophysical
Climate and meteorology
Air quality and noise
Vegetation
Land use/cover
Wildlife
Geology and hydrogeology
Soil/sediment quality
Aquatic studies
Groundwater quality
Hydrobiology and fisheries
Social
Demography
Social conditions of communities
Socio-economic condition of the communities
Socio-political structure/organisation, political/dispute resolution institutions and mechanisms
Archaeological and historical data
Social structure/trends and social groups
Social facilities
Social needs of the communities and
Community perceptions/view/opinions/benefits of the projects
Health
Socio-economics/vital health statistics
Individual/family/community health determinant
Health outcomes
Environmental health determinants
Institutional health determinants
Knowledge, attitudes and practices
1-10
1.7 Declaration
SPDC shall abide with all applicable international conventions, protocols and agreements; national,
state and local government laws/regulations and guidelines governing effective environmental
management and good practices in the Western Domestic/WAGP Gas Supply Project at Oben Field.
1-11
Chapter Two Project Justification
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

The justification for the Western Domestic/West African Gas Pipeline Upstream Gas Supply Project is
provided below
2.1 Need for the Project

development from Nigeria to the Republic of Benin, Togo and Ghana. In January 2003, these countries
WAPco intends to construct and commission the WAGP by December 2006. The Volta River Authority
In December 2004, N-Gas (a joint venture company involving NNPC, Chevron and SPDC) entered into
The SPDC gas supply to WAGP is planned to come from the Utorogu and Oben Non-Associated Gas
(NAG) plants and the Nigeria Gas Company (NGC) stations in Odidi, Escravos Beach and Jones
Creek. The Oben and Utorogu gas plants in their current operating conditions will not be able to meet
the WAGP specifications and therefore a major plant modification will be required. This EIA covers
activities proposed at the Oben project area.
The construction of the WAGP 620km offshore gas pipeline and related infrastructure that will transport
and commercialize Nigerian gas taken from the ELPS to the aforementioned neighboring West African
countries by WAPco is in progress. The offshore portion was proposed to have land fall spurs in Benin
(Cotonou) , Togo (Lome) and Ghana (Tema , Takoradi and Effasu) .
2.2 Value of the Project

The revenue that will accrue from sale of commercially priced gas will substantially increase the foreign
exchange earning of the Federal Government of Nigeria, in addition to the revenue from crude oil and
condensate production. The project will also boost direct foreign investment into the sub-region
2.3 Envisaged Sustainability

The envisaged sustainability is categorised as follows:
2.3.1 Economic Sustainability

The Western Domestic Gas /WAGP Supply Project at Oben shall be sustainable because of the huge
and proven gas reserves that can economically and commercially support the project. There is high
and growing demand for natural gas in the West African Sub-region. Part of this demand would be met
by this project. The project will therefore contribute substantially to the revenue generation and
industrial growth in Nigeria and West African Sub-region.
2.3.2 Technical Sustainability

The Western Domestic Gas /WAGP Supply Project at Oben is technically sustainable because of
SPDC’s proven gas technology and strict adherence to national, international and industry acceptable
engineering design and construction standards. Innovative technologies that are economically viable,
2-1
with minimal environmental, social and health impacts shall be utilised in the execution of the proposed
project. The proposed project will also ensure technical and operational integrity of the gas plant for a
minimum of 25 years.
2.3.3 Environmental Sustainability

The Western Domestic Gas/WAGP Supply Project at Oben shall be environmentally sustainable
because of the adoption of SPDC HSE and Environmental Assessment policies. Incorporating the
findings and recommendations of this EIA and subsequent implementation of the Environmental
Management Plan for various project phases will ensure the desired environmental sustainability.
2.3.4 Social Sustainability

The social sustainability of the Western Domestic Gas /WAGP Supply Project at Oben which will
emanate from Stakeholders engagement, include the following: skills acquisition, empowerment,
employment and business opportunities, provision of social infrastructure, etc.
2.4 Project Objective

The Project objectives are as follows:
• To supply quality gas to WAGP by December 2006.
• Generate revenue for the Joint Venture and the nation
• To promote gas utilization and industrial development in the West Africa Sub-region
• Opportunity to upgrade ageing facilities
2.5 Project Alternatives

(PE to complete using information from Concept Selection Report (CSR)
a) Drop Low Temperature Separator (LTS) Pressure below 76 barg and re-compress gas using
Booster compressor
b) Install mechanical refrigeration plant
c) Install new Twister gas processing module
d) Construct new Turbo expander plant
e) Treat gas in Lagos with mechanical refrigeration
f) Run LTS at –20oc and Rehabilitate the gas process modules
2.6 Project Location

The Oben Field is located some 78 km NE of Warri and situated in OML 4. It shares a common
boundary with PAN OCEAN’s OML 98. The field was discovered in April 1972. The site lies between
Eastings (5 52’ 3.718”E) and Northings (6 0’ 39.296”N) and is bounded by Oben, Iguelaba, Ikobi and
Obozogbe-Nugu communities in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. The field comprise
a Flowstation, a Gas Plant and a Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) compressor station.
2-2
ELPS To Ajaokuta LEGEND:

To NEPA Lagos Benin & proposed ChevronLine
Agbara/Otta, Existing NGCLines
Abuja IPP
& WAGP SPDCLines
AgipLine (Eleme Petro. Chemical)
NLNGLines
Oben
OGGS AGGfacility
SAPELE
Makaraba Flowstations NGCcompressor
(Chevron) Industrial plant NAGplant
Jones Sapele
Creek DELTA Kokori Cheveron GP
Okan Power station
(Chevron) Warri
Mefa Escravos
Beach Odidi Connection No Connection
(Chevron) Ughelli
Utorogu UzereEast
Forcados
Escravos Lagos
Pipeline System (ELPS)
Abuja
Ota
Ikorodu Ajaokuta
Agbara
Aba
Afam
os
Lag
ct
Proje
eline Utorogu
as Pip
t African G Bo
Wes
os
nn
rav
y
Esc
t
ur
rco
Ha
rt
Po
Existing Facilities
Figure 2.1: Map of the Western Domestic Gas Network showing Oben Location
2.6.1 Wells/Flowlines
There are three (3) existing wells and associated flowlines in Oben gas plant (Fig. 2.2). These flowlines
are 6”, class 2500, carbon steel material. The flowlines lengths are as follows:
Well 26 1.0km
Well 27 1.0km
Well 28 0.5km
As part of normal flowline replacement strategy, accentuated by integrity from prolonged use without
corrosion inhibition it is proposed to replace the flowlines using identical flowline specifications (6”,
class 2500, carbon steel material). Each of these wells has existing 1” (carbon steel, class 2500)
corrosion inhibitor lines to the wellheads, which will also be replaced.
The proposed new NAG well on the D5 reservoir (Well 29) shall be drilled near the existing Well 28 slot
and will be hooked up using the replaced Well 28 flowline - 0.5km, 6”, class 2500, carbon steel flowline.
2.6.2 Process Flow Scheme for the Existing Oben Gas Plant
Oben gas plant has two (2) LTS Gas Process Modules. Gas from the production header is routed to
either of the LTS modules each rated for 45MMscf/d. Gas entering each module is stripped of entrained
2-3
liquids in a Free Liquid Knock-out Vessel (FLKO). Liquids from the FLKO vessels are separated in a
three-phase classifier vessel into water, condensate and gas. Water is spiked into the oil saver pit.
Condensate is sent to the condensate header, from where condensate can be routed to the condensate
surge vessel or to existing Oben flowstation. Condensate routed to the surge vessel and flow station is
pumped to the trunkline enroute to Forcados Terminal.
Gas from the FLKO vessel passes through the inlet/sales gas heat exchanger, and is cooled to about
9oC, choked to 76-bar at the main choke valves. 75% by weight Diethylene Glycol (DEG) is injected
upstream of the heat exchanger to inhibit hydrates downstream of the choke valves. Gas at 76-bar after
choking enters the LTS separator via the hydrate Catcher. It is the low temperatures achieved in the
LTS, below zero degree centigrade under normal operation, by the Joule Thompson effect that is the
dew point control mechanism. Gas out of the LTS separator is sent into a 16-inch sales gas header,
where it is metered via a senior Daniel orifice (DOF) meter connected to chart recorders. The gas from
the sales gas header goes into the Escravos Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) line.
Glycol
Injection
Feed Gas Gas/Gas JT Valve

Exchanger
FLKO LTS
To Flare
Glycol/Cond.
Separator
Classifier Condensate
Sales Gas Surge
Vessel
Glycol Regen
To Flow Station
Figure. 2.2: Schematic of the Oben LTS Modules
2.7 Project Scope
2.7.1 Project Activity Overview

The Workscope covered by this EIA for the WAGP Gas Supply is divided into two phases;
Phase 1 works: This includes integrity related works covering upgrade of the process control system
and modifications of Oben Gas Plant, necessary to deliver the contractual gas specification which is
scheduled for completion in December 2006.
Phase 2 works covers installation of smart-type metering/monitoring skids at custody transfer point at
Oben Gas Plant with online flow computers, online gas chromatograph and V-SAT data transmission
2-4
system as well as replacement of existing Oben NAG Flowlines. This will also invole the drilling of one
new NAG well at Oben Field.
To achieve the above objectives, the activities to be carried out at Oben gas plant include, but not
limited to the following:
Phase 1 Project Activities

The following Phase 1 project activities will occur within the existing perimeter fence of the gas plant.
Replacement of ancillary modules:

This involves the replacement of existing Glycol Regeneration units and Injection Systems, Hot
Water Supply systems, Condensate Disposal systems and Anti Corrosion Chemical Injection Skid.
Gas Process Modules:

Replacement of Glycol/Condensate Separator, Control Valves, Controllers, gauges, transmitters,
shutdown valves and defective heat exchangers.
Plant Process Control and Fire & Gas (F&G) Systems:

Upgrading the plant control systems to Process Automation System (PAS) and Safety Instrumented
System (SIS) based on Open System Architecture.
Phase 2 Project Activities
Integrity Related Workscope
Gas Process Modules:

Replacement of all manual valves, installation of new flare auto ignition systems for igniting the flare
stack during process upset like depressurising system during emergency shutdown, cladding of
LTS Separators and replacement of oil saver pit pumps.
Inlet Flowlines and Manifolds:

Replacement of all field instruments and flow control valves, defective manual and shutdown
valves.
Plant Utilities:
Procurement & Installation of new gas engine and diesel engine driven power generators, packaged
instrument air compressors, LV Switchboards and UPS Batteries.
Painting
Painting of the entire plant with Epoxy-type paints.
NAG Flowlines
Removal of the three (3) existing flowlines and construction of three (3) new ones within the same
Right of Way (ROW).
Plant Upgrade Works and Metering/monitoring systems

• Modify the inlet flowline to install 6“ Class 2500 ESD Valves.
• Custody Transfer Points at Oben:

Procure and install new fiscal meter runs based on smart instrumentation complete with gas
chromatograph, densitometer, moisture analyser, dew point analyser, auto sampler, analyser house
with validation equipment, flow computers and interface with VSAT leased
2-5
Civil Works
There is no new road construction or rehabilitation of existing Oben Location road. The new process
modules to be installed in the gas plant will make use of the existing concrete bays. Hence, no civil
work is envisaged for this plant upgrade.
Logistics
Transportation of Equipment to site and Mechanical Handling:
• The process modules and containerized goods will be transported using trucks and off-loaded on
site with heavy duty cranes
• Cranes will support the site installation works throughout the duration of the construction activities.
• SPDC shall establish lay-down area (size to be provided) near the gas plant, but within SPDC
acquired area to carry out hot work (welding activities). ---Provide site map
Accommodation Of Site Personnel

• At peak period, about 50 personnel will be on site, but temporary site accommodation is planned for
about 25 SPDC and Contractor workers. The other 25 personnel will be drawn from the nearby
communities.
• The temporary camp site (size; 1Ha -----) will be located near the gas plant, and within SPDC
acquired area.
2.8 Drilling of one (1) New Well
2.8.1 Subsurface (Drilling) Activities

The drilling activities involve preparation of well locations, campsite, access road for the new well from
the existing Well 28, drilling and production testing of wells and site reinstatement.
2.8.1.1 Well Location/Access Road Preparations

The well location activities will also include construction of campsite, which will be situated in the vicinity
of the well location, along the existing road, which may require some repair work. Activities to be
undertaken prior to actual construction work include soil investigation. These will be followed by
location clearance, earthwork, construction of slabs (for cellar, generator, chemicals etc), stabilisation of
location/campsite and access road. Surfacing with asphalt and blockwall fencing of location/campsite
will then follow. A plot size of about 60 m x 110 m will be required for the drilling location or campsite.
The completion of location preparation is expected in about 3 calendar months from the time the
contractor is mobilised to site.
2.8.1.2 Drilling of NAG Well

To minimise landtake and other impact on the environment, the proposed NAG well will be drilled
closed to Well 28.
2.8.1.3 Waste and/or By-Products Generated

This section describes the waste and by-products that could be generated during drilling activities.
Drilling Waste
The drilling waste management principles in this project will focus on waste minimisation and recycling.
Drilling wastes expected to be generated during the drilling operations are:
• Drill cuttings / excess or spent drilling mud and completion fluids
• Rig wash (Detergent) water.
• Cementing waste.
• Discarded consumables.
• Domestic waste (solid and sewage).
• Drilling effluents.
2-6
Drilling a hole/well is achieved by making up the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) below pipes. Rotating this
assembly generates formation cuttings. During this operation, a special fluid (mud) is continuously
pumped through the pipe and comes out of the drilling bit. The mud carries the drilled cuttings through
the annular space between the drill string and the hole to surface. The drilling mud is a mixture of inert
bentonite suspended in a liquid phase with barite as weighting material. The liquid phase may be made
up by water and/or pseudo-oil. The main constituents of the water-based mud are bentonite and barites,
both of which are natural minerals.
The type of mud generally in use is made up of the following components:

Spud (Gel Suspension) mud for the upper hole section. This contains bentonite, polymer additives {e.g.
CMC HV} and KCl (shale inhibitors). Pseudo Oil Based Mud (POBM) system will be used for the lower
section of the hole (below 95/8” casing depth).
Other functions of the mud are to:

Exert hydrostatic pressure on the down-hole and prevent the entry/migration of the formation fluid
into the well bore;
Suspend drill cuttings in the hole when the mud pumps are not running;
Lubricate and cool the drill bit and drill string;
Deposit an impermeable cake on the wall of the ‘well bore’ effectively sealing and stabilising the bore
of the hole being drilled.
The wells will be drilled using water based mud system from surface to 9-5/8” casing depth at + 10,000
ft. Thereafter, POBM will be used to drill to total depth (12,000 ftss). The two mud systems will be
salvaged for re-use. Approximately 190 m3 of drill cuttings would be generated from each drilling
operation.
Wastewater shall be treated/flocculated and used for building new mud and also for the rig and
equipment washing. The wastewater and drilled cuttings from the drilling operations will be channeled
into waste pits. A pay loader shall be used to scoop out the drilling waste from the waste pit into cutting
skips. The tipper transports the cuttings in skips to the approved cuttings re-injection well (Insert well
name) for re-injection.
Non Drilling Waste

Discarded consumables include chemical bags, drums, scrap metals used in constructions etc. All these
will be trucked back to Effurun-2 or Shell Industrial Area, Waste Recycling Depot in Warri. A strict
inventory control of all chemicals in use shall be maintained. All chemicals, lubricating oils and fuels will
be stored in containers and safely placed in a sheltered area on the rig. Appropriate Safe Handling of
Chemicals (SHOC) cards would be provided for every chemical on board the rig for the safety of
personnel and the environment.
Human Waste
All human wastes shall be treated on site using internationally standard in-built biological sewage
treatment plant. This provides an excellent way of handling all human wastes on board the rig. Under
normal circumstances, the total number of personnel on board the rig is not expected to exceed one
hundred (100).
2.8.1.4 Risk of Accidents Resulting in Pollution or Hazards

Accidental spills can be as a result of a blow out, or leaking diesel or oil tanks. A blow out is an
uncontrollable discharge of hydrocarbon from the formation. Though the chance of a blow out is very
low, the potential impact on environment is very high. The primary safeguard against a blow out is the
pressure exerted by the drilling mud. The mud shall be tested/checked regularly (every 15 minutes on
site) to ensure the properties and the weight are in order. The secondary control is the equipment
2-7
referred to as Blow out preventer (BOP) with surface safety valves. This equipment shall be used to
close in a well at the slightest detection of formation fluid ingress/flow into the well bore (mud system).
This equipment shall be tested regularly to ensure proper functionality.
In addition, there would be increased land and air logistics during the proposed drilling operations, since
materials and workers would be moved to site due to operations demand.
2.9 Flowline Contruction
The activities to be undertaken will include:

• Land-take for lay down area (for construction equipment);
• Site Preparation;
• Flushing of the existing flowlines;
• Excavation and removal of old flowlines;
• Site Construction (Welding and Non-Destructive Testing [Radiography]);
• Pressure Testing of the new lines;
• Pipe laying and tie-in;
• Commissioning of the new flowlines;
• Backfilling;
• Operations/Maintenance;
2.9.1 Flowline Construction

Flowline construction methods differ depending on the geographical area, terrain, environment and third
party presence. In all cases, the construction of the flowlines shall comply with codes and standards
imposed by the law and standards organizations. The design for the proposed flowlines shall be in
accordance with applicable national, international, industry and Shell standards.
2.9.2 Land-take
There shall be no route survey of the flowlines since the proposed routes are on existing SPDC Right-
of-Way (ROW). The existing 15 m corridor of the ROW should be adequate for the flowlines activities.
However, the construction activities may require about 80 m2 additional land within SPDC acquired
area, as temporary lay down area for construction equipment.
2.9.3 Site Preparation

A total area of ~800 m2 would be required for lay down of construction equipment and shall be manually
cleared of any grown vegetation. This will comprise ~720 m2 on the existing ROW and the additional 80
m2. The clearing activity will be carried out by community members (~10 persons). The vegetation
cuttings shall be left in the field and allowed to decompose.
2.9.4 Flushing of Existing Pipeline

The existing Oben wells shall be shut-in to allow for flushing of the entire length of the flowlines. Water
pump shall be used to provide the pressure necessary to flush the lines from the well head to the gas
plant. The wastewater shall be disposed via the saver pit. Vacuum trucks shall be used to evacuate the
water from the saver pit to Oben flowstation, where it will be pumped into the trunkline to Forcados
Terminal for handling.
2.9.5 Excavation and removal of old flowlines

The excavation shall be carried out manually. The excavated section shall be manually freed of roots,
stones, or other hard objects that may damage the pipe or its coatings. The maximum width of the
excavated section shall be 3 m with a minimum depth of 1m
2-8
The excavated old flowlines shall be recovered, cut into sections and transported to SPDC metal scrap
yard at Effurun-2 for re-cycling.
2.9.6 Site Construction (Welding), Non-Destructive Testing [Radiography]

The stringing and welding of the flowlines shall be done on the ROW. Visual inspection and 100%
radiography (non-destructive testing) of the welds shall be done as the welding progresses. Weld
repairs shall be carried out where necessary, prior to flowline pressure testing.
In accordance with SPDC’s Standard Construction Specifications - Volume 2, Section 25, and other
relevant regulatory and government standards, the flowlines shall be coated with three layer
polyethylene corrosion coating. The integrity of the lines shall be guaranteed by the installation of pipes
of sufficient thickness taking into consideration commercial activities in the vicinity of the flowlines. The
flowline material specification shall comply with the American Petroleum Industry (API) standard (API-
5L-X52) which is specific to carbon steel pipelines with a specified strength of 52,000 psi. The design
wall thickness for the flowlines is schedule XXS (double extra strong). Thus, this increase in thickness
and coating will ensure stability of the pipe as well as serve as corrosion allowance elongating the
service life of the flowlines.
2.9.7 Pressure Testing of the New Pipeline Section

The proposed flowlines shall be pressure-tested to 450 barg for 24 hours to determine the integrity of
the weld joints. The pressure testing shall be carried out using water from the fire hydrants in Oben
Gas Plant.
2.9.8 Pipe Laying and Tie-in

The installation of the newly constructed flowlines shall be by surface pull technique using a crane. The
pipe shall be pulled from the ROW and carefully lowered into the trench such that it lies naturally along
its entire length on the bottom of the trench. Close observation of the lowered pipe shall be maintained
to ensure that the flowline profile is as designed. All field welds shall be coated using heat-shrinkable
sleeves.
2.9.9 Backfilling
After the pipe has been inspected to confirm that it has been laid to the correct profile, the fowline
trench will be backfilled using the previously excavated materials. Backfilling shall be done manually.
2.9.10 Commissioning of the New Flowlines

The shut-in Oben gas wells shall be re-opened and routed into the flowlines. The construction
equipment and personnel shall be demobilized from site 24 hours after attaining normal operating
pressure of about 120 barg.
2.9.11 Operations/Maintenance
After commissioning, the flowlines shall be hooked on to the cathodic protection system for external
corrosion protection. The ROW shall be manually cleared of vegetation for maintenance and
emergency response purposes, as and when necessary.
2.9.12 Decommissioning
The flowline system and its ancillary installations have a design life of 25 years. The operations and
maintenance procedure provides for monitoring the performance and the integrity of the system
components.
A decommissioning team shall be set up to plan and implement the laid down guidelines on
decommissioning.
2-9
2.10 Operations Philosophy

A summary of the operating philosophy is as follows:
- The engineering scope must satisfy the specifications stipulated by WAGP GSA.
- The gas supply operating costs must stay within the current range with potential to reduce further in
the near future.
- The manning level shall be --------
- There shall be relatively little incremental in workforce. Where feasible, automation should be
introduced to reduce the operating costs.
- Computer Aided Operation (CAO) and Information Technology (IT) links shall be in place to fulfill
WAGP GSA stipulations on data acquisitions and transmission.
- The facility shall be controlled from the plants’ control room.
- SPDC shall be responsible to provide gas supply to specifications in quantity and quality at delivery
points at ELPS.
2.10.1 Maintenance Philosophy & Strategies

The philosophy is to safeguard technical integrity of the facilities and ensure the designed availability is
achieved cost effectively within the constraints of safety, environmental protection, production plans and
statutory requirements over its life cycle.
To deliver the required gas at a more stringent specification, technical integrity must be improved and
maintained. The approach shall be Total Reliability Centered Maintenance that encompasses the
process reliability and people reliability. This shall aim at increasing plants’ reliability and drive down
cost.
To achieve the above objectives, the following strategies shall be deployed:

• To design-out maintenance to ALARP
• Standardise new equipment design across the locations
• Select reliable and low maintenance equipment
• Use Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) to support the designed availability
• On-line condition monitoring of key equipment, where cost effective.
• Use SAP-PM to record and monitor related activity, system, equipment availability and reliability
• Use E-SPIR to achieve spare availability.
Spares
Commissioning, insurance and initial 2-year operating spares shall be, where applicable part of the
project deliverables. E-SPIR will be prepared for materials and equipment that are being introduced to
SPDC inventory. These include purpose-built calibration and repair tool kits. Input from the Corporate
Discipline Maintenance Team should be solicited.
2-10
Table 2.1 Project Schedule
TENTATIVE PROJECT SCHEDULE.

Time Now
2005 2006 2007
Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4
FEED ACTIVITIES
Specifications for Long Lead Equipment
EIA/EMP
Upgrade of Field Instrumentation & Control Systems
Online Metering & Quality Monitoring Systems
Piping Design/Specification for Inlet Flowline/Manifold
Process: Process Simulation, CFD Studies, Actual/Verified performance data, Actual Sales Gas
Specification
Drawings: PFS, PEFS
CONTRACTING
OFFSHORE PROCUREMENT
CONTRACT
Contract Award
Detailed Design
Materials/Modules Procurement
Shipment/Clearing/Site Delivery
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
Contractor Prequalification & ITT Preparation
Technical
Submission/Evaluation
Commercial Evaluation/Contract Award
CONSTRUCTION
UTOROGU GAS PLANT
Project Documentation
Premob. / Mobilization Activities
Modification, Refurbishment & Recommissioning of Gas Process Modules
Installation of new Glycol Reboilers and Water Heaters
Installation of new Corrosion inhibition
skid
Expansion of inlet Manifold/Ligaments & Constr. of new inlet
flowlines
Control System Upgrade/Installation of New Control
Room
Installation/commissioning of Quality Monitoring & Metering
System
Installation/ Commissioning of Auto Ignition
System
Installation/ commissioning of Rotating
Equipment
Fire-water systems
Civil/ISO Works
Plant Electrical Works
Time Now
2-11
2-12
Chapter Three Description of Environment
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF ENVIRONMENT
3.1 General
This chapter presents the existing environmental conditions of the proposed Western Domestic Gas
Supply Project/West African Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben. Data were acquired from a field
study carried out in November 2005 and March 2006, an Environmental Baseline Study of Oben Field &
Environs (1999/2000) and EER of Oben Flowstation and Gas Plant (2000). It is worthy to note however
that the current project activities are limited in size and are within the existing SPDC facility( Flowstation
and Wellhead)
The sampling location map is shown in Appendix I (w0801001, others w0712006a, w0712006). The
details of the methodologies adopted for data acquisition for each of the environmental components are
described in Appendix 2.
3.2 Description of Existing Environment

Environmental baseline conditions of the proposed Western Domestic Gas Supply Project/West African
Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben which were carried out included climate/air quality, noise and
vibration, soil, land use and agriculture, vegetation, wildlife and biodiversity, aquatic, hydrogeology and
hydrology, waste management, socio-economic and health studies are described below:
3.2.1 Climate/Meteorological Studies

The dispersion and transportation of pollutants emitted are always influenced by meteorological
conditions. The two seasons that characterize the area are thus the dry and rainy (wet) seasons. The
wet season spreads from April to October while the dry season is from November to March. Rainfall is
generally high with an average of about 2480mm per annum, based on historical records. Climatic
conditions portray maximum wind speed of 1.5m/s in the north-eastern direction at station 1 and 2 and
a minimum of 0.9m/s at station 4 while climatic conditions portray maximum wind speed of 2.10m/s in
the south western direction at station 1, 3 and 5 and a minimum of 1.25m/s at station 4 in the south
western direction during the wet season. (Table 3.1).
3-1
Table 3.1: Wind Speed and Direction within Oben Field

Location Wind speed (m/s) Wind direction Weather Condition
W D W D W D
AQ1 (at shell living 2.10 1.5 SW NE SWW SMB
quarter)
AQ2 (Aidenyoba) 1.58 1.2 SW NE SWW SMB
AQ3 (Flowstation) 2.10 1.2 SW NE SWW SMB
AQ4 (Igueleba) 1.25 0.9 SW NE SWW SMB
AQ5 (Obazogbenugu) 2.10 1.5 SW NE SWW SMB
Key to Weather Condition
SMB = Sunny with moderate breeze;
SWW = Sunny and Windy Weather
D = Dry season
W = Wet season
3.2.2 Air Quality and Noise

The results of in-situ air quality studies in the Oben Field area are presented in Table 3.2. Noise levels
ranged from 54.2-80.8dB(A), which is lower than DPR/FMEnv limits of 90.0dB(A). Gaseous pollutants,
NOx, SOx suspended particulate matter (SPM) and all other air quality indicators are all below
DPR/FMEnv limits. There was no significant seasonal variation in the air quality and noise levels at 95%
confidence levels
Table 3.2 Air Quality and Noise results for Oben Sampling Stations
Parameters
C0 NH3 VOC SPM NOx SOx NOISE
3 3 3 3 3 3
µg/m µg/m µg/m µg/m µg/m µg/m LEVEL dB(A)
W D W D W D W D W D W D W D
AQ 1 0.10 0.32 9.2 8.11 <0.001 0.005 10.0 32.5 2.1 1.6 3.1 0.0 55.0 70.0
AQ2 0.82 0.30 6.2 9.42 <0.001 <0.001 5.3 11.2 3.3 1.4 5.10 0.1 49.5 66.5
AQ3 0.92 0.56 9.2 10.45 <0.001 0.08 11.2 62.2 12.0 1.2 23.8 0.1 70.5 54.2
AQ4 0.98 0.77 6.11 5.67 <0.001 <0.001 6.8 02.1 3.52 0.8 7.05 0.1 57.5 62.7
AQ5 0.10 0.30 8.11 8.48 <0.001 <0.001 5.2 3.4 2.8 1.3 3.42 0.0 56.6 70.4
DPR/FMEnv 11.4-22.8 25.0 160 150-230 400 350 90.0
STANDARDS
(1-Hour Mean
3
ug/m )
W = Wet season
D = Dry season
3-2
3.2.3 Soil Studies

The texture of the soils in Oben Field ranges from sand to loamy sand. The dominant texture is sandy
soil with a mean percentage sand of 83.2% during the dry season and 80.1% during the rainy season
(Table 3.3a and 3.3b). The percent silt and clay are low. Clay particles ranged from 3.60% to 15.2% in
the dry season and 3.94% to 14.11% in the rainy season with a mean of 7.4% and 7.2% respectively.
The environmental implication of this composition is that the porosity is high and water infiltration into
the subsoil will be fast. The soil pH is strongly to moderately acidic. The values ranged from 4.30 – 5.35
in the dry season and 4.9 to 6.4 in the rainy season with a mean of 4.78 and 4.94 respectively (Table
3.3a and 3.3b).
The organic matter values are high. The values ranged from 2.27 to 4.03% with an average of 2.67% in
the dry season and 2.98 to 5.98% with an average of 3.68% in the rainy season (Table 3.3a and 3.3b).
The high values could be attributed to the old fallows and forest that abound in the area. The Oben
Field is part of the Urhonigbe forest reserve. The total nitrogen values ranged from 0.40 to 0.95% with
an average of 0.61% in the dry season while in the rainy season it ranged from 0.43 to 1.71% with an
average of 0.95%. These values are high (Table 3.3a and 3.3b) due to organic matter decay. The
available phosphorus is moderately high (Table 3.3a and 3.3b). The values ranged from 11.45 – 80.0
mg/Kg with an average of 40 mg/Kg in the dry season and 21.23 to 90.5mg/Kg with an average of
50.5mg/Kg in the rainy season. This is an indication of high soil fertility despite the acidic nature of
these soils.
Table 3.3a: Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil in the Oben Field Area (Dry Season)
S/N PARAMETERS SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 SS5 SS6 SS7 SS8 RANGE
1 Particle Size Analysis
% Sand 78.64 82.32 84.2 85.4 87.9 87.4 82.4 84.4 78.62 – 93.50
% Silt 2.88 3.40 0.50 0.64 2.48 2.42 2.32 0.84 0.50 – 3.40
% Clay 3.88 3.60 14.2 15.2 15.0 14.3 14.3 13.2 3.60 – 15.2
2 pH 4.33 4.81 4.89 5.30 5.31 5.30 5.29 5.31 4.30 – 5.35
3 Electrical Conductivity 123.0 127.4 128.4 128.1 125.6 128.1 123.5 127.9 120 – 129.60
s
(u /cm)
4 Organic matter (%) 2.27 3.11 3.45 2.68 3.78 3.86 4.01 4.03 2.27 – 4.03
5 Total Nitrogen (%) 0.45 0.67 0.78 0.54 0.74 0.72 0.75 0.95 0.40 – 0.95
6 Available Phosphorus 11.45 30.4 28.3 31.2 80.0 44.8 43.8 31.2 11.45 – 80.0
(mg/Kg)
7 Exchangeable Cations
(cmol/kg)
Ca 0.12 0.20 0.26 0.24 0.18 0.21 0.24 0.28 0.12 – 0.28
Mg 0.40 0.72 0.64 0.88 0.70 0.82 0.83 0.81 0.40 – 0.88
Na 0.44 0.50 0.53 0.49 0.49 0.52 0.50 0.44 0.44 – 0.53
K 0.15 0.16 0.17 0.10 0.20 0.18 0.16 0.12 0.10 – 0.20
8 Cation Exchange 1.05 1.67 1.87 1.24 1.42 1.29 1.24 1.26 1.05 – 1.87
Capacity
3-3
Table 3.3b: Physicochemical Characteristics of Soil in the Oben Field Area (Wet Season)
S/N PARAMETERS SS1 SS2 SS3 SS4 SS5 SS6 SS7 SS8 RANGE
1 Particle Size Analysis
% Sand 77.3 81.32 80.3 79.4 78.4 80.3 81.2 79.3 77.3 – 81.32
% Silt 1.81 2.13 2.23 2.21 1.93 2.10 1.90 2.10 1.81 – 2.23
% Clay 3.94 4.24 13.94 13.11 14.10 13.10 12.10 14.11 3.94 – 14.11
2 pH 4.9 5.0 5.1 6.0 6.1 6.3 6.2 6.4 4.9 – 6.4
3 Electrical Conductivity 150.0 165.0 161.0 155.1 161.0 159.1 161.0 162.1 150 – 165.0
s
(u /cm)
4 Organic matter (%) 2.98 3.81 3.95 4.12 4.78 4.10 5.10 5.98 2.98 – 5.98
5 Total Nitrogen (%) 0.43 0.90 0.91 0.81 0.99 1.58 1.67 1.71 0.43 – 1.71
6 Available Phosphorus 21.23 38.1 40.2 39.3 90.5 61.3 62.3 48.4 21.23 – 90.5
(mg/Kg)
7 Exchangeable Cations
(cmol/kg)
Ca 0.25 0.28 0.22 0.36 0.29 0.40 0.32 0.34 0.25 – 0.34
Mg 0.45 0.61 0.75 0.66 0.65 0.66 0.80 0.70 0.45 – 0.80
Na 0.50 0.55 0.70 0.50 0.49 0.55 0.55 0.54 0.49 – 0.50
K 0.40 0.40 0.41 0.41 0.40 0.24 0.45 0.35 0.24 – 0.45
8 Cation Exchange 1.21 1.87 1.96 1.39 1.41 1.48 1.39 1.42 1.21 – 1.96
Capacity
The calcium values ranged from 0.12 to 0.28 cmol/Kg with an average of 0.16-cmol/Kg soils in the dry
season and 0.25 to 0.34 cmol/Kg and a mean value of 0.29 cmol/Kg in the rainy season. The mean
magnesium and potassium values are 0.61 and 0.16 cmol/Kg soils respectively in the dry season
and0.65 and 0.40 cmol/Kg in the rainy season respectively. The high rainfall from April to October and
high soil porosity encourages leaching of soil nutrients into subsoil outside the reach of most plants. As
with the exchangeable cations, the cation exchange capacity (CEC) values are low. The values ranged
from 1.05 - 1.87-cmol/Kg soil with an average of 1.42-coml./Kg soil in the dry season and1.01 - 1.76-
cmol/Kg soil with an average of 1.52 cmol/Kg soil in the dry season (Table 3.3a and 3.3b).
The heavy metal concentrations of the soils in Oben Field are shown in during the dry and rainy
seasons are shown in Tables 3.4a and 3.4b respectively. The values are low except for iron whose
concentration ranged between 115 and 340 mg/kg in the dry season and 163.4 and 493.7mg/Kg in the
rainy season . Most of the heavy metal values are below limits that can be of environmental concern. In
a decreasing order, the concentration of the heavy metal are as follow: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb >
Ni > V > Cu. The total hydrocarbon (THC) values are low and below the 50 mg/kg found in soils with
luxuriant growth of plants. The values ranged from 2.40 to 25.61 mg/kg with an average of 9.82 mg/kg.
The low THC values may be due to lack of oil spill incidence in the area.
3-4
Table 3.4a: Heavy metals and THC concentration of Soils in Oben Field Area (Dry Season)
S/N PARAMETERS (mg/Kg) RANGE MEAN

1 Iron, Fe 115 – 340 235
2 Zinc, Zn 5.34 – 30.97 13.95
3 Manganese, Mn. 0.151 – 10.03 3.42
4 Chromium, Cr. 0.01 – 0.74 0.46
5 Nickel, Ni 0.01 – 0.380 0.155
6 Vanadium, V 0.003 – 0.144 0.055
7 Copper, Cu 0.008 – 0.390 0.027
8 Cadmium, Cd 0.015 – 0.540 0.364
9 Lead, Pb 0.10 – 0.53 0.360
10 Total Hydrocarbon (THC) 2.40 – 25.61 9.82
Table 3.4b: Heavy metals and THC concentration of Soils in Oben Field Area (Wet Season)
S/N PARAMETERS (mg/Kg) RANGE MEAN
1 Iron, Fe 163.4 – 493.7 380.5
2 Zinc, Zn 6.14 – 41.20 20.91
3 Manganese, Mn. 0.24 – 15.9 5.32
4 Chromium, Cr. 0.15 – 0.89 0.63
5 Nickel, Ni 0.11 – 0.86 0.25
6 Vanadium, V 0.005 – 0.22 0.09
7 Copper, Cu. 0.02 – 0.51 0.35
8 Cadmium, Cd 0.018 – 0.54 0.44
9 Lead, Pb 0.11 – 0.82 0.52
10 Total Hydrocarbon (THC) 3.38 – 30.15 10.83
3.2.4 Land use and Agriculture

Land use pattern are natural or imposed configurations resulting from spatial arrangement of the
different uses of land at a particular time. The land use types in Oben Field are forestry, industrial,
agricultural and build-up. The Oben Field is part of the Urhonigbe forest reserve, although a sizable part
of the forest has been used up for food and shelter. Exploitation of this forest for economic trees is on
going. The flow station, gas station, the wellheads and pipeline routes constitute the industrial land
uptake. Agriculture involving the cultivation of crops like cassava, yam and maize go on at the outskirts
of the flow station and adjoining lands. Distance between the undisturbed forest and the flow station is
about 3-4km.
Land use pattern evolve as a result of:

i. Changing economic consideration inherent in the concept and best use of land
ii. Imposing legal restrictions on the use of land and
iii. Changing existing legal restrictions
Within the Oben Field, activities, which have influenced land use patterns, include
a. Oil and Gas E & P activities (flow lines, flow stations and compressor station construction)
b. Changes in transportation system (roads, access to well heads, helipad)
c. Expansion due to residential buildings
d. Provision of facilities by SPDC – water works, markets, hospitals, etc.
e. Farmlands
3-5
f. Changes in legal restrictions leading to increased lumbering in hitherto forest reserve.

The details of land use pattern and distribution affecting vegetation changes are shown in the land use
map (Fig3.2), Table 3.5 and graphical presentations below (Fig. 3.1a and 3.1b).
Figure 3.1a: Percentage distribution of land use in Oben Field Area
Percentage Distribution of Land Use

Pattern
0%
3% Water
41% Forest I
Forest II
51% Farmland
5% Urban/bare soil
Fig 3.1b: Land use Percentage distribution in Oben Field Area
160
145.41
140
118.62
120
100
Area %
80
Area km2
60 50.26
41
40
14.73
20 9.38
5.09 3.24
0.4 1.16
0
Water Forest I Forest II Farmland Urban/bare
soil
3-6
Fig. 3.2 Landuse Map of Oben Field Area
Table 3.5 Land use pattern and Percentage Distribution

Cover Water Forest I Forest II Farmland Urban/bare
type: soil
Area % 0.4 41.00 5.09 50.26 3.24
Area 1.16 118.62 14.73 145.41 9.38
km2
3-7
3.2.5 Vegetation
3.2.5.1 Floristic Composition and Profile
The project area is situated within the Lowland Rainforest Belt of Nigeria. The natural vegetation has,
however, been altered in most parts by human activities, such as agricultural activities which is mainly
by shifting cultivation. The types of vegetation include secondary lowland rainforest, and bush fallow of
varying ages. The latter is the most extensive vegetation type in the field. There are also farmlands of
various sizes.
The vertical structure of the vegetation types around the study area is illustrated using profile diagrams
(Figs. 3.2 and 3.3). The structure and physiognomy of these forest types were such that four vegetation
strata were encountered viz: the B-and C-stories of trees about 15 -20m and 10-15m high respectively,
the shrubs, less than 2m high (D-storey) and the herb layers (E - Storey). No tree emergents (A-storey)
greater than 20m were encountered since these have been harvested for timber. The dominant plant
species include Siam weed Chromolaena odorata, Christmas bush Alchornea cordifolia, Icacina
trichantha, Haemorrhage plant Aspilia africana, Trema occidentalis, Musanga sp, Solanum torvum,
Ficus esperata, Emilia coccinea, Tridax procumbens, Euphorbia heterophylla, and the Guinea grass
Panicum maximum. These species are good indicators of secondary succession. There were volunteer
economic trees such as Irvingia gabonensis(Dika nut tree), Elaeis guineensis (oil palm), Baphia
nitida(Camwood) and Terminalia superba (White Afara). The relative abundance of the dominant
species in the farmland and the bush fallow are shown in Table 3.6. (Plates 1 - 3).
20m
0
T T A S A E A 25m
Fig. 3.3 Profile diagram of a typical bush fallow surrounding the study area.
T = Terminalia superba, S = Spondia mombin, E = Elaeis guineensis, A = Alstonia boonei
3-8
10m
M M T M M M M I A 20M
Fig. 3.4 Profile diagram of a farm around the Project location

M = Manihot esculenta, I = Irvingia gabonensis, T = Terminalia superba, A = Alatonia boonei
Plate 1: Secondary Vegetation of the Project Area.
3-9
Plate 2: Fallow land
Plate 3: Farmland
3-10
Table 3.6: The Composition and Frequency of Plant Species in Oben Field
Habitat S/N Scientific Name Common Name Frequency Sensitivities

%
Bush 1 Albizia adianthefolia 6 Rare
fallow
2 Alchornea cordifolia Christmas bush 7 Endemic
3 Anchomanes difformis 5 Rare
4 Alstonia boonei Stool wood tree 3 Endemic
5 Anthocleista vogelii Cabbage tree 5 Endemic
6 Aspilia africana, Haemorrhage plant 22 Endemic
7 Baphia nitida Camwood 8 Endemic
8 Chromolaena odorata Siam weed 34 Endemic
9 Cnestis ferruginea 4 Endemic
10 Elaeis guineensis Oil palm 6 Endemic
11 Emilia coccinea 18 Endemic
12 Ficus esperata 7 Endemic
13 Harungana 10 Endemic
madagascariensis
14 Icacina trichantha 5 Endemic
15 Irvingia gabonensis Dika nut tree 2 Endemic
16 Spigelia anthelmia 5 Endemic
17 Musanga cercropioides 8 Endemic
18 Urena lobata 2 Endemic
19 Nauclea diderrichii Opepe 3 Endemic
20 Palisota hirsuta 20 Endemic
21 Panicum maximum Guinea grass 48 Endemic
22 Rauvolfia vomitoria 11 Endemic
23 Scleria verrucosa Razor grass 3 Endemic
24 Solanum torvum 6 Endemic
25 Spondias mombin Hog plum 16 Endemic
26 Terminalia superba White afara 7 Endemic
27 Trema occidentalis 10 Endemic
28 Triplochiton scleroxylon 4 Endemic
Farmland 1 Abelmoschus esculentus Okra 6 Endemic
2 Ananas comosus Pineapple 15 Endemic
3 Aspilia africana Crowfoot 13 Endemic
4 Axonopus compressus Carpet grass 3 Endemic
5 Calapogonium mucunoides Calapo 7 Endemic
6 Capsicum annuum Large red pepper 18 Endemic
7 Capsicum frutescens Small hot red pepper 27 Endemic
8 Citrullus lanatus Water Melon 12 Endemic
9 Colocasia esculenta Cocoyam 23 Endemic
10 Cucurbita pepo Pumpkins 19 Endemic
11 Dioscorea cayenensis Yellow yam 7 Endemic
12 Dioscorea rotundata White yam 6 Endemic
13 Eleusine indica Bull grass 16 Endemic
3-11
14 Paspalum laxaum 14 Endemic

15 Euphorbia heterophylla 26 Endemic
16 Lycopersicon esculentum Tomato 22 Endemic
17 Manihot esculenta Cassava 80 Endemic
18 Musa paradisiaca Plantain 59 Endemic
19 Musa sapientum Banana 45 Endemic
20 Scoparia dulcis Sweet broom 15 Endemic
21 Telfaria occidentalis Ugwu, Oyster nut 21 Endemic
22 Tridax procumbens 29 Endemic
23 Zea mays Maize 31 Endemic
3.2.5.2 Farmlands and Plantations

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) farms and Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) plantations are the most abundant
economic species cultivated as mono crops in the project area. They constitute the second most
extensive land take in the field after human settlement and bush fallows. Other farmlands of varying
sizes are found at several locations throughout the field. The largest farms are usually intercrops
consisting of cassava, maize, plantain, pawpaw and banana (Plate 3).
3.2.5.3 Bush Fallow

This is the most widespread vegetation type in the project area (Plate 2). This type of land area, which
is left uncultivated or unplanted for varying periods of time, is found adjoining or surrounding area. The
age of the fallows varies from one to about eight years and they consist of heterogeneous assemblages
of weed species distributed into various taxonomic families. The floristic composition varies mainly with
the age of the fallow and less with the season. It has been shown that any weed vegetation present at
any one time in the fallow is only a partial representation of the potential weed flora. This is due to the
fact that many seeds remain dormant for varying periods to bridge seasons, which are unfavourable to
seedling establishment and growth.
3.2.5.4 Key Economic Plant Species

The key economic plant species and their population density in the study area are given in Table 3.7.
Table 3.7: Mean Population Density of Key Economic Plant Species in Oben Field.
S/No Scientific Name Common Density (Plants/Ha) Sensitivities
Name
1 Elaeis guineensis Oil palm 23 ± 9 Endemic
2 Irvingia Dika nut tree 17 ± 6 Endemic
gabonensis
3 Manihot esculenta Cassava 1100 ± 21 Endemic
4 Alstonia boonei Stool wood tree 140 ± 35 Endemic
5 Terminalia White Afara 26 ± 10 Endemic
superba
6 Spondias mombin Hog plum 32 ± 11 Endemic
The highest plant population density was recorded for Manihot esculenta (Cassava). Alstonia boonei
(Stool wood tree) had a mean density of 140 plants per hectare while the White Afara (Terminalia
superba) had a mean population density of 26 plants per hectare. The lowest density was recorded for
Dika nut tree (Irvingia gabonensis).
3-12
3.2.5.5 Plant Pathological Assessment

A survey of the health status of wild plant species and economic crops in the project area revealed the
presence of fungal, bacterial and viral infections on the foliage of both categories of plants.
The prevalent pathological conditions are leaf spot and chlorosis, which were found in over 50% of the
specimens examined. Other diseases include necrosis, leaf mosaic, wet rot, and powdery mildew. The
causal organisms include Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp., Penicillium sp. and Ganoderma
pseudoferreum among others. The severity index shown in Table 3.8 is based on the extent of spread
of the infection within a plant and among 5 – 10 plants in a population. When more than half of the
leaves on a single plant are infected, it is considered high; when more than five leaves in a group of 3 –
44 plants of the population are infected, it is considered moderate, while if only 1 or 2 leaves of plants
are infected it is considered a light infection.
Table 3.8: Plant Diseases, Causal Organisms and Severity Index of Infection in the Project Area
Nos. Plant Species Type of Disease Casual Severity % Freq.

Organism Index
1 Manihot esculenta Leaf mosaic ,Chlorosis Mosaic virus 2 30
2 Tefiria occidentalis Powdery mildew, leaf spot Oidium levea 3 60
3 Emilia coccinea Leaf spot Penicillium sp 1 20
4 Alcornea cordifolia Leaf spot Fusarium 2 30
moniliforme
5 Paspalum laxaum Necrosis, Leaf spot Aspergillus spp 1 20
6 Musa sapientum Chlorosis Cigar end Pseudomonas 1 20
andropogonii
Trachshaea
fructigena
7 Spigelia anthelmia Leaf spot, Chlorosis Penicillium sp. 3 40
Pseudomonas
fructigena
8 Panicum maximum Necrosis, Leaf spot Aspergillus niger 1 30
Penicillium sp.
9 Urena lobata Leaf spot Fusarium 2 10
oxysporium
Key to Severity Index: 0 = No infection, 1 = Light infections, 2 = Moderate infection 3 = Severe infection
3.2.6 Wild Life / Biodiversity Studies:

The Oben Field is located within Urhonigbe Forest reserve. This is however with approval from
appropriate government agencies. Moreover, virtually much of the forest reserve has been destroyed by
various kinds of human activities. Although no known data on wildlife exists for the Urhonigbe Forest
Reserve, some species of fauna including (insects, molluscs, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals)
were recorded during the current study (Table 3.9).
The invertebrate fauna were diverse and consisted of forest dwelling species dominated by ants,
beetles and millipedes. Many genera and species of arthropods (Ants, flies, butterflies and
grasshoppers) were recorded. Some species of bugs, dragon flies and damselflies were also recorded.
The Mollusca fauna was represented by the presence of the giant African land snail (Archachatina
marginata suturalis) and the garden snail, Limicolaria aurora.
Most of the mammals are crepuscular, feeding in the early hours of the day or just before dusk.
Rodents and pottos dominated the mammalian class. Forest dwelling species, seed and insect-eating
3-13
species in both the farm land and fallow areas dominated the avifauna of the Oben Field area. The bird
species recorded by sighting, nest observations and call sounds include the white egrets, kites,
weaverbirds, owls and hawks. Different species of reptiles and amphibians were also noticed.
Prominent among these were Agama agama (common lizard), gecko, frogs and snakes.
Table 3.9: List of Wildlife species within the Oben Field Area
Taxa Common names Scientific names Sensitivities

Arthropoda
Dictyoptera Cockroaches Blatella sp Endemic
Gryllidae Crickets Gryllus sp Endemic
Gastropoda Water snail Lymnea sp Endemic
Water snail Physa sp Endemic
Giant African land snail Archachatina marginata Endemic
suturalis
Garden snail Limicolaria aurora Endemic
Amphibians Endemic
Frog Dicroglossus sp Endemic
Frog Ptychadaena sp Endemic
Toad Buforugularis Endemic
Toad Xenopolis sp Endemic
Reptalia Endemic
Lizard Agama agama Endemic
Skink - Endemic
Gecko - Endemic
Snake - Endemic
Birds (Aves) Endemic
Cattle egret Egretta garzetta Endemic
Senegal fire-finch Lagonstica senegala Endemic
Forest robin Cercotrichas leucostcta Endemic
Turtle dove Streptopelia semitorquata Endemic
White-faced owl Accipiter badius Endemic
African swift Collectoptera affinis. Endemic
Palm swift Cypsiurus parvus Endemic
Carrier Hawk Polyboroides radiatus Endemic
Village weaver Ploceus cucullantus Endemic
Red eyed dove Streptopelia semitorquata Endemic
Common bulbul Pydnonotus barbatus Endemic
Hornbill Lophoceros semifasciatus Endemic
Yellow wagtail Budytes flavus Endemic
Mammalia Giant rat Rattus sp Endemic
Potto Perodictius potto Rare
Mona monkey Cercopithecus mona Rare
White-bellied pangolin Manis tricuspis Rare
Forest Hog Rare
Cutting Grass Endemic
3-14
3.2.7 Soil Microbiological Studies

The soil microborganisms contribute to the recycling of nutrients and energy within the ecosystem and
hence the microbiological evaluation of the soil in the present investigations. Rainy season microbial
counts were higher than dry season levels suggestive of the apparently higher organic load during the
rainy season than during the dry season. The microorganisms under study were bacteria and fungi.
The heterotrophic bacterial counts Table 3.10a and 3.10c varied from 1.4 x 108 - 2.6 x 1010cfu/g soil
during the wet season and from 2.5 x 107 – 2.2 x 108 cfu/g soil during the dry season. The bacterial
population was dominated by Bacillus sp, Mocrococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Staphylococcus sp, Proteus
sp and Escherichia coli. The proportion of hydrocarbon utilizers which were mainly Bacillus and
Pseudomonas species were low and they varied from nil to 1.74% during the wet season and nil to
5.0% during the dry season. The fungal counts (Tables 3.10b and 3.10d) were lower than the bacterial
counts and varied from 4.8 x 105 to 3.5 x 106-propagules/g soils during the wet season and from 2.5 x
105 to 8.2 x 106 propagules/100g soil in the dry season. The predominant fungal isolates were Mucor
sp, Penicillium sp, Aspergillus sp and Cladosporun sp.
Some of the Penicillium and Mucor species isolated from the study area were petroleum degraders.
Table3.10a: Soil heterotrophic bacteria and Hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria of the Oben Field (Dry
Season)
S/N Sample Heterotrophic Hydrocarbon utilizing Predominant bacterial genera

No. Count (cfu/g.soil) bacterial Count
cfu/g.soil
1 SS1 1.0 x 107 5.0 x 105 (5.0) Bacillus spp, Micrococcus spp, Klebsiella spp,
2 SS2 1.5 x 107 - Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp
3 SS3 1.0 x 107 - Bacillus spp, Klebsiella spp, E. coli
4 SS4 5.0 x 106 1.3 x 105 (2.6) Pseudomonas spp, *Bacillus spp,
Staphylococcus aureus
5 SS5 7.0 x 106 - Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus spp, Escherichia
coli
6 SS6 2.5 x 107 - Pseudomonas spp
7 SS7 1.3 x 107 - Micrococcus spp, Proteus spp
8 SS8 2.1 x 107 1.0 x 106 (4.8) Bacillus spp, E. coli, Micrococcus spp
Table 3.10b: Soil fungi and Hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the Oben Field (Dry Season)
S/N Sample Heterotrophic Hydrocarbon utilizing Predominant fungal genera

No. Count (cfu/g.soil) fungal Count
cfu/g.soil
1 SS1 4.0 x 105 2.0 x 103 (0.5) Penicillium sp, *Mucor sp, Aspergillus niger sp
2 SS2 1.2 x 105 3.0 x 105 (2.5) Aspergillus niger sp, *Mucor sp
3 SS3 3.6 x 105 8.0 x 103 (2.2) Aspergillus sp, *Mucor sp,
4 SS4 3.2 x 105 1.0 x 103 (0.3) Cladosporum sp, *Mucor sp
5 SS5 4.0 x 105 2.0 x 103 (0.5) Cladosporum sp, *Mucor sp
6 SS6 7.0 x 105 4.0 x 104 (0.6) Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger sp
7 SS7 1.4 x 105 - Muco, Penicillium sp
8 SS8 2.0 x 105 2.0 x 103 (1.0) Mucor, Cladosporum sp,
3-15
Table: 3.10c Soil heterotrophic bacteria and hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria of the Oben Field (Wet
Season)
S/N Sample Heterotrophic Hydrocarbon utilizing Predominant bacterial genera

No. bacterial Count bacterial Count
(cfu/g.soil) cfu/g.soil
1 SS1 3.0 x 109 2.0 x 106 (0.06%) Micrococcus sp, Klebsiella sp, Proteus sp
2 SS2 1.4 x 108 3.1 x 105 (0.22%) Staphylococcus sp, *Bacillus sp
3 SS3 4.6 x 109 8.0 x 107 (1.74%) *Bacillus sp, Klebsiella sp, Escherichia coli
4 SS4 1.2 x 109 1.1 x 106 (0.92%) *Pseudomonas sp, *Bacillus sp
5 SS5 4.0 x 109 4.0 x 106 (0.10%) *Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli
6 SS6 9.0 x 108 3.3 x 106 (0.3%) *Pseudomonas sp, Proteus sp
7 SS7 1.5 x 109 1.2 x 106 (0.08%) *Bacillus sp, Proteus sp, Escherichia sp
8 SS8 3.0 x 109 2.6 x 106 (0.09%) Escherichia coli, Micrococcus sp
Table 3.10d: Soil fungi and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi of the Oben Field (Wet Season)
S/N Sample Heterotrophic Hydrocarbon utilizing Predominant fungal genera

No. Count (cfu/g.soil) fungal Count
cfu/g.soil
1 SS1 1.3 x 106 6.0 x 104 (4.0%) Mucor sp, Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus sp
2 SS2 1.5 x 106 1.2 x 104 (0.8%) Aspergillus niger, *Mucor sp
3 SS3 1.0 x 106 1.4 x 104 (1.4%) Aspergillus sp, *Mucor sp, *Penicillium sp.
4 SS4 4.8 x 105 1.5 x 104 (0.03%) Cladosporum sp, *Mucor sp
5 SS5 8.0 x 106 1.5 x 104 (1.9%) Cladosporum sp, Mucor sp
6 SS6 3.5 x 106 1.6 x 102 (0.4%) *Penicillium sp, Aspergillus niger
7 SS7 2.3 x 106 - Penicillium sp
8 SS8 1.1 x 106 1.0 x 104 (0.9%) *Mucor sp, Cladosporum sp, Saccharomyces
sp
3.2.8 Aquatic Studies
3.2.8.1 Comparison of the wet and dry season data

Physico-chemistry
The range of the physico-chemical characteristics of the surface waters in Oben field is presented in
Table 3.11a and 3.11b for both dry and wet seasons. The temperature range was slightly higher in the
dry season (28.6C-28.8C) than the wet season (26.7C). Conductivity, bicarbonate and calcium range
of values were also higher in the dry season than the wet season. The concentration of ions as a result
of evaporation during the dry season is responsible for the elevated values of conductivity during the
dry months. The dilution effect of rainfall during the rainy months is responsible for the low conductivity
during this period (Edokpayi, 1989). Generally however, the range of values in both seasons’ falls
within that reported for most water bodies in the Niger Delta (RPI, 1985; Courant et al, 1987).
Table 3.11a Summary of the Physico-chemical Conditions in the water bodies (Dry Season)
Parameters Borrow Jamieson FMENV/WHO DPR

Pit River
Water temp. (oC) 28.6 28.8 35
TDS mg/l 91.7 6.0 2000
Cond. (mS) 173.0 92.0
3-16
pH 6.1 6.7 6.5 – 9.2 6.5 – 8.5

Turbidity NTU 10.0 0.64 - 10
Colour 42.0 5.00 50
Sal % 0.0 0.0
DO mg/l 4.80 6.61
BOD mg/l 3.40 2.44 10
COD mg/l 0.80 0.80 40
2-
CO3 (mg/l) 0.00 0.00
HCO3- (mg/l) 286.70 42.70
PO4 (mg/l) 0.55 0.08
+
NH4 (mg/l) 2.71 1.97
NO3- (mg/l) 0.001 0.002
NO2- (mg/l) 0.001 0.002
2-
SO4 (mg/l) 0.69 0.66 400
Cl- (mg/l) 124.0 106.0 600 600
Na(mg/l) 6.03 1.08
K- (mg/l) 15.62 1.02
Ca2+ (mg/l) 24.05 16.03 200
2+
Mg (mg/l) 6.81 3.89 150
Fe (mg/l) 0.01 0.02 1.5 1.5
Mn (mg/l) 0.03 0.08 0.5
Zn (mg/l) 0.10 0.10 1.0 1.0
Cu (mg/l) 0.83 0.12 15 1.0
Cr (mg/l) 0.03 0.02 0.03
Ni (mg/l) 0.05 0.06
V (mg/l) 0.04 0.07
Pb (mg/l) 0.005 0.003 0.05
Hg (mg/l) 0.002 0.003
WS3 – Burrow Pit northeast of the flowstation
WS4 – Upstream near the source of the Jemison River at Aideyoba
Table 3.11b Summary of the Physico-chemical Conditions in the water bodies (Wet Season)
Parameters Borrow Jamieson FMENV/WHO DPR

Pit River
Water temp. (oC) 26.7 26.7 35
Conductivity (uS) 22.9 56.8
TDS (mg/l) 11.0 36.0 2000
pH 6.5 6.8 6.5 – 9.2 6.5 – 8.5
DO (mg/l) 8.4 6.8
BOD (mg/l) 3.5 2.81
Turbidity (NTU) 6.05 50.3 15
Colour (Pt. Co.) 137.0 57.0 50
COD (mg/l) 7.0 6.40 10
CO3) (mg/l) 0.0 0.0 40
HCO3 (mg/l) 85.40 100.65
Cl- (mg/l) 49.70 46.15 600 60
NO4 (mg/l) 1.39 1.37
NO2 (mg/l) 0.10 0.05
+
NH4 (mg/l) 1.50 1.59
SO42 (mg/l) 0.91 1.23 400
PO4 (mg/l) 2.85 0.78
Na (mg/l) 5.25 5.87
K (mg/l) 5.48 0.0
Ca (mg/l) 4.81 5.61 200
3-17
Mg (mg/l) 0.49 0.49 150

Fe (mg/l) 0.03 0.04 1.5 1.5
Mn (mg/l) 0.14 0.04 0.5
Zn (mg/l) 0.47 0.63 1.0 1.0
Cu (mg/l) 0.43 0.37 15 1.0
Cr (mg/l) 0.29 2.11 0.03
Cd (mg/l) 0.05 0.03
Ni (mg/l) 0.01 0.08
V (mg/l) 0.06 0.06
Pb (mg/l) 0.14 0.13 0.05
Hg (mg/l) 0.0 0.002
THC (mg/l) 0.18 3.19
WS3 – Burrow Pit northeast of the flowstation
WS4 – Upstream near the source of the Jemison River at Aideyoba
3.2.8.2 Phytoplankton Studies

Table 3.12a Composition and Abundance of Phytoplankton in the Study Stations (Dry season)
Phytoplankton Taxa Borrow Pit Jamieson River
BACILLARIOPHYTA
Asterionella japonica 18
Coscinodiscus sp 10
Nitschia sp 8
Navicula sp. 5
Flagillaria sp 4
F. construens 2
Melosira sp. 8
Synedra sp 4
CHLOROPHYTA
Pediastrum simplex 2
Cl. ehrenbergii 4
Cl. gracile 2
Cosmarium abbreviatum 1
Eudorina elegans 4
Micrasterias alata 23
Scenedesmus sp. 6
Spirogyra africanum 35 12
Volvox sp 3
EUGLENOPHYTA
Euglena acus 48
CYANOPHYTA
Anabaena cylindricump 15 2
Oscillatoria sp 60 1
Microcystis aeruginosa 35
3-18
Table 3.12b Composition and abundance of phytoplankton in the Study Stations (Wet Season)
Taxa Borrow Pit Jamieson River
CHLOROPHYCEAE
Spirogyra africanum 28 40
Spirogyra setiformis 13
Volvox sp. 2
Mocrospora sp.
Micrasterias sp. 4
Scenedesmus sp. 5
Ankistrodesmus sp. 18
BACILLARIOPHYCEAE
Fragillaria islandica 10
Nitzschia sp. 15
Melosira sp. 6 8
Coscinodiscus sp. 17
CYANOPHYCEAE
Spirulina sp. 18
Microcystis aureginosa 45
Oscillatoria limnetica
Oscillatoria curviceps 60 80
DINOPHYCEAE
Ceratium sp.
Peridinum depressum 2
Total number of taxa 8 9
Total number of individuals 253 181
The phytoplankton community of the borrow pit water within the Oben Field area comprised of 5 taxa
belonging to the Divisions Chlorophyta (1 species), Cyanophyta (3 species) and Euglenophyta (1
species) (Table 3.12a and b). The Cyanophyta (Anabaena cylindricum, Microcystis aeruginosa and
Oscillatoria sp) were the most prevalent followed by the Euglenoids (Euglena acus) and Chlorophyta
(Spirogyra). The water of the borrow pit was poor in phytoplankton species diversity when compared
with the river water. The dominance of cynophytes and euglenoids was indicative of organic pollution of
the burrow pit water. In the Jamieson River, 19 taxa of phytoplankton belonging to the Divisions
Bacillariophyta, Chlorophta, Euglenophyta and Cyanophyta were recorded. The chlorophyta dominated
in terms of taxa number and total abundance. The phytoplankton composition and abundance at
Jamieson River are similar to what obtains in similar water bodies in the Niger Delta (RPI, 1985; Opute,
1991). The poor record of euglenoids and cynophytes in the Jamieson River supports the unpolluted
state of this river (Wetzel, 1975).
3.2.8.3 Zooplankton Studies

The zooplankton community of the borrow pit water was mainly Ostracoda and Copepoda (Table 3.13a
and 3.13b). The Ostracoda was represented by Cytheridella tepida and Stenocypris sp. The Copepoda
was made up of mainly Cyclopoids (Microcyclops varicans). Generally, the zooplankton diversity was
very low especially in the dry season.
3-19
Table 3.13a Composition and Abundance of Zooplankton in the Study Stations (Dry Season)
Zooplankton Taxa Borrow Pit Jamieson River
ROTIFERA
ASPLANCHNIDAE
Asplanchna priodonta 5
BRACHIONIDAE
Brachionus patulus 20
Brachionus calyciflorus 9
Platyias leloupi 6
Keratella tropica 22
Keratella cochlearis 19
Beauchampiella eudactylota 1
LECANIDAE
Lecane lunaris 2
Lecane curvicornis 13
Monostyla bulla 4
TRICHOCERCIDAE
Trichocerca cylindrica 6
FILINIIDAE
Filina longiseta 2
GASTROPODIDAE
Ascomorpha sp 1
CLADOCERA
BOSMINIDAE
Bosmina longirostris 15
Bosminopsis deitersi 4
CHYDORIDAE
Alona excisa 10
Alona monacantha 5
MOINIDAE
Moina micrura 11
MACROTHRICIDAE
Macrothrix spinosa 5
Ilyocryptus spinifer 7
Echinisca triseralis 18
COPEPODA
CYCLOPODA
Mesocyclops leukarti 8
Microcyclops varicans 13
Eucyclops serrulatus 15
Thermocyclops neglectus 9
Thermocyclops prassinus 20
CALANOIDA
Tropodiaptomus incognitos 2
Tropodiaptomus laurentii 5
Temora sp 2
Thermodiaptomus galebi 4
HARPACTICOIDA
Bryocamptus birsteini 1
3-20
Stenocypris sp 19
Cytheridella tepida 8
Total Number of Taxa 3 30
Total number of Individuals 40 78
The Jamieson River zooplankton comprised of 30 taxa made of the Rotifera (13 species), Cladocera (8
species) and 9 species of Copepoda. The predominance of rotifers is typical of tropical freshwater
ecosystems (Odum 1971, Ogbeibu 2001, Ogbeibu et al 2006). The zooplankton diversity and
abundance of the burrow pit was poor when compared with the Jamieson River. Zooplankton diversity
and abundance were greater in the rainy season than in the dry season for both borrow pit water and
river water.
Table 3.13b Composition and abundance of Zooplankton in the Study Stations (Wet season)
CLADOCERA
Bosmina longirostris 8 18
Moina micrura 5 10
Macrothrix spinosa 6
Echinisca triseralis 4 36
Ilyocryptus spinifer 7 15
Alona excisa 8 10
Alona monacantha 4
Alona davidi 5 14
COPEPODA
Cyclopoida
Eucyclops serrulatus 1
Mesocyclops leuckarti 5
Thermocyclops negloitus
Thermocyclops crassus 3
Calanoida
Tropodiaptomus incognitos 2 1
Harpacticoida
Bryocampus sp.
3.2.8.4 Macrobenthos
These groups were poorly represented in the borrow pit; only few individuals of Notonecta
(Family Notonectidae) of the insect order Hemiptera were recorded (Table 3.14a & b). In the
Jamieson River, a total of 31 taxa were recorded. The chironomid dipterans are known to be
ubiquitous in tropical aquatic ecosystems (Ogbeibu and Victor 1989, Ogbeibu 2001, Ogbeibu
and Oribhabor 2002). The occurrence of shrimps in this river indicates the unperturbed nature
of the sampled stretch (Edokpayi 1989).
3-21
Table 3.14a Composition and Abundance of Macrobenthic Fauna in the Study Stations (Dry Season)
MACROBENTHIC TAXA Borrow Pit Jamieson River
CLASS INSECTA
ORDER COLEOPTERA
FAMILY DYTISCIDAE
Dytiscus marginalis 7
FAMILY ELIMIDAE
Stenelmis sp. 3
Heterlimnius sp. 1
FAMILY HYDROPHILIDAE
Hydrophilus sp. 1
ORDER DIPTERA
FAMILY CHIRONOMIDAE
Chironominae
Chironomus (Nilodorum) 2
fractilobus
C. (Nilodorum) 18
transvaalensis
Stictichironomus caffrarius 8
Pentaneura sp. 20
Polypedilum sp. 7
Tanytarsus balteatus 3
Orthocladinae
Corynoneura sp. 8
Tanypodinae
Clinotanypus maculatus 2
FAMILY CULICIDAE
Chaoborinae
Chaoborus sp. 3
EPHEMEROPTERA
FAMILY BAETIDAE
Baetis sp. 15
Centroptilum sp. 10
Cloeon bellum 5
C. cylindroculum 7
FAMILY CAENIDAE
Caenis sp. 1
FAMILY
TRICHORYTHIDAE
Dicercomyzon sp. 1
ORDER HEMIPTERA
FAMILY Belostomidae
Sphaerodima nepoides 1
FAMILY Gerridae
Gerris lacustris 5
FAMILY Nepidae
Nepa apiculata 1
FAMILY Notonectidae
3-22
Notonecta sp. 28
ODONATA
ANISOPTERA
FAMILY Cordulidae
Somatochlora metallica 1
FAMILY Libellulidae
Sympetrum navasi 3
ZYGOPTERA
FAMILY
COENAGRIONIDAE
Ceriagrion sp. 3
C. pulchelum 2
Ischnura elegans 1
Class Crustacea
Order Decapoda
Caridina africana 14
Desmocaris trispinosa 20
Macrobrachium 4
macrobrachium
Macrobrachium felicinum 2
Table 3.14b Composition and abundance of Macrobenthic Fauna in the Study Stations (Wet Season)
PLACOPTERA
Isoperia sp. 1
EPHEMEROPTERA
Baetis rhodani 6
Centroptilum sp.
Stenonema sp. 3
ODONATA
Lestes sp. 1 2
Macromia sp.
Libullula sp. 3
DIPTERA
Chironomus sp. 6 2
Ablabesmyia sp. 3 1
Chaoborus sp. 2
Antrichopogon sp.
COLEOPTERA
Stenelmis sp. 2
HEMIPTERA
Gerris sp. 2
Sigara sp.
DECAPODA
Caridina africana
Desmocaris trispinosa
3-23
Macrobrachium felicinum
OSTRACODA
Cypris sp. 2
Cypridopsis sp.
3.2.8.5 Microbiological Studies

The heterotrophic bacterial count of water samples (borrow pit and Jamieson river) of the Oben Field
area ranged from 1.3 x 102 to 8.3 x 102 cfu/ml in the dry season and 5.1x103 to 9.4x103 Cfu/ml in the
rainy season. The counts were within the range usually obtained from unperturbed environments. The
predominant bacterial species in the water bodies of the study area were Bacillus sp. Staphylococcus
sp. Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia sp.
The fungal counts of surface water samples (borrow pit and Jamieson river) from the Oben Field area
ranged from 2.0 x 10 to 5.0 x10 cfu/ml in the dry season and 6.0x10 to 8.0x102 in the rainy season.The
predominant fungal isolates in water samples within the Oben Field were Mucor sp., Cladosporum sp
Penicillium sp. and Candida sp.
Table 3.15a: Microbiological Properties of Surface Waters in Oben Field (Dry season)
Location THB(Cfu/ml HUB(Cfu/ml %HUB TF(Cfu/ml HUF(Cfu/ml %HUF

Borrow Pit 1.3 x 102 1.1 x 10 8.46 2.0 x 10 0.3 x 10 15.0
Jamieson 8.3 x 102 2.1 x 10 2.5 5.0 x 10 0.5 x 10 10.0
River
THB=Total Heterotrophic Bacteria HUB=Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria
TF=Total Fungi
Table 3.15b: Microbiological Properties of Surface Waters in Oben Field (Wet season)
Location THB(Cfu/ml) HUB(Cfu/ml %HUB TF(Cfu/ml HUF(Cfu/ml %HUF

Borrow Pit 5.1 x 103 4.5 x 10 0.88 6.0 x 10 0.4 x 10 6.67
3 2
Jamieson 9.4 x 10 6.5 x 10 0.69 8.0 x 10 0.6 x 10 7.50
River
THB=Total Heterotrophic Bacteria HUB=Hydrocarbon Utilizing Bacteria
TF=Total Fungi
3.2.8.6 Fish/Fisheries Studies

Dry Season
Fishing activities are seldomly practised at the Oben, Iguelaba, Ikobi areas, so far, farming is the
mainstay. Results on fishery in this report were based on oral interviews of the inhabitants of isolated
fringing communities engaged in mild fishing along the Jemison riverbanks and identification of the
fishes bought from fishermen. The fishing gears used in the fringe communities include traps, basket,
handnet and linehooks. A checklist of the fishes is presented in Table 3.16.
The condition factor of these fishes range from 1.63 – 4.50 (a high factor) indicating that they were in
good health. The fishes observed ranged from small to large sizes. At the downstream stretch of the
Jemison River, fishing activities are very intensive. Compared to the fishing potential at the study area
as reflected by the results of this study, the activity is relatively under-utilised.
The heavy metal concentration in tissues of selected fish species from the Jemison River in Oben field
is presented in Table 3.17a. The heavy metal contents of the fish tissues were generally low and within
3-24
allowable WHO limits. The degree of bioaccumulation of metal differs in relation to the fish species as
well as the type of metal.
Wet Season
Few fish landings from the Jemison River were observed but these were comparatively higher than the
dry season observation. These include typical freshwater species (Edokpayi and Gbugbemi, 1998) like
Tilapia zilli, Alestes nurse, Hemichromis fasciatus, and Hemichromis bimaculatus. A checklist of the
finfishes is presented in Table 3.17b. The Condition Factors of the fishes were high (range 2.86 –
6.50). The fishing gears which were mainly line-hooks, traps and baskets were not different from the
dry season observation. The heavy metal content of tissues of selected fish species from the Oben
waters was generally low (Table 3.17a) and within allowable WHO limits (FEPA, 1991).
Table 3.16: Fin fishes in the Jamieson River of the Oben Field
Family: CICHLIDAE
Tilapia zilli
Hemichromis fascia tus
Hemichromis bimaculatus
Family: MOCHOKIDAE
Auchenoglanis occidentalis
Synodontis eupterus
Family : CHANNIDAE
Channa obscura
Family : GYMNARCHIDAE
Gymnarchus niloticus
Family : MORMYRIDAE
Mormyrus …phthalmus
Family: POLYTERIDAE
Calamoichthys calabaricus
Family: OSTEOGLOSSIDAE
Heterotis niloticus
Table 3.17a: Heavy metal concentrations in selected fish species from waters in Oben field (dry
season)
Heavy metal Hemichromis Channa obscura Gymnarchus Momyrus

(mg/Kg) faciatus niloticus rume
Fe 0.18 0.22 0.18 0.098
Cu 0.004 0.002 0.006 0.006
Cr 0.014 0.030 0.028 0.030
Pb 0.026 0.004 0.008 0.025
Zn 0.045 0.26 0.24 0.064
Cd 0.028 0.003 ND 0.026
Ni 0.040 ND 0.009 0.020
V ND ND ND ND
Table 3.17b: Heavy metal concentrations in selected fish species from waters in Oben field (Wet
season)
Heavy metal Hemichromis Tilapia zilli Gymnarchus Momyrusrume

(mg/Kg) bimaculatus niloticus
Fe 0.28 0.34 0.12 0.18
3-25
Cu 0.002 0.042 0.012 0.01

Cr 0.024 0.020 0.009 0.050
Pb 0.006 0.001 0.005 0.032
Zn 0.032 0.20 0.44 0.084
Cd 0.019 ND ND 0.033
Ni 0.051 ND 0.003 0.020
V 0.001 ND ND 0.002
3.2.9 Hydrology/Hydrogeology
The altitude of the Oben Field rises slightly in excess of 50ft above mean sea level. Three (3) chrono-
stratigraphic units have been identified in the sedimentary building of the Niger delta basin. These are
Agbada, Akata and Benin formation. Sediment thickness in sequences in most basins is Quaternary
deposits characterized with geomorphologic units.
The hydrogeological set-up constitutes of fine medium grain sand aquifers, which were more than 15m
thick (Oben closest depth is between 46-60m). A clay layer ranging in thickness from 3.5-9.0m overlies
the aquifers and the static water level at Oben was low. The ground waters are potable and belong to
the Ca-Mg-CO3 facia type with low concentrations of hydrocarbons (<0.03ppm)
3.2.9.1 Geology/Hydrogeology/Geophysics
3.2.9.1.1: General Geology
The Oben field whose origin is from the Niger-Basin, is located in an area whose altitude rises slightly in
excess of 50ft above mean sea level. Structurally, the Oben Field is situated within the Northern
Depobelt. Three (3) chrono-stratigraphic units have been identified in the sedimentary build-up of the
Niger Delta Basin (Short and Stauble, 1967; Allen, 1965). Sediment thickness is in excess of 8000m
(24000ft) in the central portion of the basin. These units are:
The Benin Formation (Oligocene-Recent),

The Agbada Formation (Oligocene-Recent) and
The Akata Formation (Eocene-Recent).
Overlying these sequences in most of the basin are Quaternary deposits. Four
geomorphologic units characterise these deposits (Wigwe, 1975). These are:
a) The Deltaic Plain Belt (Sombrlero-Warri): This is an extensive low-lying area

dominated by fluvial systems, some with braided characteristics, although a few
meander belts are developed. The flood plains are vegetated with raffia palms while the inter-fluvial
settings are characterised by oil-palm trees. The typical lithology is fine-coarse grained sand.
b) The Freshwater Swamps and Meander Belts: These are represented by abandoned
meander loops (ox-bow lakes) and extensive point bars. It is capped by natural levees
with the crevasse splay deposits typifying flood plains. The stratigraphy in places
consists of a top grey-black organic clay or silty clay overlying a predominantly sandy
lithology with intercalating clay.
c) The Saltwater Mangrove Swamp Belt: These areas surround the estuaries, creeks
and lagoons, and are dominated by a system of interconnecting fairly rectangular meandering tidal
creeks, cut-off meander loops surrounded by centrally depressed tidal flats in places. Thick under-
growths and a rich mangrove vegetation characterise this belt. The stratigraphy is highly variable,
made up of a top layer of black silty clay/clay underlain by a predominantly sandy lithology intercalated
with clay fenses.
d) Coastal Islands and Beach Ridges: This belt includes both the active and abandoned ridges
3-26
facing tile sea, separated by the various river mouths which dissect
them into small islands - 5 - 47Km long and approximately 12Km wide. The upper layer is made up of
fine to medium grained sand below which is an organic peaty silty clay or clay. A predominantly sandy
lithology with some gravely characteristic is found deeper below:
3.2.9.1.2: Hydrogeology
The Oben study areas are underlain by fine medium grain sand aquifers more than 15m thick (Oben,
closest depth is between 46-60m). A clay layer ranging in thickness from 3.5 - 9.0m overlie the aquifers
and the static water level at Oben was low. Cr, Hg, Ni and V concentrations were not detected in any of
the borehole water samples. The ground waters are portable and belong to the Ca - Mg - CO3 facie
type with the concentrations of hydrocarbon < 0.03 ppm.
Table 3.18 Physico-chemical Characteristics of Borehole Waters in Oben Field (Wet and Dry Seasons)
BH1 BH2 BH3
Parameters W D W D W D
Temperature oC 26.3 28.2 26.5 28.1 26.2 27.8
Total Dissolved Solids 20.6 22.3 22.1 25.3 20.1 26.4
(mg/l)
Total Suspended Solids 1.0 <1.0 1.5 <1.0 1.0 <1.0
(mg/l)
Turbidity (NTU) 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2 0.1 0.2
Conductivity (uS/cm) 10.1 14.72 11.2 10.50 11.3 12.10
Dissolved Oxygen 2.5 1.0 2.5 3.0 2.5 1.5
(mg/l)
BOD5 (mg/l) 0.6 0.9 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.8
Salinity (%) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Total Hydrocarbon <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Content (mg/l)
Volatile Organic <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Carbon (VOC)
Nitrate (mg/l) 0.21 0.22 0.21 0.22 0.21 0.25
Chloride (mg/l) 3.35 4.10 3.50 3.89 3.10 3.30
Sulphate (mg/l) <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00 <1.00
Cyande (mg/l) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Magnesium (mg/l) 0.97 0.85 0.85 0.80 0.93 0.89
Sodium (mg/l) 2.85 3.10 2.75 2.90 2.70 2.90
Calcium (mg/l) 4.81 4.85 4.50 4.20 4.18 4.10
Zinc (mg/l) 0.02 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02
Cadmium (mg/l) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 0.02 <0.01 <0.01
Manganese (mg/l) 0.05 0.04 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02
Nickel (mg/l) 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01
Mercury (mg/l) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Lead (mg/l) <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
Chromium (mg/l) <0.01 <0.01 0.02 <0.02 <0.01 <0.01
Iron (mg/l) 0.12 0.01 0.13 0.04 0.05 0.01
3-27
3.3.0 The Socio-Economic Environment

The socio-economic environment of the WDGS/WAGP at Oben Field is described below:
3.3.1 Political and Socio-Cultural History

The four host communities of the WDGS/WAGP at Oben Field are located in Ugu Ward of Orhionmwon
Local Government Area of Edo State and are part of the ancient Benin Kingdom. The population of host
communities within the study area are shown in Table 3.19. The village of Oben is the principal location
of the WDGS/WAGP. Oben was founded by an emissary of the Oba of Benin, who was sent to allocate
lands to villages in that part of the kingdom. During the land demarcation exercise he discovered a set
of tree shrubs with very beautiful Oben leaves. On completion of his mission he requested the Oba to
grant him permission to settle at the site of the trees. The request was granted and he named the
settlement Oben, and was enthroned as the Enogie (Duke). The only other host settlement with an
Enogie is Obozogbe-Nugu. It is important to note that the Enogie of any settlement in Benin Kingdom is
a descendant of the Oba of Benin.
The villages are autonomous units but the socio-political organisation structure is the same as in all
settlements in Benin Kingdom. The structure consists of:
1. The Council of Elders headed by the Enogie (Duke) or Odionwere (the eldest male if there is no
Duke). The Council is responsible for all customary and administrative issues.
2. The Youth Council, which is made up of elected officials, and is responsible for social and
environmental development
3. The Women group, that is responsible for women affairs.
These organs are charged with various responsibilities, which help to ensure peace, development and
good neighborliness in the communities. All the settlements often meet to dialogue on issues of
common interest. The hierarchy of authority and representatives’ standing and functional roles at such
meetings is based on well-known practiced and accepted cultural history and procedures. The people
are generally well informed, highly mobilized and sensitive to their rights. Women are accorded
reasonable level of social recognition.
Table 3.19: Population Census of Communities in Oben Field in 1991 and its Projected Population in
2006
COMMUNITY 1991 2006

MALE FEMALE TOTAL MALE FEMALE TOTAL
Oben 414 367 780 591 524 1115
Iguelaba 470 381 887 686 609 1295
Ikobi 258 228 486 376 333 709
Obozogbe 458 406 864 669 593 1262
3.3.1.1 Totems
There is no universal totem in the communities. However some families forbid the consumption of
private totems such as cricket, cat, dog, puff adder, etc.
3.3.1.2 Domestic Animals

There is no inhibition on the raising and keeping of domestic animals. The abundance of free grazing
sheep, goats, chicken and ducks were noted during the fieldwork. The presence of cows that were
being reared and grazed by Hausa-Fulani herdsmen was also observed.
3-28
3.3.2 Settlement System

The Oben project area is rural. Its settlements are, therefore, characteristically small. Figure 3.5 shows
that their 2005 projected populations ranged from 739 in Ikobi to 1348 in Iguelaba. The four (4)
settlements are located along the Jesse-Ugo Road, otherwise called the “Crewe-Read Road”, after the
British Colonial District Commissioner, Offey Stuart Crewe-Read, under whose administration it was
first constructed in the 1900s. All the settlements are linear in their physical layout. Their internal
structure is homogeneous. Residential land use accounts for over 95 % of all the uses.
3.3.3. Demographic Characteristics of Respondents.

The demographic characteristics of the house heads in the communities in the WDGSP/WAGP area
are presented below.
3.3.3.1 Age and Sex Structure:

Table 3.20 shows that 69.1 % of the respondents were males (ranging from 52 % in Ikobi to 76 % in
Oben), while 30.9 % were females (ranging from 25 % in Obozogbe to over 46 % in Ikobi).
Furthermore, while on the average 56.7 % of the respondents were in the 41-60 year age bracket, the
proportion ranged from 13 % in Ikobi to about 88 % in Obozogbe. Ikobi had the youngest household
heads, where 73.3 % were between 21 and 40 years old (Fig. 3.6).
Table 3.20: Demographic structure of the host communities of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field
Community Sex Age

Male % Female % Total 21-40 % 41-60 % >60 %
Oben 16 76.0 5 23.9 21 7 35.0 12 60.0 1 5.0
Iguelaba 11 68.8 5 31.2 16 6 37.5 10 62.5 - -
Ikobi 8 52.3 7 46.7 15 11 73.3 2 13.3 2 13.2
Obozogbe 12 75 4 25.0 16 2 12.5 14 87.5 - -
Total 47 69.1 21 30.9 68 26 38.8 38 56.7 3 4.5
Source: Field survey, 2005
3-29
Population Distribution by Age
80
70
Oben
60 Iguel aba
Ikobi
Population (%)
Obozogbe
50
40
30
20
10
0
0-15 16-24 25-34 35-50 >50
Age
Fig.3.5: Demographic structure of the host communities of the WDGS/WAGP at Oben Field
3.3.3.2 Ethnicity and Religion:

The study found out that on the average, 83.2 % of the respondents were Edo State indigenes, while
14.7 % were from the neighbouring Delta State (Table 3.21). The proportions of indigenes, however,
varied from about 91 % in Oben to 75 % in Iguelaba. The table also shows that while 54.4 % of the
respondents claim to be Christians, 45.6 % were of other religions. The Table shows that while three-
quarters of the respondents from Ikobi claim to be Christians, about 59 % of those from Obozogbe were
of other religions.
Table 3.21: Religion and Ethnicity

Ethnicity
Religion
Community Christianity % Others % Edo % Delta % Others %
Oben 11 55.0 9 45.0 20 90.9 2 9.1 - -

Iguelaba 9 56.3 7 43.8 12 75.0 3 18.8 1 6.2
Ikobi 10 66.7 5 33.3 12 80.0 3 20 - -
Obozogbe 7 41.2 10 58.8 13 86.7 2 13.3 - -
Total 37 54.4 31 45.6 57 83.2 10 14.7 1 1.5
3-30
3.3.3.3 Marital Status:

Our survey shows in Table 3.22, that 86.6 % of the respondents were married; 7.5 % were single, 3 %
were separated and 1.5 % were widowed and divorced, respectively. The Table also shows that while
all the respondents in Ikobi and Obozogbe were married, about 19 % of those from Iguelaba were
single. Over 57 % of them had one (1) wife and about 43 % had two or more wives. Finally, the study
shows that while 90 % of the respondents from Ikobi had one wife, 58.3 % of those from Obozogbe had
two (2) wives
Table 3.22: Marital Status

Marital status No of Wives
Singl % Marrried % Seperate % Divorced % Widowed % 1 % 2 % 3 %
e d
Community
Oben 2 9.5 16 76.2 2 9.5 - - 1 4.8 9 60.0 6 40.0 - -
Iguelaba 3 18.8 11 68.8 - - 1 6.2 1 6.2 3 37.5 3 37.5 2 25.0
Ikobi - - 15 100.0 - - - - - - 9 90.0 1 10.0 - -
Obozogbe - - 16 100.0 - - - - - - 5 41.7 7 58.3 - -
Total 5 7.5 58 86.6 2 3.0 1 1.5 1 1.5 26 57.8 17 37.8 2 4.4

3.3.3.4 Educational Characteristics:

Table 3.23 shows that about 62.3 % of the respondents had a minimum of secondary school
education/diploma, almost one-third (30.4 %) had no formal education and only 7.2 % were university
graduates. Furthermore, our survey shows that while as many as 56.3 % of the respondents in Iguelaba
had no formal education, 80 % of the household heads in Ikobi had secondary school education
Table 3.23: Educational Characteristics
Community Level of Education

None % WASC/ Diploma Degree %
Oben 6 27.3 14 63.6 2 9.0

Iguelaba 9 56.3 6 37.5 1 6.2
Ikobi 2 13.3 12 80.0 1 6.7
Obozogbe 4 25.0 11 68.8 1 6.3
Total 21 30.4 43 62.3 5 7.2
3.3.3.5 Household Size:

The average household size in Oben host communities was six persons (Table 3.24). Furthermore the
survey shows that 42.6 % of the respondents had above six people in their households; 38.2 % had 4
to 6 persons; while 19.1 % had 1 to 3 persons. The survey shows that Iguelaba had the largest
households, where over 68 % of the respondents had over six members. Figure 3.6 shows that the
population structure has a broad young base, with children aged between 0 – 14 constituting 47.4 %
and youths between the ages of 15 and 39 years and elders between 40 and 59 years constitute 34.8
% and 16.3 %, respectively.
3-31
Table 3.24: Household Size

.
Community Family Size

1-3 % 4-60 % >6 %
Oben 4 19. 7 33.3 10 47.6

Iguelaba 3 18.8 2 12.4 11 68.8
Ikobi 4 26.7 8 53.3 3 20.0
Obozogbe 2 12.5 9 56.3 5 31.3
Total 13 19.1 26 38.2 29 42.6
3.3.4 Cultural and Archeologically Sites

One of the major socio-cultural sites in the Oben Project area is the Ogue-Edion shrine, which is
prominent in each village. In addition, people actively involved in traditional religion and ancestral
worship have family ancestral shrines within their compounds or at the inner chambers of their houses.
There is a community owned and controlled forest located between Ikobi and Obozogbe-Nugu. It is an
example of a community-based forest conservation scheme and natural resource management
programme.
3.3.5 Recreational Facilities Programmes

The outdoor recreational facilities are the football fields located in the primary and secondary school
premises, where the youths organise intra and inter community football games. Among the privately
owned facilities is a pseudo hotel/relaxation spot organized by the Chairman of the Youth Council in the
premises of his residence. It is also used for political activities. There are also local canteens (bukas)
and palmwine bars. The major festivals are connected with traditional and orthodox Christian religions
and national celebrations. They include Igue, New Yam, Burials, Marriages, Easter, Christmas, New
Year, Independence and Democracy days. At such occasions, family compounds, public open spaces
and church premises serve as celebration venues.
3.3.6 Economic Environment

The economic environment of the Project area is outlined below.
3.3.6.1 Occupational and economic activity pattern:

Our survey showed that the occupational structure of the Project host communities was typical of all
rural communities in Nigeria, characterized mainly by farming which accounted for 65.7 % of those
sampled (Table 3.25). The other occupations are trading (15.1 %), transportation (4.1 %), while other
sundry economic activities combine to account for 12.3 %. The Table also shows that while Ikobi and
Iguelaba had the highest concentration of farmers (71.4 % 70.0 %, respectively), there are more traders
in Obozogbe and Oben (25.0 % and 17.4 %, respectively) Most of the people have maintained their
economic activities for several years.
3-32
Table 3.25: Occupational Structure

Community Occupation of Respondents
Farming % Huntin % Trading % Transport % Teach % Others %
g -ing
Oben 14 60.9 1 4.3 4 17.4 - - - - 4 17.4
Iguelaba 14 70.0 - - 2 10.0 1 5.0 - - 3 10.5
Ikobi 10 71.4 - - 1 7.1 1 7.1 1 7.1 1 7.1
Obozogbe 10 62.5 - - 4 25.0 1 6.3 - - 1 6.3
Total 48 65.7 1 1.4 11 15.1 3 4.1 1 1.4 9 12.3
3.3.6.2 Major crops:

Our survey shows that yams, cassava, plantain and cocoyams were the major food crops cultivated in
the area. On the average, they account for 24.2 %, 23.5 %, 20.0 % and 14.1 %, respectively, of the
respondents. However, cash crops such as rubber and oil palm, as well as citrus fruits are also
cultivated. The survey shows that apart from the cultivation of vegetables that is limited to Oben and
Iguelaba, all the communities are involved in the cultivation of all crops.
3.3.6.3 Respondents Income Distribution

The average income in the study area is presented in Table 3.26
Table 3.26: Average Income in Study Area

AVERAGE INCOME MALE FEMALE TOTAL
(YR) (N)
1.000 – 10,000 6 1 7
11,000 – 20,000 7 13 20
21,000 – 30,000 13 5 18
31,000 – 40,000 8 4 12
41,000 – 50,000 14 1 15
51,000 – 60,000 2 6 8
61,000 – 70,000 1 - 1
71,000 – 80,000 6 - 6
Above 80,000 11 2 13
TOTAL 68 32 100
20% of respondents fall between N11,000 – N20,000 where as 13% earn above N80,000 per annum.
The least income group amongst the respondents (N1,000 – N10,000) constitute 7%.
3-33
20
Oben
Population (%)
15 Iguelaba
Ikobi
10
Obozogbe-Nugu
0
<10 20-50 20-50 50-80
Income in '000
Annual Income Distribution in Oben Communities
Figure. 3.6: Income Structure
3.3.6.4 Land tenure system and land acquisition:

In the Project area, land ownership is either communal or by the individual. The survey showed that
57.3 % of the respondents had personal lands, 42.8 % of the land was under communal ownership.
However, 66.7 % of the lands in Oben are under individual ownership, the corresponding figure in
Obozogbe was only 17.6 %. Furthermore, our survey shows that 48.7 % of the respondents acquired
their land through direct purchases, 33.4 % by inheritance, while 15.8 % were renting.
3.3.6.5 Residency Status:

Our study shows that, on the average, 58.1 % of the respondents were landlords, while remaining 41.9
% were tenants. Our interactions with the tenants showed that they were predominantly farmers and
labourers in the forest reserve. The Table shows that there were no remarkable variations in the
distribution of landlords and tenants among the four (4) communities
3.3.6.6 Housing and Sanitation:

A physical and comprehensive enumeration of all the 417 housing units in the four (4) communities was
undertaken. About 31.9% were in Oben, 29.0% were in Ikobi, 27.3% were in Obozogbe-Nugu, while the
remaining 11.8 per cent were in Iguelaba. The details of the type of building materials used are
presented in Table 3.27.
The Table shows that eight (8) combinations of materials used for the construction of the walls and
roofs of the houses in the area were identified, namely: unplastered mud walls with zinc roof; half
plastered walls with zinc roof; fully plastered walls with zinc roof; unplastered cement block walls with
zinc; half plastered cement walls with zinc roof; fully plastered cement walls with zinc roof; stick and
mortar walls with zinc roof and stick and mortar walls with thatch roof.
If stick and mortar, and unplastered mud are considered the lowest quality walling materials then the
worst houses were in Ikobi and Obozogbe-Nugu. On the other hand, if plastered cement block,
especially when fully plastered, are considered the highest quality walling materials, the Table 3.27
shows that the best houses were in Oben, followed by Iguelaba. Although majority of the houses are of
low quality. They were assessed to be in good physical condition. They were neat and structurally
stable.
3-34
Table 3.27: Housing Types and Structure in Oben Oil Filed Host Communities
House Type (%) Iguelaba Oben Ikobi Obozogbe- Average
Nugu %
Mud wall un-plastered & zinc roof 28.6 8.3 37.2 29.5 25.9
Mud wall half plastered with cement & zinc roof 12.2 18.8 16.5 14.4 15.5
Mud wall plastered with cement & zinc roof 26.5 6.0 7.4 9.8 12.4
Cement block wall un-plastered & zinc roof 8.2 18.1 3.3 10.6 10.1
Cement block wall half plastered & zinc roof 2.0 6.0 0.8 2.6 2.8
Cement block wall plastered & zinc roof 22.4 37.6 1.7 17.0 19.7
Stick and mortar wall & zinc roof - 5.3 32.2 14.9 13.1
Stick and mortar and thatch roof - - 0.8 1.2 0.5
% of total of 417 houses 11.8 31.9 29.0 27.3 100
Source: Fieldwork, 2006
Our study showed that the pit latrine was the method of human waste disposal in 98.4 per cent of the
houses. Solid waste was gathered at designated dumpsites in each compound and burnt periodically.
3.3.7 Social and Infrastructural facilities:
3.3.7.1 Roads
A tarred road that runs from Jesse in Delta State to Ugo in Edo State links the four communities. The
road that is also known as the “Crewe-Read Road” is named after the British Colonial District
Commissioner, Offley Stuart Crewe-Read, under whose administration it was contructed in the 1900s.
The road was recently re-surfaced by SPDC. The road to Oben Field is also tarred. All others are earth
roads, but are in good condition.
3.3.7.2 Electricity
The defunct Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC) provided electricity for
the four communities. However, the area had been without electricity for several years because many of
the poles have broken and the conductors and insulators vandalized. In 2003, the Niger Delta
Development Commission (NDDC) intervened by installing a transformer at Ikobi. In the other
communities, only those who can afford private generators have electricity.
3.3.7.3 Water
The defunct Bendel State government had in the early 1980s constructed water schemes in all the
communities. Our study revealed that none of these facilities is presently functional. The borehole
constructed by SPDC at Obozogbe-Nugu, had also since broken down. SPDC recently constructed a
comprehensive borehole at Oben, with an overhead storage tank and a diesel generator. However,
water supply is not regular because of the inability of the community to bear the running cost. NDDC
has constructed a borehole at Iguelaba. The other two (2) communities get their water from the SPDC
facility at Oben.
3.3.7.4 Markets
Each of the four (4) communities has a traditional market. While the market at Oben operates daily, the
others are periodic and operate every fourth day. While the market at Oben has 40 modern open stalls,
constructed by SPDC, as well as traditional makeshift sheds, the three (3), others have only traditional
sheds.
3-35
3.3.7.5 Schools
Each of the four (4) communities has a primary school. SPDC had constructed a six-classroom block in
Oben (1995), Iguelaba and Obozonogbe-Nugu (1984). There were two (2) secondary schools in the
area. The older one is located at Oben, while the one at Ikobi was established only in 2003. Both of
them run JSS 1-3 and SSS 1, only. Both of them had benefited from SPDC through the donation of
books and the construction of staff quarters.
3.3.8 Quality of Life

The standard of living in the Oben host communities was generally low. Table 3.26 showed that the
highest income group earned an average of N50, 000. -N80, 000.0 per annum. However, when poverty
is defined as living below the equivalent of1.0 USD/day, given that the average household size in the
area is 6 persons, an income of N317, 550.0/annum/household would be required to live above poverty.
The implication is that there is absolute poverty in the area since nobody earns the minimum income to
live above the poverty line.
3.3.9 Perceived Environmental Problems

The severity of the various environmental problems as perceived by the various communities, is
summariesed in Table 3.28.
Table 3.28: Perception of Environmental Problems

Gas Flare Flooding Erosion Poor Pests Others
Pollution Soils
Oben 37.5 1.8 23.2 30.4 7.1 -
Iguelaba 23.1 23.1 - 21.5 21.5 10.7
Ikobi 19.0 1.7 24.1 24.1 24.1 6.9
Obozogbe-Nugu 100.0 - - - - -
Average 44.9 6.7 22.8 19.0 13.2 4.4
Source: Fieldwork, 2006
Our study shows that the respondents mentioned five (5) environmental problems, namely: gas flaring,
flooding, erosion, poor soils and pests. Generally, the one that was perceived to be most serious in the
area was pollution from gas flaring, which accounted for 44.9 per cent of the responses. This was
followed by erosion (22.8 per cent) and poor soils (19.0 per cent). However, the severity of these
problems varied from community to community. Thus, in Obozogbe-Nugu, all the respondents identified
gas flaring was the only environmental problem. In Ikobi erosion, poor soils and pests were seen as
equally serious.In Iguelaba, gas flaring and flooding were perceived as equally serious, while in Oben
ggas flaring was identified as the most serious environmental problem followed by poor soils.
3.3.10 Community concerns, needs and areas of assistance

Our survey shows that the communities in the Oben project area desired the assistance of SPDC in a
variety of areas (Table 3.29).
Table 3.29: Needs and Desires of Oben Oil Field Host Communities
Employment Market Town Micro- Electricity Industry Health Water School Others
Hall credit Centre
Oben 14.1 13.6 2.5 1.7 18.6 - - 15.3 11.0 22.9
Iguelaba 11.5 2.6 - 9.0 15.4 2.6 11.5 11.5 12.9 23.1
Ikobi 12.7 18.9 13.9 11.4 15.2 3.8 - 16.5 1.3 6.3
Obozogbe- 24.6 - 9.8 22.9 8.2 24.6 3.3 - - 6.6
Nugu
Average 15.7 8.8 6.6 11.3 14.4 7.8 3.7 10.8 6.3 14.7
3-36
In relative order of priority the four (4) most desired areas of need indicated were: employment (15.7
%), electricity (14.4 %), micro-credit (11. %) and water supply (10.8 %). However, the survey shows that
the areas of desired assistance varied from community to community. For instance, in Oben, the priority
need was electricity (18.6 %) followed by potable water (15.3 %) and employment (14.4 %). In Iguelaba,
electricity was also indicated as the number one need (15.4 %), followed by school (12.9 %), while
employment, health centre and water, tied for the third place (11.5 % each). In Ikobi what the people
said they needed most was a market (18.9 %), followed by potable water (16.5 %) and electricity (15.2
%). In Obozogbe-Nugu employment and electricity were indicated as the equally most desired areas of
assistance (24.6%) followed by micro credit (22.9 %).
3.4 Health Studies

3.4.1 Introduction
The health aspects of the WDGS/WAGP at Oben Field is described below:
3-37
Table 3.30 Prevalent diseases at Oben communities (obtained from questionnaire survey and clinical/physical
Examination)
n=100
Age Group and 6-20yrs 21-30 31-40 41-50 Above 50year Total
Gender M F T M F T M F T M F T M F T M F T
Disease
Number examined 9 7 16 10 10 20 11 11 22 11 11 22 11 9 20 52 48 100
Number affected 5 6 11 5 5 10 5 6 11 8 6 14 7 5 12 30 28 58 (58)
Communicable disease
Malaria fever 3 3 6 3 3 6 2 3 5 4 3 7 2 4 6 14 16 30
URTI/cough 3 2 5 5 3 8 2 3 5 2 1 3 2 3 5 14 12 26
Diarrhea/Dysentery 3 1 4 3 3 6 2 2 4 4 8 4 2 6 16 12 28
Typhoid 2 1 3 1 - 1 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 2 3 6 4 10
Cholera 1 1 2 1 1 2 - - - - - - - - - 2 2 4
Gastroenteritis 1 2 3 1 1 2 2 1 3 2 1 3 2 1 3 8 6 14
Scabies - - - - - - - 1 1 1 1 2 1 2 3 2 4 6
Chicken pox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Measles - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -
Rashes 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 - - - 4 2 6
Worm infestation 1 1 2 1 1 2 - - - - - - - - - 2 2 4
STIs 4 - 4 2 - 2 2 - 2 - - - - - - 8 -4 8
Non-communicable
Body pains/ Rheumatism - - - 2 - 2 4 2 6 6 4 10 4 4 8 16 10 26
Arthritis (joint paints) - - - 2 - 2 2 - 2 2 2 4 2 2 4 8 4 12
Dizziness - - - - - - 2 2 4 2 2 4 4 4 8 8 8 16
Injuries/sores 2 - 2 2 2 4 2 - 2 2 2 4 2 2 4 10 6 16
Accident/ (roads) 2 1 3 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 - 1 1 - 1 6 2 8
Cancer - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
High Blood Pressure - - - - - - 2 - 2 2 2 4 4 2 6 8 4 12
Note (1) some individuals have multiple ailments; (2) Prevalence (%) in parenthesis.
3-38
a) Health problems among children

Among the children the most common health problems were malaria (36%)
Dysentery/Diarrhoea (32%), Cough/URTI (24%)), Worm infestations (16% Typhoid (12%),
Gastroenteritis (10%).) and Measles ( 6%) in that order (Table 3.28).
Table 3.31 Prevalent diseases among children at Oben communities (obtained from
questionnaire survey and clinical/physical Examination)
n=100
Age Group and 0-5yrs 6-10yrs 11-15yrs total

Gender M F T M F T M F T M F T
Disease
Number examined 8 8 16 8 8 16 9 9 18 25 25 50
Number infected 4 4 8 6 4 10 6 6 12 16 14 30
Communicable
disease
Malaria fever 4 4 8 4 2 6 2 2 4 10 8 18
Diarrhoea/Dysentery 4 3 7 3 3 6 2 1 3 9 7 16
URTI/cough 2 3 5 2 2 4 2 1 3 6 6 12
Typhoid 2 1 3 2 1 3 - - - 4 2 6
Cholera 1 1 2 1 1 2 - - - 2 2 4
Gastroenteritis 2 1 3 1 1 2 - - - 3 2 5
Scabies 1 1 2 1 - 1 1 -1 1 3 1 4
Chicken pox - - - - - - - - - - - -
Measles - 1 1 1 1 2 - - - 1 2 3
Rashes 1 1 2 2 - 2 - - - 3 1 4
Worm infestation 2 1 3 2 1 3 1 1 2 5 3 8
STIs - - - - - - 2 - 2 2 - 2
Non-communicable
Body pains/ - - - - - - 1 1 2 1 1 2
Rheumatism
Arthritis (joint paints) - - - - - - - - - - - -
Dizziness - - - 1 1 2 1 1 2 2 2 4
Injuries/sores - - - 2 1 3 2 2 4 4 3 7
Accident/ (roads) - - - 1 - 1 1 1 2 2 1 3
Cancer - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: Some individuals have more than one ailment
b) Communicable and Non-Communicable diseases
The most prevalent communicable diseases were malaria, URTI or cough, diarrhoea
diseases, skin infections and worm infestations while the most prevalent non-communicable
diseases were body pains/rheumatism, arthritis, hernia, injuries and hypertension.
3-39
c) Causes of Disease / ailments

Poor hygienic conditions which exposed them to mosquito bites and pathogenic organisms
were the major causes of diseases. Among the non-communicable diseases, body pains
was due to their farming occupation and hard labour. Injuries were mostly due to
occupational or home accidents or due to fighting/assault. Road traffic accidents were not
common in the communities.
d) Health seeking behaviour

The most prevalent source of seeking medical care was through self-medication by going
directly to purchase drugs for treatment at the chemists/drug store (60%) or going to the
Cottage hospital (30%), or to native herbalist (6%) or to the prayer houses for spiritual
healing (4%).
3.4.2 Nutritional status

The food items consumed by the respondents and children in the communities are starchy
staples such as cassava (and its bye-products like garri, starch, ‘‘fufu’’ or ‘‘Santana’’ etc),
plantain, cocoyam, rice, beans and yams. Animal protein foods are fish, shrimps, snails and
bush meat from antelopes, grass cutter and giant rats. Animals such as goats, sheep and
domestic fowls are also reared for meat, vegetables and fruits (e.g palm fruits for production
of the local “banga” soup) are common.
Most people (85%) eat twice a day i.e morning and evenings (50%) or afternoons and
evenings (35%). The rest 15% claimed to only a single meal in a day and usually between
afternoon and evening.
There are no special food items for breakfast, lunch or dinner but the people simply eat any
of the following food items as available at any time of the day: rice, yams, Eba (Garri with
soup), beans, plantain, porridge etc.
The Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated for the adults and it is the weight in kilograms
over the height in square metres. The results showed 52.3% of the respondents have
normal nutritional status (Table 3.32).
Table 3.32: Nutritional status of Adult respondents as estimated by the Body Mass Index
(BMI)
Health indicator Standard Number of Percentage of
Reference value of respondents Respondents
BMI
Under Nutrition <20 17 38.6%
Normal 20-24.9 23 52.37%
Overweight 25-29.9 4 9.1%
Obese 30-39.9 - -
Grossly obese >40 - -
Total 44 100.0%
For the children, anthropometric indices for stunting, wasting and underweight were
calculated.
- Underweight (Malnutrition) was obtained by comparing the mean weight over the
mean age with standard or reference values.
3-40
- Stunting was obtained by comparing the mean height over the age with
standard or reference values.
- Wasting was obtained by comparing the mean weight over the height with standard
or reference values.
The calculated indicators of the nutritional status in children showed no malnutrition, no

stunting and no wasting (Table 3.33).
Table 3.33: Indices of Underweight, stunting and wasting among children in Oben
community
n=50
Health indicator Value National Cut-off points (percentages of Interpretation
reference reference)
date (2003)
Underweight 208.3 28.7 Severe malnutrition = <60% No underweight
(weight-for-age) Moderate malnutrition = 60-70%
Mild malnutrition = 75-90%
Stunting (height- 119.2 38.3 Severe stunting= <85% No stunting
for age) Stunting = 85 – 90%
Wasting (weight- 20.9 9.2 Severe wasting <70% No wasting
for-height) Wasting = 70-80%
3.4.3 Immunization status

At the family and household levels the immunization coverage of the infants and children for
oral polio and measles vaccine could not be correctly ascertained due to absence of health
records but all parents (respondents) claimed to have given their children complete
vaccination at birth as well as annual house to house polio and measles vaccine.
3.4.4 Social Habits and life style

(i) Alcohol consumption: Generally most adult males (about 80% recorded by the use
of questionnaire) drink alcohol in each community. Those that do not drink are
mostly orthodox Christians. Of those that drink alcohol, only about 40% were said to
drink excessively on occasions. The male to female ratio in alcohol consumption
was 8:1
(ii) Smoking: about 60% of the males smoke cigarettes or snuff ground tobacco while
5% of the females agreed to taking snuff / ground tobacco only but no female
smoked cigarettes / tobacco. A few respondents pointed out that some unknown
numbers are said to smoke Indian hemp but other drugs like cocaine, heroine etc
are said to be non-existent
(iii) Physical exercise/leisure: except for the very elderly people (about 1%) that can no
longer move about, others inhabitants in the communities are very active and get exercise
during physical manual labour in their daily occupations (mostly farming and transportation
riding bicycles). Almost everybody rides the bicycle daily to farm and to fetch water and this
constitutes the physical exercise of the community. Youths play various games like tennis,
draughts, ludo and also engage in competitive football matches with other communities.
3-41
(iii) Prostitution: prostitution is known to exist in the communities but only about 5% of
the women are said to be involved. The prostitutes are not officially known and every
woman claims to have a husband in the community, which is polygamous. Sexually
transmitted infections are said to be very low in prevalence and only 0.5% infection
rate with STI was recorded in all the communities under study. Oral interviews and
analysis of questionnaire showed that all (100%) members of the communities are
aware of the HIV/AIDS but no AIDS cases have been recorded in the communities.
(v) Sexual behaviour: Most members of the communities are highly promiscuous and
highly active sexually. Polygamy is practiced in all the communities and child-bearing starts
by the age of 15-17 years.
3.4.5 Personal Cleanliness /Hygiene

On personal cleanliness and hygiene, the respondents claimed to have good hygiene
practices and good sanitation in the communities: 98% claimed to wash their hands before
and after meals, 80% claimed to wash their hands after going to toilet, 100% claimed to take
bath everyday and 100% also claimed sweep their floors everyday.
3.4.6 Quality of Available Health Facilities

The Oben field has only one Cottage hospital located at Oben. The hospital was established
in December 1998 by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and is managed by
SPDC and Edo State Government Health Management Board. This hospital at Oben serves
the other three communities – Iguelaba (5 km distance), Ikobi (2km distance) and
Obozogbe nugu (4km distance). Other health facilities within the Oben field (Table 3.34) are
Patent Medicine Stores (or Chemists) where the people buy drugs for self medication,
Village Voluntary Health Worker (VVHW) who are specially trained to render appropriate
health care to members of the community until the cases get to the physician, Traditional
Birth Attendants (TBA) and Native Herbalists who render traditional health services using
local herbs, drugs or concoctions.
Table 3.34: Health facilities at Oben field

Type Number Location
Cottage Hospital 1 Oben
Patent medicine stores (chemist) 5 2 at Oben and 1 each in the other
three communities
Village voluntary Health worker 4 One in each community
Traditional Birth Attendants 22 Oben (7), Ikobi (5), Obozogbe-
Nugu (6), Iguelaba (5)
Herbalists 20 Oben (6), Ikobi (5), Obozogbe-
Nugu (4), Iguelaba (5)
Total 52 -
Records supplied by the Cottage Hospital for the period between 2002 and 2005 showed
that various communicable and non-communicable diseases were treated: malaria 27316
cases, URTI/cough 264 cases, dysentery/diarrhoea 310 cases as the common
communicable diseases while body pains/rheumatism 11,353 cases, and arthritis 6,211
cases.
Sores/wounds/accidents (15.76 cases) and high blood pressure (326 cases) were the
common non-communicable diseases (Table 3.35). The least reported communicable
diseases were STI (20 cases) and chickenpox (12 cases).
3-42
Table 3.35: Prevalent diseases recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during the period 2002-2005
2002 2003 2004 2005 Grand total

Disease Inpatient outpatient Inpatient outpatient Inpatient outpatient Inpatient outpatient Inpatient outpatient
Communicable
Malaria fever 442 6,023 450 6420 508 7038 395 6040 1,795 25,521
URTI/cough 10 58 17 52 12 47 15 53 54 210
Diarrhea/Dysentery 23 61 19 56 20 55 18 60 80 232
Typhoid 8 24 6 27 7 31 7 28 28 110
Cholera 3 11 3 10 2 8 2 9 10 38
Gastroenteritis 12 18 7 21 5 25 13 19 37 83
Scabies - 7 - 4 - 5 - 5 - 21
Chicken pox - 3 - 3 - 4 2 - 12
Measles 2 4 3 8 4 6 2 7 11 25
Rashes - 16 - 13 - 8 - 9 - 46
Worm infestation - 15 - 13 - 13 - 14 - 55
STIs - 5 - 6 - 5 - 4 - 20
Non-
communicable
Body pains 251 2,650 203 3004 214 2478 218 2335 886 10,467
Arthritis 160 1243 175 1572 158 1,323 172 1,428 665 5566
Sores, wounds and 82 285 76 255 78 305 85 410 321 1255
accidents
Dizziness 12 48 17 69 20 66 18 76 67 259
Cancer 5 13 3 11 5 5 4 12 17 41
High Blood 19 46 14 52 13 65 16 63 62 226
Pressure
3-43
Monthly treatment of patients during the year 2005 as obtained from the Cottage Hospital records
showed that malaria was the most prevalent with the highest cases recorded between May and
August. Other common diseases were URTI / Cough (with high case recorded in April and again in
September/October months) Rheumatism/Body pains and sores/injuries (with high cases recorded
between February and June during the peak period of farming activities).
The Oben community where the hospital is located has the highest patronage for in-patients and
outpatients due to proximity while the farthest Obozogbe nugu communities has the least
patronage. Outpatients recorded at Oben cottage Hospital during 2005 are given in Table 3.36
3-44
Table 3.36: Outpatients recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005 and the distribution pattern according to the
communities
OBEN IKOBI IGUELABA OBOZOGBE GRAND
Disease TOTAL
M F CH Total M F CH Total M F CH Total M F CH Total
Communicable
disease
Malaria 2040 2405 2500 6945 1620 2235 2167 6472 1704 2007 2510 6221 1823 1892 2168 5883 25.521
URTI/cough 12 15 21 58 9 19 26 54 11 15 22 48 5 10 25 50 210
Typhoid 10 10 12 32 7 10 18 35 4 5 14 23 2 2 16 20 110
Cholera 2 2 6 10 - 2 6 8 1 4 5 9 1 2 8 11 38
Gastroenteritis 6 4 15 25 2 3 16 21 4 3 9 16 5 6 10 21 38
Scabies 2 - 3 5 1 - 3 4 1 - 3 4 2 2 6 8 83
Chicken pox - - 4 4 - - 2 2 - - 2 2 - - 4 4 12
Measles - - 7 7 - - 6 6 - - 5 5 - - 7 7 25
Rashes 4 3 7 14 1 2 8 11 - 1 8 9 1 1 10 12 46
Worm infestation 4 2 10 16 22 2 9 13 2 1 8 11 1 2 12 15 55
STDs 4 2 - 6 5 - - 5 5 - - 3 6 - - 6 20
Non-
communicable
Body pains/ 1650 1422 - 3,072 1802 1048 - 2850 1,304 697 - 2001 1400 644 - 2044 10,467
Rheumatism
Arthritis (joint 867 658 - 1,525 768 596 - 1,364 824 592 - 1416 860 401 - 1261 5,566
paints)
Sores, wounds and 172 103 59 334 126 101 83 310 97 105 107 309 110 104 88 302 1255
Accidents
Dizziness 33 20 15 68 30 26 12 68 25 20 15 60 27 21 15 63 259
Cancer 7 5 - 12 10 - - 10 8 - - 8 7 4 - 11 41
High Blood 42 23 - 65 38 26 - 64 32 26 - 58 31 18 - 49 226
Pressure
3-45
Table 3.37: In-patients recorded at Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005 and the distribution pattern according to the
communities.
OBEN IKOBI IGUELABA OBOZOGBE GRAND
Disease TOTAL
M F CH Total M F CH Total M F CH Total M F CH Total
Communicable
disease
Malaria 130 142 213 485 152 147 165 464 116 123 191 430 118 105 193 416 1795
URTI/cough 6 5 9 20 - 2 10 12 - 2 10 12 2 1 7 10 54
Typhoid 1 1 8 10 - 1 4 5 2 1 2 5 1 2 5 8 28
Cholera - - 2 2 - - 2 2 - - 3 3 - - 3 3 10
Gastroenteritis - 2 8 10 2 - 6 8 2 2 5 9 2 1 7 10 37
Scabies - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Chicken pox - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Measles - - 2 2 - - 2 2 - - 3 3 - - 4 4 11
Rashes - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Worm infestation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
STDs - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Non-
communicable
Body pains/ 204 102 - 306 138 113 - 251 132 81 - 213 71 33 - 104 886
Rheumatism
Arthritis (joint 112 98 - 210 126 77 - 203 88 62 - 150 61 41 - 102 665
paints)
Sores, wounds and 33 26 26 85 30 17 35 82 38 12 26 76 35 12 31 78 321
Accidents
Dizziness 10 4 6 20 7 4 2 13 9 2 5 16 10 4 4 18 67
Cancer 4 2 - 6 4 - - 4 3 1 - 4 3 - - 3 17
High Blood 10 8 - 18 10 4 - 14 12 2 - 14 12 4 - 16 62
Pressure
3-46
Births, Still Births, Deaths and Immunization records for 2005 are shown in Table 3.38 Total
births stood at (an average of 9 /month). The highest number of 14 births was recorded in the
month of April. While the least (4) were in the months of October and December. Male births
were recorded more than female births. Number of children immunized continued to increase
from 2003 to 2005 due to more awareness and campaigns. All children born in or out of hospital
are given complete immunization with the different vaccines.
Table 3.38: Births and Still-births records at the Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005
Birth Still births Deaths
Months M F Total M F total M F total
January 7 3 10 1 - 1 1 - 1
February 6 5 11 1 - 1 - - -
March 4 3 7 - - - - - -
April 5 9 14 - 1 1 - 1 1
May 4 5 9 - - - 1 - 1
June 5 6 11 - 1 1 - - 0
July 8 4 12 - - - - 1 1
August 5 7 12 - - - - 1 1
September 3 3 6 - - - 1 1 2
October 2 2 4 - 1 1 0 - 0
November 4 3 7 - - - - - -
December 1 3 4 - - - - 0 0
Total 54 54 107 2 3 5 3 4 17
3-47
Table 3.39: Number of children immunized between 2002 and 2005 at the Oben Cottage
Hospital
Year 2002 2003 2004 2005
Month
January 6 50 67 58
February - 52 76 56
March 3 95 84 47
April - 41 56 54
May - 38 58 67
June - 36 43 105
July - 34 43 94
August - 10 49 27
September - 44 38 59
October 6 46 37 67
November 3 10 36 46
December 13 26 90 58
Table 3.40: Records of Child immunization at the Oben Cottage Hospital during 2005
Months BCG DPT Measles Yellow Polio TT HBV
fever vaccine
January -*67 17 9 8 5 10 10 3
February- 76 26 8 25 3 8 4 2
March 84 32 12 20 4 10 4 2
April -56 18 10 12 4 5 5 2
May -58 22 10 20 - 1 5 -
June -43 10 - 20 - 3 5 -
July-43 8 8 12 - 2 10 -
August -49 10 9 19 5 7 7 6
September – 38 8 6 15 2 3 4 2
October -37 10 15 5 2 2 3 -
November – 36 16 - 10 3 5 2 -
December-90 20 10 20 5 20 5 10
*Numbers adjacent to the month represent total number immunized
Reporting of Stillbirths and Deaths were low and the records showed 11 and 44.
respectively between the years 2002 and 2005. The deaths reported were only of
3-48
children and causes of death was mainly due to malaria and other unknown causes.
3.4.7 Health professionals at Oben Cottage Hospital

There was only one Physician and six Nurses in the Cottage Hospital and number of
cases handled daily ranged between 10 and 60 patients (average of 30 patients per
day). This gives a doctor/ patient ratio of 1:30 and nurses/patient ratio of 1:5. All the
personnel at the Cottage Hospital are shown in Table 3.41.
Table 3.41: Health professionals at Oben Cottage Hospital

S/N Personnel Number Qualification Years of
experience
1. Physicians 1 M.B.B.S 10years
2. Nurses 6
3. Midwives 6
4. Lab. Scientist 1
5. Radiographers 0
6. Anesthetists 0
7. Record Clerk 1
8. Pharmacist 1
9 Others
3-49
Table 3.42: Equipment recorded and their functioning at Oben Cottage Hospital
No. Equipment Responses
1 Consulting table and chairs Three (3)
2. Examination couch One (1)
3. Disposable needless and syringes 4 dozens each
4. Disposable suture kits One dozen
5. Methods for sterilization Not functioning
6. Refrigerators Two (2)
7. Medical waste disposal methods -
8. X-ray facilities One (1) not working
9. ECG Nil
10. Ultrasound Nile
11. Laboratory facilities Not working
12. Pharmacy (WHO Essential Drug Nil
List Available, List)
13 No of beds 20
14 Laundry facilities Yes
15. Catering facilities Yes
16. Operating theatre Yes (one) not fully in use
Logistics
17. Accessibility of the health Yes
institution (average radial distance
of the center from the members of
the community
18. Communication Telephone/radio None
19. Hospital Ambulance Yes
20. Average daily clinic attendance Minimum 10, maximum 60
21. Common diseases treated Malaria, cough, sores/injuries,
Dysentery/Diarrhoea and
Rheumatism etc
Hospital building
22. Clean consultation room Yes
23. Clean waiting room Yes
24. Treatment/minor procedures room Yes
25. Privacy rooms No
3-50
26. Clean running water/hand Yes

washing facilities
27. Toilet Yes
28. Good light Yes
29. Good ventilation (or AC) Yes
30. Insect screens
Administration
31 Appointment system Yes
32. Health records Yes
33. Security Yes
34. Confidentiality Yes
35. Scale of changes
36. Cleaning and maintenance routine Yes
3.4.8 Focus Group Discussions on Health Issues and Community Concerns

Information on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on health issues in the community
were discussed at the Group Assembly Discussions held separately with the elders,
youths and women and the results are summarized below in Table 3.43.
The discussions revealed that the inhabitants knew very well the nature and causes of
the common diseases / ailments e.g. malaria, dysentery, body pains etc. they generally
suffer. They also knew how such diseases can be prevented or controlled but their major
constraint is their poor financial status (poverty) and lack of good medical care facility in
the community. For the same reason most people resort to self-medication, buy drugs or
obtain herbs when sick. Most pregnant women go to Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs)
to deliver babies rather than go to the hospitals.
The inhabitants also claimed that children particularly those under 10 years of age die
more in the community than the teenagers and adults. This, according to them is due to
lack of proper medical care and self-medication practices. They claimed that people only
go to hospitals when the sickness is very serious and complicated and after self
medication has failed.
On environmental issues on health, the people agreed that although there is regular
good source of borehole water, other environmental conditions such as poor toilet
facilities (pit latrine or bush), lack of electricity supply (which has broken down for over 2
years now) and poor waste disposal methods (open dumping). Flooding and erosion,
poor housing and poor personal hygiene, all contributed to poor health in the community.
3-51
Table 3.43: Group Assembly Discussion on Health Issues

No Health Issues Raised Response Obtained
1 Name 5 most common diseases Malaria, Dysentery, Cough, Body pains,
Sores/injuries.
2. What causes Malaria diseases Mosquito bites
3. What causes Bad water and food
Dysentry/Diarrhoea
4 What causes Body pains/ Hard work
Rheumatism
5. Do you know how to prevent Yes. Mosquitoes by using insecticides or mosquito
these diseases? nets
Dysentery by good sanitary habits and Body pains by
reduction in manual labour
6. When are these disease Mostly in the Raining season and planting season
common in the year
7. The most important cause of
death in the common among
Malaria
(a) Children………………
Fever and Hypertension or stress
(b) Adults
8. How many deaths in the last one Iguelaba (11) Oben ( 13), Ikobi ( 17), and Obozogbe
year Nugu (16)
(a) whole community Iguelaba ( 3), Oben ( 3), Ikobi ( 7), Obozogbe nugu (
(b) Children under 5 years 4)
(c) Adult women of child Iguelaba ( 2) Oben ( 2), Ikobi ( 2), and Obozogbe
bearing age Nugu( 3)
9. Where do women deliver babies About 80% women use TBA’s while only about 20%
in the community go to the hospital.
10. Any complication or deaths Nil
during deliver in the last 12
months
11. What is the average life span in
the community
Adult males 80-85 years (Average 82 years)
Adult females 80-90 years (Average 85 years)
Life style/ Habits
12. What are the common types of Yam, Eba, Rice, Plantain, starch, Banga soup, Egusi
food eaten in the community soup, Beans, Cocoyam, Bush meat and fish.
13. Is there any food taboos Yes. Crickets and meats of Dogs Puff Adder and
Python snake are forbidden in the community
14 What is the alcohol drinking About 80% of Adult males drink alcohols mostly beer
habit in the community and local gin,. About 40% drink excessively. Male to
female ratio in alcohol consumption is 8:1
15. What is the smoking habit in the About 60% of adult males smoke cigarette or take
community snuff. No female agreed to be smoking. Some youths
are said to smoke Indian hemp.
16. What is the level of prostitution Prostitute not officially known but a very few women
in the community are said to be involved.
3-52
17. What is the status of sexually STIs are very rare in the communities
Transmitted Infections
18. What about HIV/AIDS No case of AIDS recorded but everybody (10%) is
aware of the disease and its causes
19. What are the sexual habits in the Members of the community arise polygamous, highly
community promiscuous and highly sexually active. Most youths
give birth by the age of 15-17yrs.
20 What is the common leisure People get body exercise through manual labour and
activity activities, riding of bicycles and other domestic
activities. Youths play football;; and other indoor
games
Personal Hygiene Practices
21. What is the source of drinking The borehole water

water ?
22. Do you treat the water before Nil
drinking
23 Do you wash hands before and Yes
after eating
24. Do you wash hands after About 90% do so while the rest mostly children do not.
defecating?
25. Do you bathe every day Yes
26. Do you sweep your house Yes
everyday
27. Do you sweep the surroundings About 70% do sp wile the rest do not but sweep at
everyday least once a week
Environmental living
conditions
28. What type of refuse is generated Food left overs, pealings of food crops, garden
in the community wastes, litters from homes and kitchens, cellophane
bags etc.
29 How is the refuse stored They are dumped at specific sites in the surroundings.
30. How is the refuse disposed They are burnt or buried after accumulating for a
period of about 3 weeks to 1 months
31. What is the method of sewage Usage of pit latrines or the bush
disposal
32 Is there drainage in the Nil
community
33 Do the communities get flooded Yes particularly at Iguelaba, Oben and Ikobi
or water logged in the rainy communities
season
34. What is the source of the Rainwater
flooding
35. What are the health facilities in One cottage hospital and Drug stores
the community
36. Do you have the following
vectors of diseases in your
community Yes
(a) Housefly……………. Yes
(b) Cockroach Yes
(c) Mosquitoes Yes
3-53
(d) Lice No
(e) Black fly Yes
(f) Tse tse fly Yes
(g) Rats/Mice
37 What are the domestic animals Dogs, fowls (chicken) sheep, goats and ducks.
About the Gas Development
Project
38 Do members of the community Most respondents in the FGD were ambivalent. The
think that the Gas project will responses were 50% yes and 50% No
cause any health problems in
the communities
39. If yes, what are the problems Gas may leak into the air causing Air pollution and
wild outbreak of fire
40. How do you think these Proper construction of good pipes carrying the gas
problems can be minimized and proper education/enlightenment of members of
the community on the dangers
41. What do you see as the benefits It will reduce gas flaring and pollution of the
of the gas project environment. It is also likely to bring about
developments in the communities and create more job
opportunities.
42. What are the five most important (1) Hospital with staff, drugs and health facilities
health needs of your (2) Water
communities (3) Electricity to be rehabilitated
(4) Health centres extended to other far away
communities like Iguelaba, Ikobi, and
Obozogbe nugu.
(5) Provision of free leisure and sporting facilities.
43. What are the other community (1) Good market
concerns (2) Good schools
(3) Community empowerment schemes to
overcome poverty and economic problems e.g
micro-credit scheme and establishment of
small-scale industries.
(4) Scholarship and education for youths
(5) Job opportunities for the youths particularly in
the oil industries.
3-54
Plate 4 Group Assembly Discussions on Health Issues
3-55
Chapter Four Associated and Potential Environmental Impacts
CHAPTER FOUR
ASSOCIATED AND POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
4.1 General
Projects, such as facility upgrade, gas well drilling and flowlines construction are usually associated with
potential impacts on the biophysical, social and health components of the environment.
The objectives of the assessment are to identify and describe the potential environmental impacts
associated with the proposed WDGSP/WAGP Oben activities, predict the likelihood and magnitudes of
such impacts, evaluate the significance of changes likely to result from them, and thereafter proffer
measures that will be taken to mitigate the predicted impacts.
4.2 Impact Prediction Methodology

The assessment of the potential environmental impacts of the project was undertaken by means of the
environmental, social and health assessment tool designed by Shell Global Solutions, Netherlands. The
process included impact identification, description and rating (a term that includes the prediction of
magnitude, consequence and significance of impacts). The EIA process does not only consider
interactions between impacts of the various project activities and sensitivities (components of the
environment), but also includes the interactions among the sensitivities. It is therefore an all-inclusive
process.
4.3 Rating of impacts

There are six stages in the rating of an impact. The sequence of events in the rating of impacts is
illustrated as follows:
STAGE 1: Description: STAGE 2: STAGE 3:

Five characteristics Qualification: Likelihood Qualification: Potential
Positive/negative Five ratings: Consequence:
Direct/indirect High probability 80- Five rating definitions, for
Duration: 100% (very likely) environment, social, health
Permanent (long Medium high and corporate image
term)/temporary (short probability 60-80% (likely) (see text)
term) Medium probability Extreme
Magnitude: local 40-60% (possible impact) Great
or widespread Medium low Considerable
Reversible or probability 20-40% Little
irreversible (unlikely) Hardly Any
Low probability 0-
20% (very unlikely)
STAGE 4: STAGE 5:
Degree of Significance Impact Table STAGE 6:
of Impact Lists each impact, Impact Text
Four degrees of its sources and its Describes each
significance: rating impact, its
Major sources and its
Moderate rating
Minor
Negligible
4-1
The details of the procedures for the EIA process are as follows:
Once an impact has been identified, it is described and a rating ascribed.
Stage 1: Description of impact

The following characteristics are used to describe each impact:
• Positive/negative (beneficial/adverse)
• Direct/indirect (directly/via intermediate factors that influence the determinants of an impact).
• Duration: Permanent (long term)/temporary (short term)
• Magnitude: local or widespread
• Reversibility/irreversibility: can the impact revert to previous condition or does it remain permanent?
Once each impact has been described, a rating is allocated.
Stages 2 and 3: Qualification of Impact.

This is based on two assessment characteristics:
Stage 2: Likelihood of occurrence – this is an assessment of the probability of the effect happening.
Stage 3: Potential consequence – this is the actual result and scale that an effect might have.
The application of each of the two characteristics is described in Tables 4.1 and 4.2.
Table 4.1: Likelihood of occurrence

Impact probability Likelihood Frequency
High probability (80-100%) A very likely impact Very frequent impacts
Medium high probability (60-80%) A likely impact Frequent impacts
Medium probability (40-60%) A possible impact Occasional impact
Medium low probability (20-40%) An unlikely impact Few impacts
Low probability (0-20%) A very unlikely impact Rare impacts
Table 4.2: Potential consequence

Potential Consequence Effect
Extreme consequence A massive effect
Great consequence A big effect
Considerable consequence A substantial effect
Little consequence A slight effect
Hardly any consequence A trivial effect
The potential consequence of an impact depends on two things: the magnitude of the potential changes
to the environment, caused by a hazard, and the level of sensitivity of the receiving environment. This
is depicted in Table 4.3
4-2
Table 4.3: Potential consequences classification matrix

Magnitude of Effect
Receptor sensitivity Low change Medium change High change
Low Trivial effect Slight effect Substantial effect
Medium Slight effect Substantial effect Big effect
High Substantial effect Big effect Massive effect
The definitions for the potential consequence of environmental, social and health impacts are as
follows:
Definitions for the potential consequence of environmental impacts
Hardly any: Effect on the biophysical environment (physical: noise, light, air; geochemical: water, soil;
and biological: flora and fauna) that may cause temporary and/or sub-lethal effects on
individual plants and animals. Does not cause any effect on population structure or size.
Causes only temporary and/or minor disruption to habitats and ecosystems.
Little: Effect on the biophysical environment that may cause small impacts with few losses of
individual plants and animals and some adverse effects on population structure and size.
May cause some degradation of habitat and ecosystem quality.
Considerable: Effect on the biophysical environment that may cause long term loss of plant and/or
animal species; local and temporary damage to habitats and dysfunction of communities and
ecosystems.
Great: Effect on the biophysical environment that may cause permanent loss of plant and/or animal
species, resulting in local extinction of flora and fauna; permanent loss of small areas of
habitat and ecosystems.
Extreme: Effect on the biophysical environment that may cause permanent loss of whole populations of
plant and/or animals, with widespread extinctions; widespread and permanent loss of habitats;
and whole communities and ecosystems.
Definitions for the potential consequence of social impacts

Hardly any: A trivial effect on the social environment, which causes almost no nuisance or damage in
the community. The local culture and lifestyle as well as the social infrastructure are
somewhat negatively affected, but the effect is only temporary. The impact could result in
some disagreement with stakeholder groups, but relationships are likely to remain strong.
Little: A slight effect on the social environment that causes temporary changes in the way of life of
the community. The local culture and societal structure is negatively affected. There is
disagreement with stakeholder groups but the relationship remains fairly strong.
Considerable: A substantial effect on the social environment. The way of life in the community is
disrupted and fundamental disagreement with stakeholder groups has arisen. There is a
breakdown of trust between the company and its stakeholders although relationships have
remained stable. A single stakeholder group might have started campaigning against the
company.
4-3
Great: A big effect on the social environment. There is permanent disruption to communal lifestyle.
The local culture and the societal structure suffer greatly. There is now a fundamental
disagreement between the company and its stakeholders that destabilizes the company-
stakeholder relationship. This may affect the speed and effectiveness of future decision-
making processes.
Extreme: A massive effect on the social environment. There is sustained large disruption of and
changes to the lifestyle of a community leading to a reduction in quality of life. Impacts have
become a concern for all stakeholder groups, irreversible damage to social structure,
traditional culture, and infrastructure and total breakdown of stakeholder relationships.
Definitions for the potential consequence of health impacts
Hardly any: These are mere nuisances, not affecting work performance or causing disability, e.g.
non-toxic dusts (as an acute hazard), short time sleep disturbance. There is no need to see
medical services or a doctor. These health effects will disappear.
Little: Illnesses that will need the attention of medical services/doctor. They need only a few days to
fully recover and will not have led to chronic diseases, e.g., colds, chicken pox, skin infections
and irritants, or many food poisoning bacteria.
Considerable: Diseases (agents) capable of irreversible health damage causing permanent partial
disability without loss of life. These health effects will need prolonged continuous or
intermittent medical attention. e.g., hypertension, obesity, noise induced hearing loss, chronic
back injuries caused by poor manual handling tasks or inactivity, chronic infections (like sexual
transmitted diseases, schistosomiasis, hepatitis A), chronic skin diseases or respiratory
system diseases like asthma caused by external agents and stress.
Great: Permanent total disability or low number of fatalities: diseases capable of irreversible damage
with serious disability. Low infectious communicable diseases like Ebola, SARS, Avian Flu,
parasitic diseases (sleeping sickness), alcoholism and drug abuse, road traffic accidents,
cancer caused by known human carcinogens (small exposed population), malnutrition, heat
stroke, severe psychological stress leading to suicide.
Extreme: Multiple fatalities: diseases with the potential to cause multiple fatalities: highly infectious
diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, parasitic diseases as malaria, diseases
caused by acute toxins (hydrogen sulphide, carbon monoxide), cancers caused by human
carcinogens (large exposed population).
Stage 4: Degree of significance

Table 4.4 shows the impact significance with associated impact rating.
4-4
Table 4.4: Degree of Impact Significance
Impact Significance Impact Rating

Major significance Major impact
Moderate significance Moderate impact
Minor significance Minor impact
Negligible significance Negligible impact
Stage 5: Impact Assessment Matrix

The potential impacts were evaluated using the Impact Assessment Matrix shown in Table 4.5
Table 4.5: Impact Assessment Matrix

Potential consequences
Likelihood Positive Negative
Hardly any Little Considerable Great Extreme
High Moderate Moderate Major Major Major
Medium high Minor Moderate Moderate Major Major
Medium Minor Minor Moderate Moderate Major
Medium low Negligible Minor Minor Moderate Moderate
Low Negligible Negligible Minor Minor Moderate
After the rating for each impact, the determination of mitigation measures followed.
From the Table above, only moderate and major impacts were considered for impact mitigation.
Continuous improvement practices will address low impacts. The positive impacts shall be monitored
and enhanced when expedient.
4.4 Impact Identification

The environmental sensitivities likely to be affected by the activities of the proposed WDGSP/WAGP
Oben included the following:
1. Access to a nutritious and healthy diet

2. Increased age disparity
3. Ethnic balance
4. Access to clean drinking water
5. Quality of habitat
6. Functioning of family structure and traditional institute
7. Healthy and clean housing and living conditions
8. Surface water quality
9. Air quality
10. Light/Solar radiation
11. Level of noise and sound
12. Groundwater table/quality
13. Soil quality
14. Household water quality
4-5
15. Access to household water

16. Availability of forest
17. Availability of markets for forestry products
18. Access to farmlands
19. Availability of markets for agricultural products
20. Biodiversity/Genetic resource
21. Access to communication facilities
22. Rain forest complex
23. Farmland complex
24. Sense of place/well being /aesthetic value
25. Traditional value of land
26. Access to ancestral and culturally significant sites
27. Traditional occupations
28. Level of income and financial flows
29. Cost of living and inflation
30. Opportunities for contracting and procurement
31. Opportunities for local and national employment
32. Access to housing
33. Access to transport
34. Access to roads
35. Access to electricity
36. Access to learning and education facilities
37. Access to recreational facilities
38. Access to sanitation and waste management facilities
39. Exposure to nuisance (dust, noise etc.)
40. Level of disease vectors
41. Exposure to STIs/HIV/AIDS
42. Mortality rate
43. Morbidity rate
44. Physical activity
45. Hygiene
46. Exposure to commercial sex workers
47. Access to primary health care
48. Access to secondary health care
49. Access to traditional medicine
50. Access to emergency services
51. Respect for human rights
52. Promoting equal opportunities
53. Promoting opportunities for representation
54. Social exclusion abatement
55. Poverty alleviation
56. Bees, snakes, scorpions, wild life attack/poisonous plants contact
57. Balance in gender
58. Functioning of government services
59. Third party agitation (communities, NGO, CBO, etc.)
60. Lifestyle
61. Alcohol and drugs abuse/violence
62. Access to voluntary health organisations
63. Morals and family values
64. Cultural values and languages
65. Religious/Traditional structures and customs
66. Religious balance
4-6
67. Exposure to traffic accidents
A diligent application of the criteria in the EIA system for the identification and management of impacts
associated with the different phases (construction, drilling, operations and decommissioning) of the
WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field involves:
The production of project activities and environmental sensitivities matrix
Determination of associated and potential impacts
Mitigation measures
Management plans
4.4.1 Project activities and sensitivities interaction matrix

The results of the evaluation of the interactions between the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field activities
and the above listed environmental sensitivities on the one hand and the interactions between the
sensitivities on the other hand are shown in Tables 4.6 for the construction, operations, flowlines
installation, and decommissioning phases respectively. The figures in each table represent the
identified sensitivities that could be impacted by the corresponding project activity or affected sensitivity.
4.4.2 Determination of environmental impacts

The impacts of the proposed WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field activities on the biophysical, social and
health components of the environment were identified and appropriate mitigating measures proffered.
The results of the impact assessment are presented in Tables 4.6 a, b, c and d.
The identified negative impacts were rated as minor, moderate and major. Beneficial impacts arising
from the project were rated as positive and were therefore not further classified.
4-7
Table 4.6a: Associated and Potential Impacts (CONSTRUCTION/DRILLING)

S/N Impact Type of
Project Activities Sensitivities
code
Impact
impact
Description Likelihood Consequence Rating
1 Mobilisation (1.1 – 1.3) 8, 12, 24, 15, 27, 30, A1 Increased vehicular EHS • Direct Medium Little Minor
31, 33, 34, 36, 38, 7, movement and road • Negative
4, 1, 40, 42, 43, 45, traffic accidents • Short term
47, 48, 49, 55, 59 • Local
• Reversible
• Direct
A2 Reduction of soil quality E • Negative
Medium Little
• Short term Minor
• Local
• Reversible
Increased pressure on • Direct

A3 existing infrastructure SH • Negative Medium Little
(health, housing, • Short term
transport, sanitation and • Local Minor
waste management etc ) • Reversible
due increased population
• Direct
Increase in employment/ • Positive
contract opportunities • Short term
A4 S • Local Medium Little
• Reversible
Minor
•
4-8
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
1 Water Supply (1.1-1.2) 8, 12, 24, 15, 27, 30, A1 Pressure on available E, H, S • Direct High Hardly any Moderate
31, 33, 34, 36, 38, 7, water for domestic use • Negative
4, 1, 40, 42, 43, 45, and other water related • Short term
47, 48, 49, 55, 59 activities • Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Positive
A2 Opportunity for S High Positive
• Short term
contracting Positive1
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
2 Supply of food & other 8, 12, 14,15, 27, 30, A3 Pressure on available E, H, S • Direct High Little Moderate
consumables (2.1) 31, 33, 34, 38, 7, 1, food • Negative
40, 43, 44, 45, 47, 48, • Short
49, 59 term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
• Direct
A4 Opportunity for • Positive High Positive
contracting Positive
• Short
term
• Widespre
ad
• Reversibl
e
E = Environment; S = Social; H = Health.

1
Positive impact not classified further into minor, moderate and major.
4-9
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
3 Supply of construction 23, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, A5 Opportunities for S • Direct High Positive Positive
equipment & materials (3.1 32, 33, 34, 38, 55, 59 contracting and • Positive
– 3.2) employment • Short term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
A6 Disturbance of ecosystem ESH • Negative Low Little
in the event of chemical Negligible
• Short term
spills
• Local
• Reversible
A7 Increased cost of living S, H • Direct Medium Little

• Negative
• Short term Minor
• Local
• Reversible
Medium Considerable
A8 Pressure on existing • Direct high
roads S • Negative
• Short term
Moderate
• Local
• Reversible
4-10
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
4 Energy Requirement (4.1) 9, 35 A9 Emission of noxious EH • Direct Medium Little Moderate
gases to atmosphere • Negative high
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-11
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
5 Labour requirement (5.1) 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, A10 Increased employment, S, H • Direct High Positive Positive
32, 35, 36, 37, 2, 3, 6, services and income • Positive
7, 4, 40, 41, 43, 44, • Short
47, 48, 51, 52, 54, 59, term
64 • Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
A11 Pressure on existing S, H • Negative Medium Great
infrastructure (health, High Major
• Short
facilities)
term
• Local
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
A12 Increased social vices S, H • Short High Great
term /
long term Major
• Local/
widesprea
d
• Reversible
/Irreversible
• Direct
• Negative
A13 Third party agitation S, H • Short Medium Great
term High
• Local
• Reversible Major
4-12
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
6 Site Preparation (6.1 ) 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, A14 Increased level of disease H • Direct Medium Little Minor
Vegetation Clearing 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, vectors (mosquitoes etc.) • Negative
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, • Short
27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, term
34, 38, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, • Local
1, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, • Reversible
46, 49, 50, 55, 59
A15 Destruction of vegetation ESH • Direct Great
(medicinal, economic and High Major
• Negative
food)
• Long
term
• Local
• Irreversibl
e
A16 E
Loss of habitat for wildlife, • Direct High Great
microorganisms etc. • Negative Major
• Long
term
• Local
• Irreversibl
e
A17
Exposure of field workers/ H, S • Direct
community members to • Negative Medium low
Moderate
attacks by poisonous • Short Great
snakes, bees, spiders, term
scorpions/other wildlife • Local
and contact with • Reversible
poisonous plants. / irreversible
• Reversibl
e
4-13
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
6 Site Preparation (6.1 ) 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, A18 Traditional occupation S,H • Direct
Vegetation Clearing 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, (farming, hunting) could • Negative Medium Considerable Moderate
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, be adversely affected. • Long
27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, term
34, 38, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, • Local
1, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, • Reversible
46, 49, 50, 55, 59 / irreversible
• Reversibl
e
A19 Increased erosion of the E • Direct Medium Considerable
cleared area Moderate
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
A20 Increased access for E, S • Direct Medium Considerable

hunting and logging • Negative (E)
(E)/ Moderate
• Positive Positive (S) (E)
(S)
• Long
Positive (S)
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
4-14
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
6 Site Preparation (6.1 ) 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, A21 Third party agitation S, H • Direct Medium Great Major
Vegetation Clearing 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, • Negative high
22, 23, 24, 25, 26, • Short
27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, term
34, 38, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, • Local
1, 39, 40, 43, 44, 45, • Reversibl
46, 49, 50, 55, 59 e
A22 Opportunities for S,H • Direct High Positive
employment Positive
• Positive
• Short
term
• Widespre
ad
• Reversibl
e
A23 Nuisance (noise, ESH • Direct Medium Considerable

emissions, vibrations) • Negative high
from heavy machinery • Short Moderate
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
4-15
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
7 Construction and drilling 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 5, A24 Disturbance of soil E • Direct High Great Major
(7.1- 7.3) 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, dwelling organisms • Negative
Contractors Camps, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, • Short
flowlines, gas well 35, 38, 2, 3, 4, 6, 39, term
43, 44, 51, 55, 59 • Local
• Reversibl
e
A25 Increased pressure on H, S • Direct
existing infrastructure • Negative Medium Considerable
(health, housing, High Moderate
• Short
transport, sanitation and
term
waste management etc )
• Local
due increased population
• Reversible
A26 Reduction in the quality of E • Direct Medium Considerable

surface and groundwater • Negative
• Short Moderate
term
• Widesprea
d
A27 Increase in employment/ S • Reversible High Positive
contract opportunities • Direct
• Positive Positive
• Short
term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
4-16
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
7 Construction and drilling 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 5, A28 Increased social vices, S • Direct Medium Great Major
(7.1- 7.3) 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, drug abuse, CSW, • Negative High
Contractors Camps, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, teenage pregnancies • Short
43, 44, 51, 55, 59 • Local
• Reversibl
e
A29 Shift from traditional S
occupations to other • Direct Medium Positive
activities High Positive
• Positive
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversibl
A30 Increased in population S e Medium Considerable
leading to diffusion of
culture and traditions • Direct Moderate
• Negative
• Short
term
A31 Increased in cost of S • Local Medium
living/inflation • Reversibl Considerable
e
• Direct Moderate
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
4-17
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
7 Construction and drilling 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 5, A32 Third party agitation S • Indirect Medium Considerable Moderate
(7.1- 7.3) 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, • Negative
Contractors Camps, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, • Short
43, 44, 51, 55, 59 • Local
• Reversible
A33 Increased nuisance from ESH • Direct High Great
dust, emissions, noise Major
• Negative
and vibration etc
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
A34 Increased potential for S, H • Direct Medium Great

road traffic accidents • Negative
• Short Moderate
term
• Local
• Irreversibl
e
A35 Consequence of S Medium Extreme
corporate reputation • Indirect
• Negative Major
• Long
term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
4-18
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
8 Waste generation – 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, A36 Impairment of air quality ESH • Direct High Considerable Major
Emissions (8.1 – 8.2) 19, 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, • Negative
38, 4, 7, 39, 43, 45, • Short
47, 48, 49, 51, 59 term
• Widespre
ad
• Reversibl
e
A37 Increased morbidity for H, S • Direct Medium Considerable
upper respiratory tract • Negative Moderate
infections (RTI)
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
A38 Decreased quality of E, S • Direct Medium Considerable

habitat (biodiversity) • Negative
• Long Moderate
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
4-19
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
8 Waste generation – 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, A39 Third party agitation S • Indirect Medium Considerable Moderate
Emissions (8.1 – 8.2) 19, 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, • Negative
38, 4, 7, 39, 43, 45, • Short
47, 48, 49, 51, 59 term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
A40 Impaired surface water E • Direct Medium Considerable
Moderate
• Negative
• Short
term
• Widespre
ad
• Reversibl
e
4-20
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
8 Waste generation – 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, A41 Contamination of surface ESH • Direct High Considerable Major
Emissions (8.1 – 8.2) 19, 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, water quality • Negative
38, 4, 7, 39, 43, 45, • Short
47, 48, 49, 51, 59 term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
A42 Decline in income S, E
generation from • Direct Medium Considerable
traditional occupations Moderate
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
A43 Increased morbidity, SH • Reversible
pressure on existing Medium Little
health care facilities • Direct
• Negative Minor
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
A44 Third party agitation S Medium Extreme
• Direct
• Negative Major
• Short
term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
4-21
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
9 Waste generation – 5, 8, 13, 20, 25, 38, A45 Third party agitation S • Direct Medium Extreme Major
Effluent (9.1 – 9.3) 40, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50, • Negative
59 • Short
term
• Widesprea
A46 Poor sanitary conditions H d Medium Little
and hygiene Minor
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
A47 Contamination of surface ESH Medium Considerable
• Local
water Moderate
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
A48 Impairment of health of ES • Short Medium Considerable
aquatic and terrestrial life term
• Widesprea Moderate
d
A49 Increased morbidity, • Reversible
pressure on health care HS • Direct Medium Little
facilities • Negative
• Short Minor
term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
4-22
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
9 Waste generation – 5, 8, 13, 20, 25, 38, A50 Increased level of disease HS • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
Effluent (9.1 – 9.3) 40, 43, 45, 47, 49, 50, vectors (mosquitoes) • Negative
59 • Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
A51 Nuisance from obnoxious ESH • Direct
odour • Negative Medium Hardly any
Minor
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
4-23
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
10 Waste generation –Solids 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, A52 Increased income from S • Direct High Positive Positive
(10.1 – 10.3) 17, 18, 19, 5, 20, 22, opportunities for • Positive
23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, employment and • Short
33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 7, contracting term
4, 1, 39, 40, 43, 45, • Widesprea
47, 48, 49, 51, 55, 56, A53 Third party agitation S d Medium Extreme
59 Major
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
A54 Poor sanitary conditions H Medium Little
• Short
and hygiene Minor
term
• Widesprea
d
A55 Contamination of surface ESH Medium Considerable
water • Reversible
• Direct Moderate
• Negative
• Short
A56 Impairment of health of ES term Medium Considerable
terrestrial life • Local
• Reversible Moderate
• Direct
A57 Increased morbidity, HS • Negative Medium Little
pressure on health care • Short
facilities term Minor
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
4-24 • Local
• Reversibl
e
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
10 Waste generation –Solids 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, A58 Increased level of disease HS • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
(10.1 – 10.3) 17, 18, 19, 5, 20, 22, vectors (mosquitoes, rats, • Negative
23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 31, roaches, flies etc) • Short
33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 7, term
4, 1, 39, 40, 43, 45, • Local
47, 48, 49, 51, 55, 56, • Reversible
59
• Direct Medium Hardly any
A59 Nuisance from obnoxious ESH Minor
• Negative
odour
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversibl
e
11 Generator use (11.1) 9, 11, 31, 35, 37, 38, A60 Hearing impairment from H • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
2, 1, 3, 4, 43, 50, 55, noise generation • Negative
59 • Short
term
• Local
• Irreversibl
e
A61 Improved access to S • Direct Medium Positive
electricity Positive
• Positive
• Long
term
• Local
• Reversible
4-25
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
12 Generation of nuisance – 11, 5, 20, 24, 37, 2, 7, A62 Habitat disruption and ESH • Direct Medium Little Minor
Noise, vibration & lighting 39, 42, 47, 48, 49, 51, human discomfort • Negative
(12.1 – 12.5) 59 • Short
term
• Local
A63 Pressure on existing SH • Reversible Medium Little
health facilities Minor
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
A64 Third Party agitation S Medium Extreme
• Local
Major
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
A65 Impairment of hearing HS • Short Medium Considerable
term
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Irreversibl
e
4-26
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
13 Incidents (13.1 – 13.2) 9, 12, 1, 14, 15, 16, A66 Contamination of surface ESH • Direct Medium Little Minor
17, 18, 19, 5, 20, 22, water • Negative
23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, • Long
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, term
37, 38, 7, 4, 1, 39, 40, • Widesprea
42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, d
50, 51, 55, 59 A67 Impairment of health of E, S • Reversible Medium Considerable
terrestrial life Moderate
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Widesprea
A68 Increased opportunity for S High Positive
d
employment and Positive
contracting • Reversible
• Direct
A69 Decrease in income • Positive
generation from reduced S • Short Medium Considerable
traditional occupations term
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
4-27
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
13 Incidents (13.1 – 13.2) 9, 12, 1, 14, 15, 16, A70 Increased morbidity and HS • Direct Medium Extreme Major
17, 18, 19, 5, 20, 22, mortality rate • Negative
23, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, • Long
30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, term
37, 38, 7, 4, 1, 39, 40, • Local
42, 43, 45, 47, 48, 49, • Irreversibl
50, 51, 55, 59 A71 Pressure on existing HS e Medium Considerable
health care and Moderate
• Direct
emergency response • Negative
facilities
• Short
term
A72 Third party agitation S Medium Extreme
• Local
• Reversible Major
• Direct
S • Negative
• Short High Extreme
term
• Widesprea Major
A73 Loss of assets and d
properties • Reversible
S • Direct High Extreme
• Negative
• Long Major
term
• Widesprea
d
• Irreversibl
e
A74 Effects on corporate • Direct
reputation • Negative
• Short
term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
4-28
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
14 Decommissioning (14.1 – 9, 10, 11, 1, 20, 28, A75 Third party agitation S • Direct High Considerable Major
14.3) 30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 40, arising from labour and • Negative
41, 63, 44, 51, 53, 54, human rights issues (loss • Short
55, 59 of permanent and term
temporary employment) • Widespre
ad
• Reversible
High Positive
A76 Increased in employment S Positive
• Direct
and contracting • Negative
opportunities
• Short
term
• Widespre
ad
• Reversibl
e
4-29
S/N Impact Type of

code
Impact
impact
14 Decommissioning (14.1 – 9, 10, 11, 1, 20, 28, A77 Increased pressure on SH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
14.3) 30, 31, 32, 38, 39, 40, health care facilities • Negative
41, 63, 44, 51, 53, 54, • Short
55, 59 term
• Local
A78 Increased accidents and SH • Reversible Medium Great
injuries Moderate
• Direct
• Negative
• Long
term
• Local
EH Medium Great
• Irreversibl
e Moderate
Contamination of soils
A79 and surface water • Direct
• Negative
ESH • Short Medium Considerable
term
d
• Reversible
S • Direct Medium Considerable
• Negative
Deterioration of air quality • Short Moderate
A80 from dust generation term
• Widesprea
d
• Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Short
term
• Local
• Reversible
Pressure on road
transport
A81
4-30
Table 4.6b: Associated and Potential Impacts (OPERATIONS)

S/N Type
Impact
Project Activities Sensitivities Impact of Description Likelihood Consequence Rating
code
impact
15 Maintenance of 16, 17, 18, 19, 5, B1 Increased opportunities for S, H • Positive High Positive Positive
acquired land (15.1) 20, 24, 27, 28, 29, employment /contract • Direct
30, 31, 33, 34, 36, • Long-term
37, 39, 40, 43, 44, • Reversible
45, 47, 49, 50, 55, • Local
56, 59
Positive
B2 Improved access to forest and • Positive
farm lands SH • Direct Medium Positive
High
• Long-term
• Reversible
• Local
B3 Improved corporate reputation S • Positive Medium Positive Positive

• Direct
• Long-term
• Reversible
• Local
B4 Exposure of workers to attack by • Negative Medium Great Major

poisonous snakes, bees, • Direct
scorpions, other wild animals and H • Long-term
contact with poisonous plants • Reversible
• Local
4-31
S/N Project Impact Type of

Sensitivities Impact Description Likelihood Consequence Rating
Activities code impact
16 Water 8, 12, 24, 15, B5 Pressure on available water for EHS • Direct High Hardly any Moderate
Supply 27, 30, 31, domestic use and other water • Negative
(16.1) 33, 34, 36, related activities • Short term
38, 7, 4, 1, • Widespread
40, 42, 43, • Reversible
45, 47, 48,
49, 55, 59 B6 Opportunity for contracting S • Direct High Positive Positive
• Positive
• Short term
• Widespread
Reversible
4-32

17 Supply of 23, 27, 28, B7 Opportunities for contracting and S • Direct High Positive Positive
operational 29, 30, 31, employment • Positive
equipment & 32, 33, 34, • Short term
materials 38, 55, 59 • Widespread
(17.1 – 17.3) • Reversible
B8 Disturbance of ecosystem in the ESH • Direct Low Little Negligible
event of chemical spills • Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
B9 Increased cost of living S, H • Direct Medium Little Minor

• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
B10 Increased road traffic S • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate

• Negative high
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
18 Energy 9, 35 B11 Emission of noxious gases to the EH • Direct Medium Little Moderate
Requirement atmosphere • Negative high
(18.1) • Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-33

19 Labour 24, 27, 28, 29, B12 Increased employment, services and S, H • Direct High Positive Positive
requirement 30, 31, 32, 35, Income • Positive
(19.1) 36, 37, 2, 3, 6, • Short term
7, 4, 40, 41, • Widespread
43, 44, 47, 48, • Reversible
51, 52, 54, 59,
64
B13 Pressure on existing infrastructure S, H • Direct Medium Great Major
(health facilities) • Negative High
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
B14 Increased social vices S, H High Great Major

• Direct
• Negative
• Short term/ long term
• Local/ widespread
• Reversible/Irreversible
Major
B15 Third party agitation S, H • Direct Medium Great
• Negative High
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-34

20 Waste 9, 8, 20, 22, B16 Impairment of air quality E,S,H • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
generation- 23, 24, 25, • Negative High
Emissions 32, 58, 7, 4, • Long term
20.1-20.2 39, 43, 47, • Widespread
48,49,59 B17 • Reversible Medium Considerable Moderate
Increased morbidity from • Direct
upper respiratory tract H, S • Negative
diseases
• Long term
• Local
Medium Little Minor
B18
• Direct
Disruption of • Negative
habitat and human discomfort E • Long term Medium Great Major
• Local high
Medium low Little Minor

• Direct
B19 • Negative
• Long term
Third party agitation • Widespread
S,H • Reversible
• Direct
• Negative
• Long term
B20 • Local
Impairment of surface
• Reversible
water quality
ESH
4-35
S/ Impact Type of
Project Activities Sensitivities Impact Description Likelihood Consequence Rating
N code impact
21 Waste generation – 5, 8, 13, 20, 25, 38, 40, B21 Third party agitation S • Direct Medium Extreme Moderate
Effluent (21.1 – 21.3) 43, 45, 47, 49, 50, 59 • Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
B22 Poor sanitary conditions H • Direct Medium Little Minor
and hygiene • Negative
• Short term
• Local
B23 Contamination of surface ESH • Reversible Medium Considerable Moderate
water • Direct
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
B24 Impairment of health of ES • Reversible Medium Considerable Moderate
aquatic and terrestrial life • Direct
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
B25 Increased morbidity, HS • Direct Medium Little Minor
pressure on health care • Negative
facilities • Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-36
S/ Impact Type of
N code impact
22 Waste generation - solids 8, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, B26 Increased level of disease H • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
(22.1-22.2) 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, vectors (mosquitoes, rats, • Negative
28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, cockroaches, flies, e.t.c) • Long term
34, 37, 38, 58, 7, 4, 1, • Local
40, 45, 44, 43, 47, 49, • Reversible
56, 59
• Direct
B27 Increased potential for road S,H • Negative Medium Great Moderate
accidents. Low
• Long term
• Local
• Reversible
Nuisance from obnoxious

B28 odours E,H,S • Direct Medium Little Minor
• Negative Low
• Long term
• Local
• Reversible
4-37
S/ Impact Type of
N code impact
23 Generation of nuisance – 11, 5, 20, 24, 37, 2, 7, B29 Habitat disruption and ESH • Direct Medium Little Minor
Noise, vibration & lighting 39, 42, 47, 48, 49, 51, human discomfort • Negative
(23.1) 59 • Long term
• Local
• Reversible
B30 Pressure on existing health H • Direct

facilities • Negative Medium Great Moderate
• Long term
• Local
• Reversible/Ir
reversible
B31 Third party agitation S
• Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
• Negative
• Long term
• Local
• Reversible
B32 Impairment of hearing HS • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate

• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Irreversible
4-38
S/ Impact Type of
N code impact
24 Incidents (24.1 – 24.2) 9, 12, 1, 14, 15, 16, 17, B33 Contamination of surface ESH • Direct Medium high Little Minor
18, 19, 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, water • Negative
25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, • Long term
32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 7, • Local
4, 1, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45, • Reversible
47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55,
59 B34 Impairment of health of ES • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
terrestrial life • Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
B35 Increased opportunity for S
employment and contracting • Direct High Positive Positive
• Positive
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
B36 Decrease in income S • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate

generation from reduced • Negative
traditional occupations • Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-39
S/ Impact Type of
N code impact
24 Incidents (24.1 – 24.2) 9, 12, 1, 14, 15, 16, 17, B37 Increased morbidity and HS • Direct Medium Extreme Major
18, 19, 5, 20, 22, 23, 24, mortality rate • Negative
25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, • Long term
32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 7, • Local
4, 1, 39, 40, 42, 43, 45, • Reversible/
47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 55, irreversible
59 B38 Pressure on existing health SH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
care and emergency • Negative
response facilities
• Short term
• Widespread
Third party agitation
B39 S • Reversible Medium Extreme Major
• Direct
• Positive
• Short term
Loss of assets and • Local
B40 properties S • Reversible High Extreme Major
• Direct
• Negative
• Long term
• Widespread
Effects on corporate • Irreversible
B41 reputation S • Direct High Extreme Major
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
4-40
Table 4.6c Associated and Potential Impacts (DECOMMISSIONING)
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
25 Pre- 21, 57, 2, 3, C1 Improve corporate image and promote S • Direct High Positive Positive
decommissioning 66, 6, 58, 41, third party participation • Positive
(25.1 – 25.2) 46, 51, 52, 53, • Short term
54, 55, 63, 64, • Widespread
65, 59 • Reversible
C2 Third party agitation S • Direct High Considerable Major
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
C3 Increased income from opportunities for S • Direct High Positive Positive

employment and contracting • Positive
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
4-41
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
26 Supplies (26.1 1, 7, 8, 12, 14, C4 Opportunities for contracting and S • Direct High Positive Positive
– 26.2) 15, 23, 27, 28, employment • Positive
29, 30, 31, 32, • Short term
33, 34, 38, 49, • Widespread
40, 44, 45, 47, • Reversible
48, 55, 59
C5 Increased cost of living SH • Direct Medium Little Minor
• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
C6 Increased road traffic S
• Negative high
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
C7 Pressure on available food EHS • Direct High Little Moderate

• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-42
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
27 Mobilisation to site 16, 17, 18, 19, C8 Reduction of access to natural ESH • Direct High Hardly any Moderate
(27.1) 5, 20, 22, 25, environment and its resources • Negative
26, 27, 28, 29, • Long term
32, 34, 37, 6, • Local
4, 1, 40, 49, • Reversible
59
C9 Third party agitation • Direct
S • Negative High Considerable Major
• Long term
• Widespread
• Reversible
C10 Increased pressure on available roads S • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate

• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
C11 Increased opportunity for contracting S • Direct Medium Positive Positive

• Positive High
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
4-43
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
28 Dismantling of 9, 11, 13, 14, C12 Increased level of nuisances (sound, ESH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
structure (28.1 – 15, 5, 24, 25, noise, emissions and vibrations etc) • Positive
28.2) 26, 27, 28, 29, • Short term
30, 35, 43, 44, • Widespread
47, 49, 62, 51, • Reversible Major
52, 59. C13 Increased accidents /injuries SH • Direct Medium Extreme
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
C14 Pressure on health care facilities H • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
Third party agitation • Reversible
C15 S • Direct High Great Major
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
Opportunity for contracting, employment • Reversible
C16 and increased income S • Direct High Positive Positive
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
4-44
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
29 Waste generation 8, 12, 13, 14, C17 Contamination of surface water and soil ESH • Direct Medium Great Moderate
(29.1 – 29.3) 15, 16, 18, 5, • Negative
20, 22, 23, 24, • Short term
25, 27, 28, 29, • Widespread
30, 31, 32, 33, • Reversible
34, 37, 38, 58, Habitat disruption
7, 4, 1, 40, 45, C18 ESH • Direct
44, 43, 47, 49, • Negative Medium Considerable Moderate
56, 59
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
Third party agitations
C19 S • Direct Medium Considerable Major
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
4-45
S/N Type
Impact
code
impact
30 Nuisance – Noise 11, 5, 20, 24, C20 Habitat disruption and human ESH • Direct Medium Little Minor
& vibration (30.1) 37, 2, 7, 39, discomfort • Negative
42, 47, 48, 49, • Long term
51, 59 • Local
• Reversible
C21 Pressure on existing health facilities H • Direct Medium Great Moderate
• Negative
• Long term
• Local
Third party agitation • Reversible/Irreversible
C22 S
• Negative
• Long term
• Local
• Reversible
Impairment of hearing
C23 HS • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Irreversible
31 Incidents (31.1 – 9, 12, 1, 14, C24 Contamination of surface water • Direct
31.3) 15, 16, 17, 18, ESH • Negative High Great Major
19, 5, 20, 22, • Long term
23, 24, 25, 27, • Local
28, 29, 30, 31, • Reversible/Irreversible
32, 33, 34, 35,
37, 38, 7, 4, 1,
39, 40, 42, 43,
45, 47, 48, 49,
50, 51, 55, 59
4-46
Table 4.6d Associated and Potential Impacts (FLOWLINES)
S/N Impact Type of

code impact
32 Flowlines 8, 12, D1 Increased vehicular movement and E H S • Direct Medium Little Minor
24, 15, road traffic accidents • Negative
Mobilization (34.1 –34.3) 27, 30, • Short term
31, 33, • Local
34, 36, • Reversible
38, 7, 4, D2 Reduction of soil quality E • Direct
1, 40, • Negative Medium Little Minor
42, 43,
• Short term
45, 47,
• Local
48, 49,
55, 59 • Reversible
D3 Increased pressure on existing SH • Direct
infrastructure (health, housing, • Negative Medium Little Minor
transport, sanitation and waste • Short term
management etc ) due increased • Local
population • Reversible
D4 Increase in employment/ contract S • Direct

opportunities • Positive
• Short term Medium Little Minor
• Local
• Reversible
4-47
S/N Impact Type of

code impact
33 Flowline installation 9, 10, D5 Traditional occupation (farming, S,H • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
(35.1 – 35.6) 11, 12, hunting) could be adversely affected. • Negative
13, 14, • Long term
15, 16, • Local
17, 18, • Reversible/ irreversible
22, 23,
24, 25, Increased erosion of the cleared area • Direct
26, 27, D6
• Negative
28, 29, Medium Considerable Moderate
• Short term
30, 31, E
33, 34, • Local
38, 2, 3, • Reversible
4, 6, 7, Increased access for hunting and
1, 39, logging • Direct
40, 43, D7 E, S • Negative (E)/ Medium Considerable Moderate
44, 45, • Positive (S) (E) (E)
46, 49, • Long term
50, 55, • Local Positive (S) Positive
59 • Reversible (S)
4-48
S/N Impact Type of

code impact
33 Flowline installation 5,8,9, D8 Third party agitation S, H • Direct Medium Great Major
(35.1 – 35.6) 10, 11, • Negative high
12, 13, • Short term
14, 15, • Local
18, 19,
20, 22,
23, 24, • Direct
25, 26, D9 Opportunities for employment S,H • Positive High Positive Positive
27, 28,
• Short term
29, 30,
• Widespread
31,32,
38, 2, 3,
4, 6, 7,
1, 39,
40,41,
43, 44, D10 Nuisance (noise, emissions,
45, 46, vibrations) from heavy machinery, ESH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
47,49, heat and radiation from welding and • Negative high
50, 55, NDT testing. • Short term
56,59 • Local
• Reversible
4-49
S/N Impact Type of

code impact
34 Decommissioning 9, 10, D11 Increased pressure on health care SH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
(34.1) 11, 1, facilities • Negative
20, 28, • Short term
30, 31, • Local
39, 40, D12 Increased accidents and injuries SH • Direct Medium Great Moderate
41, 63, • Negative
44, 51,
• Long term
53, 54,
• Local
55, 59
D13 Contamination of soils and surface • Irreversible
water EH • Direct Medium Great Moderate
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
D14 Deterioration of air quality from dust • Reversible
generation ESH • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
• Negative
• Short term
• Widespread
• Reversible
D15 Pressure on road transport S • Direct Medium Considerable Moderate
• Negative
• Short term
• Local
• Reversible
4-50
Chapter Four Associated and Potential Environmental I
4.4.3 List of identified impacts

The negative and positive impacts identified for the different phases of the
WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field are listed as follows:
Mobilization Phase
• Pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities.
• Enhanced opportunities for employment, contracting, services and income.
• Increased pressure on available/existing infrastructure (health, housing, recreational,
educational, transport and waste management facilities) due to increased population.
• Increased social vices, drug abuse, commercial sex workers (CSW), teenage
pregnancies, etc.
• Increased third party agitation.
• Increased cost of living/inflation.
• Nuisances (noise, emission, vibrations) from heavy machinery.
• Increased potential for accidents and injuries.
Construction/Drilling/Flowline Phases
• Pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities.
• Enhanced opportunities for employment, contracting, services and income.
• Increased pressure on available/existing infrastructure (health, housing, recreational,
educational, transport and waste management facilities) due to increased population.
• Destruction of vegetation (medicinal, economic and food).
• Increased erosion of the cleared area/alteration of topography.
• Loss of habitat for wildlife.
• Increased social vices, drug abuse, commercial sex workers (CSW), teenage
pregnancies, etc.
• Increased cost of living/inflation.
• Increased level of disease vectors.
• Exposure of field workers/community members to attack by poisonous snakes, bees,
spiders, scorpions/other wildlife and contact with poisonous plants.
• Shift from traditional occupations (farming, hunting).
• Nuisances (noise, emission, vibrations) from heavy machinery.
• Reduction of soil quality.
• Increase in population leading to diffusion of culture and tradition.
• Consequence on corporate reputation.
• Impairment of air quality.
• Increased morbidity and mortality rates.
• Decreased quality/loss of habitat.
• Increased potential for accidents and injuries.
• Improved access to electricity.
• Enhancement of development.
Operations Phase
• Increased opportunities for employment/contracting, services and income.
• Pressure on available food and existing infrastructure (health, recreational,
educational, housing facilities).
• Increased social vices, (drug abuse, CSW and teenage pregnancies).
• Impairment of air quality.
• Increased morbidity and mortality.
• Contamination of surface water.
• Shift from traditional occupations.
• Increased level of disease vectors (mosquitoes, rats, cockroaches, flies etc.).
4-53
• Increased potential for road accidents.

• Nuisance (noise and emissions).
• Effect on corporate reputation.
Decommissioning
• Improved corporate image and third party participation.
• Loss of jobs and third party agitation.
• Pressure on transportation.
• Increased opportunity for employment, contracting, income and service
provision.
• Increased levels of nuisance (sound, dust, vibration, emissions etc.).
• Pressure on available water, food and existing infrastructure.
• Increased accidents/injuries and morbidity.
• Decreased access to electricity and communication facilities.
• Contamination of surface water, soil and vegetation from handling of hazardous
substances and materials.
4.5 Description of Impacts

The impacts outlined above for the four phases (Mobilization, construction including
drilling, operations, decommissioning) of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field are discussed
as follows.
4.5.1 Mobilization Phase
4.5.1.1 Pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities
Water supply could be required for human consumption during mobilisation activities. The
additional water required could lead to pressure on available water and thus result to
scarcity. This could induce unhygienic habits with its consequent effects on morbidity and
mortality rate, and might lead to third party agitation. This impact was described as direct,
negative, short term, local and reversible, with a rating of moderate.
• Opportunities for contracting

The use of indigenous contractors for water supply will enhance the income of the service
providers and labour force. This will provide opportunities for small and medium
enterprises. This impact was rated as positive.
• Pressure on existing infrastructure

The workers required for project activities could lead to increase in overall population of
the communities. Population increase due to influx of workers and other migrants could
lead to overcrowding and its consequent pressure on existing healthcare, social and
infrastructural facilities. The impact was described as direct, negative, short-term, local
and reversible and was rated as moderate.
• Increased social vices

The presence of migrant workers could lead to increase in social vices such as attraction
of CSW, alcohol and drug abuse, crime rate and smoking. The increase in CSWs and
workforce without their spouses could lead to increase in sexually transmitted infections
(STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and teenage pregnancies. The impact was described as
direct, negative, short-term/long-term, local/widespread and reversible/irreversible. It was
rated as moderate.
• Third party agitation

Supply of labour could attract third party agitation involving inter- and intra communal
conflicts and human rights issues. The impact was described as direct, negative, short-
term, local and reversible with an overall rating of moderate.
4-54
• Increase in cost of living/inflation

The increase in population caused by influx of people could overstretch available food
supplies, healthcare and other social facilities such as housing, water and power supply.
The shortage of these goods and services could result in increase in cost of living and
attendant inflation. This impact was direct, negative, short term, local and reversible. It
was rated as moderate.
• Nuisance (noise, emissions, vibration) from heavy machinery

The movement of heavy equipment required for this project could result in nuisance in
form of noise, emission and vibration, which might impair air quality, hearing and health.
Nuisance of this nature could lead to third party agitation and impinge on company
reputation. This impact was described as direct, negative, short-term, local and reversible
and rated as moderate.
• Increased potential for road traffic accidents

The mobilization phase could lead to increased road traffic due to supplies and personnel
movement. This could result in the likelihood of increased road traffic accidents. This
impact is direct, negative, short term, local and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
4.6 Construction/Drilling/Flowline Phases
• Pressure on available water for domestic use and other water related activities
Water supply could be required for human consumption and construction activities. The
large volume of water required during construction could lead to pressure on available
water for domestic and other water related activities. The pressure could lead to scarcity of
water, which could induce unhygienic habits with its consequent effects on morbidity and
mortality rate, and might lead to third party agitation. This impact was described as direct,
negative, short term, local and reversible, with a rating of moderate.
• Opportunities for contracting and employment

Supply of materials for the execution of the various activities could lead to increased
opportunities for contracting, supplies and employment. This could lead to enhanced level
of income and financial flow thereby contributing to poverty alleviation. Contracting and
related activities could affect traditional occupations such as farming, fishing and hunting.
Inequity of opportunities could lead to third party agitation. This impact was direct, short-
term and widespread. It was rated positive.
• Pressure on existing infrastructure

The workers required for construction activities could lead to increase in overall
population of the communities. Population increase due to the workers and other migrants
could lead to overcrowding and its consequent pressure on existing social amenities. The
impact was described as direct, negative, short-term, local and reversible and was rated
as moderate.
• Destruction of vegetation (medicinal, economic and food)

Clearing of vegetation for the various project activities could result in the destruction of
indigenous plant communities in the proposed project area. It could lead to the loss of
economic, medicinal and food crops. This impact was direct, negative, long term, local and
irreversible. The impact rating was moderate.
• Loss of habitat for wildlife

Site clearing could also result in the destruction of the habitat for wildlife. The type of
wildlife in the project area as shown in Chapter 3. Destruction and fragmentation of their
habitat could disperse wildlife into surrounding area, thereby exposing them to danger of
4-55
attack and/or capture. This could further threaten the population of endangered species.
The impact was direct, negative, long term, local, and irreversible. The overall rating was
moderate.

The presence of workers and associated migrants during this phase of the project could
lead to an increase in social vices such as attraction of CSW, alcohol and drug abuse,
crime rate and smoking. The increase in CSWs and workforce without their spouses could
lead to increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and teenage
pregnancies. The impact was described as direct, negative, short-term/long-term,
local/widespread and reversible/irreversible. It was rated as moderate.

term, local and reversible with an overall rating of moderate
• Increase in cost of living/inflation

This project phase will definitely attract various kinds of workers and associated migrants
into the area. The attendant increase in population caused by the influx of people could
overstretch available food supplies, healthcare and other social facilities such as housing,
water and power supply. The shortage of these goods and services could result in
increase in cost of living and attendant inflation. This impact was direct, negative, short
term, local and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Increased level of disease vectors

Wastes generated during this phase, if not disposed of in a sanitary manner, could
constitute suitable habitats for some disease vectors such as mosquitoes, rodents,
cockroaches, houseflies etc. The diseases they transmit could cause increased morbidity
and/or mortality. This impact was direct, negative, short term, local, reversible and rated
moderate.
• Exposure of fieldworkers to attack by snakes, bees, spiders, scorpions/other

wildlife and contact with poisonous plants
The biota of the project area included some dangerous animals (snakes, scorpions, bees
etc) and plants e.g. Mucuna sp (Devil’s bean). Field workers engaged in vegetation
clearing could be exposed to attack by these animals and contact with the plants. These
may result in injuries, poisoning and death. The impact was described as direct, negative,
short-term, local, reversible or irreversible. The overall rating was moderate.
• Shift from traditional occupations

The project would create new jobs and opportunities for employment. The local population
are likely going to opt for these new jobs thereby leading to change in their traditional
occupations such as arable farming, hunting and lumbering.The impact was described as
direct, negative, long-term, local and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Nuisance (noise, emissions, vibration) from heavy machinery

The use of heavy equipment at this phase of the project could result in nuisance in form of
noise, emission and vibration, which might impair air quality, hearing and health. Nuisance
of this nature could lead to third party agitation and impinge on company reputation. This
impact was described as direct, negative, short-term, local and reversible and rated as
moderate.
4-56
• Reduction of soil quality

The proposed project area is characterized by heavy rainfall. Clearing of vegetation,
movement of heavy equipment and human traffic along the right of way could impact on
the soil quality. This would lead to erosion, leaching and nutrient loss from the soil surface.
Laying of, flowlines involves the excavation of soil, installation of flowlines and backfilling
with dug out soil. These activities could destroy the habitat of soil dwelling organisms or
displace them from their natural habitats. The implication of this is that the soil could
become nutrient deficient because some of these organisms are responsible for the
breakdown of complex organic matter in the soil. These impacts were assessed as direct,
negative, short term, local and reversible. They were rated as moderate.
• Increase in population leading to cultural erosion

The workers and other migrants could include those who are from diverse cultural
traditions and religious backgrounds. Cultural erosion could affect the values of the
traditional society and lead to vices such as drug and alcohol abuse, promiscuity, spread
of STIs and decline in moral values. This impact was direct, negative, short term, local and
reversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Consequence on corporate reputation

The issues that could adversely affect corporate reputation during this phase include:
Inadequate consultation with stakeholders (government, communities, NGOs, CBOs etc)

Failure to implement MOU.
These issues could lead to third party agitation and have adverse effect on corporate
image, thereby impinging on the social licence to operate. This impact was described as
indirect, negative, long term, widespread and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Impairment of air quality

The use of heavy equipment during this phase of the project could cause the release of
noxious substances such as SPM, COx, SOx, NOx, HCs, leading to impairment of air
quality. The impact was described as direct, negative, short term, widespread and
• Increased morbidity and mortality rates

The use of heavy equipment, welding, drilling and flowline installation could result in
injuries and fatalities, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. These could exert
pressure on healthcare facilities. The impact was described as direct, negative, long term,
local and irreversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Decreased quality of habitat (biodiversity)

Suspended particulate matter dispersed into the atmosphere could settle on the surface of
leaves of plants and reduce their gaseous exchange capacity and photosynthetic ability.
This could lead to reduction in the productivity of the plant population. Leaves covered by
SPM when consumed, could pose health hazard to animal life. The overall effect could be
deterioration of the habitat and alteration of its biodiversity. The impact was assessed as
direct, negative, long term, local and reversible. It was rated as moderate
• Increased potential for road traffic accidents

The use of heavy equipment and procurement of materials to maintain workers at the site
during this phase of the project could lead to increased road traffic. This could result in the
likelihood of increased road traffic accidents. This impact is direct, negative, short term,
local and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
4-57
• Improved access to electricity

Electricity generated during the construction, drilling and operation phases could be
extended to host communities. The impact was direct, short term, local and reversible and
was rated as positive.
• Enhancement of development
The effort of SPDC towards implementing the MOUs for this project will accelerate
development through the provision of infrastructural facilities, which could boost the local
economy. The impact was rated positive.
4.7 Operations Phase

• Opportunities for contracting and employment
Supply of materials for the operation phase could lead to increased opportunities for
contracting, supplies and employment. This could lead to enhanced level of income and
financial flow thereby contributing to poverty alleviation. Contracting and related activities
could affect traditional occupations such as farming, fishing and hunting. Inequity of
opportunities could lead to third party agitation. This impact was direct, short-term and
widespread. It was rated positive.
• Pressure on available food and existing infrastructure

The workers required for project activities could lead to increase in overall population of
the communities. Population increase due to influx of workers and other migrants could
lead to overcrowding and its consequent pressure on existing food, healthcare, social and
infrastructural facilities. The impact was described as direct, negative, short-term, local
and reversible and was rated as moderate.

The presence of workers and associated migrants during this phase of the project could
lead to an increase in social vices such as attraction of CSW, alcohol and drug abuse,
crime rate and smoking. The increase in CSWs and workforce without their spouses could
lead to increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS, and teenage
pregnancies. The impact was described as direct, negative, short-term/long-term,
local/widespread and reversible/irreversible. It was rated as moderate.

term, local and reversible with an overall rating of moderate
• Impairment of air quality

The use of heavy equipment during this phase of the project could cause the release of
noxious substances such as SPM, COx, SOx, NOx, HCs, leading to impairment of air
quality. The impact was described as direct, negative, short term, widespread and
• Increased morbidity and mortality rates

The use of heavy equipment during the operations phase could result in injuries and
fatalities, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality rates. These could exert pressure on
healthcare facilities. The impact was described as direct, negative, long term, local and
irreversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Contamination of surface water quality

Effluents from the operational activities of the project could contaminate surface water,
thereby altering its quality. The impact was described as direct, negative, short term,
widespread and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
4-58
• Shift from traditional occupations

The project would create new jobs and opportunities for employment. The local population
are likely going to opt for these new jobs thereby leading to change in their traditional
occupations such as arable farming, hunting and lumbering. The impact was described as
direct, negative, long-term, local and reversible. It was rated as moderate.
• Increased level of disease vectors

Wastes generated during the operations phase of the project, if not disposed of in a
sanitary manner, could constitute suitable habitats for some disease vectors such as
mosquitoes, rodents, cockroaches, houseflies etc. The diseases they transmit could cause
increased morbidity and/or mortality. This impact was direct, negative, short term, local,
reversible and rated moderate.
• Increased accidents and injuries

Accidents resulting in injuries/fatalities could occur during operational activities. They
could exert pressure on emergency services, and healthcare facilities. The impact was
described as direct, negative, short/long term, local, reversible / irreversible (if fatal). It
• Nuisance (noise and emissions)

Operational activities including use of generators, high-pressure pumps and air
compressors could generate nuisance in form of noise and emissions. This could impair
air quality, hearing and general health. Nuisance of this nature could lead to third party
agitation and impinge on company reputation. This impact was described as direct,
negative, short-term, local and reversible and rated as moderate.
• Effect on corporate reputation

Issues such as inadequate consultation with stakeholders (government, communities,
NGOs, CBOs etc) and failure to implement MOU, could lead to third party agitation and
have adverse effect on corporate image. This could affect the ‘Social Licence to Operate’.
This impact was described as indirect, negative, long term, widespread and reversible. It
4.8 Decommissioning
The expected life span of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field (gas well, flowlines, gas
plant) is 25 years after which decommissioning would take place. It will involve the
dismantling and removal of structures. The associated impacts are:
• Improves corporate image and promotes third party participation

Consultations with various strata in the communities, gender, religious bodies, ethnic
groups, labour groups, human rights groups, NGOs, regulators, governments, CBOs, etc,
would enlighten the various stakeholders about the process. This could improve the
corporate image of the company and promote third party participation in the process. The
impact of consultation is positive, direct, short term, widespread and reversible.
• Loss of jobs and third party agitation

Decommissioning could involve disengagement of staff (permanent and temporary).
Labour issues could arise. Local economy could become depressed and dissatisfaction
could arise. Third party agitation could set in. The impact was described as negative,
direct, short term, widespread, and reversible and rated moderate.
• Pressure on transportation
4-59
The need for vehicles during demobilization would put pressure on available means of
land transportation The impact was described as negative, direct, short term, local and
reversible and was rated major.
• Opportunities for contracting

The supply of food and materials/tools and hiring of trucks etc for transportation of various
items and personnel during demobilization would provide opportunities for contracting and
increased income generation. The impact was positive, direct, short term, widespread and
reversible
• Nuisance (noise, vibrations, dust and emissions)

The use of heavy machinery for the transportation (of goods, materials and personnel) and
demolition activities during decommissioning could generate nuisance in form of noise,
dust, emissions, vibrations and other noxious substances, which might impair air quality,
health, safety and security. Nuisance of this nature could also lead to third party agitation
and impinge on company reputation. This impact was described as negative, direct, short
term, widespread and reversible. It was rated moderate.
• Pressure on available water, food and infrastructure

The increase in population that could occur as a result of the workers needed for
demolition activities could put pressure on available food, water, housing, healthcare and
other social facilities. The impact was described as negative, direct, short term, local and
reversible and was rated as moderate.
• Increased accidents/injuries
During dismantling of structures, the potential for accidents resulting in injuries could be
high. The resultant effect would increase pressure on healthcare facilities. The impact was
described as negative, direct, short term, local and reversible and was rated as moderate.
• Decreased access to electricity and communication facilities

The host communities who were deriving some benefits from electricity and
communication facilities may be deprived of them. The impact was described as direct,
negative, short term, local, reversible and rated moderate.
• Contamination of surface water, soil, vegetation and disturbance of terrestrial

life
The wastes generated from dismantling/demolition activities could consist of domestic,
industrial, and possibly hazardous substances and materials, which would require proper
management. The wastes would be sorted at source and sent for reuse or recycling.
Improper handling could result in the contamination of surface water (household water),
soil and vegetation. If the contaminants are hazardous substances and materials, they
could be toxic to plants, animals and man. The impact was described as negative, direct,
short/long term, local and reversible. It was rated moderate.
4-60
Chapter Five Mitigation Measures
CHAPTER FIVE
MITIGATION MEASURES
5.1 Introduction
The impact magnitude and significance as shown in chapter four were used in the evaluation of
mitigation measures for the impacts of the proposed WDGSP/ WAGP at Oben Field.
Mitigation measures were provided for those impacts rated as moderate and major. The mitigation
measures proffered are intended to reduce the severity of identified negative (moderate/major)
impacts and enhance the positive (beneficial) effects. The residual impacts that could arise despite
the mitigation measures are discussed. The proposed mitigation measures for the potential impacts
associated with the different phases of the project along with the residual impacts are provided for in
the Environmental Management Plan.
The mitigation measures suggested for the predicted environmental impacts from the project took
cognizance of:
Environmental Laws in Nigeria, with emphasis on permissible limits for waste streams {FEPA
(1991) now FMEnv, EGASPIN (2002)};
Best available technology for sustainable development;
Feasibility of application of the measures in Nigeria;
Social well being, etc.
The mitigation measures for the various phases of the project are contained in Table 5.1:
5-1
Table 5.1: Proposed Mitigation Measures

Project Phase Activity Potential Impact Rating Mitigation Rating
before after
mitigation mitigation
Pre- mob/ Movement of goods Increase in road traffic volume M SPDC shall ensure all vehicles are pre- L
Mobilization Equipment & personnel and risk of accidents/injuries mobbed and certified
Visible warning signs shall be placed on
roads and vehicles
SPDC shall ensure all drivers undergo
the defensive driving course and are
certified
Vehicle monitoring and communication
devices shall be installed in project
vehicles
SPDC shall ensure journey
management and no night driving policy
are adhered to
SPDC shall ensure compulsory medical
fitness test for all drivers
Increased risk of injury/fatality of M Workers shall use appropriate PPE L
workforce SPDC shall ensure first aid box on site
and emergency response and
medrescue/medevac are in place
Toolbox meetings shall be held before
the start of daily tasks
Awareness shall be created among site
workers on the likelihood of exposure to
poisonous wildlife & plants
Trained first aiders shall form part of the
workforce (1:25)
Third party agitation H SPDC shall identify and address M
stakeholder legacy issues
SPDC shall sustain consultation with
relevant stakeholders throughout the
5-2

before after
projects lifespan
SPDC shall ensure effective
liaison/communication with communities
is maintained through the community
relations officers
Construction Site preparation/ Population increase due to influx H SPDC shall ensure access control is L
vegetation clearing of persons implemented at work site
SPDC shall ensure health awareness
campaigns are conducted for workforce
on the risks of STIs from the services of
CSWs to discourage patronage
SPDC shall ensure sourcing of relevant
workforce from host communities.
SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements
Lay-down area Opportunity for contracting and M SPDC shall encourage the use of host L
preparation employment community-based contractors
workforce from host communities
SPDC shall ensure access control is
implemented at work site
SPDC shall ensure compliance with all
HSE policies and standards
Gas well Spills, blow-outs and wastes M SPDC shall comply with specifications L
and guidelines
Flowlines construction Accidents, injuries, third party H SPDC shall ensure safe work practices M
agitations, habitat loss and social SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements
vices SPDC shall ensure that effective
5-3

before after
relations officers
SPDC shall use the existing ROW
SPDC shall ensure that awareness
campaigns are conducted to enlighten
field workers on the implications of
alcohol/drug abuse, unprotected sex,
prostitution and the need to sustain
cultural values and low profile lifestyle
Condoms shall be made available at
the site clinic for workers
Alcohol consumption & recreational
drugs use shall be prohibited on site
Waste generation Soil, water contamination, M SPDC shall comply with waste
(Emissions, effluents & impairment of air quality management specifications and
solids) guidelines (especially with regards to
the discharges into the environment)
SPDC shall deploy best practice and
cleaner technologies that ensures
emission reduction
Power supply Noise, fumes, third party M SPDC shall deploy best practice and L
agitations cleaner technologies that ensures
emission reduction
projects lifespan
Workers shall use appropriate PPE
Decommissioning Increase in vehicular traffic, risk M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
of accident and third party journey management procedures
agitations SPDC shall ensure effective
5-4

before after
relations officers
Operations Maintenance and re- Waste generation, biodiversity M SPDC shall comply with waste L
clearing of flowlines loss, accidents and incidents management guidelines & procedures
ROW SPDC shall ensure that vegetation
clearing is limited to ROW
SPDC shall ensure the use of
appropriate PPE
Supplies (water, food, Increase in vehicular movement, M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
materials, chemicals, road traffic accident, pressure on journey management procedures
etc.) existing water and food stocks SPDC shall ensure that there is traffic
and third party agitation control at strategic locations along the
route
SPDC shall encourage the use of host
community-based contractors
SPDC shall ensure that effective
relations officers
Energy requirements Noise, fumes, third party M SPDC shall deploy best practice and L
agitations cleaner technologies that ensures
emission reduction
projects lifespan
Labour requirements Third party agitations, increase in M SPDC shall ensure effective L
social vices, pressure on liaison/communication with communities
infrastructure is maintained through the community
relations officers
5-5

before after
workforce from host communities.
SPDC shall ensure appropriate
enlightenment and access control
SPDC shall ensure that adequate
infrastructural facilities are provided to
meet the demand.
Waste generation Soil, water contamination, M SPDC shall comply with waste L
emission reduction
Decommissioning Inventorization & Third party agitation M SPDC shall ensure effective L
consultation liaison/communication with communities
relations officers
SPDC shall ensure appropriate
enlightenment and access control
Supplies (water, food, Increase in vehicular movement, M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
materials, chemicals, road traffic accident, pressure on journey management procedures
etc.) existing water and food stocks SPDC shall ensure that there is traffic
and third party agitation control at strategic locations along the
route
5-6

before after
relations officers
Transport & logistics Increase in vehicular movement, M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
road traffic accident, and third journey management procedures
party agitation SPDC shall ensure that there is traffic
control at strategic locations along the
route
relations officers
Dismantling & packaging Accidents & injuries, opportunity M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
for contracting and employment, appropriate work procedure and HSE
thirty party agitation guidelines
relations officers
SPDC shall deploy appropriate
technology in dismantling and
packaging.
Waste generation Soil, water contamination, M SPDC shall comply with waste L
5-7

before after
emission reduction
Flowline Movement of goods Increase in road traffic volume M SPDC shall ensure all vehicles are pre- L
construction Equipment & personnel and risk of accidents/injuries mobbed and certified
Visible warning signs shall be placed on
roads and vehicles
SPDC shall ensure all drivers undergo
the defensive driving course and are
certified
Vehicle monitoring and communication
devices shall be installed in project
vehicles
SPDC shall ensure journey
management and no night driving policy
are adhered to
SPDC shall ensure compulsory medical
fitness test for all drivers
Lay-down area Opportunity for contracting and M SPDC shall encourage the use of host L
preparation employment community-based contractors
workforce from host communities
Excavation, removal of Accidents, injuries, third party H SPDC shall ensure safe work practices M
old flowlines and laying agitations, habitat loss and social SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements
of new flowlines vices SPDC shall ensure that effective
5-8

before after
relations officers
SPDC shall ensure awareness
campaigns are conducted to enlighten
field workers on the implications of
alcohol/drug abuse, unprotected sex,
prostitution and the need to sustain
cultural values and low profile lifestyle
Condoms shall be made available at
the site clinic for workers
Alcohol consumption & recreational
drugs use shall be prohibited on site
Welding Accidents & injuries, M SPDC shall ensure safe work practices L
NDT testing of welds Exposure to radiation M SPDC shall ensure compliance with all L
SPDC shall ensure safe work practices
Hydrotesting Effluent discharge, injuries M SPDC shall ensure compliance with all L
SPDC shall ensure safe work practices
SPDC shall ensure compliance with
waste management guidelines for
effluents
Flushing of gas line Increase in potential for soil and M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
water contamination waste management guidelines for
effluents
Decommissioning Increase in vehicular traffic, risk M SPDC shall ensure compliance with L
of accident and third party journey management procedures
5-9

before after
agitations SPDC shall ensure effective
relations officers
5-10
5.2 Residual Impacts after Mitigation Measures
5.2.1 Community Unrest

Baseline
Widespread youth restiveness is uncommon in the project area. However, issues about
employment, supplies, contracts and MOUs if not well managed would likely elicit community
unrest.
Mitigation
As a mitigation measure, SPDC shall establish and maintain channels of communication with the
communities during all phases of the project.
Furthermore, SPDC shall require contractors to hire local labour where feasible. SPDC shall also
ensure that its contractors adopt transparent approaches in matters of employment.
SPDC shall also honour all MOU items agreed with the local communities.
From the foregoing, the impact rating should drop from medium to low, since it is impossible to
completely eliminate all sources of community disagreements in a project such as this.
5.2.2 Influx of People

The influx of labour and camp followers is anticipated to increase the pressure on services and
infrastructure. Currently these facilities are inadequate and further pressure on them if not well
managed could lead to further deterioration.
Mitigation
Contractors shall provide adequate accommodation with standard facilities to their migrant
workforce to reduce anticipated pressure on community facilities. Medical facilities (clinic) and
emergency rescue and medrescue/medevac procedures shall be provided at the worksites.
The impact is considered to be of medium significance, but following mitigation, it should drop to
low. It will not be eliminated completely because some of the workers may want to remain to seek
employment in the gas plant.
5.2.3 Increase in Cost of Living / Inflation

The cost of living is likely to be high as a result of rise in income and economic activities. The
attendant inflation will cut across all phases of the project to varying degrees.
Mitigation
SPDC shall support skills development and sustainable economic enhancement of the local
communities through training, complemented by formation of cooperatives and introduction of
micro-credit schemes where these have been identified during a PRA exercise.
Inflation is of medium significance and after mitigation it will drop to low. This is because at the end
of the project activities, it is expected that the local economy will stabilise. Also it is likely that those
that acquired skills may migrate to other areas in search of better opportunities. Furthermore,
inflation is a national phenomenon and responds to other factors that originate outside the project
area.
5.2.4 Increase in Social Vices

With an influx of migrant workers of diverse characters, there is the potential for an increase in
social vices such as stealing, drug abuse, alcoholism and sexual promiscuity.
5-12
Mitigation
SPDC shall carry out sustained campaigns to raise awareness and achieve behaviour modification
amongst the workforce. SPDC shall also enforce the alcohol and drug policy of the company at all
her worksites. Access control shall also be maintained at the work and campsites.
The rating after mitigation will drop from medium to low and not completely eliminated since
behaviour change is a difficult process.
5.3 Enhancing Positive Impacts
5.3.1 Job Creation

This project is expected to create jobs during different phases. There will be opportunities for both
skilled and unskilled employment. It is also expected that most of the local workers will acquire
relevant skill during the various project phases.
To enhance job creation opportunities throughout the life of the project, SPDC shall ensure the
participation of contractors from host communities.
Also, SPDC shall promote the acquisition/ improvement of skills that will better equip the members
of the host communities and enhance their chances for better employment elsewhere.
5.3.2 Business / Economic Opportunities

Movement of the workforce during the different project phases will increase local economic and
business activities, especially for food vendors, retailers, transporters, etc. This will promote
entrepreneurship and income generation capabilities of the local populace.
To sustain stable economic growth, SPDC shall support the local economy through its various
economic empowerment programmes.
5.3.3 Reduction in Gas Flaring

Currently in SPDC, the amount of gas that is flared is approx. 601 mmscf/d. SPDC intends to utilise
90 mmscf/d of gas in this project. This will contribute towards achieving the reduction in routine gas
flaring.
To enhance this positive impact, SPDC shall continue to pursue the expansion of the gas market in
the country and the West African sub-region.
5.3.4 Increase in Revenue to Government and SPDC

In this project, SPDC shall supply 90 mmscf/d of gas for sale to the domestic and West African
market.
Given the increasing demand for cleaner fuels and concerns for the environment, there is likely to
be a steady rise in gas utilisation in the future. This will create the opportunity for increased revenue
for both SPDC and Government, especially if facilities are upgraded and more gas development
projects are executed. This project will also offer SPDC the opportunity to improve the quality of gas
and enhance its commercial value.
5-13
Chapter Six Environmental Management Plan
CHAPTER SIX
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
6.1 Introduction
The environmental concerns in an EIA must be properly managed. The tool for achieving this is the
incorporation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) into the EIA to ensure future
compliance with legislation, good environmental performance and integration of environmental
issues into project decision. The EMP provides the means of assessing the accuracy of the
predicted project impacts and the monitoring of the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation
measures contained in the EIA report. The EMP should therefore indicate how the environmental
concerns highlighted in the EIA would be managed.
The anticipated impacts of the proposed project, corresponding mitigation measures, residual
impact rating, action party, timing, parameter to be monitored and monitoring frequency are
provided in the Environmental Management Plan (Tables 6.1) for construction, drilling, flowlines,
operations and decommissioning activities.
6.2 Environmental Monitoring

The FMEnv and DPR guidelines require an environmental monitoring plan as part of an EIA. The
aim of the monitoring programme is to ensure that the negative environmental impacts already
identified in this EIA are effectively mitigated in the design, construction, drilling, flowlines
installation, operations and decommissioning stages of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field. It also
instills confidence in the host communities, the proponent of the project (SPDC) and regulatory
bodies that the identified impacts shall be adequately mitigated. Environmental monitoring of the
project is therefore advocated in order to ensure that the mitigation processes put in place have
adequately taken care of the predicted impacts. This will necessitate establishing programmes to
address the following:
• alteration to the biological, chemical, physical, social and health characteristics of the recipient
environment;
• alterations in the interactions between project activities and environmental sensitivities, and
interactions among the various sensitivities;
• determination of long term and residual effects;
• identification of project specific cumulative environmental effects.
The detailed plan to monitor the effectiveness of the proffered mitigation measures are provided in
the EMP Tables below.
6.3 Hazards and Effects Management Process (HEMP)

The management of hazards and effects of activities is central to effective Project Environmental
Management. Hazard and Effect Management Process (HEMP) ensures that hazards and potential
effects are fully evaluated. Environmental Impact Assessment emphasizes the Hazards and Effects
Management Process. The four stages of the process as applied in Environmental Management
are:
• Identify hazards associated with project activity and the environment;
• Assess hazards and effects through assessment of magnitude and significance of the hazards
and effects;
• Control hazards and effects, through implementing techniques to eliminate, lessen severity of
effects, and manage the hazard;
• Recover from effects by developing plans to manage the consequences of events.
The above form the fundamental principles of the management and control of environmental
impacts and effects in the EIA process. The impacts are enumerated based on hazard identification,
risk assessment and application of preventive measures. Figure 6.1 shows the details of the Hazard
6-1
and Effect Management Process. This process will be fully incorporated in the Environmental
Management Plan of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben.
Identify Hazards Characterise Receiving

Environment
Identify
Evaluate Effects and

Hazardous Events
Evaluate Threats to
Are they Control Techniques
significant?
Yes Is Control
Practicable?
No
Assess
Monitor Yes
Implement Control
Techniques No
Control
Develop Corrective
Action Systems
Recover
Fig. 6.1 Hazard and Effect Management Process
6-2
6.4 Safety and Hazard Identification

The aim of managing the HSE risks associated with a system is to reduce them to a level ‘As Low
As Reasonably Practicable’ (ALARP). The objectives for assessing these risks are to:
• Eliminate the hazard;
• Reduce the probability of hazardous events occurring;
• Minimize the consequences, in the events occurring.
The activities involved in the construction/drilling/flowline installation/operation/ decommissioning

phases of the proposed project are essentially: site preparation, construction (contractors camps,
flowlines, drilling of gas well), power generation, maintenance of facilities during operations,
dismantling of abandoned structures and waste management. The associated HSE risks were
considered and addressed.
6-3
Table 6.1 Environmental Management Plan for the various activities in the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field
Project Potential Impact Rating Actio Description of Mitigation Residual Responsib Timing Parameter Monitoring
Phase/Activ before n Ref. impact ility for frequency
ity mitigatio rating monitorin
n g
Pre- SPDC shall ensure all vehicles are pre-mobbed and L SPDC During Journey Monthly
mob/ certified mobilizatio manageme
Visible warning signs shall be placed on roads and n nt, site
Mobiliza vehicles report,
tion SPDC shall ensure all drivers undergo the defensive equipment
driving course and are certified certification
Movement of Increase in road traffic M Vehicle monitoring and communication devices shall & IVMS
goods volume and risk of be installed in project vehicles reports
Equipment accidents/injuries SPDC shall ensure journey management and no night
& personnel driving policy are adhered to
SPDC shall ensure compulsory medical fitness test
for all drivers
Increased risk of M Workers shall use appropriate PPE L SPDC During Site report Monthly
injury/fatality of SPDC shall ensure first aid box on site and mobilisatio
workforce emergency response and medrescue/medevac are in n
place
Toolbox meetings shall be held before the start of
daily tasks
Awareness shall be created among site workers on
the likelihood of exposure to poisonous wildlife &
plants
Trained first aiders shall form part of the workforce
(1:25)
Third party agitation H SPDC shall identify and address stakeholder M SPDC During Community Monthly
legacy issues mobilisatio engageme
SPDC shall sustain consultation with relevant n nt & CLO
stakeholders throughout the projects lifespan reports
liaison/communication with communities is
maintained through the community relations
officers
6-4
n g

Constructio
n
Site Population increase due M SPDC shall ensure access control is implemented L SPDC During Commun Quarterly
preparation/ to influx of persons at work site constructio ity
vegetation SPDC shall ensure health awareness n & site engagem
clearing campaigns are conducted for workforce on the preparation ent
risks of STIs from the services of CSWs to report
discourage patronage Site
SPDC shall ensure sourcing of relevant inspectio
workforce from host communities. n reports
Lay-down Opportunity for Positive SPDC shall encourage the use of host Positive SPDC During Contract Quarterly
area contracting and community-based contractors constructio documents/
preparation employment SPDC shall ensure sourcing of relevant n register or
workforce from host communities list of
SPDC shall ensure access control is community
implemented at work site members
SPDC shall ensure compliance with all HSE employed
policies and standards
Gas well Spills, blow-outs and M SPDC shall comply with specifications and L SPDC During Waste Quarterly
wastes guidelines constructio consignme
SPDC shall ensure access control is n nt note &
implemented at work site site
inspection/
audit
reports
Flowlines Accidents, injuries, third H SPDC shall ensure safe work practices M SPDC During Site Quarterly
construction party agitations, SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements constructio incident &
reduction of soil quality SPDC shall ensure that effective n CLO
and social vices liaison/communication with communities is reports
officers
6-5
n g
SPDC shall ensure awareness campaigns are
conducted to enlighten field workers on the
implications of alcohol/drug abuse, unprotected
sex, prostitution and the need to sustain cultural
values and low profile lifestyle
Condoms shall be made available at the site clinic
for workers
Alcohol consumption & recreational drugs use
shall be prohibited on site
Waste Soil, water M SPDC shall comply with waste management L SPDC During Field in situ Monthly
generation contamination, specifications and guidelines (especially with constructio report and
(Emissions, impairment of air quality regards to the discharges into the environment) n field site
effluents & SPDC shall deploy best practice and cleaner inspection
solids) technologies that ensures emission reduction report
Power Noise, fumes, third M SPDC shall deploy best practice and cleaner L SPDC During HI report Weekly
supply party agitations technologies that ensures emission reduction constructio (HIR) &
SPDC shall sustain consultation with relevant n CLO report
stakeholders throughout the projects lifespan
Decommissi Increase in vehicular M SPDC shall ensure compliance with journey L SPDC During IVMS Monthly
oning traffic, risk of accident management procedures constructio report &
and third party SPDC shall ensure effective n CLO report
agitations liaison/communication with communities is
officers
Operations
Maintenance Waste generation, M SPDC shall comply with waste management L SPDC During Waste Monthly
and re- biodiversity loss, guidelines & procedures operations consignme
clearing of accidents and incidents SPDC shall ensure that vegetation clearing is nt note &
flowlines limited to ROW field
ROW SPDC shall ensure the use of appropriate PPE inspection
report
Supplies Increase in vehicular M SPDC shall ensure compliance with journey L SPDC During IVMS & Monthly
6-6
n g
(water, food, movement, road traffic management procedures operations journey
materials, accident, pressure on SPDC shall ensure there is traffic control at manageme
chemicals, existing water and food strategic locations along the route nt reports
etc.) stocks and third party SPDC shall encourage the use of host
agitation community-based contractors
officers
Energy Noise, fumes, third M SPDC shall deploy best practice and cleaner L SPDC During HI report Weekly
requirements party agitations technologies that ensures emission reduction operations (HIR) &
SPDC shall sustain consultation with relevant CLO report
stakeholders throughout the projects lifespan
Labour Third party agitations, M SPDC shall ensure effective L SPDC During Community Monthly
requirements increase in social vices, liaison/communication with communities is operations engageme
pressure on maintained through the community relations nt and CLO
infrastructure officers reports
SPDC shall ensure sourcing of relevant workforce
from host communities.
SPDC shall ensure appropriate enlightenment
and access control
SPDC shall ensure that adequate infrastructural
facilities are provided to meet the demand.
Waste Soil, water M SPDC shall comply with waste management L SPDC During Waste Monthly
generation contamination, specifications and guidelines (especially with operations consignme
(Emissions, impairment of air quality regards to the discharges into the environment) nt note &
effluents & SPDC shall deploy best practice and cleaner field in situ
6-7
n g
Decommissi
oning SPDC shall ensure that effective
Inventorizati Third party agitation M maintained through the community relations L SPDC During Community Monthly
on & officers decommiss engageme
consultation SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements ioning nt & CLO
SPDC shall ensure appropriate enlightenment report
and access control
Supplies Increase in vehicular M SPDC shall ensure compliance with journey L SPDC During Community Monthly
(water, food, movement, road traffic management procedures decommiss engageme
materials, accident, pressure on SPDC shall ensure there is traffic control at ioning nt , CLO
chemicals, existing water and food strategic locations along the route report.
etc.) stocks and third party SPDC shall encourage the use of host Journey
agitation community-based contractors manageme
SPDC shall ensure that effective nt & HI
liaison/communication with communities is reports
officers
Transport & Increase in vehicular M SPDC shall ensure compliance with journey L SPDC During Community Monthly
logistics movement, road traffic management procedures decommiss engageme
accident, and third party SPDC shall ensure that there is traffic control at ioning nt , CLO
agitation strategic locations along the route report.
SPDC shall encourage the use of host Journey
community-based contractors manageme
SPDC shall ensure that effective nt & HI
liaison/communication with communities is reports
officers
Dismantling Accidents & injuries, M SPDC shall ensure compliance with appropriate L SPDC During Community Monthly
& packaging opportunity for work procedure and HSE guidelines decommiss engageme
contracting and SPDC shall encourage the use of host ioning nt , CLO
employment, thirty party community-based contractors report.
agitation SPDC shall ensure effective Journey
6-8
n g
liaison/communication with communities is manageme
maintained through the community relations nt & HI
officers reports
SPDC shall deploy appropriate technology in
dismantling and packaging.
Waste Soil, water M SPDC shall comply with waste management L SPDC During Waste Monthly
generation contamination, specifications and guidelines (especially with decommiss consignme
(Emissions, impairment of air quality regards to the discharges into the environment) ioning nt note &
effluents & SPDC shall deploy best practice and cleaner field in situ
Flowline
installation
Movement of Increase in road traffic M SPDC shall ensure all vehicles are pre-mobbed L SPDC During Journey Monthly
goods volume and risk of and certified flowline manageme
Equipment accidents/injuries Visible warning signs shall be placed on roads installation nt & HI
& personnel and vehicles reports
SPDC shall ensure that all drivers undergo the
defensive driving course and are certified
Vehicle monitoring and communication devices
shall be installed in project vehicles
SPDC shall ensure that journey management
and no night driving policy are adhered to
SPDC shall ensure compulsory medical fitness
test for all drivers
Lay-down Opportunity for M SPDC shall encourage the use of host L SPDC During Community Monthly
area contracting and community-based contractors flowline engageme
preparation employment SPDC shall ensure sourcing of relevant workforce installation nt and CLO
from host communities report
SPDC shall ensure access control is implemented
at work site
SPDC shall ensure compliance with all HSE
policies and standards
6-9
n g
Excavation, Accidents, injuries, third H SPDC shall ensure safe work practices M SPDC During Community Monthly
removal of party agitations, SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements flowline engageme
old flowlines reduction of soil quality SPDC shall ensure effective installation nt, CLO &
and laying of and social vices liaison/communication with communities is incident
new maintained through the community relations reports
flowlines officers
SPDC shall ensure awareness campaigns are
conducted to enlighten field workers on the
implications of alcohol/drug abuse, unprotected
sex, prostitution and the need to sustain cultural
values and low profile lifestyle
Condoms shall be made available at the site
clinic for workers
Alcohol consumption & recreational drugs use
shall be prohibited on site
Welding Accidents & injuries, M SPDC shall ensure safe work practices L SPDC During HI & Monthly
SPDC shall ensure compliance with all HSE flowline incident
policies and standards installation reports
NDT testing Exposure to radiation M SPDC shall ensure compliance with all HSE L SPDC During HI & Weekly
of welds policies and standards flowline incident
SPDC shall ensure safe work practices installation reports
Hydrotesting Effluent discharge, M SPDC shall ensure compliance with all HSE L SPDC During HI & Monthly
injuries policies and standards flowline incident
SPDC shall ensure safe work practices installation reports
SPDC shall ensure compliance with waste
management guidelines for effluents
Flushing of Increase in potential for M SPDC shall ensure compliance with waste L SPDC During HI & Monthly
gas line soil and water management guidelines for effluents flowline incident
contamination installation reports
Decommissi Increase in vehicular M SPDC shall ensure compliance with journey L SPDC During Journey Monthly
oning traffic, risk of accident management procedures flowline manageme
and third party SPDC shall ensure effective installation nt, IVMS
agitations liaison/communication with communities is Community
maintained through the community relations engageme
6-10
n g
officers nt and CLO
SPDC shall honour all MoU agreements reports
6-11
Chapter Seven Consultation
CHAPTER SEVEN
CONSULTATION
7.1 General
This chapter presents the details of consultations undertaken for the proposed Western Domestic Gas
Supply Project/West African Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP)
At Oben Field.
It has been recognized in Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) that apart
from being a regulatory requirement, consultation is part of good business practice.
In addition to regular consultation that is an integral part of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field, the
project team, held a series of stakeholder consultation sessions. The consultation sessions were in
form of EIA scoping workshops, sensitisation of Edo State Government and Orhionmwon Local
Government Council and engagement of stakeholders during data acquisition and open fora as part of
the EIA studies. The stakeholders identified for the project and who participated in the various
consultation sessions included communities within the project area, NGOs (Niger Delta Peace
Coalition, Nigerian Environmental Society), regulators (DPR, FMEnv, Edo State Ministry of
Environment), other government agencies, consultants, CBOs, media, etc.
The objectives of the WDGSP/WAGP early consultation sessions are to:

Get the stakeholders better informed of the proposed project
Encourage meaningful participation of stakeholders in the EIA process
Build mutual trust between stakeholders and SPDC
Enable stakeholders’ issues and concerns to be identified early, analysed and evaluated
Raise the comfort level of decision makers
Bring different views on the project forward at the planning stage
The fieldwork carried out as part of the EIA process for this project was done in partnership with host
communities and community-based NGOs, both stakeholders having able representation in each EIA
study teams, alongside regulators and the EIA consultants.
The EIA scoping workshop and open forum was held as part of public consultation with stakeholders in
Mega Hilton Hotel at Ekpan, Effurun on 7th July 2005. The following communities (Iguelaba, Ikobi,
Oben & Ogbozogbe-Nugu) identified as stakeholders participated during the exercise.
Each community was represented by five (5) persons viz, the paramount ruler, one opinion leader/elder,
Community Development Committee chairman, one youth leader and a women leader. Also in
attendance were the representatives of DPR, Federal Ministry of Environment, Edo State Government
and Orhionmwon Local Government Council, NGOs and Environmental Consultants.
7.2 EIA Scoping Workshops

The EIA scoping workshops were held on the 7th of July, 2005 at Mega Hilton Hotel, Ekpan, Effurun.The
Manager Land Area production, PWA (Rev. O.J.Agbarah) gave an overview of the Western Domestic
Gas Supply Project/West African Gas Pipeline (WDGSP/WAGP) at Oben Field, the sustainable
development approach and workshop objectives. Presentations were made on the EIA process, the
importance of scoping EIA with stakeholders, intended scope for the biophysical, social and health
studies and current status from literature surveys. A technical presentation on the proposed
WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field that covered project/value drivers, objectives, benefits, existing facilities,
project description and schedule was given by project Engineer-O.J. Ofili. The technical briefing was
followed by illustration of the steps to be used in identifying stakeholders’ issues/concerns. This was
7-1
followed by questions and answer sessions in which concerns and issues raised by the various
stakeholders were responded to. After this, plenary sessions were held to identify the stakeholders to
be involved in the project, and environmental, social and health issues to be addressed in the EIA. The
scoping workshop was well attended and very successful with the following people in attendance;
Oben, Ikobi, Obozogbe-Nugu and Iguelaba communities., the director Edo state Ministry of
Environmental & Solid Minerals, Controller FMEnv Edo state, DPR, Orhionmwon L.G.A Vice Chairman,
Orhionmwon L.G.A Personal Assistance, ,Orhionmwon L.G.A councillor, NGO, Environmental
consultants, head government & public relations (Chief Akeni Charles)and other SPDC
representatives.The feedback note on the workshops and attendance sheets are provided in Appendix
6
Pre-entry Stakeholder Sensitisation

Stakeholder pre-entry engagement/ formalities in relation to the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field was
implemented by two agents:-
(a) The proponent, SPDC and
(b) The EIA consultants.
SPDC recognizes that stakeholder engagement and consultation is a continuous process and will be
implemented throughout the life cycle of the project. For the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field, SPDC
consulted with the regulators and the host communities as part of pre-entry formalities.
All the relevant Governmental and non-governmental organizations, agencies, and communities have
been and will continue to be consulted by SPDC as the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field progresses in
line with statutory requirements and SPDC policy.
The EIA consultants for the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field also carried out other pre-entry requirements
by holding meetings and discussions with key segments of the host communities. Issues like roles and
responsibilities of the consultant, SPDC obligations, and community expectations were discussed
during these meetings.
7.3 Community Expectations about the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field

The expectations of the community in relation to this project are high. They were expecting that their
Cottage hospital and water facilities would be provided with electricity. This they hoped would remove
the burden of contributing money for the running the generators that power these facilities over the
years. They were particularly strong in these expectations having known that this project is intended to
provide gas for domestic consumption and supply to other West African countries.
Other issues and expectations raised by the communities of the project area include:
Employment of the indigenes by the company
Provision of basic amenities like pipe-borne water and electricity
Provision of Schools and award of scholarships to indigenes
Provision of micro-credit facilities to boost economic activities in the communities
7.4 Community Assistance/Community Development Projects

The Oben communities have all benefited from SPDC Community Assistance/Community Development
(CA/CD) programmes. A good number of social infrastructural facilities were provided to the
communities. These are documented pictorially in Plates 27 - 34, covering the following projects: road,
water, cottage hospital, markets, manpower training, schools, town hall, cassava mill, model farm, to
mention a few.
7-2
Plate 5: Access Road being used by a commercial vehicle
Plate 6: Oben Potable Water Project
7-3
Plate 7: Manpower Training
Plate 8: Hospital Project
7-4
Plate 9: Market
Plate 10: Farming
7-5
Plate 11: Manpower Training
7-6
Chapter Eight Conclusion and References
CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0 CONCLUSION
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report was prepared adopting a multi-
disciplinary team approach consistent with the FMEnv Sectoral Guidelines for Oil and
Gas Projects and the DPR’s Environmental Guidelines and Standards for Petroleum
Industries in Nigeria. The EIA study involved detailed literature search, field
observations and in situ measurements, field sampling, laboratory and data analyses,
impact identification, evaluation and reporting.
The WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field presents opportunity to monetize SPDC gas and
secure the company’s ‘Licence to Operate’ (LTO) in Nigeria by developing existing gas
resources and facilities to satisfy the gas purchase agreement (GPA) signed with N-Gas
for the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) project, whilst maintaining supply/demand
balance for existing gas contracts and commitments in the western domestic gas
network in Nigeria. The Oben Gas Plant has the flexibility to support the low-pressure
customers as well as supply at higher pressures to the ELPS and the Ajakouta Power
Plant.
Among other things the project is intended to: meet contractual gas demand of the
Western Domestic Gas Market, secure additional sources of gas supply to the proposed
West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), develop large gas reserves and enhance SPDC
reputation as a reliable gas supplier.
The WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field is thus designed to ensure optimal utilisation and
recovery of the huge gas deposits within the Oben Field. This will, in addition to
increasing the national gas reserves, increase the national foreign earnings as well as
boost SPDC gas production target. The project will also create employment
opportunities and consequently increase the standard of living of many Nigerians.
However, the EIA report has highlighted the potential and associated adverse impacts
on the environment. These impacts are mainly short-term, residual, highly localized and
reversible on the immediate environment. Also some aspects of the project are
expected to elicit positive impacts on the environment. The EIA recommends that such
positive impacts should be sustained and enhanced.
Mitigation measures have been proffered for each of the identified potential and
associated adverse impacts of the project. Also, an Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) has been developed to ensure that the identified potential impacts can be
reduced to “as low as practically reasonable” (ALARP). Most importantly, monitoring
programmes and environmental auditing of the project have been recommended
throughout its life span. This is to ensure that all impact indicators for the various
environmental components at every phase of the project are within statutory limits.
8-1
REFERENCES
Adesida, A.A., Reijers, T.J.A. and Nwajide, C.S. (1997). Sequence stratigraphic framework of
the Niger Delta. Submitted for publication, AAPG Bulletin.
Agunloye, (1984). A theoretical analysis of groundwater flow in small drainage basins. Journal
of Geophysical Research, volume 68, . 4795-4812.
Akachukwu, C. O. (1997). Status of forest food plant and Environmental Management in South
Eastern Nigeria. Forestry Association of Nigeria’s 1997 Annual Conference, Ibadan.
Allen, J. R. L. (1964). The Nigeria continental margin: bottom sediments submarine morphology
and geological evolution. Marine Geology 1: 289 – 332.
Allen, J. R. L. (1965). Late Quaternary Niger Delta, and adjacent areas: sedimentary
environments and lithofacies. AAPG Bull. V.49, V.1 547 – 600.
Amanchukwu S. C., Obafemi A. and G. C. Okpokwasili (1989). Hydrocarbon Degradation

and Utilisation by a Palmwine Yeast Isolate. FEMS Microbial Lett. 57: 151 – 154.
Anderson, B. (1967), Report on the soils of the Niger Delta special area, Niger Delta
Development Board, Port Harcourt.
Angsupanich S. and Kuwabara, R.(1995). Macrobenthic fauna in the thale sap Songia, a
Brackish Lake in in Southren Thailand. Lakes & Reservoir Research Vol. 1 (2): 115 –
126.
Ashoton-Jones, N. J. and Oronto N. D. (1994). Report to Statoil (Nigeria)Ltd.: Baseline

Ecological Survey of the Niger Delta. Pro-Natura International. Lagos, Nigeria.
Asomoa, G. K. (1973). Particles size and free iron oxide distribution on some latosols and
ground water laterites of Ghana. Geodema. 10: 285 – 297.
Baeckmann & Schwenk, (1975). Estimating groundwater recharge from stream hydrographs:
Journal of Geophysical Research, volume 66, . 1203-1214.
Bohn, H. L.; B. L. McNeal and G. A. O’Connor. (1979). Soil chemistry. A Willey-Interscience

Pub. John Wiley and Sons, New York.
Chemical Society of Britain (1975). Standards and Guidelines for waste management. John
Wiley and Sons, Ltd. London.
Concawe (1972). Methods for the Analysis of Oil in Water and Soil. Report No. 9/72. Stichitting
Concawe.
Conservation Foundation (1984). State of the Environment: an assessment at mid-decade.

Washinton DC: The Conservation Foundation.
Courant, R., Powel, C. B., Michel, J. (1985). Water Type classification for Niger Delta river and
creeks waters. In the Petroleum Industry and the Nigerian Environment. Proceedings of
an International Seminar Sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and
the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Nov. 11-14th 1985, Durbar Hotel Kaduna,
Kaduna State, Nigeria.
Dahlin, Hess S., Duncan P. & Powell (1985). Composition of Phytoplankton and zooplankton
communities in the Niger Delta: 217-229.
8-2
Dee, N., Baker, J. K., Drobry, N. L., Duke, K. M. and Fahringer, D. (1973). Environmental
Evaluation System for Water Resources Planning. Final Report. Battlelle Columbus
Labs., Columbus, Ohio, U. S. A. pp.183.
Donahue, R. L., R. W. Miller and J. C. Schicklama. (1983). Soils: An introduction to soils and
plant growth. 5th ed. Prentice Hall. Inc. Eaglewood, New York.
Edem, S. O. and B. A. Ndon. (2001). Evaluation of management properties of wet land soils of
Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria for sustainable crop production. J. Appl. Chem and Agric. Res.
7: 26 – 36.
EGASPIN (2002). Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry.
Department of Petroleum Resources, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Lagos.
Evamy, B.D. et. Al. (1976). The hydrocarbon habitat of the Niger Delta. Exploration Bulletin 252
(1990/5).
FAO (1993). Nigeria Intergrated Rural Fisheries Development. Project findings and
Recommendations. UNDP/FAO. FI:DP/NIR/87/010, Terminal Report, FAO,
Rome, 29 pp.
FAO, (1994) Mangrove forest management guidelines. FAO forestry paper, no. 17, Rome,
319 pp.
Federal Department of Meteorological Services (Nigerian Metrological Agency)
FEPA (1991): National Guidelines and Standards for Industrial Effluents, Gaseous Emissions
and Hazardous Wastes Management in Nigeria. 59 – 66.
FEPA, (1994) Draft Procedural Guidelines for EIA studies.
Food and Agriculture Organization. (1974). FAO – UNESCO Soils Map of the world. Vol. 1:
Legend. Paris UNESCO.
Greig-Smith, P. (1988). Quantitative Plant Ecology 2nd edition. Wiley Eastern Limited, New
Delhi. 413pp. http: // Inweb 18.Worldbank.org
Ibia, T. O. (1994). Evaluation of the phosphorus status of soils of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Ph.D. Thesis, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Industrial and Energy Operations Division, West Central Africa Department (1995). Defining an
Environmental Developmrnt Strategy for the Niger Deltal Vol. I and II.
King, C. A. M. (1975). Introduction to Physical Oceanography. 2nd Edition Vol. 2, Edmund

Arnold Pub. London.
Leopold, L. B., Clarke, F. E., Hanshaw; B. B. and Balsley, J. R. (1971). A Procedure for
Evaluating Environmental Impacts. US Geological Survey Circular 645. Department of
Interior, Washington, D. C., 13p.
Longhurst, A. R. (1965). The coastal oceanography of the Gulf of Guinea Bull. IFAN XXVI No.2
Lee, N., George, C. (2000). Environmental Assessment in Developing Transitional Countries.

John Wiley and Sons, Ltd. London.
8-3
Maidment, D.R. and Reed, S.M. (1996). Soil water balance in West Africa. FAO/UNESCO
Water Balance of Africa.
Mc. Harg, I. A. (1968). Comprehensive Highway Route Selection Methods. Highway Res.
Record No.246, pp. 1 – 5.
NEST. (1991). Nigeria’s Threatened Environment. A National Profile. Nigerian Environmental

Study and Action Team, Lagos.
Nigerian Population Census, (1991). Nation Population Commission Archives Asaba.
Odu, C.T.I., Nwoboshi, L.C., Esuruoso, O. F., Ogunwale, J.A. and Chindah, A. (1987).
Environmental Study of the Nigerian Agip Kwale Plant. Submitted to Nigerian Agip Oil
Company.
Odum, E.P. (1971). Fundamantals of Ecology. 3rd Edition Saunders Coy, Philadelphia, 574P.
Oomkens, E. (1974). Lithofacies relations in the late quarternary Niger Delta complex.
Sedimentology 21, 195 – 222.
Oosting, H.J. (1956). The Study of Plan Communities. Introd. to plant Ecology. 2nd Edition.
W.H. freeman & Co. San franscisco. 440p.
Peterson , G. L., Gemmel, R. S., and Shofer, J. L. (1974) Assessment of Environmental Impact,
Multiple Disciplinary Judgement of large scale projects. 218: 23 – 30.
Powel, C. B. (1996). Wildlife Study 1. Report to the Environmental Affairs Department, SPDC
of Nigeria, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Raunkareir, C. (1934). The Life Form of Plants and Statistics Plant Geography. Clarendos
Press, Oxford.
Reis, J. C. (1996). Environmental Control in Petroleum Engineering. Houston Gulf Publishing

Company.
Reijers, T.J.A. (1994). Selected Chapters on Geology. Sedimentary Geology and sequence
stratigraphy in Nigeria and three case studies and a field guide.
Reijers, T.J.A., Nwajide, C.S., and Adesida, A.A. (1997). Sedimentology and Lithostratigraphy of
the Niger Delta. Paper presented at the AAPG conference, Vienna (September 1997)
and the NAPE Conference, Lagos (November, 1997).
Rennet, (1976), Hydrology for Engineers. New York. McGraw-Hill.
RPI, (1985). Environmental baseline studies for the establishment of control criteria and
standards against petroleum related pollution in Nigeria. Research Planning Institute,
Inc. Columbia, South Caolina, USA.
SAGE Engineering AG for Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited’s Omon/Usari, ( 1994).
Sokal, R.R. and Rohlf, F. J. (1995). Biometry. Colt Freeman and Company, New York. 887pp.
The Mineral Oil Safety Regulations: 1969 Petroleum Act, revised 1995.
Tobor, J. G. (1991). The fishing industry in Nigeria. Status and potential for self sufficiency
in fish production. NIOMR tech. Paper No. 54. NIOMR Lagos 33pp.
8-4
UNEP. (1985). The impact of Water based Drilling Mud discharges on the Environment. Industry
and Environment Overviews Series.
Van Wambeke, A. R. (1962). Criteria for classifying tropical soils by age. J. Soil Sci. 13:124 –
132.
Wahden, A. A., M. M. El-Bahal and A. A. Moustafa. (1984). Drainage effect on root distribution
systems. Egypt. J. Soil Sci. 24: 201 – 208.
Wathern, P. (1986). Environmental Impact Assessment (Theory and Practice). John Wiley &
Sons Ltd. 17-97.
Whiteman, A. (1982). Nigeria: its petroleum geology, resources and potential. 2 volumes.
Graham and Trotman, 394pp.
Zar, J. H. (1984). Biostatistical Analysis 2nd edition. Prentice Hall, London.
8-5
Environmental Impact Assessment of OBEN GAS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
FMENV COMMENTS UPDATE STATUS
PAGE FMENV COMMENTS STATUS

1. Executive summary
VOC is volatile organic compounds not Corrected
Page xii list of volatile organic carbon
abbreviations
and acronyms
Page xiii. list of EIA prepared SPDC representatives, Deleted
there is a repetition
of the first two names.
Page Xv, 1.2, legal and administrative framework, of what Edo State Forestry Law is
relevance are Rivers State environmental imputed
protection agency Edict No.2 (1994) and
Bayelsa State environmental and
development planning edict (1999) to a
project located in Edo State. No mention
was made of the relevance Edicts in Edo
State.
Page xvi 1.4 the location should have been done in Corrected
project location, relation to Benin city instead of Warri.
2. CHAPTER ONE
Page 1-3, 2nd Oil production started in 1974 and peaked Tables were generated during
paragraph, " at 40 bopd in 1985 and was declined to Field study and Location Map
1.3 Mbopd with a very significant loss has been inserted.
in the numbers of wells 204 as a result of
interventions” (insert location
map) showing Oben field.
Page 1-6, forestry law CAP 52 1994, cross check Edo State Forestry Law is
the statement that the imputed
forestry law CAP 52 of Lagos is the only
substantive legislation
applicable to all part of the federation.
There is the Bendel State forestry
Edict applicable to present Edo and Delta
State.
3. CHAPTER TWO
The Sources of all their tables in this Sources included where they
chapter should be provided. This were not derived from the fied
became important since all the data for study
the study are not from the same
source.
Page 3-4 3.2,4 land use and agriculture, through land use Inserted a Table,a Pie Chart and
pattern could be presented in maps, a a Bar Chart of the Percentage
percentage distribution of the land use Distribution of Land use Pattern
will give a better analytical picture. Page 3-6, 3-7
Page 1 of 5
Page 7-3, plate 6
"Oben potable water project" should be Corrected
"Oben potable water project".
4. ECOLOGY – DR ZUOFA
Ecological aspect of the report appears to Seasonal variation updated.
be a one season study as
shown by various results presented in
tasks. How can this be justified ?
The sampling map in Appendix I appears Sampling map has been updated
not to be clear on the number of sampling and now shows sampling points
points. Find adequate coverage of the for ecological parameters listed.
proposed
project site. How many why samplings Coordinates for other parameter
for vegetation? Did you s included. (See sampling map)
provide sampling points coordinates for
soil on page A-4 and not
for other parameters.
Page 3-5 "The land use Map" of Oben field Area (a)The distance between the
identified forest undisturbed forest to the gas
Reserve as one of the major element of plant is between 3-4 km.
the founding Environment (b) Addressed in paragraph 3 of
(a) How far is the undisturbed forest to page 3-5
the gas plant
(b) Is there any activity of the proposed
project (like flowline
flares that may constitute to the
deterioration of ambient environment etc)
that will transverse impact undisturbed
forest.
Page 3-9 to 3-11, The density and percentage Updated. Pages 3-11, 3-12, 3-13,
on tables 3.6. 3.7,
of the key tree species and herbaceous 3-14
3.8. layer were determined but
column rare and endangered plant species
were not provided.
5. AQUATIC STUDIES
Page A-6 Appendix A barrow pit and Jamieson River (until Ecological data from Jamieson
rare River and burrow pit updated.
sampled for surface water, photoplankton, Pages 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, 3-19, 3-
zooplankton, benthos 20, 3-21, 3-22, 3-23
and micro biological analysis.
(a) The distance of gas plant to Jamieson Distance is 7km (Corrected)
River (control) should
be stated, as certain portion of the report
stated 7Km while in
another section of the report it is 15km.
(b) The composites water samples taken Water data quality of Jamieson
for surface water, River represents surface water
photoplankton, zooplankton, bel1thos and quality of the area. Tables 3.11a
microbiological & 3.11b. Pages 3-16, 3-17, 3-18
Page 2 of 5
analysis in borrow pit could not haee
provided as standard
representative of the water body in the
area for a good result
How many sampling point for water One point (composite sample) at
surface? Jamieson River and one point at
The species diversity indices of the Burrow pit. Table 3.13a &
phytoplankton and 3.13b. pp 3-20, 3-21
zooplankton are generally low, which
may be as a result the
source of tile composite samples.
River Jemison may be more authentic as Updated

stated on tables 3.12 & .
3.13 for surface water samples. Page 3-
13,
Table 3.9 on wildlife Updated
should be roused to include a column on
rare und endangered spp.
Page 3.2.3 “soil studies" lines 1-3, the statement that Corrected. See section 3.2.3 p 3-
"the dominant 3
texture is loamy sand with a mean
percentage sand of 83.2% (Table 3.3)
but from table 3.3 "physiochemical
characteristics of soil in the Oben field"
the particle size analyses (sand, silt and
clay) and not loamy soil it
is better to say that “sand” is the dominant
component of 83.2%" instead
of loamy sand.
The source and date of data acquisition of See 3-1 for date.
tables 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, Acquisition was through field
3.10, 3.11. 3.12, 3.13 should be stated. study
Result for stations BH2 and BH3 on page Corrected. See Table 3.18, p 3-
3-14. table 3.10 not shown. 27
The aspect of the report reviewed contain Corrected.

most of the essential
components of an EIA study and
reasonably well executed. However,
in addition to the observations stated
above (under Ecology) many
typographical errors were noted in the
report.
Page 3 of 5
6. SOCIO-ECONOMIC COMMENTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF THE PROPOSED DOMESTIC
GAS SUPPLY PROJECT/WEST AFRICA GAS PIPELINE BY
SPDC
I have gone through the draft EIA report
on the proposed project with
specific reference to the socio economic
aspects. The socio-economic
section provides an adequate overview of
the study devout just a few
pages to this important aspect. This an
attempt by SPDC to follow the
global paradigm shift to more emphasis
on the social, economic and
health impacts of development projects.
However there are some specific
gaps to be filled.
Page 3-22. under political and socio-cultural history, Corrected. See Table 3.19, p 3-
it is stated that 28
the geographic locations and some of the
features of the host
communities are shown in table 3.14. the
table does not show the
geographic features rather if presents the
demographic structure.
Also page 3-23, under demographic characteristics the Updated – see Table 3.19
1991
population figures of these communities
should have been presented
and the figures projected to year 2006
based on the population growth
rates for such settlements.
The sample size is very small for the

required inference to be made
Page 3-23, figure does not show the 2005 projected See table 3.19
3.4 population as stated in section 3.2.2, the
figure presents the population distribution
by age.
In the figure 3.4, shows that there is no The lowest age evaluated is 21
one between the age of 16-24 years
in lkobi cross check this.
Page 3-27. 3.3.6.3, personal incomes, the Updated. See Table 3.26, Fig.
table 3.20 presents an 3.6, pp 3-33, 3-34
income level that seems unrealistic and
unlike what obtains in other
parts of the Niger Delta. With over 60.9%
Page 4 of 5
earning less than
NI0,000.00 per annum (which is less than Figures corrected
N1,000 per month) for
communities with about 6 persons per See Table 3.26
household. There is need to re-
examine the figures.
Page 3-30 community concerns, needs Document focus is on mitigation

and areas of assistance, the of identified potential impact.
report presents the various needs of the
communities which are See mitigation on chapters 5.
employment, market, town ha11, micro-
credit, electricity, industry,
health centre, water, schools, others but
silent on what will be done to
meet some of these needs.
Page 5 of 5
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT STAKEHOLDER "ENVIRONMENT"
Project Activities and Sensitivities Matrix Physico-chemical Biological Environment Socio-economic environment Socio-cultural environment Issues (that were not already identified
environment Supporting economic Supporting social equity Protecting as sensitivities)
for Construction Protecting the Production Function Protecting Integrity Protecting resources Protecting health
House Social development Protecting and integrity
Mixed Ecosys. Protecting and supporting the social
water Forestry Ecosystem function ecosystem supporting the built Protecting and controlling health determinants Direct health protection
farming comp. infrastructure
provision function environment
Access to ancestral and culturally significant sites
Functioning of family structure & trad. institutions
Exposure to bees/snakes, scopions, wild life,etc.

Opportunities for local and national employment
Healthy and clean housing and living conditions

Availability of markets for agricultural products
Opportunities for contracting and procurement
Religious / Traditional structures and customs

Access to sanitation and waste mgt facilities
Promoting opportunities for representation/

Availability of markets for forestry products
Access to learning and education facilities
Access to voluntary health organisations

Exposure to nuisance (dust, noise etc.)
Access to a nutritious and healthy diet
Exposure to commercial sex workers

Functioning of Government services
Exposure to Road Traffic Accidents

Access to communication facilities
Alcohol and drugs abuse/violence

Level of income & financial flows
Access to secondary health care

Access to a clean drinking water
Access to recreational facilities
Construction
Promoting equal opportunities
Cultural values and languages

Access to traditional medicine
Access to emergency services

Access to primary health care
Groundwater table / Quality
Access to household water
Exposure to STIs/HIV/AIDS
Sense of Place / Wellbeing
Respect for human rights
Respect for labour rights
Morals and family values

Level of Noise/ vibration
Household water quality
Traditional value of land
Level of disease vectors

Traditional occupations
Cost of living / inflation

Biodiversity resource
Surface water quality
Access to farm lands

Light/Solar radiation
Third party agitation

Access to electricity
Access to transport
Freshwater system
Access to housing
Poverty alleviation
Balance in gender
Rainforest system
Personal Hygiene
Access to forests
Quality of habitat
Farmland system
Physical activity
Access to roads
Ethnic balance
Balance in age
Morbidity Rate
Mortality Rate
participation
Soil quality
Air quality
Lifestyle
aA aB aC aD aE aF aG aH aL aM aN aO aP aQ aR aU aV aW aX aY aZ bA bB bC bD bE bF bG bH bI bJ bK bL bM bN bO bQ bR bS bT bU bV bW bX bY bZ cA cB cC cD cE cF cG cH cI cJ cK cL cQ cR cS cT cU cV cW cX cY
1 Mobilization
1.1 Pre-mobilization x x x x x x x
1.2 Erection of lay down area x x x x x * x * * x x x x x x x x x x * x x
1.3 Movement of equipments and personnel x x x x * x * * x x x x x x x x x x * x

2 Water Supply
For human consumption community and construction staff
2.1
(washing, drinking, cooking, laundry etc) X * * * * X X * X *
2.2 For Construction. * * * X *
3 Supply of Food and other Consumables
3.1 Food and other consumables for construction workers * * * * X * X * * * * X *

4 Supply of Construction Equipment & Materials
4.1 Materials for drilling accessories and flowlines X X * X * * * X X X X X *

4.2 Chemicals used in construction activities, including drilling X X * X * * * X X X X X *
5 Energy Requirement
Provision of energy for construction activities with electrical
5.1
generating sets
X X * * * X
6 Labour Requirement
6.1 Supply of Labour x * x * * x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x * x x x * x * x x x
7 Site preparation
7.1 Vegetation clearing x x x x x x x x x x x * x * * x x x x x x x * x

8
Construction / Drilling Activities
8.1 Contractor camps x x x x x X x x x * x * * x * * * * * * x x x x x x x x x x x x x * x x x x
8.2 Gas Well X x X x x x x x X X * X * * X X X X X X x X x X X X X X X * X X X X
8.3 Flowlines X x x x x x X * X * * x X X X X X X x X X X X X X X X * X X X X X
9 Waste Generation-Emmisions
9.1 Construction dust and emmisions x x X X x x x x x x

9.2 Vehicle and heavy machinery gaseous emissions x x X X x x x x x x
10 Waste Generation -Effluents
10.1 Effluents from construction activities x x x x x x x X X x x

Sewage and domestic (kitchen) effluent from construction
10.2
camps
x x x x x x x X X x x
Hydrotest water
10.3 X X X X X X X X X X X
11 Wastes Generation- Solid
Construction and drilling wastes (drill cuttings, spent woods

11.1
and waste pipes) X X x X X X X X x * x * * X x x x x x
11.2 Camp domestic waste X X x X X X X X x * x * * X x x x x x x
Spent chemicals, plastic, wooden, paper and metal
11.3
containers. X X x X X X X X x * x * * X x x x x x x
12 Power Supply
12.1 Generator use x x x x x * * * x X X x

13 Generation of Nuisance
13.1 Construction noise & vibration x x x x x x x

13.2 Traffic noise & vibration x x x x x x x
13.3 Construction worker camp noise x x x x x x x
13.4 Construction lighting x x x x
13.5 Residential lighting x x x x
14 Incidents
Unintended release of contaminants (e.g. fuel, chemicals,

14.1
sewage etc) X x x x x x x x X X X * x * * x X X X X x *
Appendixes
APPENDIX I (Maps)
A-1
Appendixes
APPENDIX 2
METHODOLOGIES FOR BASELINE DATA ACQUISITION

METHODOLOGY FOR FIELD WORK
2.1 General
The field work was undertaken between 22nd - 25th November 2005 and 13th –19th March 2006. The inter-
disciplinary field study covered data acquisition on climate and meteorology, air quality and noise, soil,
vegetation, water quality, hydrogeology, wildlife, socio-economic and health assessment. Each of these
components of the environment was sampled in accordance with DPR EGASPIN (2003) (Part VIII) D (2)
sampling and handling of samples.
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND CONTROL

The quality assurance rogramme covers all aspects of the study, including sample collection,
handling, laboratory analysis, data coding and manipulation, statistical analysis, presentation and
communication of results.
4.1.2 Sample Collection and Handling

This was carried out as far as possible in accordance with DPR (1991) Guidelines and Standards
(Part (VIII) D(2) (Sampling & Handling of Samples). Where logistic and safety considerations
precluded strict compliance with the above guidelines and standards, other proven, scientifically
acceptable methods of sample collection and handling were used.
4.1.3 Laboratory Analysis

The methods of analysis used were those specified in DPR Guidelines and Standards and other
International Analytical Standards such as APHA for water quality. Trace metal analysis was done
using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer duly calibrated using standards. Physicochemical
parameters were determined using DREL 2000 HACH Spectrophotometer and Orion ISE Meter
Model 710A, duly calibrated with standards, as well as Flame Photometer. Other equipments
used in analysis include pH, Dissolved Oxygen, TDS and Conductivity meters. A number of other
physico-chemical parameters (DO, BOD, etc.) were determined titrimetrically.
4.1.4 Statistical Analysis

Errors in field data include those resulting from the instrument and those introduced by the
observer. With proper, sustained calibration of the instrument and the use of standardized
observational procedures, equipment errors were brought to acceptable minima. However, other
errors arise from the method of sampling. Errors often arise from two-stage sampling or sub
sampling, or even from the fact that the samples collected are not representative samples of the
medium. There are also spatial variations of the same medium, e.g. soil and water. Thus, it is
necessary to determine the true mean and the estimated variance among the number of samples
taken, so as to establish a reasonable level of confidence in the results obtained. A good result is
obtained when the variance is within 5% of the mean.
4.1.5 Data Coding and Manipulation

EIA studies in most developing countries where reliable data banks are non-existent, invariably
involve acquisition of large amounts of baseline data. To ensure preservation of the integrity of
data collected, data coding forms for use in the field, were designed in such a way that field data
could be directly entered into computer data sheets.
Since their analysis may be required in legal proceeding, it is essential to establish sample
authenticity. Samples were properly sealed and labeled. All data collected were labeled and
information such as the following were provided:
A-2
Appendixes
• Identification code or sample number

• Date and time of sampling
• Description of sample
• Methods of sampling
• Particulars of any photographs taken.
Where samples were sent to another laboratory for examination, a duplicate copy of this
information was sent along with the samples. All movements of the samples were included on
the samples record. Basic information were recorded together with results of analysis in a
register.
The details of the methodology of data acquisition for each of the environmental components listed above are
discussed as follows:
Climate and Meteorology

The study programme involved field measurement, collection and analysis of existing long term historical data
from Benin City synoptic station, the nearest meteorological station to the Oben field. The following
meteorological elements; temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, rainfall pattern and
distribution were determined.
Temperature was monitored using thermo-anemometers, relative humidity with a self-recording hair
hygrograph, rainfall with a rain gauge, wind speed with a cup anemometer and wind direction with a wind vane.
Air quality
The same sites used for meteorological data acquisition were used for air quality and noise level studies.
Digital air quality equipment (Photoionization Detector - Perkin Elmer model; ToxiRae Detector - Toxi model
and MicroDust pro - Trem model) were used to determine the concentrations of SOx, NOx, VOC, SPM and
CO2 in the air. At each sampling station readings were taken continuously for 15 minutes and extrapolated to
give an hourly reading for three hours per sampling site taken as three replicate readings.
Noise
Noise levels at various distances from point sources were measured using a decibel noise meter - Sound
Level Meter : model SC 200L . Measurements were taken for 15 minutes at each point. The ranges of the
noise level were noted and the true mean computed. (The 15 minutes interval per every reading is a
quality control measures to take care of fall-out reading caused by vehicular movements)
Soil studies
The sampling points were initially pre-determined during desktop studies using maps and other materials
provided by Shell. However, during the field study, the exact positions of the sampling points were slightly
modified at some sites as a result of factors such as accessibility, nature of terrain, the ability of the Global
Positioning System (GPS) to receive signals and safety considerations.
Field Sampling
The field was divided into grids and composite soil samples were colleted from these grids. At each point,
samples were collected at two depths (0-15 and 15-30) using a stainless steel hand auger. The samples
were placed in black polythene bags and stored in containers. Soil samples for microbiological analysis was
taken with aluminum foil and stored in ice-chest. A total of twenty two (22 i.e. 8 composite samples of top and
subsurface soil, and 3 composite random samples) soil samples were collected. The co-ordinates and
physical descriptions of the soil samples are shown in the table below.
A-3
Appendixes
SOIL NORTHINGS EASTINGS SOIL TEXTURE

S/N CODE COLOUR
1. SS12 223098 382332 Brown Loamy Sand
2. SS12 ,, ,, ,, ,,
4. SS22 ,, ,, ,, ,,
6. SS32 ,, ,, ,, ,,
8. SS42 ,, ,, ,, ,,
9. SS51 222432 382537 Red Sandy Clay
10. SS52 ,, ,, ,, ,,
11. SS61 223036 382084 Brown Loamy
12. SS62 ,, ,, ,, ,,
13. SST1 222860 381530 Brown Loamy Sand
14. SST2 ,, ,, ,, ,,
16. SS82 ,, ,, ,, ,,
17. RSS11 223791 381592 Brown Loamy Sand
18. RSS12 ,, ,, Red ,,
19. RSS21 224046 386475 Red Sandy Clay
20. RSS22 ,, ,, ,, ,,
21. RSS31 220393 3853438 Dark Sandy Loam
22. RSS32 ,, ,, Red ,,
Laboratory Analysis
A combination of standard on site measuring requirement and the DPR EGASPIN 2002 recommended
analytical procedures (Part VIII Section D, 2.0) were used in this EIA study. Aquatic (biological and physico-
chemical) parameters were subjected to APHA analytical procedures for water quality. Trace metals will be
analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Analysis of all samples will carried out in DPR
accredited laboratories (i.e. Thermosteel laboratories for all physico-chemical and microbiological analysis). All
analysis were carried out in triplicate and subjected to statistical analysis.
Land use and agriculture

The land use of the area was determined using land use map and time-lapse analysis of the satellite
imageries of the Oben field. This was augmented with visual assessment of various activities relating to land
use in the area. Also farmers, hunters and timber lumbers were interviewed to further determine the various
types of land use.
A-4
Appendixes
Vegetation
Vegetation studies were carried out at the same sampling stations with soil studies to determine the
species composition, diversity, and population of plant species as well as their health status (plant
pathology). The density and percentage of the key tree species and the herbaceous layer were
determined while rare and endangered plant species and all those of special significance to the ecosystem
and the local economy were categorized (Oosting, 1956). The species diversity of the plants was
calculated as the ratio between the number of species and “importance value” which, for the purpose of
this study, were taken as the number of individuals per quadrant (Odum, 1971).
The vegetation studies were carried out using a combination of line transects and quadrant sampling
technique. At each sampling location, two quadrants measuring 10m x 10m and 1m x 1m were used to
study trees and shrubs, and herbs respectively. The plant community structure was observed and the
plant species within each quadrant were identified. The floral and vegetative parts of unidentified plant
species were collected, pressed in the field with herbarium press, and taken to the laboratory for
herbarium studies and identification. The population of the dominant plant species in each quadrant was
determined by counting.
The life form spectra of the various plant communities within each of the sampling locations was analysed
using the Raunkerian life form classification scheme ( which divides the life form into the following:
PHANEROPHYTES (Woody Plants)

- Megaphanerophytes (Mgp) - Trees over 30m high
- Mesophanerophytes (Mep) - Trees from 8 - 30m high
- Microphanerophytes (Mip) - Trees and shrubs 2 - 8m high
- Nanophanerophytes (Nanop) - Shrubs under 2m high
EPIPHYTES (Epi) - Air plants with no roots in the soil.
CHAMAEPHYTES (Ch) - Plants with surviving buds close to the ground surface. In this
study, climbers were included in this class.
HEMICRYTOPHYTES (Her) - Plants with surviving buds at the ground level.
CRYPTOPHYTES (Cry) - Plants with surviving buds below the ground level. This includes
rhizomes, corms, tubers and geophytes.
THEROPHYTES (The) - These are annual plants. Mature leaves of the commonest plants were
collected for plant tissue analyses.
Pathological investigations were carried out by moving across each of the various micro ecotypes and farms
within and around the sampling locations. This was aimed at determining, as well as listing the pests and
A-5
Appendixes
diseases of crops. Disease severity for each crop was determined by the use of standard disease severity
index expressed as infection indices.
Table 1.1: Infection indices for different levels of disease severity
Infection Index Description

0 No infection
1 Very light infection
2 Moderate infection
3 Severe infection
4 Very severe infection
Diseased plant/crop parts were aseptically collected using a sharp knife into sterilized polythene bags for
further pathological studies in the laboratory.
Photographs were taken of the key vegetation types and other features of interest
Wildlife
The wildlife studies was carried out using the following:
• Visual observation and documentation of their droppings
• Oral discussions with natives of the study area
• Tree beating, purpose mark, feathers, shells etc.
• Observation of wildlife sold in the local market by hunters.
Information on available species and relative abundance were also obtained through oral interview and
discussion with indigenous hunters.
The following parameters were particularly considered in the study:
* Species composition/abundance
* Reproduction method
* Feeding method
• Wildlife
Aquatic studies
A borrow pit and Jamieson River (as control) were sampled for surface water, phytoplankton, zooplankton,
benthos and microbiological analyses.
Sampling Methodology
At each water sampling station, composite water samples were taken from the surface of the water body and
mixed. The resulting sample was poured into appropriate sample bottles , preserved as appropriate (viz.
A-6
Appendixes
acidified to a pH of 1.5 for heavy metal analysis and the others kept at 4oC) and then transported to the
laboratory for analyses.
Water temperature was measured in situ using Radiometer, while transparency was determined with a
Turbidimeter. Sample for dissolved oxygen (DO) was fixed in the field using 1.0 ml each of Winkler’s Solutions
A and B (APHA, 1989).
Samples for BOD5 determination were collected in black 250ml reagent bottles and taken to the laboratory for a
five-day incubation, fixing and analysis.
Hydrogen-ion concentration (pH) , conductivity, turbidity, salinity, and total dissolved solids were measured in
situ using Radiometer (portable digital meters).
Dissolved oxygen and BOD5 samples were analysed in the laboratory using the Winkler’s titrimetric method.
i. Phytoplankton and Zooplankton

Composite samples were taken quantitatively by filtering 100 litres of water through 55µm Hydrobios plankton
net. All samples were preserved in 4% buffered formaldehyde in labeled polyethylene bottles and taken to the
laboratory for analysis.
ii. Benthic fauna

The light dredge or Ekman grab was used in sampling benthic fauna. The grab samples were sieved at the
station using 500µm sieve and preserved using 4% buffered formaldehyde. The labeled samples were taken to
the laboratory for analysis.
Hydrogeology and hydrology

A total of five (5) environmental boreholes were investigated but samples were collected from three existing
boreholes for in-situ measurements. The water bearing rocks (aquifer) are generally shallow and the static
water levels in the area range between 13.21m-14.53m. The subsurface materials consist of topsoils which are
brownish in colour and predominantly silty sands followed by sands of different grain sizes and shapes.
Groundwater Sampling
The modified HACH groundwater sampler was used to collect samples after flushing the holes. In- situ
measurements for pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity, TDS and Turbidity were conducted for these
samples.
The insitu measurements were taken with the aid of Turbidimeter and Radiometer respectively for Turbidity,
TDS, DO, pH ,Salinity and Electrical Conductivity. Here data were collected by filling water sample into a
sample cell and the equipment’s nob was press to boot on. The sample cell with water sample was inserted
into the equipment and the READ command prompted for data analysis.
Groundwater Flow Direction
The direction of groundwater flow in the project was determined using the three existing environmental
boreholes. The boreholes were located in a triangular manner and the static level was measured in each with
Fisher Model WLT electric water level indicator.
A-7
Appendixes
The elevation of each borehole above mean sea level was also measured. The water in each borehole was
subtracted from the elevation of the borehole point to obtain the total head of water in the borehole.
The boreholes were then located on the map and a triangle was drawn on the map with the boreholes and their
respective total head value at the apices. Equipotential lines were drawn using the total head data, and
perpendicular lines drawn to these equipotential lines gave groundwater flow direction in the area.
The groundwater flow direction in this area is from the North to the Southern direction, and the flow rate is
1.2m/s.
Socio-economic studies
This SIA was executed, using the following, best practice, methodology:
4.2.7.2.1 Survey and Mapping

The survey and mapping of the locations of the settlements were made by SPDC and printed from the
map database (see attached administrative and facility maps).
4.2.7.2.2 Questionnaire Administration

A structured household questionnaire approved by SPDC was administered to elicit the following
information for the study:
• Respondents’ personal characteristics

• Demographic structure/characteristics
• Economic structure and pattern
• Socio-cultural infrastructure and way of life of the people
• Land tenure systems
• Perceived potential and associated impacts of the WDGSP/WAGP
4.2.7.2.2.1 Sampling and distribution of questionnaire

The four host communities of the WDGSP/WAGP at Oben Field had a total projected (2005)
population of 4134 people. The population is rural and very homogeneous. The sample size is
based on 6 % of the National Population Commission’s (NPC) 39 % adult population size ratio. 100
questionnaires were administered. The distribution of the questionnaires was purposive and reflects
the relative sizes of the settlements and the location of the project (Table 4.9.1).
Table 4. 2.1: Population and distribution of questionnaires

Settlement 1991 Census Projected 20005 No of No. of
questio groups
Male Fema Total Male Fema Tot nnaires consulted
le le al
Iguelaba 412 475 887 626 722 134 30
8
Oben 415 365 780 631 555 118 30 1
6
Ikobi 246 240 486 374 365 739 20
Obozogbe- 318 249 567 483 378 861 20
Nugu
Total 1391 1329 2720 2114 2020 413 100 1
4
Source: 1991 National Population Census.
A-8
Appendixes
4.2.7.2.3 Group Assembly Discussion

A combined community group discussion was held as a way of further involving the people in the
information sourcing and consultation processes. Predetermined, but relevant segments of the local
people were identified as the targets of the discussion. Among these segments were community
leaders; interest, occupational and age groups; and ordinary community members, who are not
normally involved in the mainstream of decision-making, but are nonetheless stakeholders (Plate 1).
The discussion was aimed at mainstreaming the affected group by appreciating their perception of the
problems associated with the project and ways of ameliorating and mitigating them. This further
enhances both the performance of the project operator, community general well-being and sense of
relevance. The information from the focus group discussion was used to confirm or check the
consistency and reliability, or otherwise, of the information from other sources, especially, the
questionnaire survey.
Interview of Key Informants

In order to elicit information and opinion of strategic stakeholders and key players, personal
interviews were also held with the Enogie (Duke) of Oben village; as well as the Enogie of Obozogbe-
Nugu on 15th and 16th March, 2006 respectively. The Ezomo, Chief D. I. Osawe represented the
Enogie of Obozogbe-Nugu, while elder Joseph Idemudia was in attendance. At the interview sessions
were the Secretary to Orhionmwon Local Government Council, and representatives of Edo State
Ministry of Environment, Engineer M.D. Ejemai; Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mrs
Rioke Akpojiyovwi; SPDC EIA team members; and the contracting firm; as well as the consultants
and field assistants for the SIA and HIA. Each interview was preceded by the customary presentation
and breaking of kola nuts, and prayers for the well being of everybody.
4.2.7.2.4 Field Inspections

A comprehensive enumeration of the houses in each village was undertaken. Oben and Iguelaba were
enumerated on March 15, 2006, while Ikobi and Obozogbe-Nugu were enumerated on March 16, 2006. The
enumeration at Obozogbe-Nugu was witnessed by the stakeholders: the village representative, who served as
a guide; Mr Nosa Erhatiemwomon, Secretary to Orhionmwon Local Government Council; and representatives
of Edo State Ministry of Environment, Engineer M.D Ejemai; Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Mrs
Faith Akpojiyovwi; and SPDC EIA team members.
Other major facilities and landmarks, such as water and electricity projects, school buildings, health care
facilities, markets, town halls, small scale (informal sector) activities, community shrines, among others, were
physically inspected. Their geographical locations were recorded with the hand-held Global Positioning System
(GPS).
Health studies
The EIA study design adopted was the same as that used for the EIA of the SPDC-W land Associated Gas
Gathering Project of 2001 as follows:
(A) Community Consultation
(B) Health Survey
(C) Physical Examination of the Environment
(D) Anthropometric measurement of health indicators
(A) COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
With a map of the location, the selected communities were visited and in each community the Chief, Elders,
Opinion leaders, Women leaders, and Youth Leaders were first contacted informally, various meetings were
A-9
Appendixes
held with the Chairman of Development Committee and Traditional Heads. These meetings were intended to
sensitize the communities on the need for such studies and sought full cooperation and participation in the
survey. This also helped in expelling any misconceptions and wrong notions existed on some of the SPDC oil
development project activities. When such misconceptions were noticed among some of the community
members, they were promptly addressed and resolved during the consultation.
(B) HEALTH SURVEY
The Health Impact Assessment Studies is a vital aspect of EIA and EER studies of any development project in
order to evaluate the impact of the project on the communities. The four Oben communities involved in the
study were Iguelaba, Oben (which is the capital), Ikobi and Obozogbe’ Nugu. This necessitated the present
HIA studies in the proposed Oben Field project The HIA studies broadly addressed the assessment of the
healthcare facilities, prevalent diseases and general health status of the people in the area. The studies
involved assessment of the environmental living conditions that affect health viz. type of water supply and
availability, types and adequacy of toilet facilities, drainage and sanitary conditions, types and condition of
houses, and waste disposal practices. Anthropometric measurements of children and nutritional status of
communities were also assessed. The studies also identified possible health hazards and health risks in the
project area. Mitigation measures against the identified hazards were proffered. The HIA studies of the host
communities were carried out using the recommended guidelines of DPR and FMEnv.
3.4.2 Objective of The Health Survey

The main objective of the study is to assess the overall health status of the inhabitants of Oben Field
communities with a view of making recommendations on the ways of ameliorating any negative impacts
emanating from the proposed gas gathering projects.
3.4.3 Previous Literature Consulted

Some of the relevant documents consulted were previous SDPC reports on Gas gathering which are:
• Environmental Impact Assessment studies of South Forcados AGG project – 2000;
• HIA studies at the EDER of Gas Project at Oben communities – 2001;
• HIA study model for EIA of SPDC-w Land Associated Gas Gathering project – 2001;
• Environmental Impact Assessments of Land AGG Projects. 2001;
• Accompanying Guidelines for SPDC -EIA process. Data Collection III – 2004;
3.4.0 Data collection methods
(a) Population Sampling: The stratified random sampling method was employed. Sampling was done
community by community and within each community household stratification was employed since the
A-10
Appendixes
houses are built all along the major road. Every 5th house was sampled starting from the first house at
the beginning of the community. The senior most or available adults in the household were interviewed.
(b) Instrument of Data Collection: The Questionnaire used in the data collection contained questions
addressing the socio-demographic data: housing infrastructure, physical environment , health
conditions and well being, pattern of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health seeking
behaviours, nutritional status, occupational health, lifestyles and social habits which are determinants of
health. (Appendix 3).
(c) Physical Examination: Adults, children and infants in the surveyed households were physically
examined to assess the general condition of health. Some of the parameters assessed were weight and
height (used to calculate Body Mass Index) hair quality and colour, the eyes, skin, ears, mouth, breath
and heart beat, presence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, breasts and abdominal
palpation. Samples of blood smear, urine and stools could not be taken for laboratory analysis due to
negative cultural beliefs of the people which are strong in the area.
(d) Nutritional and Health Status in Children: A total of 50 children (25 males and 25 females) between the
Ages of 5 years and 14 years were examined from the Primary school Oben. A rapid appraisal in the
school set up was chosen in view of the shortage of time and to obtain a good mix up of the
communities n the area. Some of the parameters assessed were their Socio-demographic
characteriatics, variable food intake pattern (24 hour meal recall) common childhood diseases,
immunization status and physical examination. Height, weight, mid upper Arm circumference, hair
colour, eyes, skin and general appearance of the individual were recorded (Appendix 3).
(III) Group Assembly Discussions (FGDS)
One Group Assembly Discussion was held in each community. In each of the Group
Assemblydiscussions male elders, youths and women were segregated and discussd separately. The
discussions were conducted using a ‘guide’ specially developed to address issues on knowledge, attitude,
perception and beliefs of common health problems in the community. More specifically, these included:
- Available health facilities
- Life style habits
- Felt needs of the community
- Possible impact of the proposed project on health and wellbeing in the community.
- Possible ways of ameliorating any negative impacts.
Questionnaire Guide employed at the Group Assembly Discussion is given in Appendix 3.
(IV) Environmental Health Survey

This assessment took the form of a walk-through survey with an environmental health check list
(Appendix 3) to determine the following.
A-11
Appendixes
- General sanitary conditions in the community

- Types of housing
- Sewage (drainage), excreta and refuse disposal facilities and practices
- Sources, quality and quantity of water supplies.
- Traffic conditions.
- Health related social amenities e.g. Electricity, Recreation, Educational facilities and Motorable roads.
- Erosion and flooding etc
(V) Assessment of Available Health Care Facilities in The Communities

The local hospitals / clinics and other orthodox health establishments were identified and visited.
Available health data and records were consulted. Information obtained (Appendix 3) included the following:
- Types and conditions of health infrastructure
- Type and number of health professionals
- Types of available and functional equipment
- Types of health services available for the community
- Intake of Inpatients / Out Patients
- Administrative structure
- Logistics /accessibility of the health facilities to the community members
- Degree of Utilization of the facilities
3.4.4 Socioeconomic determinants of health

A variety of socioeconomic conditions determine he morbidity and mortality pattern of a community. Oben
Field community is characterized by:
• Fairly educated population
• Farming and trading are the main occupations
• Majority of the houses were built with zinc roofs with a mean occupancy rate of 6 per house
• Number of children about 6 per family
• Relatively good roads which are motorable
• With adequate water supply from a borehole
• Electricity connected but not with steady supply
• Adequate toilet facilities with over 95% enjoying the facilities
3.4.5 Environmental determinants of health
Some of the environmental factors may predispose to negative health impacts. These are:
A-12
Appendixes
a) Sanitation, Drainage and Waste Disposal

The environments surrounding the houses are in poor state of sanitation. The method of liquid waste disposal
is by throwing around openly. Individual houses also dump refuse and other solid wastes at specific locations
close to the houses. Plantain and banana trees are usually found planted at these refuse dump sites probably
taking advantage of the wet lands and the manurial value of the wastes. Animals, rodents and various
arthropod insects that fester these dumpsites can also gain access to human habitation and can serve as
public health nuisance and vectors of diseases. Refuse is burnt at periodic intervals which is also a health
hazard due to smoke and fumes.
b) Erosion and Flooding:
There are no good drains in the communities and there is always flooding around residential areas. Rains
aggravate the situation. Similarly the communities experience severe erosion problems as evident from the
foundation base of the walls of most houses. Most houses are thus unstable and collapse untimely. During
severe rains some of the houses are flooded for days thus driving the occupants away leading to health
hazards and economic losses.
c) Air/Noise:
In the perceptions of the communities, the air is polluted with flared gas from flow stations all round Oben,
Ikobi, Obozogbe-nugu and Iguelaba communities. However, the data collected do not indicate such a severity.
The noise level in most communities is low (50-60 dB(A)), which is within FEPA acceptable limit of 90dB(A).
The noise may be due to vehicular movements and commercial activities in the community. The noise level is
however high at Oben community where the flow stations are located. Increased noise level is a health hazard
as it causes lack of concentration, restlessness and tension.
d) Land pollution:
There was no evidence of land pollution in the communities. There are some oil pipelines passing through
some locations in the community owned land but not within the living areas. Frequent fire outbreaks at these oil
pipelines due to vandalization and illegal abstraction of oil are some possible sources of pollution.
e) Disease vectors and Zoonotic Infections:
Mosquitoe breeding sites were abundant in the study area and house files, sandflies, tse-tse flies and various
other arthropods are common in the environment. These vectors pose health hazards as they transmit a
variety of vector borne infections. In the houses, rats, mice and cockroaches are abundant and may contribute
to health hazards. The domestic animals reared by the people include goats and sheep, dogs, fowls, cats and
ducks. These animals are stray and roam very freely in the communities and could also be a source of health
hazards due to zoonotic infections.
Dangers from snakebites are not common. There are wild cats, civets and garnets in the communities as seen
by hunters but there were no reports of attack by these wild animals.
A-13
Appendixes
3.4.6 Health and Well being
a) Adult Health Problems

The common health problems identified among the adult population (Table 3.xx) were malaria (30%),
cough/URTI (28 %), body pains/ rheumatism (26%), dysentery/diarrhea (26%), gastroenteritis (14%) and
typhoid (10%). Other common non-communicable ailments were injuries (16 %) dizziness (16 %), arthritis
(12%), and high blood pressure (12%). Sexually transmitted diseases (STI but not HIV/AIDS 8%) and skin
diseases (6%). Cholera was rare (4%) and worm infestations were low (4% from perceptions).
The health survey was conducted through the following steps:
(I) Recruitment and training of Field Assistants: Two field assistant were recruited and trained from
each of the four communities (i.e. a total of 8 Field Assistants) on the modalities of the survey and
the proper administration of the questionnaire. They were closely supervised and even pre-tested
through a mini survey using two respondents per Field Assistant before the commencement of the
main survey. This was to ensure Quality control.
(II) Epidemiological Survey

The study design was cross-sectional involving a selected population in the communities.
(e) Study Population: The total population of the four Oben communities was 4,134 projected for the year
2005 using the 1996 population figures and calculated using 2.83% growth rate as applicable to rural
areas. A breakdown of the population in the study communities is: Iguelaba 1348, Oben 1186, Ikobi 739
and Obozogbe-Nugu 861. Structured Questionnaire on various health issues were developed,
pretested and administered to 5% of the adult population which is 39% of the total population in each
community. Leaving some percentages for attrition adjustment, the sample size was limited to Iguelaba
30, Oben 30 Ikobi 20 and Obozogbe-Nugu 20 totalling 100 and the questionnaires were administered
as shown in Table 1.
Table 1: Population of the Communities and Number of Questionnaire administered

Community 1991 Census Projected 2005 No of No of
Estimate
Male Female Total Male Female Total Questionnaire Group
Assembly
Iguelaba 412 475 887 626 722 1348 30
Oben 415 365 780 631 555 1186 30 1
Ikobi 246 240 486 374 365 739 20
A-14
Appendixes
Obozogbe- 318 249 567 483 378 861 20

Nugu
Total 1391 1329 2720 2114 2020 4134 100 1
(f) Population Sampling: The stratified random sampling method was employed. Sampling was done
community by community and within each community household stratification was employed since the
houses are built all along the major road. Every 5th house was sampled starting from the first house at
the beginning of the community. The senior most or available adults in the household were interviewed.
(g) Instrument of Data Collection: The Questionnaire used in the data collection contained questions
addressing the socio-demographic data: housing infrastructure, physical environment , health
conditions and well being, pattern of communicable and non-communicable diseases, health seeking
behaviours, nutritional status, occupational health, lifestyles and social habits which are determinants of
health. (Appendix 3).
(h) Physical Examination: Adults, children and infants in the surveyed households were physically
examined to assess the general condition of health. Some of the parameters assessed were weight and
height (used to calculate Body Mass Index) hair quality and colour, the eyes, skin, ears, mouth, breath
and heart beat, presence of communicable and non-communicable diseases, breasts and abdominal
palpation. Samples of blood smear, urine and stools could not be taken for laboratory analysis due to
negative cultural beliefs of the people which are strong in the area.
(i) Nutritional and Health Status in Children: A total of 50 children (25 males and 25 females) between the
Ages of 5 years and 14 years were examined from the Primary school Oben. A rapid appraisal in the
school set up was chosen in view of the shortage of time and to obtain a good mix up of the
communities’i n the area. Some of the parameters assessed were their Socio-demographic
characteristics, variable food intake pattern (24 hour meal recall) common childhood diseases,
immunization status and physical examination. Height, weight, mid upper Arm circumference, hair
colour, eyes, skin and general appearance of the individual were recorded (Appendix 3).
(III) Group Assembly Discussions

One Group Assembly Discussion was held in each community. In each of the Group Assembly
discussions male elders, youths and women were segregated and discussd separately. The discussions
were conducted using a ‘guide’ specially developed to address issues on knowledge, attitude, perception
and beliefs of common health problems in the community. More specifically, these included:
- Available health facilities
- Life style habits
- Felt needs of the community
A-15
Appendixes
- Possible impact of the proposed project on health and wellbeing in the community.
- Possible ways of ameliorating any negative impacts.
Questionnaire Guide employed at the Group Assembly Discussion is given in Appendix 3.
(IV) Environmental Health Survey

This assessment took the form of a walk-through survey with an environmental health check list
(Appendix 3) to determine the following.
- General sanitary conditions in the community
- Types of housing
- Sewage (drainage), excreta and refuse disposal facilities and practices
- Sources, quality and quantity of water supplies.
- Traffic conditions.
- Health related social amenities e.g. Electricity, Recreation, Educational facilities and Motorable roads.
- Erosion and flooding etc
(V) Assessment of Available Health Care Facilities in the Communities
The local hospitals / clinics and other orthodox health establishments were identified and visited.
Available health data and records were consulted. Information obtained (Appendix 3) included the
following:
- Types and conditions of health infrastructure
- Type and number of health professionals
- Types of available and functional equipment
- Types of health services available for the community
- Intake of Inpatients / Out Patients
- Administrative structure
- Logistics /accessibility of the health facilities to the community members
- Degree of Utilization of the facilities
A-16
Appendixes
APPENDIX 4
SIA QUESTIONNAIRE
1 NEIGHBOURHOOD/COMMUNITY/SETTLEMENT
1.1 Name of interviewer: ---------------------------------------------------------------------
1.2 Date of interview:--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.3 Neighborhood /comm./settle:------ ----------------------------------------------------
1.4 Local Govt. Area:--------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.5 State:-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2. RESPONDENTS PERSONAL INFORMATION

2.1 Sex (Male/Female):------------------------------------------------------------------
2.2 Age:
2.2.1 10-20 years
2.2.2 21-30 years
2.2.3 31-40 years
2.2.4 41-50 years
2.2.5 51-60 years
2.2.6 61-70 years
2.2.7 above 70 years
2.3 How would you describe yourself in this community/neighbourhood?
2.3.2 Indigence
2.3.3 Settler
2.3.4 Visitor
2.3.5 Tenant
2.4 If you are a visitor/settler, where is your hometown? _________________
2.5 How long have you lived in this community/neighbourhood?
2.5.2 less than 5 years
2.5.3 6-10 years
2.5.4 11-15 years
2.5.5 16-20 years
2.5.6 above 20 years
2.6 Marital Status
2.6.2 Single
2.6.3 Married
2.6.4 Divorced
2.6.5 Widow/widower
2.7 What position do you hold in this community
2.7.2 Traditional ruler
2.7.3 Religious leader
2.7.4 Family head
2.7.5 Chairman, Social club
2.7.6 Others (specify)………………………………………………………………
2.8 What is your level of Education?
2.8.2 Primary
2.8.3 Secondary
A-17
Appendixes
2.8.4 Tertiary
2.8.5 No formal education.
3. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Family size (Husband, wife/wives and children)
3.1.1 1-3
3.1.2 4-6
3.1.3 7-10
3.1.4 11-15
3.1.5 above 15
3.2 Sex: How many are:
3.2.1 Males-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.2.2 Females:-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.3 How many births in your family in the last 12 months?
3.3.1 0
3.3.2 1
3.3.3 2
3.3.4 3
3.3.5 4
3.4 How many deaths in your family in the last 12 months?
3.4.1 0
3.4.2 1
3.4.3 2
3.4.4 3
3.4.5 4
4. ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
4.1 What is your occupation?
4.1.1 Farming
4.1.2 Fishing
4.1.3 Hunting
4.1.4 Civil servant
4.1.5 Trading
4.1.6 Business
4.1.7 Industrial worker
4.1.8 Other (specify):----------------------------------------------------------------------
4.2 If farmer, what crops do you grow? ………………………………………………
4.2.1 Yearly quality of farm produce in the last 5yrs …………………………
4.3 If fisherman, name some fishes …………………………………………………..
4.3.1 Yearly quality of fish caught in the last 5yrs…………………………..
4. 4 How long have you been in the occupation?
4.4.1 0-5 years
4.4.2 6-10 years
4.4.3 11-20 years
4.4.4 21-30 years
4.4.5 above 30 years.
4.5 How many members of your household are employed in Petroleum related companies operating in this
area?
A-18
Appendixes
4.5.1 None
4.5.2 1
4.5.3 2
4.5.4 3
4.5.5 4
4.6 Please state the number of your household who have attained 18 years and above but are not employed.
4.6.1 None
4.6.2 1
4.6.3 2
4.6.4 3
4.6.5 4
4.6.6 5
4.6.7 6
4.6.8 others (specify)--------------------------------------------------------------------
4.7 Does any of the persons above have any form of technical training related to the operations of oil
companies in the area? If yes how many?
4.7.1 1
4.7.2 2
4.7.3 3
4.7.4 4
4.7.5 5
4.8 Please briefly specify the nature of the training and indicate the number of persons who have such training
4.8.1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.8.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.8.3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.8.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.8.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.9 How much do you realise from farming in a week?
4.9.1 N0.0 - N250.00
4.9.2 N250.00 - N500.00
4.9.3 N501.00 - N750.00
4.9.4 N751.00 - N1000.00
4.9.5 N1001.00 - N1,500.00
4.9.6 N1,501.00 - N1,750.00
4.9.7 N1,751.00 - N2,000.00
4.9.8 Above N2,000.00
4.10 How much do you realise from other activities/sources in a week?
4.10.1 N0.00 - N500.00
4.10.2 N501.00 - N1000.00
4.10.3 N1001.00 - N1,500.00
4.10.4 N1,501.00 - N2,000.00
4.10.5 Others----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.11 What is your annual income?
4.11.1 N11,000 - N20,000
4.11.2 N21,000 - N30,000
4.11.3 N31,000 - N40,000
4.11.4 N41,000 - N50,000
4.11.5 N51,000 - N60,000
A-19
Appendixes
4.11.6 N61,000 - N70,000

4.11.7 N71,000 - N80,000
4.11.8 81,000 - N90,000
4.11.9 N91,000 - N100,000
4.11.10 Other range---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.12 How much do you spend on your family a week?
4.12.1 N250.00 - N500.00
4.12.2 N501.00 - N1000.00
4.12.3 N1,001.00 - N1,500.00
4.12.4 N1,50100 - N2,000.00
4.12.5 2,500.00 - N3,000.00
4.12.6 N3,001.00 - N3,500.00
4.12.7 Other range --------------------------------------------------------------------
4.13 How much do you spend on?

4.13.1 Food items
4.13.2 Household item
4.13.3 Clothing
4.13.4 Education of Children
4.13.5 Medical care
4.13.6 Transport
4.13.7 Others (specify)----------------------------------------------------------------------
4.14 How much are you able to save in a year?

4.14.1 No savings
4.14.2 N10,000 - N20,000.00
4.14.3 N21,000.00 - N30,000.00
4.14.4 N31,000.00 - N40,000.00
4.14.5 N41,000.00 - N50,000.00
4.14.6 N51,000.00 - N60,000.00
4.14.7 Other range---------------------------------------------------------------------------
4.15 Which of these properties do you own?
4.15.1 Bicycle
4.15.2 Motor cycle
4.15.3 Motor vehicle
4.15.4 Out board engine boat
4.15.5 Canoe
4.15.6 Others (specify)----------------------------------------------------------------------
4.16 Do you own any land in the community? If yes, what is the size in hectares?
4.16.1 0 - 1
4.16.2 2 - 3
4.16.3 4 - 5
4.16.4 6 - 7
4.16.5 above 7
4.17 What is the nature of land ownership?
4.17.1 Personal
4.17.2 Family
4.17.3 Communal
A-20
Appendixes
4.17.4 Lease hold

4.17.5 Free hold
4.17.6 Others (specify):---------------------------------------------------------------------
4.18 Do you have a house in the neighbourhood/ community?
4.18.1 Thatch roof/mud
4.18.2 Zinc roof block
4.18.3 Zinc roof /book
4.18.4 Zinc roof/wooden
4.18.5 Others (specify)-----------------------------------------------------------------
5. SOCIAL/CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
5.1 What is your religion?
5.1.1 Christianity
5.1.2 Islam
5.1.3 Traditional
5.1.4 Others (specify)----------------------------------------------------------------------
5.2 Which of the following do you have around this neighbourhood /community: (Please show us the location)
5.2.1 Shrines
5.2.2 Sacred ground/forest
5.2.3 Historical / archaeological site
5.2.4 Religious houses
5.2.5 Others (Special)
5.3 What of these social problems do you have in your neighbourhood?
5.3.1 Youth /juvenile delinquency/unrest
5.3.2 Land dispute
5.3.3 Chieftancy problem
5.3.4 Inter-village problem
5.3.5 Inter-family problem
5.3.6 Unemployment
5.3.7 Others (specify)
5.3.8 None of the above
5.4 What is your source of water supply?
5.4.1 Pipe-borne water
5.4.2 Hand dug well
5.4.3 Streams
5.4.4 Rainfall
5.4.5 Others (please specify)
5.5 What are your sources of energy?
5.5.1 Wood
5.5.2 Kerosene
5.5.3 Gas
5.5.4 Petrol
5.5.5 Coal
5.5.6 Electricity
5.6 What are you fears about this proposed project?
5.6.1 Loss of land (land acquisition)
5.6.2 Damage of agricultural land
5.6.3 Cultural interference
A-21
Appendixes
5.6.4 Noise nuisance from working equipment

5.6.5 Pollution of fishing ground
5.6.6 Others (specify)
5.7 What benefits do you expect from SPDC in course of the execution of this project and subsequent
operations in the area? Please rank them in order of importance by placing 1 against the most important, 2
against next important etc.
5.7.1 Employment of indigenes
5.7.2 Scholarship for indigenes
5.7.3 Electricity
5.7.4 Primary school
5.7.5 Water project
5.7.6 Health centres
5.7.7 Others (specify):---------------------------------------------------------------------
6 SOCIAL STATISTICS
(For interviewer only) Note and record the following:
6.1 School statistics
6.1.1 Primary school enrolment data Primary 1 to IV
6.1.2 Secondary school enrolment data JSS 1-3, SSS 1-3
6.1.3 Other educational institutions
6.2 What are the common illnesses in this community?
6.2.1 Malaria
6.2.2 Yellow fever
6.2.3 Dysentery/diarrhoea
6.2.4 Measles/any other contagious disease
6.2.5 Cough
6.2.6 Skin diseases
6.2.7 Others (specify):---------------------------------------------------------------------
6.3 What are the common environmental problems in the neighbourhood/community?
6.3.1 Flooding
6.3.2 Shoreline erosion
6.3.3 Deforestation
6.4 State of infrastructure
6.4.1 Roads
6.4.2 Building materials
6.4.3 Sanitation
6.4.4 Others (specify):---------------------------------------------------------------------
6.4.5 No idea
7 WILDLIFE
7.1 Where do you usually hunt?
7.1.1 Within a few metres from the village
7.1.2 Bush
7.2 Please list the types wild animal and birds you normally see or catch in this area
7.2.1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-22
Appendixes
7.2.4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.6 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.7 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.8 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.9 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.2.10 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.3 In the last 5 years have you noticed any changes in the population of animals and birds in the forest?
………………………
7.4 What are the changes?
7.4.1 Increasing
7.4.2 The same
7.4.3 Decreasing
7.5 If decreasing what do you think is responsible? (Record answer verbatim).
7.5.1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.5.2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7.5.3 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-23

Oben Projects Eiareport PDF

Hochgeladen von

Dokumentinformationen

Originaltitel

Copyright

Verfügbare Formate

Dieses Dokument teilen

Dokument teilen oder einbetten

Freigabeoptionen

Stufen Sie dieses Dokument als nützlich ein?

Sind diese Inhalte unangemessen?

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

Oben Projects Eiareport PDF

Hochgeladen von

Copyright:

Verfügbare Formate

The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited

Operator of the NNPC/Shell/Agip/Total Joint Venture

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

OBEN GAS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

1.4.25 SPDC’s Flares-Down Policy … … … … … … … … 1-9

3.2.5.1 Floristic Composition and Profile … … … … … … 3-8

3.4.6 Quality of Available Health Facilities … … … … … 3-42

Plate 1: Secondary Vegetation of the Project area … … … … … 3-9

Table 3.20 Demographic structure of the host communities of the

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

ALARP As Low As Reasonably Possible

MABOTES NIGERIA LIMITED TEAM

Mr. M.U. Joseph - Project Manager/ Air Quality

Dr. A.E. Ogbeibu - Project Coordinator/Hydrobiology & Fisheries

Mr. W. Adesanya - Microbiology

Dr. L. N. Edosomwan - Soil/ Sediment

Mr.Osokpor Jerry - Geology

Dr. J.F. Bamidele - Vegetation

Dr. I. Ikhuoria - SIA

Dr. C. E. Okaka - HIA

Mr. I. Francis - HSE Officer

Mrs. D Ogeleke - Chemistry/ Lab Manager

Egnr. Ikechukwu Charles Okoro Corporate Head of Environment

E. C. Ezeaku Environmental Adviser

1.2 Legal and Administrative Framework

1.3 The Project

The entire project consists of the following sub activities;

1.4 Project Location

1.6 Baseline Environmental Status

1.6.1 Climate and Meteorology

1.6.2 Air Quality and Noise

1.6.4 Land use and Agriculture.

1.6.6 Wild Life

1.6.7 Aquatic Environment

1.6.7.2 Aquatic Biota

1.6.7.3 Zooplankton Studies

1.6.7.4 Microbial Flora

1.7 Socio-economic Environment

1.8 Health Status

1.9 Impact Prediction

1.9.1 Construction Phase

1.9.1.2 Site preparation

1.9.1.3 Construction/Drilling/Flowline Activities

1.9.1.4 Waste generations - emissions, effluents, solids

1.9.1.6 Decommissioning of Structures

1.9.2. Operations Phase

1.9.2.1 Maintenance of Acquired Land

1.9.2.2 Labour Requirement

1.9.2.3 Waste Generation (emissions, effluents and solids)

1.9.2.4 Generation of Nuisance (noise, vibrations and continuous light)

1.9.3 Decommissioning Phase

1.9.3.2 Dismantling of Structures

1.10 Mitigation and Ameliorative Measures

1.11 Environmental Management Plan

Reservoir 1/1/2005 ARPR GIIP (this ARPR UR FDP UR

1.2 Project Background

a) Carry out WAGP Dew point related works;

Table 1.2: NAG Wells Production Performance (as at 31/12/04)

1.3 The Proponent

1.4 Legal and Administrative Framework

1.4.1 Land-use Act 1978

1.4.3 Oil Mining Lease, OML

1.4.4 The Mineral Oil (Safety) Regulations, 1963 (Amended 1997)