ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF

ASPHALT PLANT
(CAS E S TUDY: S ETRACO NIGERIA LIMITED AS PHALT PLANT, AGBARHA - OTOR)

BACKGROUND: “although there are obligatory environmental standards and regulations as

regards asphalt plant pollution, the operation of asphalt plants as well as the manufacture of
asphaltic concrete over time despite routine measures, get to pose risks considerable to the
surroundings. Thus, whether unnoticed, ignored, managed or neglected becomes an
occupational and environmental hazard to health and safety. Therefore, thus, is the aim of
investigating the analysis as carried out on the HMA facility”
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
ABSTRACT

IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF ASPHALT

This study assessed the
impact of asphalt
PLANT production on
environment in Nigeria,
the

(CASE STUDY: SETRACO NIGERIA LIMITED ASPHALT PLANT, AGBARHA - using the HMA facility of
OTOR) Serco Nigeria Limited
located at Agbarha-Otor in
Moses .O. Utoyo Ughelli North Local
Government Area, Delta
Department of Civil/Environmental Engineering, State as a case study. Soil,
air, water and vegetation
Faculty of Engineering, samples were obtained in a
field survey, while
Delta State University, Abraka, Oleh Campus interviews and focus group
discussions were also held
utoyo.moses@gmail.com with the stakeholders.
Analysis of the laboratory
results of field samples
taken reveal that the HMA
facility has some limited
impact on the soil,
vegetation and water
KEYWORDS: HMA facility, Asphalt plant, Asphalt, Pollution around it. In particular, the
statistical analysis shows
that the Cadmium and
Benzene contents impact in
the soil is significant, while
the impact on the other
pollutant elements
considered are not
significant. For vegetation
and water, the impact on
the elements considered is
not significant. Analysis of
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT the interviews and
discussions held with the
Sincere gratitude to God and our Lord Jesus Christ, who has stakeholders’ reveal that
been my benefactor all my life. To the Spirit Divine, I implore attend the HMA facility has
my prayer. My parents for all their love, provision and care. Also I impacted both positively
wish to thank my Daddy, Engr. Agori J. for all your impact. As well and negatively on the socio-
economic activities and
not leaving out my spiritual guardians for all of their efforts in build ing health of the host
me to what I am today. I am also thankful to the management and staff community.
of the study area for their cooperation and support. As well, the
measure extended me by my siblings, extended relations, friends and
well-meaning people, God bless you all.
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1. INTRODUCTION

Road construction emerged as a result of modern development. And this development came as a
result of the Industrial revolution which aimed at sustainable utilization of resources. In Nigeria, the
expansion in road network and vehicular fleets make the road transport mode the dominant mode in terms
of passenger and goods traffic (Arosanyin 2000). More than 90 percent of all the roads constructed in
Nigeria are of the flexible pavement type; Momoh and Fred, 2010. There are two major types of road
pavement in Nigeria. Those finished with asphalt wearing course, are referred to as flexib le pavement
roads, while those finished with a reinforced concrete, are referred to as rigid pavement roads. Both asphalt
concrete wearing course and asphalt surface dressing are as a result of production of hot asphalt concrete
carried out at an asphalt plant also known as Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) facility. Unfortunately, as all other
industrial endeavors, road building has its own side effects. In the course of road construction, asphalt
plants produce asphaltic concrete that is used to construct the road surface. During the production state,
gases and particulates are discharged from the plant stakes which are emitted directly into the atmosphere
with little or no treatment. These emissions cause pollution both at the site and at distances away from
the site as a consequence of the effect of wind.

A general notion of environmental pollution could mean: “the act of making the surroundings
unsuitable for use by substances known as pollutants”. These pollutants may be any gas, liquid or solid
that interfere with the normal composition of the atmosphere having harmful and unwanted effects. Forms
of pollution includes; noise, heat, water, air, soil, etc. While the society attempts daily to create wealth by
manufacturing and producing in order to sustain a high standard of living, there will always be pollutio n.
Its impacts however, and as stressed by Anyata, 2013, depends on the amount of pollutants released into
the environment. Identified sources include; industries, automobiles, production emissions, agricultura l
wastes and so on. Notwithstanding, the government and well – meaning individuals have led in the tackle
of air pollution with the aid of policy reformation and advancing technology (IJEI, 2011). According to
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the global problem of pollution is known to have negative
influence on worker and public health. The most polluted places in the world are the developing countries,
which are characterized with faulty standards of government, economics, science and technology, in her
quest to put up physical infrastructures and advance as well. In the fields of public health engineering as
well as in civil and environmental engineering technology, there is much scientific evidence of a distinct
relationship between generally dirty environment, its quality control and health effects.

Even now, environmental quality is daily plagued by harmful materials whose limits are injurious to the
environment. These are known to cause all kinds of; illness, poisoning, brain damage, disease,
suffocation, cancer, organ dysfunction, respiratory /cardiovascular disorders and sometimes death.
It is also known to have impact on vegetation, climate, property and greenhouse effects. This follows that
the sources of pollution from an asphalt plant according to Momoh and Fred 2010, are thus; dryer, burne r
– blower, dust collection system, exhaust fan, asphalt cement heating, asphaltic concrete storage and
reclaimed asphalt paving components. In the production of asphalt, most of the pollutants injected into
the atmosphere include; sulphur dioxide, particulates, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, volatile
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organic compounds (VOCs) and fugitive emissions. These emissions could have been effective ly
controlled but most asphalt plants don’t have adequate provision for pollution control devices. Well said,
they have the pollution control device, but due to lack of routine maintenance, poor housekeeping, neglect
or improper management, the control level of these devices drop with time and their operators being little
aware of such occurrence. Following therefore, a reduction in the standard of the plant and functiona lity
of the device posing on the overall unnoticed potential risk.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Asphalt Plants features the various positive impacts and hazards
associated with this class of projects. The procedure adopted in this enquiry at Serco Nigeria Limited,
Agbarha – Otor aid in the presentation of this research work. This involves understanding the technique
used in the processing of bitumen and aggregates in the asphalt industry to include heating and blending
of these material constituents to a temperature of 1500 C at which asphaltic concrete can be laid in road
pavement works. This study aims at evaluating the impact of pollutants from an asphalt plant on the
environment and its objectives comprise of;

 To identify the production process and the pollutants emitted into the environment.

 To identify the appropriate measures for mitigating the potential consequences of asphalt plant
pollution.

 To facilitate stringent standards in construction companies having asphalt plant by investiga ting
the level of implementation of the terms and conditions of their operation permit as subject to
environmental policies.

 To deduce from test, calculation and design the environmental consequences of polluta nt
emissions as a means of promoting sound and sustainable development of asphalt plant operation
to meet environmental protection agency requirements.

 This study is useful to provide information on the function of the plants’ integrated air pollutio n
control device to develop support for the challenges of technological innovation in air pollutio n
control practices.

Owing to the above, this research work focuses on the assessment of the impact of asphalt concrete
production on the environment of asphalt plants in the area of operation of Serco Nigeria Limited, Emevor
road, Agbarha – Otor, in Ughelli – North of Delta State, Nigeria, where such Hot Mix Asphalt Facility
(HMA) is located.
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2. PROJECT AREA

Asphalt occasionally known as bitumen, is a sticky, black and highly gelatinous liquid of petroleum.
It is a semi – solid residue found in natural deposits and is often classed as pitch. Until the 20th century,
the term “asphaltum” was also associated with this substance. Up to 70% of asphalt/bitumen is primarily
used as a binder mixed with aggregate particles to create asphalt concrete applied in road construction. Its
other foremost uses are for sealing flat roofs, production of roofing belt and water proofing products.

Figure 2.1: Serco Asphalt Plant showing visible emissions

Thus, this is the practice of environment impact assessment (EIA) used in determining the
environmental impact associated with production of asphaltic concrete in Serco Nigeria Limited, Agbarha
– Otor, Delta State with evaluation of the necessary measures to be taken to reduce these impacts. Serco
Nigeria Limited operates a fully automatic Batching Plant (Phoenix Paker with a stack height of up to 30
metres) near Ughelli town in Agbarha – Otor located in delta state region approximately at 5º32′4′′ north
of the equator and 6º4′29′′ east of the Prime meridian. It is about 6 kilometers from Ughelli, the
headquarters of Ughelli North local government area. The figure below (Figure 2.2) is a map of delta state
showing the case study area. The study area is on the outskirts of the town and consists of stock piles of
paving materials, heavy duty trucks, large structural machinery, personal offices, necessary equipment
and associated infrastructure.

Figure 2.2: Ughelli Area of Delta State showing the Agbarha – Otor town
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 An HMA plant which can hardly be an easily relocated (skid - mounted) plant may possess reclaimed
asphalt paving (RAP) capabilities of the varied asphalt plants in Nigeria; the fully automatic batch plant
type is the more common. Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) paving materials are a mixture of size – graded, high
quality aggregate and liquid asphalt cement which is heated and mixed in measured quantities. Whenever
applicable, over 92% by weight of the total mixture is composed of recycled asphalt paving. A certain
percentage of fine aggregate (fine dust of < 74µmdia) is required for the production of good quality HMA
[BS 4987 – 1: 2005; Coated macadam (asphalt concrete) for roads and other paved areas; Specificatio n
for constituent materials and for mixtures]. The influence of air pollution and other forms of it has no
boundaries. Hence, the various ways of mitigating its effects to the surroundings.
The asphalt plant in Serco Nigeria Limited was constructed and is under operation of continuo us
asphalt production at about 1.3km away from the nearest residential area. No fewer than 36 employees
work in the environ adhering to strict management practices. Since 1977, the Asphalt Plant Department
of Serco International Group of Companies employed experts to assess the merits of the project in
accordance with relevant requirements. The impact of the project was then mitigated/controlled to ensure
an acceptable level of environmental performance in Emevor road, Agbarha – Otor. This was certified by
the general public and the Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja; but then again, thus, has been their
presence in up to 20 states in Nigeria. The asphalt industry therefore of Serco Group, Agbarha – Otor
remains functional to this day with a continual supply of materials from Ifom at Auchi, in their Edo state
office.

Figure 2.3: The Hot Mix Asphalt Facility during production

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3. ASPHALTIC CONCRETE AND THE ASPHALT PLANT

The production of asphalt is associated with the emission of some gases and particulates as earlier
stated. Asphalt plants, according to Barnard et. al. 2003, consists of some basic environment pollutio n
sources as it deals with many things that can affect the environment. Annually, its emission rates have
been known to exceed emission standards set by controlling bodies. However, the established precept of
source controlling rather than outright condition prevention has made it operate and it has thus far,
continued in operation. As an occupational carcinogen, it should be more feasible to mainta in
concentration levels of such discharges. Thus, the pollutants are so managed and the safety of the facility
to an extent is guaranteed (U.S. EPA, 2000). These compounds and their typical concentration levels are
shown below:
Table 3.1: Compounds and their typical concentration levels
Compound Concentration in stack gas
Nitrogen 67.7%
Water vapour 20.0%
Oxygen 9.5%
Carbon(ii)oxide 2.8%
Carbon monoxide 0.02%
Sulphur(ii)oxide 0.004%
Nitrogen oxides 0.005%
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCS) 0.004%
e. g Cadmium, formaldehyde, benzene, etc.
Total 100%

In countries like the U.S.A., asphalt pavement mixing facilities are well – regulated by federal and
state environmental agencies, and they employ multiple emissions released from their control systems,
which are thus closely monitored to ensure that they stay well below any permitted level set by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other regulators to ensure that they pose no health or
environmental risk to nearby communities. Laura 2008, also states that asphalt plants are known toxins
that represent concentration level of emissions of particles, dust and gases as contained in the atmosphere
(i.e. controlled acceptable levels) which should not be exceeded. This presumption has been demonstrated
accordingly in the table above.
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 In fact, over a decade ago, the EPA reviewed emissions from asphalt plants and determined that
such facilities are not a major source of air pollution by ensuring that they have adequate emission control
devices. The majority of emissions at asphalt mixing facilities come from the combustion of fuel, such as
natural gas, that are used to dry and heat the rock or aggregate and to keep the temperature of the asphalt
hot. Most of the other potential emissions, such as the dust generated during the drying of aggregate, are
captured by bag house filters or similar controls and never released to the environment. It follows that, at
times, there may be noticeable emissions coming from an asphalt plants stack, but in almost all
circumstances this is just steam – the loss of water vapour from the drying of aggregate at high
temperatures. Sometimes, odours from the heated materials may also emanate from an asphalt plant.
Although they may be noticeable, these odours do not indicate a health hazard; there are many instances
of natural and man – made odours that are noticeable but not harmful – dairy farms, garlic, skunks and
marshlands to name a few. Asphalt plant odours are not harmful (NAPA, 2014).
A 2001 study compared emissions from an asphalt plant to emissions from other common
community and industrial sources. The study found that the low annual emissions from an asphalt plant
are equivalent or well below many other common sources:
(1) Similar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from one bakery operating for about two
weeks or from 13 residential fire places over the course of a year
(2) Less than six months’ worth of toluene emissions from an automobile gasoline filling station
Since 1970, the asphalt pavement industry has documented a decrease in total stack emissions of 97%,
while increasing pavement production by 25%. This is what should be in Nigeria, but the story is differe nt.
Some other times, owing to flawed tests risks could be undervalued. Research studies tells that these plants
can be designed, maintained and operated in manners consistent with preserving environmental quality.

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4. METHODOLOGY

The procedure of this project work involved the followings:

SAMPLE COLLECTION

(1) Collection of Soil Samples

(2) Collection of Vegetation Samples

(3) Collection of Particulate Samples

(4) Collection of Gaseous Pollutant Samples

(5) Collection of Water Samples

(6) Temperature Measurement

(7) Noise level measurement

LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS

 Collection of Samples:

SOIL AND VEGETATION: The soil sampling points chosen were based on a 300m × 300m grid
system from the exact location of the Asphalt Plant Stack. A total of 14 sampling points were established.
From each sampling points samples were collected using a hand auger to a depth of about 0.15m. Data
extracted were from Cassava plants (a well- known food crop in the area).

AIR: Particulate samples collected were basically stone dust and condensed bitumen particles for
an averaging time of 24 hours daily for 1 month during asphalt production. After appropriate spot
checking, I chose the sampling location to be about 1.5m above ground level using a dust fall bucket to
reflect the human breathing zone (the gravimetric technique).

The method of gas sample collection involved the absorption of the volume of polluted air bubbled
through a selected solvent in which a selected gaseous pollutant component air of interest is made to react
with the solvent while the other components continue through in – line to be absorbed at another stage
(absorption method).

WATER: Proper grab sampling (quick scoop) techniques were adopted as part of the survey to
assess water quality and to check compliance with water quality standards. Water samples were collected
from; rainwater, plant borehole and Okpare creek (a nearby stream).

TEMPERATURE AND NOISE: Temperature readings were collected at established locations

from the plant using a thermometer, while Noise levels were measured using a sound level meter.

 Laboratory Tests:
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The procedure for the air analysis is described below;

I placed a 300mm diameter dust fall bucket at the sampling location around the asphalt site. To
this bucket container, I add some quantity of water to enhance the trapping of particulate matter. The
weight of the empty bucket and the dust particles after the water has been evaporated was taken to deduce
the weight of particulate matter in grammes (g). The dust fall concentration was determined over a period
of 30days.

The following formula was used to compute for the dust fall;
4w
Df = 𝜋𝑑2 ……………………………..(4.1)

where;

W = mass of particulate

d = diameter of bucket

The total weight of particulate collected was 276g and the dust fall was calculated in g/m2 /month.
The Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) was possible owing to this mathematical model in the systems
analysis of air quality modelling;

Figure 4.1: Gaussian Dispersion Model

So that, the concentration of a pollutant, at a distance, from the source is given by:

𝑄 𝑦2 𝑧2
𝐶 𝑖𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑥 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛, = 𝜋𝜐𝑦 𝜎 𝑒𝑥𝑝 (− 2𝜎 2 − 2𝜎 2 ) ……………………………..(4.2)
𝑧 𝑦 𝑧

Where; Q = Source strength

σ = Standard deviations in x, y and z direction

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 υ = Average wind speed

For a stable atmosphere, the above formula is more often than not affected by temperature
inversion layers and other environmental factors affecting air pollution levels.

Also, the technique employed in analyzing sulphate in the cassava plant sample is given as follows;

Having earlier prepared the plant sample, I weighed about 0.15g of it and put it into a ceramic
boat. This I covered with ComCat Accelerator (tungsten oxide compound). I then placed the boat in a
furnace at a temperature of 13500 C with an oxygen rich atmosphere. The concentration of sulphur was
then determined by infrared absorption of evolved sulphur dioxide upon its combustion on a LECO
sulphur determinator, Model No. S144 – DR.

There were also other standard techniques employed in extraction of the concentration level of
parameters determined based on data collected as required by this study.

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5. RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The results of the Soil test carried out are stated accordingly:

TABLE OF VALUES

The results for Vegetation Elements Tests are given as follows;

Sample No NO SO2 CO VOC Cadmium Benzene Toluene Formaldehyde

(g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg)

1 0.110 0.133 1.731 29.10 0.013 0.001 16.401 0.005

2 0.061 0.536 1.121 22.10 0.025 0.001 5.201 0.005

3 0.981 0.402 3.731 46.10 0.031 0.001 6.401 0.005

4 0.581 0.402 2.991 35.10 0.007 0.001 2.401 0.009

5 0.138 0.133 2.851 48.10 0.013 0.401 5.601 0.005

6 0.044 0.267 0.751 29.00 0.019 0.001 5.601 0.050

7 0.175 1.741 2.681 62.10 0.013 0.001 7.601 0.017

8 0.128 2.144 2.241 44.10 0.007 0.001 11.201 0.005

9 0.153 4.280 2.991 43.10 0.013 0.401 11.601 0.050

10 0.118 8.850 2.011 41.10 0.024 0.401 5.601 0.009

11 0.104 0.133 1.631 49.10 0.013 4.001 6.801 0.013

12 0.093 0.402 1.561 35.10 0.013 3.201 10.401 0.004

13 0.160 0.267 2.751 44.10 0.007 3.601 6.001 0.017

14 0.080 12.100 1.351 32.10 0.019 4.001 15.601 0.013

Mean 0.209 2.271 2.171 40.02 0.016 1.144 8.315 0.015

Value
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 Correlation - 0.47 - 0.79 - - 0.144 - 0.031 0.293 - 0.50
Coefficient 0.386 0.342
(T - test)

Analysis of 0.402 0.172 0.744 0.057 0.011 0.377 0.158 0.025

Variance
(F - test)

Table 1.782 1.782 1.782 1.782 1.782 1.782 1.782 1.782

Value @
5%
Confidence
level

Distance Nitrogen Phosphorus Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Sulphate Nitrogen

from
HMA (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg) (g/kg)
facility

0.00km 0.97 0.106 0.49 0.20 0.37 0.19 1.05 0.97

0.09km 0.83 0.200 0.46 0.07 0.11 0.16 1.22 0.83

1.50km 0.92 0.107 0.47 0.07 0.18 0.16 1.43 0.92

The results for Air Elements Tests are given as follows;

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 S/No Averaging NO2 SO2 CO H2 S NH3
Period
(µg/m3 ) (µg/m3 ) (µg/m3 ) (µg/m3 ) (µg/m3 )

1 24 hours 0.384 0.312 0.432 0.288 0.408

2 30days (mean 0.017 0.016 0.017 0.011 0.016

concentration)

3 Average Dust fall = 1171.23g/m2 /month

The results for Water Elements Test is given as follows;

Sample pH Chlorine Sulphate Calcium Magnesium Sodium Potassium Nitrogen

Description
(mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l)

Borehole 6.6 0.37 0.33 5.62 0.98 0.56 1.67 0.20

Okpare 6.2 0.72 0.66 8.03 1.95 1.02 2.57 0.37

creek

Rainwater 5.4 0.36 1.04 2.21 1.46 0.36 0.46 0.52

The results for Temperature measurements and noise level observations are given as follows;

Approximate 5m 10m 15m 20m 25m

Distance
from Plant

Temperature 400 C 38.50 C 36.70 C 31.50 C 270 C

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 Approximate 10m 20m 30m 40m 50m
distance
from Plant

Noise level 110dB 100dB 90dB 70Db 50dB

ANALYSIS OF RESULTS

(1) Soil analysis:

For a 5% confidence level the table value for 14 nos of test result after the correlation and
difference between values was 1.782 for all tested parameters. This tells of an absence of linear correlation
in the positive and negative directions. (i.e. not valid)

It was observed that the average concentration of sulphur which was 2.271g/kg was higher than
the average normal concentration of sulphur in Delta soils which is about 2.06g/kg. This tells of a
possibility of acid deposition in the case study area.

(2) Vegetation Analysis

Comparison of Cassava plant vegetation data in the plant location as against the distance from the
plant as tested accordingly showed an average difference level of -0.03g/kg to 0.28g/kg with the samples
taken at the 0.00km distance used as reference. This and visual observance tell of noticeable impacts but
the results show that the cassava plant is of the same consistency in general, i.e. in terms of distance from
the plant.

(3) Air Analysis

From the air elements test, the concentration of gases obtained is way below USEPA air quality
standards for 24hours average permissible limit (as adopted by Nigeria and South Africa). This is depicted
as follows;

(i) SO 2 concentration of 0.312µg/m3 being way below 6.25µg/m3

(ii) NO 2 concentration of 0.384µg/m3 being way below 2.37µg/m3

(iii) CO concentration of 0.432µg/m3 being way below 1607.14µg/m3 .

But, in contrast, the background impact level of dust fall is very high according to the U.S. Air Quality
Standards for Particulates; Subpart 257 – 3 of 40g/m2 /month as against the Average Dust fall =
1171.23g/m2 /month, indicative of the likelihood of impact.

Smoke observations using the Ringlemann scale gave a smoke density of 2 which was equivalent to a
Percent opacity of 40%.
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 This averaged result indicated a moderate amount of air pollution.

(4) Water Analysis

Results were compared with international reference standards (WHO standards for drinking
water). For instance, the bore hole sample recorded a Chlorine content of 0.37mg/l, the rainwater samp le
0.36mg/l and the sample from Okpare creek 0.72mg/l; as compared to a standard of 1.5mg/l. i.e. still
within acceptable limits as there seem to be no effect on its quality.

(5) Temperature Measurement

It was observed that there was an average temperature difference every 5m distance towards the
asphalt plant of 3.25 0 C rise.

(6) Noise Measurement

The noise level readings show that there was an average increase in noise level of 15dB every 10m
distance one takes approaching the asphalt plant.

GRAPH AND EXPLANATION

During the course of this research work, the relationship between these chemicals concentratio ns
in the soil and the distance from the plant were plotted and shown on a graph (scatter plot). Some of these
graphs are given below:

 Graph of Carbon monoxide in relation to the distance from the plant

CO (g/kg) CO (g/kg)
4
Concentration (g/kg)

3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
200 400 600 800

Distance (m)

 Graph of NO in relation to distance from the plant

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 NO (g/kg)
NO (g/kg)
3.18
3.16
3.14
Concentration (g/kg) 3.12
3.1
3.08
3.06
3.04
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)

 Graph of VOC in relation to distance from the plant

VOC (g/kg) VOC (g/kg)

14
Concentration (g/kg)

12
10
8
6
4
2
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)

 Graph of Benzene in relation to distance from the plant

12
Benzene (g/kg) C6H6 (g/kg)
Concentration (g/kg)

10
8
6
4
2
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)
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 Graph of Sulphur dioxide in relation to distance from the plant

SO (g/kg)
SO (g/kg)
6

Concentration (g/kg)
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)

 Graph of Formaldehyde in relation to distance from the plant

formaldehyde (g/kg) CH2O (g/kg)

0.035
Concentration (g/kg)

0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)

 Graph of Toluene in relation to distance from the plant

toluene(g/kg) C7H8 (g/kg)

12
Concentration (g/kg)

10
8
6
4
2
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)
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 Graph of Cadmium content in the soil in relation to distance from the asphalt plant

cadmium (g/kg) CdS (g/kg)

0.045
Concentration (g/kg) 0.04
0.035
0.03
0.025
0.02
0.015
0.01
0.005
0
0 200 400 600 800
Distance (m)

DISCUSSION

From the graphs, it could be asserted that apart from Benzene, no correlation exists between these
chemical values in soil and the distance from the Hot Mix Asphalt plant. i.e. the concentration of these
parameters is of no significance to its distance from the plant.

This in general, tells of the impact of the Serco Asphalt Plant around a 1km radius of the
community to be felt around the South – West and North – East directions in both the dry and rainy seasons
of weather. This is so because from the sampling locations established in relation to the analysis carried
out it can be deduced that such evidence from the study depends on the predicted fate of atmospheric
pollutants and stack gases dispersed and diluted under conditions in the area of study. Hence, the
arguments that asphalt plant presents overall risks.

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6. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Deductions from this study experience suggest that:

(1) laboratories with accreditation should be used for environmental monitoring

(2) standardization of reporting format to foster availability

(3) review of existing EIA guidelines to incorporate regular supervisory roles

(4) the EIA process should be reviewed at the institutional level

(5) evaluation of the competency and capacity of consulting organizations

(6) recognition of standardized potential impact prediction and evaluation methods

(7) proponent awareness of the EIA process should be increased

LIMITATIONS OF THIS STUDY

(1) Availability of published sources of Environmental Impact Reports (EIR)

(2) Availability of necessary technology

(3) Undue with – holding of information by construction companies

(4) Available literature in the field of air pollution

(5) Financial projections and additional costs

CONCLUDING REMARKS

The total annual emissions estimate from an asphalt plant is at alarming levels even though within
standard limits. Evidence of this is feasible as there is stress on frequent assessment on workplace
pollution, 56% loss in property value and 45% deterioration in human health due to a close proximity with
the industry. This is possible because only 40% of the toxins from asphalt plant smoke stacks meet air
quality standards as the state lack sufficient data to determine safe and over time safe levels. The reason
for this is that asphalt plant operators are assumed to operate perfectly on an “honour system”.

A good EIA practice is more often than not characterized by efficient integration of professiona l
skills in geology, laboratory management, computer science, etc. This study demonstrated that asphalt
plant emissions can be eliminated completely more than its assessed level (during building, as obtainable
in advanced environments) to avoid its multiplier effects due to unforeseen emission increase or untold
migration of people into its buffer zone. Introducing appropriate units of the dust control system integrated
in the plant operation process of utmost design without hampering the process mixture of asphaltic
concrete should be modeled to establish heightened standards of pollution control, especially for future
concerns. This is in line with the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines for environmental quality
regulations in protecting against pollution.
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 S S
APPENDIX

300m 300m 300m 300m

3 4 5
1 2

300m 300m 300m 300m 300m

300m 300m 300m 300m

E 6 7 8 9 W

Plant

300m 300m 300m 300m 300m

SCALE:
1:500
300m 300m 300m 300m
10 11 12 13 14
m10 05 0 10

20 30m

Emevor
Road

Sampling points from the asphalt plant

Agbarha - Otor
Road
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