Impacto Amb Perf (Norma Shell) PDF

THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA
LIMITED
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF

SPDC-EAST DIEBU CREEK EXPLORATORY WELL DRILLING
SEPTEMBER 2004
Environmental Impact Assessment of Diebu Creek Exploratory Well Drilling
Status Page
Title: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF SPDC-EAST DIEBU

CREEK EXPLORATORY WELL DRILLING
Originator: THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA

LIMITED
Author: HSE-ENVE
Document Number: SPDC 2004
Date: September 2004
Version: Final Report
Security: NON-CONFIDENTIAL
Change History:
Version Date Pages Reason

Final Report September 2004 Whole Document For Review
2
TABLE OF CONTENT
Table of Content i
List of figures iii
List of Tables iii
EIA Preparers iv
Executive Summary ES-1
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-1

1.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY 1-1
1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 1-1
1.3 WORKSCOPE 1-2
1.4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK 1-2
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 2-1
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 PROJECT AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION 3 -1

3.1 The Proposed Project 3-1
3.2 Project Scope 3-1
3.3 Project Site/Area 3-1
3.4 Design of Facilities 3-1
3.5 The Project Activities 3-2
3.6 Operation and Maintenance Activities 3-7
3.7 Decommissioning/Abandonment 3-8
3.8 Oil Spill Contingency Plan 3-8
3.9 Project Schedule 3-9
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Area/ Ecological Description 4-1

4.1 Climate 4-1
4.2 Air Quality 4-2
4.3 Noise 4-3
4.4 Topography/Geology 4-4
4.5 Soil Quality 4-4
4.6 Vegetation Studies 4-6
4.7 Plant Pathological Studies 4-8
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4.8 Wildlife Studies 4-8

4.9 AQUATIC STUDIES 4-9
4.10 Trend in the Fisheries of the Nembe field 4 - 14
4.11 SOCIOECONOMICS 4 - 15
4.12 HEALTH ASSESSMENT 4 - 18
4.13 Inventory of Hazards 4 - 41
4.14 Perceived (Subjective) Impacts of SPDC Operations,
Evaluation & Expectations 4 - 42
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5-1

5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS 5 - 11
5.2 PROJECT OPERATIONAL IMPACTS 5 - 14
5.3 ABANDONMENT 5 - 16
5.4 Project Specific Reversible/Irreversible Effects 5 - 16
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES/ALTERNATIVES 6-1

6.1 Measures To Minimise Unavoidable Environmental Effects 6-4
6.2 Waste 6-5
6.3 Erosion 6-6
6.4 Aquatic Ecosystem 6-6
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 7-1

7.1 GENERAL 7-1
7.2 Environmental Monitoring 7-2
7.3 Drilling Waste Management 7-6
7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF PIPELINE ROUTES 7-8
7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT AFTER 3 YEARS OF OPERATION 7-9
7.6 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCE PERSONS IN SPDC 7-9
7.7 STAFF TRAINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS 7 - 10
7.8 OIL SPILL, FIRE AND OTHER CONTINGENCY PLANNING 7 - 10
7.9 OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) 7 - 11
7.10 CONSULTATIONS 7 - 14
7.11 FUTURE COMMITMENTS 7 - 15
CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0 DECOMMISSIONING AND ABANDONMENT 8-1

8.1 INTRODUCTION 8-1
8.2 THE DECOMMISSIONING AND DEMOLITION PROCESS 8-1
8.3 PREPARING FACILITIES FOR DEMOLITION 8-2
8.4 DEMOLITIONS AND SAFEGUARDING OF FACILITIES 8-2
8.5 RESTORATION OF SITE 8-2
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8.6 HANDOVER OF SITE 8-3

8.7 SPECIFIC ABANDONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN 8-3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 3.2 Project Schedule 39

Figure 4.1 Population Pyramid (Study Communities), 2003 4 18
Figure 4.2 Educational status 4 19
Figure 4.3 Marital Status of the Respondents 4 19
Figure 4.4 Occupational status of Respondents 15years and above 4 20
Figure 4.5 Average Monthly Income of Respondents above 15years 4 20
Figure 4.6 Alcohol and cigarette Use 4 21
Figure 4.7 Distribution of Sexual Partners 4 22
Figure 4.8 Sources of treatment for Sexually transmissible Infections 4 22
Figure 4.9 Knowledge of mode of Transmission of HIV 4 23
Figure 4.10 Frequency of Condom Use 4 24
Figure 4.11 Diseases Cases 4 29
Figure 4.12 Proportional Mortality in under fives 4 30
Figure 4.13 Type of meal eaten last 24hrs. 4 31
Figure 4.14 Age distribution of stunting Westing and under weight 4 32
Figure 4.15 Peak Flow Rate among Sampled Adults compared
To standard for Age 4 34
Figure 4.16 Perceived Sources of noise 4 37
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1 Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP 95-0000) 13

Table 1.2 SPDC CASHES Guidelines; specifications and policy 13
Table 3.1 Waste Generation & Management strategy 36
Table 4.1 Distribution and Thickness Range of Sub-soil Horizons
At various site 44
Table 4.2 Commonly used Medicinal plants 4 25
Table 4.3 Distribution of Illness Episodes among Respondents 4 26
Table 4.4 Causes of Hospital Admissions 4 28
Table 4.5 Causes of Death among children under 5years 4 29
Table 4.6 Distribution of Z scores for HFA, WFA and WFH 4 32
Table 4.7 Immunization Status among children under 5years 4 33
Table 4.8 Indicators for Safe water and sanitation in the
Study communities 4 36
Table 4.8a Concentrations of Indoor Air Pollutants in the
MTR Communities 4 37
Table 4.8b Concentration of out door Air Pollutants in
MTR Communities 4 38
Table 4.9 Radiation Count rates and dose equivalents
5
For studied Communities 4 40

Table 5.1 Environmental sensitivits; Swamps 52
Table 5.2 Impacting Activities and Agents 54
Table 5.3 Potential Environmental Consequences Project
Activities on the Environment 56
Table 5.4 Noise Exposure Limits for Nigeria 5 12
Table 6.1 Impact Mitigation Measures 61
Table 6.2 Expected Waste at each Project Phase 65
Table 6.3 Control/Disposal of wastes 65
Table 7.1 Environmental Monitoring Programmes 74
Table 7.2 Discharge Monitoring Requirement for Well Drilling
Operations (DPR EGASPIN 2002) 75
Table 7.3 Drilling waste Management 78
Table 7.4 Environmental Management Plan of Diebu Creek
Exploratory Well Drilling activities 7 12
LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1 Mangrove, Water, sand and Urban Areas

(1960s 1980s 1990s) 47
REFERENCES Ref-1
EIA Preparers Dr. A. Adoki (Environmental Adviser)

Mr. O. Ajibade (EIA Field Supervisor)
Mr. C. Ukoko (EIA Project Leader)
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introduction
The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria Limited plans to carry out
exploratory drilling in the Diebu Creek Field to improve hydrocarbon production.
Diebu Creek East prospect is one of SPDCs top ranking prospects with an Expectation of over
250 MMBOE. It is located ca 5km east of the Diebu Creek field (OML 32) and in the event of
success would significantly impact SPDCs oil resource volume.
In line with this expectation and also to fulfil the requirements of regulating bodies such as
Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV), Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and
Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources as well as satisfying stakeholders
expectations, SPDC has undertaken to carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
study of Diebu Creek Exploratory Drilling Project.
The preliminary EIA will provide information on the quality of the project environment, the
interaction of the project with natural systems in the environment, potential impact of the project
on the environment and mitigation measures to minimise significant negative impacts.
The proposed drilling location lies in the south-eastern part of OML-32 and falls roughly within
longitudes 67500 - 70000N and latitudes 412500 - 415000E. The area is located in the
Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, approximately 100 km Southwest of
Port-Harcourt
The climate of the study area is humid and typically tropical. The relative humidity is generally
high especially in the wet season. Generally, rainfall characteristics of the area show that
rainfall values are highest from July to September with a break around August.
In the wet season the South-Westerlies are predominant. Other prevailing wind directions are
from the South Easterly (SE) and Southerly (S) directions.
The wind speed is more of gentle breeze in the wet season. This is followed by what can be
considered as light breeze High wind speeds could be obtained during thunderstorm.
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In the dry season, the NE wind is more dominant followed by the South Easterly (SE) and the
Northerly (N) winds. The wind speeds are more of light breeze, followed by light air, gentle
breeze and moderate breeze. For both wet and dry seasons no totally calm periods were
noticed during the study periods. This is because there is always the presence of light air, light
breeze or gentle breeze as a result of the coastal location of Nembe environment.
The air quality is dominated by suspended particulates during the harmattan period of the dry
season. In the rainy season, the air quality is good and acceptable. The gaseous pollutants are
found to be generally very low and in most cases not detectable. No evidence of contamination
arising from the gases is observed as shown by the concentrations of gaseous pollutants. This
may be due to the fall out zone being outside the study area or more probably due to the high
rate of dispersion of the pollutants from the flares occasioned by the winds in the area.
The results of the noise studies show that background environmental noise in the Nembe creek
field has not increased over time as a result of the number of facilities present. However,
communities close to the facilities perceive levels of noise, which constitute a nuisance to them
especially at their leisure periods.
The soils in the study area are generally acidic (pH 1.5 -7.0). This is expected, as the study
area is located in a mangrove environment. The electrical conductivity values showed that the
soils are saline (680.0 - 20,000.0S/cm). This is supported by the results of other related
parameters that show the influence of seawater in the study area. The organic carbons content
in the soils are very high. The high organic carbon content observed in this area of study may
be due to accumulation of vegetative matter and slow carbon mineralization in wetland soils.
The total nitrogen levels generally range from moderate to very high levels (0.14 - 1.59%) in the
surface soils. This suggests that the organic nitrogen in the area is capable of undergoing
mineralization to give mineral nitrogen (NH4+, NO3-), the available forms of nitrogen.
The total hydrocarbon content (THC) in the soils of the nearby Nembe Creek field are generally
high and exceeded the biogenic threshold limit of 50mg/kg. The results suggest that the oil
related activities in the area might have introduced hydrocarbon into the environment based on
oil spillages that have occurred in the study area previously. This suggestion is confirmed from
the results of the socio-economic and plant pathological studies. This is also evident in the high
level of THC in areas reported to have been affected by oil spillage and even areas regarded as
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control areas.
Heavy metal concentrations are generally low. However microbial counts are high especially for
petroleum degrading organisms suggesting the ability of the soils of the area to reasonably
degrade the hydrocarbons when introduced into the environment. These microbes may have
been sensitised by the generally above biogenic concentration of THC in the field.
The vegetation studies show that the vegetation types existing within the Nembe creek area
consist mainly of mangrove swamp forest with the red mangrove - Rhizophora racemosa as the
dominant species. The plant pathological studies also show that generally, the vegetation still
appears green and healthy. The results further show that older trees lodged more easily than
the younger trees in areas where there had been an oil spill.
Mona monkeys and some bird species were sighted directly. Tracks of five other animals were
located by accompanying guides in both the central (Nembe-I) and northwest (Ewelesuo)
sectors: clawless otters, genets, mongooses, the sitatunga antelope and monitor lizards.
The surface water is brackish and tidal with high levels of conductivity, chloride and sulphate.
Freshwater input into the system appears low in dry season. Phosphate and nitrate
concentrations (<0.05 - 0.16 mg/l and 0.19 -0.28 mg/l respectively) are generally low. Dissolved
oxygen concentrations (2.2 - 6.2 mg/l) are generally adequate for aquatic organisms. Dissolved
oxygen concentration in water is a function of temperature and BOD. Water temperature was
generally above 28oC and low DO levels were recorded for the warmer stations. Good water
movement inspite of the temperature could also improve the DO levels in the stations.
The results show that the concentrations of the heavy metals in the surface water are generally
low or below detectable limits. These results are similar to those previously obtained for the
Nembe Creek Field area and show levels that are expected for such aquatic environment.
The phytoplankton results with respect to the occurring species showed over the periods that
the species types are consistently similar for the seasons. The seasonal changes observed in
the area include introduction of some freshwater species and somewhat higher phytoplankton
densities in the dry season than in the wet season.
The zooplankton data from both the previous and present studies showed comparable species
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type and population densities. The community structure based on densities of the individual
species assemblages (for the different taxa groups), despite spatial and temporal variables are
almost identical for the entire field.
The species types recorded for the benthic infaunal community in the present study are
comparable to those of previous studies for Nembe environment. There is poor occurrence of
non-polychaete forms such as amphipods, molluscs and shrimps. The poor presence of the
non-polychaete benthic organisms is rather attributable to natural factors than anthropogenic.
Macroalgal species showed wide distribution pattern for the entire field but biomasses varied
within and between stations showing the importance of the different tidal levels on their
development.
The study shows diatoms dominate the epipelic algal community. They maintained high
population densities for most of the stations. Also, biomasses were generally enough to sustain
the browsers that depend largely on them.
The fisheries studies showed that seasonal differences in gear types and species composition
were as reported in previous studies. The only change observed was the use of trigger hook
around the Nembe creek I flowstation. This suggests some kind of immigration of
fishermen/new gear type into the area.
Apart from the fishing community observed around Nembe IV, no new communities were
observed. This shows a very slow growth of new communities, the growth being more in terms
of population increases in existing communities. This trend is corroborated by the presence of
the new fishing gear observed at Nembe creek I flow station area.
Females (53.3 %) generally dominated the population of the communities and the predominant
occupation is fishing (92.5 %). Other occupations are relatively insignificant, e.g. petty trading
(4.5 %) and wage labour (2.2 %).
The modal educational attainment is primary level (37.9 %); secondary level and higher
educational achievements account for 34.7 %. About 27.4 % lack formal education
About 60 % of the residents of these settlements are Christians, inspite of the paucity of
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religious structures. The other 40 % are traditional believers, who still attach importance to local
deities and shrines.
Generally, housing in the fishing settlements is of low quality. Walling and roofing materials are
predominantly of mud and thatch, respectively. Most of these structures lack foundations.
Particularly noteworthy is the absence of public utilities-potable water and electricity in all the
settlements. Settlements rely on water from nearby creeks and rainfall. These sources of water
constitute disease foci for the population. Lack of potable water may be responsible for the high
prevalence of communicable diseases and epidemics of gastro-enteritis, cholera, typhoid,
dysentery and scabbies observed in the study area.
Prevalent diseases in the area are; malaria, gastro-enteritis, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, skin
diseases, respiratory diseases (especially cough and catarrh), measles, anaemia, worm
infestation and eye problems. Morbidity and mortality patterns indicate high trends among
children.
Environmental Assessment
Based on the environmental sensitivities identified from the field and laboratory studies and the
potential environmental consequences of the proposed project activities, a simple matrix was
used to not only qualitatively describe the potential impacts but also to attempt a quantification
of the impact.
The analyses show that the proposed activities will exert both negative and positive effects on
the study environment.
Positive Impacts
The Diebu Creek Exploratory Drilling Campaign will significantly improve the production of the
field and therefore contribute significantly to the nation's economy.
Construction activities for the project will require labour of varying trades and skill levels. A
large percentage of the labour would require no specific skill or training. This would provide
some employment for unskilled labour in the project environment.
Other economic activities associated with an influx of persons into an area will also benefit from
11
the project, especially during the construction phase.
Negative Impacts
The construction activities of the Diebu Creek Exploratory Drilling Campaign will however,
result in:
i Loss of mangrove vegetation and resources although this will be minimal since the
well shall be drilled from an existing slot.
ii Incessant noise during construction may restrict most of the animals to a refuge for
the purpose of protection and recruitment.
Iii. Increased vessel movement with resultant disruption of fishing activities.
SPDC shall ensure that appropriate low noise facilities and equipment are used to reduce the
effects of noise in all phases of the project cycle. Also vessels moving in the area shall as much
as possible avoid fishing grounds.
Process Impacts
The major process impacts will include noise from the drilling facilities and process upsets
resulting in the introduction of oil into the environment.
Transportation Impacts
Additional vehicular movements during construction activities are expected to result in waves
that will flush the intertidal/banks of the creeks and rivers. These washings will result in
increase in turbidity of the water system because of the increased sediment load. This will be a
short term and localised impact since the area is tidal and has reasonable discharge capacity.
Vehicular movements can also result in washing off of intertidal pools. The juveniles in the
pools will be dislodged from their normal habitats and introduced into the main water body pre-
maturely exposing them to the activities of predators. This will result in loss of recruitment. A
mitigating measure is the use of low wave producing boats (travel at low speeds).
Increased vehicular movements during construction activities will also result in erosion of the
banks of the creeks and rivers. This will result in the die-back of trees and the loss of associated
12
communities.
These impacts will be minimised by reducing the speed of vessels especially in narrow creeks.
Environmental Impact
The sensitivity and vulnerability of some components of the habitats and resources of the field,
to the proposed development are high. Alteration in the habitat can change food availability and,
thus, species composition. Any pollution occurring in these areas could have far-reaching
effects. Overall, the project's specific long and short-term effects are summarised as follows:
Suspended particulate matter, CO and CO2, will generally increase in the immediate vicinity of
the drilling rig.
The opening up of the vegetation will threaten the population of wildlife species in the area
especially during construction.
Flight distances of wildlife will increase as a result of noise from construction equipment and
movement of vehicles. Wildlife species that cannot adapt to these disturbances may migrate and
some of these wildlife species may be persecuted indiscriminately during migration.
Discharges of hydrocarbons, chemicals and fuels during the well drilling activities will pollute
the aquatic environment if carelessly handled or when accidents occur. Such accidents will
adversely affect the water quality. Proper handling of discharges, chemicals, fuels etc. as stated
in FMENV (Formerly FEPA) and DPR guidelines will reduce the expected impacts.
Socio-economic Impacts
In all phases of the project cycle, there will be moderate employment, especially of low-skilled
and unskilled labour. Labour force will affect the local economy (through consumption
expenditures, demands on housing, hotels etc.). Labour force will also affect population
densities resulting in such problems as erosion of privacy of local residents; perceived negative
influence on local value systems, increase in crime rates and even prostitution.
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Environmental Management
Based on the sensitivity of the area, appropriate environmental management programme is
presented to ensure that the activities of the Diebu Creek Field Exploratory Drilling Campaign
are carried out in compliance with SPDCs environmental management policy and existing
legislation.
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CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, SPDC-East wishes to carry out an
exploratory drilling in its Diebu Creek The various project activities will include well slot clearing
and site preparation, dredging/sweeping of canals for rig movement, movement of materials and
personnel, waste disposal, etc. This project is envisaged to involve the modification of the
physical, biological, social, and cultural environment, and thus have the potential to create
significant impacts.
It is the desire of SPDC to carry out these activities in a manner that would avoid environmental
pollution, conform to National and International standards, increase stakeholders satisfaction
and earn revenue for the nation.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is the assessment of the impacts of
development projects on the ecological, physical, chemical, health, social and economic
environments, is the tool by which this can be achieved. In Nigeria, EIA is a regulatory
requirement for all major projects.
1.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY

Environmental Impact Assessment is a regulatory requirement in Nigeria.
Proper application of Environmental Impact Assessment studies will ensure that adverse
impacts are minimized and positive impacts are enhanced during the Diebu Creek Exploratory
Well Drilling Project. Environmental Impact Assessment ensures that project development
activities are carried out smoothly with co-operation of the local community and external
agencies. Environmental Impact Assessment enhances reputation plus license to operate and
improved access to future business opportunities.
1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
To determine the current health status of the Project host communities.

To identify and assess the health hazards that may be associated with the project and
predict their likely health impact.
To develop effective control strategies for mitigation and amelioration of all significant
adverse impact and
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To design appropriate health management plan for the project.
1.3 WORKSCOPE
The detailed workscope is presented in Chapter Three of this report
1.4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
Relevant Existing Nigerian Laws and regulations

In Nigeria, the relevant authorities regulating the environment of operation of the oil industry are
the Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV) and the Department of Petroleum Resources
(DPR).
Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV)

The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Act No 86 of 1992 regulates the conduct of EIA in
Nigeria and vested the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), now Federal Ministry
of Environment, with the power to enforce compliance with the regulations therein.
Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry, Department of Petroleum
Resources, 2003, stipulated in Part VIII (A) the manner of preparing EIA. Section 5 provides
guideline for preliminary EIA Report. The content of the detailed EIA Report is outlined in
Section 6 of the guidelines.
Other Relevant Laws and Acts

There are other laws and Acts before and after this Act, which equally protect and conserve the
environment. Among these are:
National Inland Waterways Act of 1997,
Forest Act of 1958,
Land Use Act of 1978,
FEPA (1991) Guidelines and Standards for Environmental Pollution Control in Nigeria,
The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Section 20).
Bayelsa and Rivers state Environmental Protection Agencies
SPDC regulations
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SPDC operates under the guidelines of Shell International and complies strictly with them.
Some of these are (i) Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP-950000) shown in Table 1.1 and SPDC
CASHES Guideline and Specifications (Table 1.2)
Where local legislation is more stringent than the minimum acceptable in the Shell regulation,
SPDCs policy is to comply with the local legislation.
Table 1.1 Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP 95-0000)

Doc. No Document Title
EP 95-0372 Health Impact Assessment
EP 95-0110 Management of Contractor HS
EP 95-0200 Survey operations
EP 95-0230 Design
EP 95-0240 Construction and Commissioning
EP 95-0270 General Workplace Practices,
EP 95-0300 Overview Hazards and Effects Management Process
EP 95-0310 Implementing/Documenting an HSE Management System and HSE Cases,
EP 95-0311 Job Hazard Analysis
EP 95-0312 HAZID
EP 95-0313 HAZOP
EP 95-0315 Guidelines on Permit to work (PTW) Systems
P 95-0316 Emergency Response
EP 95-0319 Safe Handling of Chemicals
EP 95-0330 Drinking Water Guidelines
EP 95-0350 FIREPLAN
EP 95-0351 Fire Control and Recovery
EP 95-0352 Quantitative Risk Assessment
EP 95-0370 Environmental Assessment
EP 95-0371 Social Impact Assessment Guidelines
EP 95-0375 Environmental Quality Standards-Air
EP 95-0376 Monitoring Air Quality
EP 95-0377 Quantifying Atmospheric Emissions
EP 95-0380 Environmental Quality Standards-Water
EP 95-0381 Monitoring Air Quality
EP 95-0385 Environmental Quality Standards-Soil and Groundwater
EP 95-0386 Monitoring Soil and Groundwater
EP 95-0387 Contaminated Soil and Groundwater
EP 95-0390 Waste Management Guidelines
EP 95-0391 Classifying Waste
Table 1.2: SPDC CASHES Guidelines; Specifications and Policy

S/N Description Title
1 Permit To Work System
2 SPDC Recommended General Medical Standards of Fitness
3 SPDC Safety Regulations
4 Pre-mobilisation Procedure
5 Enhanced HSES Management systems. ENME Contractor Guide
6 SPDC CASHES Policy Statement
7 Incident Notification, Investigation and Follow-up Procedure
8 SPDC Policy on employment of Indigenous Contractors and Suppliers
9 Community Relations Policy
10 Community Development Policy
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12 Waste Disposal Guidelines

13 Land Acquisition and Compensation
14 Abandonment Policy
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

The Diebu Creek East Deep well will explore the prospective sequence beneath the
Diebu Creek East Un=Appraised Development (UAD) located in SPDCs OML 32 in the
Coastal Swamp Depobelt. This sequence is the stratigraphic equivalent of the prolific
intervals in Agips Obama field. The Prospect is a large structural closure of about 22
km2, with a dip rollover component of 14 km2. The objective sequence lies between
12,500 ft ss and 16,700 ft ss. The Prospect has Mean Success Oil Volume (MSVO) of >
400 million barrels (MMBbls), and Mean Success Gas Volume (MSVG) of >0.9 TCF.
The successful outcome of this well will significantly increase SPDCs hydrocarbon
reserves and gross production level. It will also contribute towards achieving Nigerias
2010 40 Billion Barrels Reserves Base aspiration.
The Diebu Creek East structure continues eastwards into AGIPs OML 63 where the
objective sequence has been proven to be hydrocarbon bearing by the Pirigbene-3 and
Obama Deep-3 wells. The Pirigbene-3 well was completed as an oil producer. About 8
Km to the Northeast of the prospect is AGIPs Obama field with a UR of about 200
MMBbls. There are about ten hydrocarbon levels penetrated in the Obama field, with
one level, the J5, having an oil column of ca 1200 ft.
The main objective of the Diebu Creek East Deep well will be to prove the westward
extension of the same hydrocarbon accumulations encountered by Agips Pirigbene-3
and Obama Deep-3 wells. The well is planned to drill deviated to the total depth (TD) of
about 17,000 ft ah. Sidewall coring, logging and production testing would appraise the
prospective reservoirs. After production testing at the successful intervals, the well will
be hooked up for production, or plugged back and suspended for future development. If
unsuccessful the well will be plugged back and abandoned.
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CHAPTER THREE
3.0 PROJECT AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION
3.1 The Proposed Project

The project is for oil and gas development and is basically an exploratory drilling programme for
a single well with possible follow-up with an appraisal well within the Diebu Creek East area
(See Attached Well Location Map).
3.2 Project Scope

The project scope includes the drilling of one vertical or slightly deviated well within the Diebu
Creek East area.
3.3 Project Site/Area

The proposed drilling location lies in the south-eastern part of OML-32 and falls roughly within
longitudes 67500 - 70000N and latitudes 412500 - 415000E. The area is located in the
Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, approximately 100 km Southwast of
Port-Harcourt. The inhabitants are Ijaws, mostly Christians, with some social amenities. The
main sources of sustenance for the people come from fishing, farming, lumbering and lumbering
related activities (boat building). The main method of transportation in the area is by river or
creeks in speedboats or transport and fishing vessels/boats.
The area is a swamp location, and is water logged all year round. It is characterised by a
network of creeks in a depressed plain. The soils are grey coloured, contain extensive layers of
peat, have low pH and high salinity. The vegetation is a mixture of fresh water trees and
mangrove, while the surface water is generally fresh. The area has high ecological diversity
and low levels of hydrocarbon degrading bacteria.
3.4 Design of Facilities
3.4.1 Basis for Design
Quality Assurance of Design

In a surface and sub-surface development with large spatial structural variability, such as in this
project, it is imperative that certain basic parameters must be reasonably and accurately defined
20
in the overall project specification to ensure that the full objectives of the project are realised.
SPDC has, therefore, specified the following quality objectives for the design:
Compliance with statutory requirements;
The system must meet performance requirements;
Production availability
Environmental and safety
Operationality and maintainability
Life expectancy
Extendibility; and
Use of innovative technology
To ensure that the above quality objectives are met, SPDC intends to adopt time-tested
Standard Well Designs, employing new technology where safety and economics dictate.
Applicable Standards and Codes

The engineering design, procurement and installation will be in accordance with:
Statutory codes and standards;
Shell Design and Engineering Practice (DEPs)
SPDC standard facility design manuals
Specific design features of the development
SPDC HSE Policy
Applicable National and International Standards
3.5 The Project Activities

The specific project activities to be carried out include:
Pre-drilling activities:
Site preparation
Movement and transport of equipment, personnel and supply;
Rig movement and positioning;
Drilling sequence;
Well completion;
Demobilisation and rehabilitation
3.5.1 Pre-Construction/Construction Activities
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Pre-Drilling Phase
The activities in this phase are essentially desktop works involving feasibility, technical and
financial investigations/considerations. These investigations are aimed at ensuring the viability
and sustainability of the project. The results of these investigations culminated in the
preparation of a detailed drilling, casing and mud programme. The operating environment was
taken into consideration in deciding the type of drilling mud most suited for this activity.
Consultations and meetings with regulatory bodies, host communities and contractors are also
prominent features of this phase. These consultations will ensure that all stakeholders are
notified and carried along, pathways and schedules clearly defined. The benefits of these
meetings/consultations are to ensure that the exploratory drilling is carried out within regulatory
compliance and to ensure crisis-free project execution.
Site preparation
Site preparation activities consist essentially of preparing/dredging access routes, well head
area, rig position. Land take will be considerably small.
Movement and Transport of Equipment, Personnel and Supplies

The technical requirements of the exploratory drilling operation such as the drilling rig and all its
associated equipment having been established, the next phase of action is to proceed with the
mobilisation of required personnel, equipment and materials. Materials that shall be transported
include:
The rig;
Pipes and casing;
Drilling chemicals;
Generators; and
Diesel oil
Supply boats shall be used to transport equipment & materials. Existing creeks/creeklets and
river shall be used.
Rig Movement and Positioning

The rig is the jack-up type, supported by well-positioned legs. Generators running on diesel oil,
as fuel, will supply power to the rig. The fuel oil (diesel) will be brought into the field by supply
boats.
22
The drilling rig has all necessary facilities on board for the drilling programme. Consequently
land shall not be cleared for campsite or storage of equipment.
There shall be limited dredging of the drill slot to create access routes or canal.
3.5.2 Drilling Programme
Drilling
The exploratory well at Diebu Creek East shall be drilled as a vertical or slightly deviated well.
Shallow gas or over pressures are not expected.
Water based mud (bentonite) will be used for the top-hole sections. At the intermediate and
deeper-sections, pseudo oil based mud will be used. Oil based mud shall not be used for
drilling. Blow-out prevention liquid will be circulated in a closed system. The wastes expected
include drill cuttings, chemicals and spent mud.
The drilling and completion operations shall be managed at Diebu Creek. In the event that large
quantities of hydrocarbon are produced during an optional production test, it will be evacuated in
tankers/barges. The supplies shall come from SPDCs Kidney Island location in Port-Harcourt.
Well Type
The exploratory drilling shall be a vertical or slightly deviated well that will optimally test the
objective interval.
Drilling/Mud System
Drilling operation requires the use of special drilling fluid (mud). The mud is continuously
pumped down the drill string to the drill bit and returns to the surface through the space
between the drilling string and borehole. Drilling mud performs the following functions:
o Exerts hydrostatic pressure on the down hole and prevents formation
fluids from entering the well bore;
o Removes drill cuttings from the bottom of the hole and carries them to the
surface and when circulation is interrupted, it suspends drill cuttings in the hole;
o Lubricates and cools the drill bit and drill string; and
23
o Deposits an impermeable cake on the wall of the well bore effectively

sealing and stabilising the formations being drilled
Types of mud in use are:

o Bentonite spud mud (circa 8000 bbls/well)
o Material: Bentonite, Caustic, PACR, CMC, drilling detergent, barite, lost
circulation materials
o Pseudo oil based mud composition
Well Completion
The well shall be completed with the same rig that drilled them and flushed with brine based
fluids. Drilling fluid is often not a serious concern here, and in most cases, only the casing
content of the drilling fluid (about 800 1000 bbls) need to be managed. The main concerns
during completion are salinity or chloride contents of the fluids.
Materials are: salt (NaCl), NaOH, XC polymer. Total volume is about 2500 bbls, mainly low-
density fluids. Special materials used for sand consolidation are diesel, iso-propyl alcohol, Shell
SOL K.
Drainage Discharges
Drainage discharges upon the drilling rig will occur from a number of sources including:
- Clean area floor drains;
- Deluge drains;
- Machine area floor drains;
- Bunded areas beneath fuel or chemical storage areas;
- Overflow drains on diesel fuel tank system.
The first two sources contain non-oily water and are therefore discharged overboard without any
treatment. The other discharges may contain oil or chemicals and would be routed to the oily
water drainage and treatment system.
Waste Management Strategy

The expected waste from the drilling activities and their management strategies are tabulated in
Table 3.1.
24
Table 3.1: Waste Generation & Management Strategy
Control Measure/Management Strategies

Waste
Mud Excess and used water based mud (WBM) will be re-used/re-
injected or diluted to meet DPR discharge standard before
disposal.
Used pseudo oil based mud (POBM) will be re-used in the drilling
of other wells.
Spent POBM would be incinerated at the incinerator at the Bonny
terminal or re-injected in dedicated approved disposal wells.
Cuttings Top-hole cuttings drilled with WBM will be fluidised and re-injected
in dedicated approved re-injection wells.
Bottom hole cuttings drilled with POBM and contaminated with
POBM will be incinerated at the Bonny terminal or re-injected in
dedicated approved re-injection wells.
POBM cuttings can be also processed by separating the
cutting into solid and liquid phases using shaker. The liquid
shall be passed through active carbon and filters (carbon &
silica) to remove contaminants. The resultant clean water is
discharged or re-used. For the solids, they shall be mixed
with cement and silicates and used for road tar or as land fill
material.
The percentage mud on cuttings shall be kept below 10% before
incineration through the use of installed high gravity
shakers/dryers.
Total expected volume of drill cuttings from WBM & POBM drilled
sections are 158m3 and 292m3 respectively.
Cement Cement residues and returns (spud mud and cement
contaminated water) generated during the top hole cementation
stage will be collected and re-injected.
Brine (NaCl) Solids free, lightweight, non-toxic completion brine will be used.
Discharge Excess brines shall be re-injected.
Acids Used or spent acids will be diluted and neutralised through the
addition of dilute caustic soda. Thereafter it will be disposed off
through re-injection.
Sand Used sand consolidation fluids (well fix etc.) will be collected in
Consolidation drums and sent for incineration or re-injected.
Fluid
Sewage It is envisaged that the maximum number of personnel at drilling
site at any one time will be about 150 persons. Sanitary sewage
produced at site will be treated on the rig sewage treatment plant
as per DPR standard. The water can be re-used for flushing the
system or disposed in rivers. Regular monitoring will be carried
out.
Industrial and Industrial and domestic wastes will be segregated according to the
domestic wastes currently operated segregation scheme which distinguishes
between food waste, paper waste, scrap metals, chemical waste,
medical waste etc. These will be sent to SPDC respective waste
25
disposal facilities.
Rig bilge Oily water discharges shall be controlled to less than 20ppm oil in
water by the rig oil/water separation system.
3.6 Operation and Maintenance Activities
3.6.1 General
The wellhead shall be operated in accordance with operational procedures developed
through SPDC extensive experience. The project will be managed by fully trained and
qualified personnel who are conversant with SPDCs HSE policy guidelines.
3.6.2 Operation
Facilities Safeguarding Philosophy
Wellhead
The wellhead will be maintained and safeguarded in accordance with SPDCs HSE policy and
guidelines.
Maintenance Philosophy
Upkeep of Structures
Maintenance and inspection activities will be based on periodic inspection to determine the
condition of structures and performance of their protection systems. Refurbishment activity to
restore the integrity of structures will be based on their condition. Coating systems applied to
structures will be replaced on a time based maintenance schedule.
Containment of Hydrocarbons
Maintenance and inspection activity will be based on periodic inspections to determine the
condition of all elements of the process fluid containment envelope. Inspection will be related
not only to the containment envelope, but also to any protective coatings applied thereon.
Inspection programmes for certifiable pressure vessels, pressure / vacuum relieving devices will
be inspected to meet the requirements of the Minerals Oils (Safety) regulations of Nigeria.
Refurbishment activity to restore the integrity to the envelope will be based on their condition.
Where appropriate, economic systems to mitigate the effects of corrosion shall be put in place
and their effectiveness routinely monitored.
Control and Protection
26
Control and protection systems will be based on periodic inspections / calibration / testing both
their input and output functions as detailed in the Maintenance Job Routes (MJR).
Hazard Detection Systems

Maintenance of hazard detection systems will be based on periodic inspection / calibrations /
testing of both their input and output functions. Non-availability of hydrocarbon production
caused by such inspections / calibrations / test will be accounted for in the production plan.
3.7 Decommissioning/Abandonment
3.7.1 General
The wellhead and their ancillary installations have a life expectancy of about 25 years. The
operation and maintenance procedure shall provide for monitoring the performance and the
integrity of the system components. When the performance of the system scales to diminishing
returns, SPDC standard procedures for decommissioning shall be invoked. A decommissioning
team shall be set up to plan and implement laid down guidelines on decommissioning. The
following activities are involved in decommissioning/abandonment:
Demolition and site clean-up;
Disposal of wastes;
Rehabilitation of site.
3.7.2 Demolition and Site Clean-up

The demolition exercise shall be carried out with skill and diligence to avoid spill of hazardous
liquids and damage to the environment. At the end of demolition, various solid wastes shall be
segregated according to their types and then disposed of according to SPDC waste disposal
guidelines.
3.8 Oil Spill Contingency Plan

SPDCs oil spill contingency plan shall be applied to the proposed drilling project. The spill
contingency plan shall be based upon the location and volume of potential spill and shall
address the possibilities of well blowouts in the drilling emergency plan.
The spill contingency plan clearly identifies the actions necessary in the event of an oil spill
including communication network, the individual responsibilities of key personnel and the
procedures for reporting to the authorities and arranging the logistics of extra labour needed for
27
clean-up work. Finally, the plan shall address the disposal of contaminated waste generated by
a spill.
3.9 Project Schedule

The project schedule is shown in Figure 3.1 below. The duration for the drilling of the well is
specified in the project schedule.
Figure 3.2: Project Schedule
Month 1 Month 2 Month 3 Month 4 Month 5 Month 6

ACTIVITY
SITE PREPARATION
DRILLING OPERATION
COMPLETION OPERATION
28
Diebu Creek Flyover 1 November 2004 Areal Basemap
6.11539
6.20532
Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd.
Nengigbene Seibiri
K
SEIBIRI
NENGIGBENE
EKOWE
Ekowe OTUAGANAGU
no tag OKPOKIRI Legend
ABAGBENE OTUEKPEIN OKIKI
AMADUGAMA
Concession Boun daries selection
Olugbobiri Ipirigbene Abagbene Minor River
IPIRIGBENE OKADI EKPEINBIRI

Major River
IPIRIGBENE
OKODI Sea
Polobogu IBAKA #
Fore stReserves
OML63 OKODOGO !
SPD C Wells-W
IGBO SPDC Wells-E
4.67647
4.67647
DIEBU CREEK-012 OGILAGBENE RGB

Ogilagbene IYALAKIRI IBOBIO
Red: Band_1
OML32 DIEBU CREEK-010 DIEBU CREEK-014

Leads OKOROMA
G ree n: Band_2
Blue: Band_3
O il Field
DIEBU CREEK-015 IKIANBIRI EWAMA G as Field
DIEBU CREEK DIEBU CREEK-011 Leads Marginal Oil Field
AGUDAMA EPEBU
ELOGIAMA
Marginal Gas Field
DIEBU CREEK-005 DIEBU CREEK-006 OKPONAM A LEADS
KIMIGBENE
PU D iscoveries
DIEBU CREEK-004 DIEBU CREEK-013 DIEBU CREEK EAST-001 AGUDAMA Water Bearing Structure
OML32
DIEBU CREEK-016 EMADIKE

PEREMABIRI
DBCE DIEBU CRK. E.
DIEBU CR S Peremabiri DIEBU CREEK EAST-002 OBAKILO
Diebu Creek Dredged Location
DIEBU CR E DEEP NO TAG OBAMA
PIRIGBENE
OBAMA
PIRIGBENE
TUKOGBENE OKIGBANI FONGBENE
Diebu DIEBU Tukogbene Okigbene

Pirigbene
AGUDAMAKIRI SOUNKIRI
DIEBU CR SE1
OPUAYEGBENE
Although great care has been taken

in the com pilation of this map.
SPDC will not accept liability for any errors,
misrepresentations or omissions
4.58654
4.58654
Nigeria West Belt Coordinate System

OGBULUGBENE Transverse Mercator (Minna Datum )
Ikorumogbene False Easting: 230738.260000
False Northing: 0.000000
Central Meridian: 4.500000
SANGAKUBU
Scale Factor: 0 .999750
OPUBAKIRI Latitude Of Origin: 4.000000
IGBOMOTORU-003 DIEBU CR S2 DIEBU CR S1 0 0.45 0.9 1.8 km
IGBN 1:53,234
MBIAKPABA
IGBOMOTORU DEEP DAGOGBENE Author: Theo

SUNDAYGBENE
Date: 27/10/2004 BXE-EVAW

IGBEMATORU
OML33 IGBOMOTORU NORTH-001
File: oml 32
6.11539
6.20532
29
Diebu Creek Flyover (South-Southwest View) 1 November 2004
N
200m
Approximate foreground scale

Direction of Vision
NO TAG PIRIGBENE
DIEBU Tukogbene Okigbene
DIEBU CR SE1
Seibiri Creek
Tukogbene Community (Most proximal habitiation)
30
Diebu Creek Flyover (South-Southeast View) 1 November 2004
200m

Direction of Vision
NO TAG PIRIGBENE
DIEBU CR SE1
31
Diebu Creek Flyover (East-Northeast View) 1 November 2004
200m
NO TAG PIRIGBENE
DIEBU CR SE1
Direction of Vision
32
Diebu Creek Flyover 1 November 2004
Fringes of dredged area with sediment encroachment
33
Diebu Creek Flyover (North-Northwest View) 1 November 2004
N
NO TAG PIRIGBENE

200m
DIEBU CR SE1
Direction of Vision
34
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Area/ Ecological Description

Baseline data presented in this document were obtained from reports of nearby SPDCs 2001
Nembe Creek field development plan EIA and Seibou-Brass Richgas Development of which
Diebu Creek was a component field. Baseline data of the Diebu Creek is essentially lacking.
Social systems are also similar as the fields are peopled by mainly Ijaws.
4.1 Climate
The dispersion and transportation of pollutants emitted are always influenced by
meteorological conditions. The study area has climatic characteristics that could be
considered as humid and semi-hot equatorial, as it is located within what is called the humid
tropical zone of the Niger Delta. The climate of this area is profoundly influenced but its
proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
4.1.1 Rainfall
Rain is experienced for about eight to nine months in the year in what is typically known as the
rainy season. The two seasons that characterise the area are thus the dry and rainy seasons.
The wet season spreads from April to October while the dry season is from November to
March. Rainfall values are highest from July to September (400-450 mm) with a break (the
August Break). The months considered as dry are not even free from occasional rainfall.
Records up to 65 mm of rain have been obtained for such dry periods. The a mean annual
rainfall is above 3,500mm due to the areas proximity to the Atlantic Ocean from which the
southwest trade winds bring moisture to it.
4.1.2 Temperature
For a bright sunny day during the wet season, temperature values vary from 27oC to about
32oC for the dry bulb temperature. For a typical day with very little rainfall during the dry
season, the temperature values vary from 27oC to 29oC (dry bulb temperature). Monthly mean
temperatures show small variations of between 24.8 and 28.1oC, while hourly temperature
measurements show highs temperatures of 29oC and above between 0900 and 1400 hours.
The lowest temperatures are recorded between 15000 and 0800 hours.
4.1.3 Relative Humidity

The relative humidity values are generally high and correlate with that of the rainfall in the
35
area. It ranges from about 92% in the morning hours to about 72% in the afternoon. When
there is sudden rainfall, the relative humidity values in the afternoon increase. These values
are very high in the rainy season and can be found to be over 90% in the rainy season with
lower values ranging between 40 and 60% occurring in the dry season thus, the relative
humidity values in the dry season are low compared to those of the wet season. The values
vary from 46.0% to 72%.
4.1.4 Winds
Information on frequency distribution of wind speed and direction is important since it provides
the basis for accurate estimation of the dispersion patterns of pollutants in the atmosphere.
Wind distribution pattern for Nembe field during a typical wet season shows that the wind
blows generally from the south-westerly (SW) direction. Other prevailing wind directions within
the period are from the south-easterly (SE) and southerly (S) directions (Fig. 4.2). The wind
speed during the wet season is usually a gentle breeze (3.4 - 5.4 m/sec). This is followed by
what can be considered as light breeze (1.6 - 3.3 m/sec), and moderate breeze (5.5 - 7.9
m/sec). Winds of speed (10.8 - 13.8 m/sec) are generally rare except during a thunderstorm.
In the dry season, the NE wind is more dominant followed by the south-easterly (SE) and the
northerly (N) winds. The wind speeds are more of light breeze (1.6 - 3.3 m/s) followed by light
air (0.3 - 1.5 m/s), gentle breeze (3.4 - 5.4 m/s) and moderate breeze (5.5 - 7.9 m/s). For both
wet and dry seasons, calm periods are not generally observed. This is as a result of the
coastal location of the Nembe environment.
4.1.5 Barometric Pressure

The pressure values in the wet season ranges from 1006.0 mb to about 1011.0 mb while that
for the dry season ranges from 1006.0 to 1010.0 mb. This therefore indicates that there are no
remarkable or sudden pressure changes in the area especially during the periods of data
collection.
4.2 Air Quality

The concentration of suspended particulate pollutant (SPM) varies highly between seasons.
During the rainy seasons, values as low as 8.3 - 27.8 g/m3 (4 hours) are obtained which is
within the FEPA standard of 600 g/m3 whereas in the dry harmattan season, the values
range from 461.0 - 1812.1 g/m3 (4 hours) with a mean value of 1166.2 g/m3. The
concentrations of gases NO2, 4.5 7.1 g/m3; SO2, 34.3 46.5 g/m3; CO2, 1.1 4.6 g/m3
36
and are within FEPA limits of 113, 260 and 11.2 g/m3 respectively). The concentration of HC
was from 12.2 to 18.2g/m3. Hydrogen Sulphide was not detected.
4.2.1 Acidic Gases (NOx, SOx)
Sulphur oxides were generally not detectable (detection limit is 25 g/m3) in any of the stations
in the Nembe field. The non-detectable levels are in line with the earlier observations that
Nigerian crude is relatively clean with low sulphur content (Egbuna, 1987).
Nitrogen oxides values observed vary from 1.1 to 19.9 g/m3 during the year and are less than
the limits recommended by FMENV (75 to 113 g/m3). The values though generally low, vary
with season.
4.2.2 Other Gases

Ammonia is generally not detectable in the study area except in the rainy season when traces
are detected. The results show that the concentration of CO in the study area is generally low,
with a maximum of 2 ppm, despite the presence of the existing facilities. This is due largely to
the efficiency of the flares used by SPDC. The prevailing meteorological characteristics of the
study area (heavy precipitation over much of the year and breezes) help to disperse residual
CO from the flares and the contributions of wood burning, generators and boat traffic.
4.3 Noise
Noise levels in the study area are low especially in areas outside the immediate vicinities of the
existing flowstation. The noise levels are lowest at Nembe IV flowstation and highest at
Nembe I. The noise levels are generally below 78 dB(A) at 100 m from the facilities. In the
fishing communities, levels are below 70 dB(A).
Noise at source exceeds the FMEnv critical limits of less than 90 dB(A) for an 8-hr daily
exposure at Nembe creek I, II and III, generator sheds. This level of noise is quickly reduced
to safe limits within 10 m of source except at Nembe creek 1 flowstation where safe limits were
achieved at distances slightly greater than 10 m. At Nembe creek IV, the low noise level is
due to the machinery in the flowstation being new and well muffled; fewer pumps are in
operation. The effect of the noise from Nembe IV was thus seldom perceived after 500 m.
The quick noise dissipation with distance from source at the flowstations reduces the health
risk potential of the emitted sound and if ear muffs/plugs are used by generator operators the
noise impact will be further minimised.
37
Noise levels within the communities were also within the safe limits given by FMEnv.
However, this does not eliminate the complaints that often arose as a result of the noise from
flowstations. This is because although the 8-hour noise measurements showed safe levels in
the communities, the continuous emission of noise for 24 hours makes it a nuisance for the
communities.
4.4 Topography/Geology
The study area is traversed mainly by the Nembe and Brass Rivers network which empty into
the Atlantic Ocean. The Nembe creek flowstations are in the lower delta plain of the mangrove
swamp geomorphic formation of the Niger Delta.
The stratigraphy of the sub soils underlying four sites was determined through interpretation of
data obtained from boring, soil sampling, and laboratory sieving tests. Four horizons were
clearly defined down to 12m.
(a.) Horizon 1: Highly spongy and peaty chicoco mud
(b.) Horizon 2: Soft darkish grey silty sands and clay (traces of peat in this
layer diminishes with depth)
(c.) Horizon 3: Medium to coarse grained sand
(d.) Horizon 4: Firm grey clay
The range in thickness and distribution of these sub soil horizons at various sites in the study
area are as presented in the Table 4.1
Table 4.1: Distribution and Thickness Range of Sub Soil Horizons at Various Sites.
S/No. Soil horizons Thickness (m)
1. Spongy Chicoco 1.8 - 3.0 mean 2.0

2. Silty Sand and Clay 2.2 - 5.5 mean 3.0
3. Medium to Coarse grained sand 3.0 - 10.2 mean 9.8
4. Firm Clay Below 9.8
4.5 Soil Quality

The soils in the study area are generally acidic. The surface soils (0-15 cm) pH values range
38
from 2.0 to 7.0. The subsoil (15-30 cm) pH values range from 1.5 to 5.4. At the random
stations the pH ranges from 2.1 to 5.4 and 2.6 to 5.1 at surface soils and subsoils respectively.
There is no definite trend with depth. The high acidity of the soils is however expected since it
is typical of mangrove environment (RPI, 1985).
The organic carbon content in the soils around the Nembe flowstations is high. The surface
soil organic carbon value ranges from 8.25% to 26.40%. The subsoil organic carbon value
ranges from 4.95% to 26.40%. At the random stations the percentage organic carbon falls
within the range observed in the transects. The high organic carbon content observed in this
area of study may be due to accumulation of vegetative matter and the slow carbon
mineralization of wetland soils.
The total nitrogen (TN) levels range from 0.14 to 1.59% in surface soils. Subsurface, the TN
values range from 0.08 to 1.32%. The total nitrogen value is adequate and capable of
supporting plant growth.
The total hydrocarbon content (THC) in the soils of Nembe field is generally high and often
exceeded the biogenic threshold limit of 50 mg/kg. They range from 3.38 mg/kg to
14,476.47mg/kg. The results show that the oil exploitation activities in the area have
introduced hydrocarbon into the environment. It is evident that the high levels of THC in areas
reported to have been affected by oil spill can truly be attributed to the incidents.
The electrical conductivity values range from 680.0 S/cm to 20,000.0 S/cm. These values
showed that the soils are saline. This is confirmed by the results of Na+, K+, Ca+ and Mg+
concentrations.
Viable counts of total bacteria in soils varied from 2.5 x104 to 1.8 x107 in the study area. While
petroleum degrading bacteria ranged from 1.4 x102 to 3.2 x105. These values give the area a
healthy microbial status. The counts for petroleum degraders indicate an area that has been
sensitized to petroleum hydrocarbon. In the event of hydrocarbon spill, the rate of recovery
shall be fast due to the presence of these microbes.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metal concentrations in the soils of the area did not relate to hydrocarbon levels
measured. Composite water samples were analysed forth following heavy metals; V, Bi, Cr,
Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, Cd and Hg. They were generally low and below FEPA limits, reflecting the
39
normal background values of the Eastern Niger Delta. The nickel (Ni) concentration ranges
from 0.1 mg/kg to 2.1 mg/kg. The chromium concentrations were from 0.1 mg/kg to 1.6 mg/kg,
and vanadium (V) values varied from non-detectable (ND) to 0.2 mg/kg. The values showed
that the trace elements were within the limits expected for such areas of the Niger Delta (RPI,
1985).
4.6 Vegetation Studies

The vegetation studies show that the types of vegetation existing within the Nembe Creek
Field area consist mainly of mangrove swamp forest with the red mangrove - Rhizophora
racemosa as the dominant species. Associated with it, is the fern; Acrostichum aureum. The
transitional woodland type of vegetation found on the fringes of old dredge spoils represents in
part, vegetation succession.
The mangroves have been affected by some human activity such as slot dredging, mangrove
clearing and installation of infrastructure associated with oil and gas exploration and
production. Natural landcover types are water, wet mangrove, sparse mangrove, low
mangrove and high mangrove (Plate 1). These cover 97% of the area in 1999. The remaining
3% of the area is occupied by landuse types sand, urban/industrial and infrastructure. The
sand areas are dominantly areas of dredge spoil from slot construction. The urban/industrial
areas occur around the Flow Stations associated with the Nembe Creek Field and the
infrastructure is detected also at Flow Stations and Well Heads (some other metallic structures
such as boats may well also contribute to the infrastructure). Although there are a number of
(fishing?) settlements on the 1960s DOS maps, these are not detected on the 1990s imagery
probably as the areas are not large enough and do not have enough spectral contrast with
surrounding areas to be detected.
1960s 1988 1990s

Water
Mangrove
Sand
40
Urban
Plate 1: Mangrove, Water, Sand and Urban Areas (1960s 1980s 1990s)
The percentage cover of Nembe Creek Field by the various mangrove classes are and land-
use are given in the table below. Percentages recorded for sand and urban /industrial cover
in the table are on the high side compared with the actual situation on the ground. This could
be attributed to artefacts caused by the effect of the high temperature gas flares on the SWIR
(Bands 5 & 7) sensors of LANDSAT 4 Thematic Mapper. Areas of sand away from the flow
stations indicate industrial activity mainly around dredge slots and are seen in the centre and
western part of the area in 1988.
Analysis of 1990s landcover / landuse from SPOT Xi (1999), ERS RADAR (1996) and
LANDSAT TM (1992).
Landuse Water Wet Man Spse Man Low Man High Man Sand Urban/Ind Infrastruc Total
1960s% 18.49 0.00 0.00 81.38 0.00 0.00 0.13 100
1980s% 15.62 5.79 30.76 34.98 11.69 0.84 0.32 100
1990s% 17.89 6.53 16.88 42.93 12.91 2.58 0.17 0.13 100
Landuse / Landcover Trends

Some clear trends can be seen from Plate 1 and the table above. These are discussed here
for the two natural 1960s landcover types:
Mangrove
Total mangrove area changed from 81.38 % of the Nembe Field in the 1960s to 83.22% of the
area in 1988 and then to 79.25% in the 1990s. The apparent increase in mangrove from 1960s
to 1988, combined with the concomitant apparent decrease in water areas over the same
period is interpreted to be due to some spectral non-distinction between shallow water and wet
mangrove. However, there is an observable overall slight decrease in mangrove areas and
corresponding increase in sand and urban/industrial areas at the expense of mangrove. The
area of mangrove that had changed to sand or urban / industrial areas from 1960s to 1988 was
0.85km2 or 1% of the total area. This had risen more than two fold by the 1990s to 2.39km2 or
2.80% of the total area.
41
Total area under mangrove or water in the 1960s that are sand or urban/industrial areas in the
1990s is 2.61 km2 or 3.05% of the Nembe Creek Field area.
On dredge spoils a succession of vegetation types occur; terrestrial forms replace the native
mangrove species.
Water
There are slight water area changes through the 3 epochs. In the table it could be seen that
areas of water apparently decreased between 1960s and 1988 and then increased again.
Much of this may be due to short term factors such as the state of the tide during acquisition of
the imagery and/or spectral non-distinction between shallow water and wet mangrove. Other
factors affecting the perceived water areas are:
differences between mapping a water channel from air photos (1960s) and its spectral
distinction on imaging sensors with 20-30m GPD.
progressive increase in water area through dredging of slots throughout the Nembe Creek
Field.
a progressive decrease in water area through dumping of dredge sand in industrial areas.
4.7 Plant Pathological Studies

The plant pathological studies also show that generally, the vegetation is healthy and
cultivated crops in farms within the study area grow luxuriantly, especially in well-maintained
farms. There was no major outbreak of any disease though mosaic, leaf blight, anthracnose
and brown leaf sports attacked a few crop varieties and mild chlorosis was observed on plants
located around the existing flowstations. Leaves affected were randomly distributed on any
plant affecting not up to 2% of the total foliage. The chlorosis could be explained by normal
stress regimes of the mangrove swamp. Though the mangroves are adapted to life in the
adverse water-logged saline environment of the brackish water, uptake of soil nutrients such
as nitrogen could still be impeded to some extent. Older leaves on senescence also turn
yellow before dropping off.
Roots of older plants at spill sites were observed to be decayed. Such old trees fell more
easily with high winds. Younger trees showed more resistance to spills. The pathogens
identified in the laboratory included cassava mosaic virus, Collectotrichum glosporoides,
Curvularia lunata and Xanthomonas campestris. These pathogens were also observed in
42
diseases of okra, banana, plantain, maize and oil palm trees.
4.8 Wildlife Studies

Information on wildlife was gathered from interviews, field observations and published
literature. A wised variety of wildlife flourishes in the area and consists of macro invertebrates
(snails, molluscs, termites and the larvae of the scarabeid beetle which are exploited for food)
and terrestrial vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals). Mona monkeys and
some bird species were sighted directly. The tracks of five other animals (clawless otters,
genets, mongooses, the sitatunga antelope and monitor lizards) were observed by
accompanying guides in both the central (Nembe-I) and Northwest (Ewelesuo) sectors.
Through decades of exploitation and humaninduced habitat alteration, some species have
become either threatened or endangered. To combat illegal trade of the endangered species,
the Federal Republic of Nigeria promulgated the Endangered Species Control of International
Trade and Traffic Decree 11 of 1985. The Niger-Delta Environmental Survey (NDES) funded
by SPDC is currently carrying out systematic environmental survey of the entire Niger-Delta
area. It is hoped that the survey will provide quantitative data on the abundance and
distribution of the wildlife.
4.9 AQUATIC STUDIES
4.9.1 Physico-chemistry
The results of the physico-chemical measurements carried out on the water samples collected
from the study area are presented in Appendix 2 and show a wide range of values. The study
area is a mangrove swamp of the Brass River. The water is generally brackish with freshwater
input low in dry season. Nutrient (i.e. phosphate and nitrate) levels are low. While phosphate
concentrations range from <0.05 to 0.16 mg/l, nitrate-nitrogen concentrations are apparently
uniform in all stations (0.24 0.05 mg/l). Dissolved oxygen concentrations vary from 2.2 to 6.3
mg/l with most of the stations having values below 4 mg/l. This is adequate to support aquatic
life. Suprisingly, the stations that have high DO also have high BOD. The BOD range is 0.7 -
4.5 mg/l with an average of 1.7 mg/l. Oil in water is not detected in all the samples. Water
temperature is normal (28.2 - 30.5 C).
The results of the studies therefore show that the water quality of the study area is similar to
that previously described for such water bodies (RPI 1985, IPS 1991, CORDEC, 1996).
43
Heavy Metal Concentration In Surface Water

The results of heavy metal concentrations in the water samples from the study area are
presented in Appendix 3. The results show that the concentrations of the heavy metals are
generally low or below detectable limits which is in line with FMEnv limits. These results are
similar to those previously obtained for the Nembe Field area and show levels that are
expected for such aquatic environment (RPI, 1985; IPS, 1991 and CORDEC, 1996).
4.9.2 Microbiology
Analyses if microbial populations in surface water and sediment showed no significant
difference in counts and is thus indicative of the good mixture of bottom and surface water.
Counts for heterotrophic and petroleum degrading bacteria were generally low (2.5 x102 to 3.1
x103) while the fungal load ranged from 37 x 104 cfu/ml to 171 x 102 cfu/ml. The counts
recorded for water are quite different from that found in soils of the area but do not contradict
themselves when the hydrology of the area is taken into cognizance; the good mixture of
surface and bottom waters means that the bacteria of the area have short residence periods
and can not therefore utilize effectively the available nutrients of the Nembe Creek field. This
observation is in line with results of previous studies (IPS, 1991) of the area that also show low
concentrations of petroleum-utilising bacteria in water.
4.9.3 Phytoplankton
The species diversity was high and the prominent phytoplankton species in the population
were Nitzschia closterium, Chaetoceros mulleri, Chaetoceros emeroli, Biddulphia lungicruris,
Coscinodiscus rothrii, Pleurosigma elongatum and Oscillatoria sancta. Some species were
found exclusively in brackish water areas (Biddulphia, Ceratium, Chaetoceros, Triceratium and
Thalassiothrix) while the desmids and most of the green algae occurred in the freshwater
areas. The density of the phytoplankton was higher in the brackish water stations than in the
freshwater stations. The blue green algae, Anabaena sp and Oscillatoria, the diatom,
Coscinodiscus sp, were numerically more abundant than the other species. The
phytoplankton results with respect to the occurring species showed over the periods that the
species types are consistently similar for the seasons. This remarkable stability of species
dominance can be interpreted to mean that there is a reasonable degree of predictability about
the identity of the phytoplankton for the Nembe field.
4.9.4 Zooplankton
the zooplankton consists of many taxonomic groups, which include protozoans, rotifers,
44
nematodes, cladocerans, ostracods, and copepods. Larval stages of Crustacea, Gastropoda

and Insecta were also included. The zooplankton density was higher in the brackishwater
areas than in the freshwater areas with the dominating organisms being Paracalanus sp and
nauplius larvae. Copepod nauplii constituted the bulk of the zooplankton population in all the
stations. The zooplankton densities for the study stations in Nembe field varied from 340 to
748 individuals per litre. The next important form in the population was the cyclopoid copepod.
They represented less than 15% of the population. However, in stations 8 and 10 they were
18.6 and 20.3% respectively. The calanoid copepods were common but poor in numerical
abundance (0 to 9.7%), thus representing less than 10% of the zooplankton population.
Economic larval forms amongst others were sparsely distributed and were present
occasionally. The zooplankton data from both the previous and present studies (RPI, 1985;
IPS, 1991 and CORDEC, 1996) showed comparable species type and population densities.
4.9.5 Benthos
The infaunal species list and their numerical count are presented in Appendix 4.7. Nine major
forms were encountered for the study area. The polychaetes were represented by 6 species
while the other organisms were represented by one species each. The dominant species
amongst the polychaeta group was Nereis falsa which represented over 60% of the
community.
The community structure based on the percentage of total infauna shows that the polychaete
constituted between 77.8 and 100% of the infaunal community. Amphipod and mollusc
(bivalve) species were very sparsely distributed.
The species types recorded for the benthic infaunal community are comparable to those of
previous studies for Nembe environment (IPS, 1991). The predominance of the infaunal
population by polychaetes especially Neries falsa, suggests their importance in the trophic step
and other interaction with the physical environment especially opening up of soil during
burrowing. The poor occurrence of non-polychaete forms such as amphipods, molluscs and
shrimps, may be due to their inability to adapt to the environment or non-suitability of certain
environmental variables such as texture and consistency of the sediment.
However the density (abundance) values of 18 to 198 individuals/1000cm3 of sediment are

similar to values obtained in previous studies within the same environment (RPI, 1985; IPS
1991). This variability in density between stations is expected in nature and may be attributed
45
to the micro-ecological variability of the stations due to the hydrodynamics of the area, which
causes changes in sediment texture, organic matter content, porosity, and nutrient quality.
4.9.6 Macroalgae
Ten macroalgal species were found in the study area, 5 each representing the red
(Rhodophyta) and green (Chlorophyta) algae. The distribution of the species suggested an
even distribution within the entire habitat. However, the individual abundance estimate
suggests a skewed abundance with the bulk of the species scoring between common and
dominant.
4.9.7 Epipelic Algae

The epipelic algal community was represented by 46 species. Out of these, 33 species
represented the Bacillariophyceae (diatoms), and the rest (13) species represented the
Cyanophyceae (blue-green algae). The species that were prominent amongst the diatoms
include Pleurosigma elongatum, P. angulatum, Gyrosigma scalproides, and Bacillaria
paradoxa.
The epipelic algal densities varied from 1086 to 4275 x104/cm2. Species encountered in the
study were generally similar to those of previous studies in the area (IPS, 1991), however the
number of species is lower than what has been observed for the Bonny river.
The high epipelic algal densities obtained for most of the stations emphasises their importance
and ability to sustain the higher organisms that depend directly or indirectly on them for food.
Masking of the diatoms by blue-green algal mats may be responsible for the lower densities
recorded for the diatoms in few stations.
4.9.8 Benthic Gastropod Community

The sediment samples consist of soft mud, sand clay and detrital materials. Occasionally, the
sediment contained coarse sand. In most of the stations, the smallest size class (i.e. juveniles
< 10 mm) are usually absent or low in number except for the stations mostly within the western
arm of the flowstations. The benthos contained a variety of organisms, which include
polychaetes, chironomid larvae, periwinkles, bi valve spats and fish larvae. On the whole,
periwinkles (Tympanotomous fuscatus) where present, were more of the 2nd and 3rd sized
classes. The abundance of the different classes varied from one sampling location to the
other. The two other gastropod species have limited distribution and abundance.
46
4.9.9 Fisheries
The fish species collected and those observed in the catch of local fishermen belonged to 29
fish families and 60 species. Fishing activities were observed in all water bodies. The clupeid
Ethmalosa fimbriata was also found in the brackish waters while in the freshwaters, tilapias
and catfishes were prominent in the catch.
Shellfish Fisheries.
Dominant form of shellfish fisheries is that of periwinkle harvesting from the wild. This shellfish
was not commodified; the Nembe people believe that any person who sells periwinkles would
suffer from very serious maladies leading to death, as the deities of the land would punish
such a person. Oyster clusters in the intertidal within the study area were generally small and
made up of small individuals; during the dry season, oyster spats settled on mangrove prop-
roots. Before they can attain commercial size, the heavy freshwater input into the system kills
them off. This natural cycle of settlement and mortality makes the area unsuitable for intertidal
oyster fisheries. On subtidal hard substrates such as jetty pilings, large oysters measuring up
to 10cm across were found. Fishing for oysters in this zone of the ecosystem was not reported
by the fishermen or observed during the study. The absence of oysters makes cockles also
not common in the Nembe Field.
Fishing/Fishing Gear
Fishing activities were generally concentrated around flowstations because of two main
reasons:
Location of the Fishing Community. The construction work on a flowstation especially
during the site preparation includes dredging of the immediate waterway and the resultant
dredge spoil pile. Overburden from site clearing adds to this pile creating in the erstwhile
swamp dry land on which most of the fishing communities in the field are located.
Lack of motorized boats. The fishing boats used by the fishermen are largely unmotorized
while the canoes used were either the dugout type or made of planks neatly nailed together.
Paddling long distances to fish becomes burdensome when fishing can be done in the
immediate water body. Thus, we find these fishing clusters around each flow station. This
does not mean that good fishing cannot be obtained elsewhere.
Fishing gears that were reported in earlier studies were still in use (IPS, 1991, CORDEC
1996), i.e. the gears were generally unchanged. In addition, the uses of trigger hooks, which
are exotic, were observed at Nembe creek I. Two of such hooks were observed during the
study period. The normal Niger delta, dry season fishing of clupeids (bonga and sardines) was
also observed going on in an unrestricted manner in the open waters of the Nembe creek field.
47
Young children waded in the shallow waters throwing nets or clasping nets to collect small
fishes. Women fish mainly using basket traps but sometimes they use long lines, set gill nets
and lift nets. The fishermen operate different types of gears such as cast nets, gill nets, beach
seines, filter nets, long lines and encircling nets in near and distant waters. Trigger hooks are
generally more common in freshwater bodies of the Niger delta being employed in the capture
of species as such - Papyrocranus afer, Heterobranchus spp., and even the herbivorous
Heterotes niloticus. Though it was not possible to determine the target species of the trigger
hooks in the area, their presence suggests the immigration of fishermen familiar with
freshwater fishing techniques.
Fishponds
A number of new fishponds were observed along the small creek adjacent to the West of the
Nembe creek I flowstation. The locations of the fishponds were close to each other such that
for a distance of about 100 m, 8 clearly labelled ponds were observed. Individuals owned
these ponds and because they were new, none was stocked. Stocking species and yield
could as such not be ascertained.
Finfish
The snapper (Lutjanus sp.), croakers (Pseudotolithus spp.), shiny-nose (Polynemus
quadrifilis), and the catfish (Chrysichthys spp.) were evident in the catch of long liners and
fishing rod. Among the cast net fishermen, the bonga dominated the catch in open waters
while mullets, tilapia, and other small sized fish dominated the catch in the creeks.
Loss of finfish species reported for the Nembe Creek IV flowstation area (CORDEC, 1996),
was not apparent from the catch of the fishermen. Fishing intensity around the flowstations
was not reduced, but was rather given prominence by the presence of the flowstations
because the workers in these facilities patronise the fishermen. The increased area of
habitable land created by the deposited dredge spoil also enhanced this prominence.
Tidal Pool
The gobies were the most common species in the tidal pools investigated all through the study
area. Tilapia, shrimps, and mullets were also present but more common in drain channels.
The occurrence of these species did not follow any particular pattern or order. The high inter-
tidal of the Nembe Creek is almost flat and well drained leading to poor tidal pool formation.
The few pools that occurred are often very unstable being a function of the tide. The drain
channels in the Nembe Creek field therefore also serve as nursery of the finfish; a role played
48
in the Bonny River by tidal pools. Mudskippers (Periophtalmus sp) a common feature of the
inter tidal were present. The size distribution of the mudskippers was related more to the
substrate than the location of the station. In areas with hard chikoko as the inter-tidal
substrate, the abundance was low and the sizes were mostly small (>6.0cm Total Length)
clustering around the pneumatophores of the mangroves. In areas where the substrate was
softer, the mudskippers grow to larger sizes and were more abundant. The softer substrate of
the inter tidal are composed mostly of silt and decaying debris deposited by the tide or washed
down from the adjacent terrain. This makes the soft substrate fairly rich in nutrients allowing
the growth of epipelic algae on which the mudskippers browse on directly or indirectly by
preying on the macro invertebrates that come to feed on them. This indicates that the
distribution of the mudskippers may be related to availability of food.
4.10 Trend in the Fisheries of the Nembe Field

From the literature available and the observations made during the field trip, the following trend
is apparent:
(a) Seasonal differences in gear types and species composition were obvious as
reported in previous studies (IPS 1991, CORDEC 1996). The bonga fisheries were
very much evident in open watercourses in the field.
(b) The same gear types (longlines, rod & line, castnet, gillnet of various sizes, basket-
no return-valve traps) storage (smoking over firewood), and sales methods reported
in earlier studies were still in use. The only change observed was the trigger hook
around the Nembe creek I flowstation. When the presence of this gear is
superimposed on the general fisheries of the area, it becomes significant as an
index of immigration of fishermen into the area.
(c) Apart from the fishing community observed around Nembe Creek IV flowstation, no
new communities had developed since 1996. This shows a very slow growth of new
communities. Community growth was attributed to population increases in existing
ones. This trend is corroborated by the presence of the new fishing gear observed at
Nembe creek I flowstation area.
Fishpond construction is a new trend that is developing in the Nembe Creek field concentrating
around the Nembe Creek I flowstation area. If this trend continues, it is expected that the field
will become dotted with fishponds.
The above trends reveal that the fisheries of the Nembe creek field are changing very
49
minimally with time. Changes are mostly in the areas with increased population of fishermen in
the communities, with the introduction of fishpond construction and ownership.
4.11 SOCIOECONOMICS
4.11.1 Socio-Demographic Aspects

Previous studies in the area (already referred to) reveal that the population of the fishing
settlements is predominantly young. Those aged under 21, 21 to 50, and over 50 years
account for about 71.1, 27.3, and 1.6 percent of the population, respectively.
The population is particularly bottom heavy and this may be attributable to several factors,
including:
(a) polygamy; 1 in 3 households is polygamous, giving rise to larger than normal
household sizes (the average household size in the area is 8.7 in contrast to 7.0 found
in similar rural locations);
(b) immigrants sojourn in the fishing settlements with their young children. No
evidence was uncovered that school-age children are systematically sent back to
the main settlements of origin (e.g. Nembe) for schooling.
(c) the small number of persons above 50 years of age suggests age-induced reverse
migration to the main settlements to spend the retirement years.
In general there were more females (53.3 percent) than males (46.7 percent) in the
settlements.
Amongst males, the occupation is predominantly fishing (92.5 per cent). Other occupations
are relatively insignificant, eg. petty trading (4.5 per cent); and wage labour (2.2 per cent).
Most women also engage in fishing, specifically shrimping and the exploitation of other
mangrove ecosystem resources (periwinkles, crabs, etc). Petty trading is an important
supplementary occupation amongst the women. Residents of the fishing settlements are
substantially literate: the modal educational attainment is primary level (37.9 per cent);
secondary level and other educational achievements account for 34.7 percent. About 27.4 per
cent lack formal education.
The model income category amongst residents is N400 - 700 per month (55 per cent). About
22 percent earn over this amount, while the rest fall under N400 per month. At about 33 per
cent, the proportion of women earning under N400 per month is higher than the proportion of
persons in this category (about 23 per cent) in the general population. When fishing is good as
it often is during neap tides, fishermen make as much as N15,000 in two weeks but most of
50
this income is not real as the fishing gear including boats are leased from city dwelling
individuals.
Most of the people (> 75 per cent) in the fishing settlements are in-migrants who have moved
in (primarily within the last 10 years) to fish. The origin of most (about 85 per cent) is Nembe;
there is a sprinkling (about 15 per cent) of in-migrants from Andoni, Ogoni, Okrika, Kalabari,
Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, and Delta State.
4.11.2 Social Organisation and Culture

Elected village Heads, who are subject to the authority of the Nembe Council of Chiefs,
governs the settlements with the assistance of a council of elders, into which women may
occasionally be appointed. Some of the larger settlements have Community Development
Committees (CDCs). Village Heads convene monthly meetings to discuss the welfare of their
settlements and to settle disputes between residents. Weighty cases are referred to higher
authority in Nembe. About 60 percent of the residents of these settlements are professed
Christians, in spite of the paucity of religions structures. The other 40 percent are traditional
religionists, who still attach importance to local deities and shrines, and the festivals that go
with such worship.
4.11.3 Housing Attributes

In general, housing in the fishing settlements is of low quality. Walling and roofing materials
are predominantly of mud and thatch, respectively. Building technology consists of the
traditional wattle-and-daub method (which entails the erection of a framework of reeds or wood
on which the mud is placed). Most of these structures lack foundations. Houses of some of
the more well-to-do are of corrugated iron sheets, and walling is occasionally of block work.
4.11.4 Land Tenure System

All land in the Nembe Creek Field is communally owned and therefore comes under the
overlordship of the Amanyanabo of Nembe. Land may be allocated or even, alienated to
indigenes, and sometimes to strangers, through payments in cash and kind.
4.11.5 Social, Institutional and Physical Infrastructure

Infrastructure of all types is virtually non-existent in the settlements. Particularly noteworthy is
the absence of public utilities - potable water (the people depend on rivers and rainwater as
their source of water for domestic purposes) and electricity in most of the settlements. Health
facilities are generally absent though there are functional health centres in Ogboinbiri and
51
Peremabiri and a hospital in Brass; however, there are two elementary schools at Nembe
Creek, Mile 3 and at Fantuo, though there are no educational facilities in the fishing
settlements themselves. Markets are generally absent in the area. Petty traders service the
settlements. Fish, the principal product of the settlements, is conveyed to Nembe and beyond
for sale. Occasionally buyers, from as far away as Port Harcourt visit directly in search of
bargains. There are playgrounds in the major towns for sporting activities by the youths and
these are maintained by the youth. There are town halls in some of the towns e.g. Bras,
Igbomatorou, and Ogbia where community meetings are held. There are many churches and
these serve as places of worship for the various denominations as these are predominantly
Christian communities. There are also traditional worshippers with their different
denominations based on their beliefs, deities, objects, and gods/goddesses they worship.
4.11.6 Transportation
The dugout canoe is the traditional means of movement between the fishing communities and
for fishing trips. Hand-dug canoes are also useful for water fetching from Shell facilities and for
visiting relatives in Nembe. Motorboats and speedboats of all types continuously ply the
waterways of the area (that is, the Brass River and its tributaries). Larger boats (locally made)
transport goods and traders from the hinterland to major cities while the smaller canoes are
used to convey people from village to village. Movement by canoe has been made more
hazardous by oil company - generated water traffic. There are periodic boat mishaps, though
not often fatal.
Oil company staffs have access to another form of transport facility - helicopters. Non-
company personnel can sometimes benefit from helicopter flights in and out of the area.
4.11.7 The Economy

Fishing is the mainstay of the economy. Wage labour and other forms of economic activity are
insignificant. Net repairing, mat, thatch, basket making and production of fish drying gear are
important household-based crafts.
The presence of oil companies in the area affects the local economy in various ways, e.g. by
the generation of demand for local products and services, and through company supply of
potable water to the settlements.
4.12 HEALTH ASSESSMENT
52
BASELINE HEALTH DATA

This chapter presents the baseline health data based on information generated from sampled
groups in the study communities. The data relies heavily on self reporting and presumptions by
respondents in the survey due to the general absence of health services data in the area.
Comparisons have however been made with state and National data where available.
4.12.1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

About 39.1% of the populations studied were less than 15 years with age group 0 4 years
accounting for 15.4%. These figures are less than the national average based on the National
Census of 1991 but similar to the findings in the 1999 National Demographic and Health
Survey (NDHS). The age-sex distribution is in keeping with population pyramid of developing
countries (Nigeria inclusive) and the NDHS (National Population Commission, 2000) where the
base is typically broad typical of a young population. Overall there were slightly more males
(50.8%) than females (49.2%) in the study. Fig 4.1 below is the population pyramid of the
study(MTR) communities.
Fig. 4.1: Population Pyramid (Study Communities)*, 2003
Male Female
Percent
Ambah Projects 2003
* Communities within the Nembe Cawthorne Channel Major Trunklines Route of SPDC.
53
54
4.12.2 EDUCATIONAL STATUS

66.5% of respondents had primary level education followed by those with secondary level
education (17.7%) and 13% had no form of formal education.
Fig. 4.2: Educational status
66.5
70
60
Frequency(%)
50
40
30
17.7
20 13
10 2.6 0.2
0
No Formal Primary School Secondary Tertiary Higher degree
Education School Education
Ambah Projects (Health survey) Nov. 2003.
4.12.3 MARITAL STATUS

Fig 4.3 below shows that there were about 4871 (37.6%) respondents who were married.
About 2.2% were widowed.
Fig. 4.3: Marital Status of the Respondents

60
50
Frequency(%)
40
30
20
10
0
Married Single Divorced Separated Widow
Ambah projects (Health survey) Nov. 2003.
4.12.4 OCCUPATIONAL DISTRIBUTION

Fishing was the commonest occupation in the studied area accounting for 14.6% while trading
was the next common with a proportion of 14.1% as shown in fig 4.4 below. Of particular
concern is the overwhelming level of dependants, which account for about 60%.
55
Fig. 4.4: Occupational Status of Respondents 15

years and above
Civil servant
Clergy
Dependant
Trading
Unemployed
Fishing
Tailoring
Farming
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
4.12.5 INCOME
Income levels as reported by respondents is presented. Detail measurement of income is
captured in the social assessment study.
Table 4.5 below shows that majority (63%) of the subjects belonged to the low income group,
earning less than N9,000 per month. Only 8.4% earned above N25,000.00 per month. This
data is restricted to respondents above fifteen years with established source of livelihood.
Fig 4.5: Average monthly Income of Respondents above

15 years old
<5,000
5,000 9,000
10,000 14,000
15,000 19,000
20,000 24,000
>25,000
56
4.12.6 LIFE STYLE/HABITS

As shown in fig 4.6 below, about 36.8% of respondents above 15 years old drank alcohol while
only 3.4% of respondents smoke cigarettes.
Chronic smoking of cigarette is a known contributing factor to poor lung function

capacities and also predisposes to chronic bronchitis and bronchial carcinoma.
Fig. 4.6: Alcohol and Cigarette Use

35
30
Frequency (%)
25
20 Cigarette
Alcohol
15
10
5
0
412.7 SEXUAL ACTIVITY AND KNOWLEDGE OF SEXUALLY TRANSMISSIBLE

INFECTION
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
have become very important public health concern in Nigeria. However there are no reliable
locally representative data on sexual practices nor on knowledge and beliefs about HIV/AIDS
and other Sexually Transmissible Infections (STIs) in the study area. Therefore several
questions were included in this study to ascertain the level of awareness about these health
problems. Both men and women were asked about their sexual practices. (National population
commission, Nigeria, 2000). They were also asked about what they believed was the mode of
transmission of HIV and where they sought treatment for STIs. Condom use and availability
were also reported.
57
Fig 4.7 below shows that majority (64.3%) of subjects who were sexually active had only one
partner. However, keeping of two sexual partners was the most commonly practiced behavior
among those with multiple sexual partners, accounting for 24.1%.
4.7: Distribution of sexual partners

70
60
Frequency(%)
50
40
30
20
10
0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Number of partners
Respondents were asked whether they had had any sexually transmissible infection in the
previous 12 months and if so where did they seek treatment, if any. Only one hundred and
sixty nine (2.2%) of respondents (1.8% males and 0.4% females) reported having had STI in
the past 12 months. Most of the respondents who had an STI (88% of women and 76% of
men) reported that they sought treatment for it with majority (44.3%) of them seeking
native/self treatment. Other sources of treatment were chemist shops and hospitals. (Fig. 4.8).
Fig. 4.8: Sources of treatment for sexually transmissible

infections
Hospital
Pharmacy/chemist
Native/self treatment
58
About seven hundred and forty one (9.6%) of the respondents had heard of sexually
transmissible infections (STIs). Similarly, about the same proportion (9.9%) had heard of
HIV/AIDS as a disease entity. As shown in Fig 4.9 below, the most (41.8%) commonly known
mode of HIV transmission was sexual intercourse. Other modes known were the use of
contaminated syringe and needle, sharing of barbing equipment, blood transfusion and sharing
of sharp objects/razor blade.
As a means of gauging the personal impact of HIV/AIDS, respondents were asked if they
personally knew someone who has AIDS or has died of AIDS. Only about 4% of respondents
reported that they knew any person living with HIV/AIDS or has died of AIDS. This is in sharp
contrast to the 30% reported in the National Demographic and Health Survey ((National
population commission, Nigeria, 2000).
The current National sero-prevalence rates for HIV is 5.8% while Bayelsa and Rivers States
(where these communities exist) have 7.2% and 7.0% respectively.
Fig. 4.9: Knowledge of mode of transmission of HIV

45
40
35
Frequency(%)
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
Sexual Sharing of Sharing of Blood Unsterilized
intercourse sharp objects barbing transfusion needle
equipments
59
4.12.8 CONDOM AVAILABILITY AND USE

Condoms serve as a good barrier to the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmissible
infections. Respondents were asked about condom use. The data presented is limited to those
who have ever had sexual intercourse.
Condom was readily available in about 65% of the chemist stores visited, but shop owners
complained of slow sales. However the average number used weekly could not be accurately
verified.
Survey results indicate that overall, about 24% of males and 34% of females aged above 15
years had never used condom before while about 16% of males and 5.3% females claimed
they used condom only occasionally, mainly either for prevention of pregnancy or STI. Only
6.9% of sexually active males and 1.2% females use condom all the time (i.e. during every
episode of sexual intercourse) (fig 4.10). Condom use in those aged above 65 is virtually
absent.
Amongst respondents who use condoms, majority (68% males and 76% females) were les
than 30 years. Condom use was also considerably higher in those who have never married
(82%) compared to those currently married (18%).
Fig.4.10: Frequency of Condom use

140
120
Percentate (%)
100 65+
80 45-64
60 15-44
40
20
0
M F M F M F
All the time(%) Occassionally Not at all(%)

only(%)
AVAILABLE HEALTH SERVICES

Based on records from the Bayelsa state Ministry of Health (2002), there are 21 Primary
Health Centres, three secondary health center in the Nembe area. The account given below is
based on survey findings.
The quality of health services available in the local communities were assessed using the
checklist presented in appendix 4. Many of the communities lacked any form of organized
60
health service. Generally, there were few and poorly staffed health facilities, most of which
lacked basic tools and equipment
A typical General (public) hospital is the one at Ogbolomabiri, (located about 10-15 minutes
walking distance from the community) which is managed by the state ministry of health. It has
facilities for in-patients, a small side laboratory and a mini theatre. Health personnel include
one doctor and several nurses and mid wives. The average daily attendance ranged between
0-30 patients per day.
Other health facilities include a comprehensive health center at Basambiri, privately owned
clinics at Fantuo, Eweleso, Bille, Ke and Ido; and two nursing homes, one each at Tema and
Abonnema. Local drug stores existed in all the communities. Almost all the communities who
depended on generator for electricity were without power because of bad generating plant. A
checklist of available amenities by location is provided in appendix 6.
4.12.9 Traditional Medical practice

The practice of traditional medicine was common in almost all the communities. Their practice
commonly involved the use of herbs and bodily charms. Body massaging and scarification
were also common place. Their service is shrouded in secrecy.
Traditional birth attendants were quite popular. In many of the communities their services were
the only functional form of ante natal and maternal services available.
A list of commonly used herbs and the diseases for which they are used is given in table 4.1
below.
Table 4.2: Commonly used medicinal plants

Medicinal plant (local Use
names)
Igirya Diabetes
Epe Malaria
Dogon Yaro Malaria
Idata Scabies
Uchichi Healing wounds
Okpubulu Hernia
Unuru, agala Eye problems
Ogbuchuru Healing wound
Ugbola Malaria
61
Ukwoline Eye
Udo Hernia
Bitterleaf Diabetes
Uche,ubulu, Malaria
Enyi Hernia
Ewe madu Malaria
Ubulu Stomach ache
Nsikala Stops bleeding
uchichi Hernia
Ikite Blood clot
Enyi Stomach pains
PREVALENCE OF COMMON DISEASES AND CONDITIONS

In an attempt to estimate the level of morbidity, respondents were asked about the illness
episodes suffered in the last three months to the study. Their responses were validated by
asking a series of other questions related to the reported illness.
Table 4.2 shows the commonest diseases and conditions in the studied populations and their
proportional morbidity
Table 4.3: Distribution of Illness Episodes among Respondents
Diseases Number of Cases Proportional Morbidity rate

Malaria 343 28.1
Respiratory tract Infection 132 10.8
Diarrhoea diseases 139 11.4
Skin diseases 100 8.2
Typhoid 32 2.6
Fever/Convulsions 40 3.3
Eye problems 60 4.9
Arthritis 30 2.5
Hypertension 40 3.3
Peptic ulcer 9 0.7
Measles 13 1.1
Sexually Transmissible 7 0.6
Infections
62
Pregnancy related 34 2.8

complications
Tuberculosis 9 0.7
Aneama 49 4.0
Accident/Injuries 32 2.6
Hernia 16 1.3
Toothache 5 0.4
Headache 119 9.8
Asthma 9 0.7
Diabetes 2 0.2
TOTAL 1220 100
* Based on self reporting by respondents in the survey. Source: HIA -Ambah projects, 2003.
Malaria was the commonest illness suffered, accounting for 24.8% with arthritis and headache
coming second and third with a proportion of 20.5% and 9.8% respectively.
4.12.10 HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS

The leading causes of hospital admissions in these communities include hypertension, diabetes, malaria,
diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections as shown in table 4.3 below. Hypertension had the highest
proportion, accounting for 10.5%.
Health Record From Bayelsa State Ministry Of Health

Available records on morbidity pattern in the Nembe area for the year 2003 from the Bayelsa
State Ministry of Health indicate that the reported illness were Acute flaccid paralysis, cholera,
measles, cerebrospinal meningitis, malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhoea, STIs, and pertusis. Their
proportional morbidity is represented in fig. 4.11 below.
63
Table 4.4: Causes of Hospital Admissions*
Types of Disease Number of Cases Proportional Morbidity rate

Malaria 28 8.3
Trauma/bleeding 3 2.0
Urino-genital infection 4 2.6
Upper respiratory tract 11 7.2
infection
Haematuria 1 0.7
Nervous problems 2 1.3
Diarrhoeal diseases 11 7.2
Diabetes 14 9.1
Arthritis 11 7.2
Accident 4 2.6
Eye problem 7 4.5
Asthma 2 1.3
Hernia 14 9.1
Typhoid 12 7.8
Cancer 2 1.3
Heart failure 1 0.7
Haemorrhoid 1 0.7
Hypertension 16 10.5
Weak erection 2 1.3
Dog bite 1 0.7
Pneumonia 2 1.3
Peptic ulcer disease 4 2.6
TOTAL 153 100
*Based on self reporting by respondents. Source: HIA -Ambah projects, 2003.
64
FIG. 4.11: Diseases Cases

AFP
CSM
MEASLES
CHOLERA
MALARIA
TB
PHEUMONIA
STIS
DIARRHOEA
PERTUSSIS
AFP = Acute flaccid paralysis

CSM = Cerebrospinal meningitis
TB = Tuberculosis
STI = Sexually transmissible infection
Mortality
Reliable records on deaths were lacking in all the communities studied. Based on survey
findings, there were 1,947 deaths in all the communities within the previous 12 months. Of this
figure, maternal deaths were 387 while 705 of these deaths occurred among children under
five years of age, out of which only 66 records could be verified (table 4.5). Since death is a
very significant event which is not likely to be forgotten easily, it is safe to assume that the
figures reported is likely to reflect a close approximation of actual mortality in the study area.
Based on records from Bayelsa Ministry of health however, only 10 deaths were reported
within the same period, reflecting the gross under-reporting earlier mentioned.
Table 4.5: Causes of Death among Children under 5 years.
S/N Types of Disease Number of Proportional Mortality rate

Cases
1 Febrile convulsion* 17 25.8
2 Measles 17 25.8
3 Malaria 12 18.2
4 Upper respiratory tract infection 02 2.9
5 Diarrhoeal disease 14 21.2
6 Anaemia 03 4.6
7 Malnutrition 01 1.5
65
Total 66 100
* Febrile convulsion is not a disease but a symptom/sign, which may be a manifestation

of most diseases listed in table 4.5 above. Therefore the proportion of causes of under
5 deaths may be higher due to these diseases.
Under-five mortality is a major indicator of health status. Based on information generated in the
survey, febrile convulsions appear to be the most common immediate cause of death (fig
4.12). Other causes were Measles, diarrhoea and malaria in that order.
Fig. 4.12: Proportional mortality in under-fives

30
25
20
15
10
0
Febrile Measles Malaria Upper Diarrhoeal Anaemia Malnutrition
convulsion* respiratory disease
tract infection
Health data were generally lacking in the few health facilities available within the study communities.
However, considering the fact that even when such data exist, they are often either haphazardly
collected or unreliable, and at best represent only the tip of the ice berg, it may be reasonably assumed
that the information presented, though inherently imprecise, (since they are based on respondents
subjective assessment), are a fair representation of the disease pattern in the area.
4.12.11 NUTRITION
Dietary pattern
The dietary patterns of the communities consisted mainly of carbohydrates like rice, cassava,
yam, cocoyam and corn, which were eaten in various forms. Proteinous food such as beans,
beef, meat, bush animals, fish etc. were also consumed.
66
The diets eaten by these communities were not balanced diet. As shown in fig 4:12 below only
24.4%, 23.2% and 22.7% of children under 5 years old had carbohydrate, protein and fat
included in their diet.
Fig. 4.13: Type of meal eaten last 24 hrs.
17.6
22.7
Fat
Carbohydrates
12.1 Protein
Mineral
Vitamin
24.4
23.2
Nutritional Status in children

The nutritional status of under-five children has been determined using three standard indices
of child growth, namely Height-for-Age (HFA), Weight-for-Height (WFH) and Weight-for-
Age(WFA). To ensure comparability, the weight and height of the child is converted to an
international unit known as the Z score. (The Z score gives indication in units of standard
deviation how far from the reference value a given value lies; and is calculated with the use of
the formula: (Actual minus Median reference value) divided by Standard deviation of the
reference values).
The reference values used in this study are those of the National Center for Health Statistics
(NCHS) growth reference curves developed using data from the Fels Research Institute and
US Health Examination Surveys, which is recommended by the World Health Organization
(WHO) for international use (WHO Working Group, 1986).
HFA describes the child in terms of linear growth and essentially measures long term growth
faltering. Any child who is less than 2 standard deviations from the standard reference value
is considered too short for his/her age, or stunted; WFH reflects body proportion, or the
harmony of growth, and is particularly sensitive to growth disturbances. It reflects acute under-
nutrition. Any child who is below 2SD of the reference is considered too thin for his/her height
or wasted. WFA on the other hand represents a convenient synthesis of both linear growth and
body proportion.
67
Results from this study indicate that 34 (15.4%) of children were stunted; 45(20.4%) under-
weight and 36(16.3%) wasted (Table 4.5). Based on WHO classification, these figures
represent low stunting, very high wasting and high underweight. The highest proportion of
stunted, wasted and underweight children were in their second year of life (fig. 4.14).
Table 4.6: Distribution of Z scores for HFA, WFA and WFH
Anthropometric Z SCORES
Indices
> -2SD < -2SD
TOTAL
No % No % No %
Height-For-Age 187 84.6 34 15.4 221 100
Weight-For-Age 176 79.6 45 20.4 221 100
Weight-For- 185 83.7 36 16.3 221 100
Height
Source: Ambah Projects International, fieldwork 2003.
These findings are in keeping with known patterns particularly in the developing countries
where there is predominance of acute over chronic under-nutrition (National Population
Commission Nigeria 2000, World Health Organization 1993).
Majority of the subjects belonged to the low-income group and may not be able to afford
balanced diet. In these communities, repeated acute infections of the gastro intestinal system
facilitated by poor environmental sanitation and inadequate source of potable water may also
play significant role.
68
Fig. 4.14: Age distribution of Stunting, Wasting and

Underweight
20
15
Frequency
Stunting
10
Underweight
Wasting
5
0
0 - 11 12 23 24 35 36 47 48 - 60
Age (Months)
Source: Ambah projects-Health survey 2003.
4.12.13 IMMUNIZATION STATUS IN CHILDREN

Table 4.6 below shows that the proportion of children under 5 years old immunized against
DPT, BCG, OPV and Measles were 14.7%, 8.8%, 21.7% and 5.3% respectively. These
figures were below the national target of 70% (BCG and TT for pregnant women) and 65% for
the other antigens in the National Programme on Immunization.
Oral polio vaccine(OPV) was the most commonly received vaccine in the studied area. This
may partly be due to the OPV given during the National Immunization days(NIDs) set aside by
the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Programme on Immunization every year.
Each child below 5 years is expected to receive two drops of OPV during each round of NID.
The fact that the few health facilities available in the communities had inadequate record of
immunization is an indication of the low practice of routine immunization as shown in some
Niger Delta States such as Bayelsa State (Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, NPI Office,
Yenegoa, 2002). Figures from the Government of Bayelsa, indicate the following levels of
coverage for 2002: BCG (16%); OPV3 (13%); DPT3 (12%); Measles (25%) appendix 5).
Only 3.3% of children under 5 years old had taken vitamin A supplement.
Table 4.7: Immunization Status among Children under 5 years
69
Doses
Type of 0 1 2 3 Total
Vaccine
DPT - 179 (7.3%) 106 (4.3%) 76 (3.1%) 361 (14.7%)
BCG 217 (8.8%) - - - 217 (8.8%)
OPV 148 (6.0%) 170 (6.9%) 128 (5.2%) 86 (3.5%) 532 (21.7%)
Measles 129 (5.3%) - - - 129 (5.3%)
Vitamin A 82 (3.3%) - - - 82 (3.3%)
DPT=Diphteria, Pertusis, Tetanus.
BCG=Bacille Camille Guerin
OPV=Oral Polio vaccine
4.12.14 FIELD ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL FUNCTION
4.12.14.1 Respiratory function

The respiratory function has been assessed using the Peak Flow Rate which is the fastest rate
an individual can blow out air from the lungs after taking a breath as deep as possible. It
indicates the efficiency of respiratory function.
Fig. 4.15 below shows that the PFR was markedly below the reference value in all age groups
tested, indicating a generally compromised lung function among the sampled adult population.
This result may be due to factors such as the constant exposure to kitchen/domestic generated
smoke (eg from cooking) in poorly ventilated houses, inhaled particles from flared gases,
cigarette smoking vehicle/boat smoke and dusty.
Fig. 4.15: Peak Flow Rate among Sampled Adults Compared to

standard for Age
700
600
PFR 1
500 Standard
PFR (L/M)
400
PFR 2
300 Sample
200
100
0
20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-64 65-69 70+
AGE GROUP (YEARS)
70
4.12.15 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
4.12.15.1 Sanitation Of The Living Environment

The general sanitary status of the living environments in the communities were rated as poor,
fair, or good based on a set of criteria in the checklist (appendix 4). About 15 (48%) of the
communities had poor level of sanitation, while about 52% had only a fair level of cleanliness.
None of the communities had good or very good sanitary status of their living environments.
A checklist of the individual communities by the general sanitation status of their premises is
presented in appendix 7.
Sewage Disposal
The most commonly used excreta disposal methods were the hanging toilet (faeces
passed directly into the river) and open defeacation onto the beachside or into the
river. In Basambiri, Ogbolomabiri, Idama, Bakana and Ifoko, many of the locals also
have access to water cistern in their homes. A checklist of the communities by their
sewage disposal methods is shown in appendix 8.
Refuse Disposal
The refuse generated in the studied area were mainly kitchen waste, which included food
peels or remnants (garbage), etc. The non-degradable wastes were mainly plastics, bottles,
polythene bags, ashes, cans/tins etc. The commonest refuse disposal method was open
dumping on land, riverside/beach and river/ocean. These disposal methods were unsanitary.
Disease Vectors
The common disease vectors in the communities were mosquitoes (anopheles and aedes),
houseflies, cockroaches, rats, lice etc.
4.12.15.2 Water Supply And Quality

Sources of Water
The major sources of domestic water supply were river/stream, well, tap/borehole, pond and
rain. Some members of Kponkponkiri and Jalingo get their water from a Barge in the
71
neighboring village. The water were untreated before use. A checklist of the various sources
of water by location is given in appendix 9.
Quality of water sources

The chemical constituents of the various water sources is given in appendix 10. The results
indicate that most of the chemical constituents were within acceptable limits.
Bacteriological assessment indicate that all the well samples were free of coliform bacteria.
River sources had varying levels of contamination (appendix 10). The presence of Coliforms
confirm recent faecal contamination.
72
Table 4.7: Indicators for safe water and sanitation in the study communities
S/N Indicator Unit of Communities Status WHO Standards

o Measurement
1 Quantity of water No of litres per <10 - 15 litres 50 litres / day /
person per day person
2 Quantity of water No of users per <10% of the population
(access) point (of Tap or have access to a point
Well) (Tap or Well)
3 Quality of water % of samples Chemical quality met
(compliance with compliant WHO Standards
standards) Microbial quality for No faecal coli in
river water was below portable water
the WHO Standard
4 Proportion of Percentage (%) >85% < 5%

households without
safe drinking water
supply
5 Access to safe water Proportion with <20% Pipe borne water
access to water should be within
within 200m of a 200m of reach.
standing tap or well
6 Sanitary Toilet Proportion of 80% One latrine per family
household without
sanitary toilet
7 Housing Average no of 4 Maximum of 2 Adults
persons per room of opposite
(Adult and children) sex/room
No more than 1 Adult
and a Child (less
than 12 years old).
9 Mosquito Breeding No. of All Communities
places site/geographic area (100%)
Proximity to All inhabitants lived
populated area within the breeding
places.
73
Noise
Noise levels
Both indoor and outdoor noise levels were generally low and within acceptable limits. Indoor
noise ranged between 38dBA to 57 dBA while outdoor noise ranged between 39dBA and
58dBA. Details of the noise level measurements in the respective communities are provided in
appendix 11.
Perceived sources of Noise

The major sources of noise as perceived by respondents are depicted in fig 4.16 below.
Majority (31.8%) believes that generator plants were the commonest source of noise. This was
closely followed by flow station activities (31.6%).
Fig. 4.16: Perceived sources of noise

35
30
25
frequency(%)
20
15
10
0
SPDC Generators Children Gas flaring Flow Gun shots Communal Vehicles Speed boat Funeral
Helicopter playing station Conflicts engine activities
Ambah projects (Environmental survey) Nov. 2003.
4.12.15.3 Air Quality (Indoor)
Table 4. 8a: Concentrations of Indoor Air Pollutants in the MTR Communities.
Stations SPM NO2 SO2 NH3 VOC H2S CO

3 3 3 3 3 3
g/m g/m g/m g/m g/m g/m ppm
Basambiri 206.5 16.4 <6.0 1.5 24.6 <0.5 1.0
74
Ogbolomabiri 160.3 18.9 <6.0 1.5 14.9 <0.5 1.0
Rowka (Mile 2) 264.5 20.4 <6.0 1.5 10 <0.5 1.0
Fantuo 90.4 25.0 <6.0 1.5 11 <0.5 1.0
Ibidi (Brass LGA) 100.0 18.5 <6.0 1.5 11 <0.5 1.0
Obioku (Brass LGA) 98.8 17.8 <6.0 1.5 12.4 <0.5 1.0
Abonnema 110.6 29.2 <6.0 1.5 60.0 <0.5 1.5
Kula 100.0 30.5 <6.0 1.5 30.6 <0.5 2.0
Idama 92.5 26.0 <6.0 1.5 85.4 <1.0 1.5
Bille 99.4 19.8 <6.0 1.5 56.5 <0.5 1.5
Ke 100.0 22.5 <6.0 1.5 48.0 <0.5 1.5
Harrys town 92.3 31.5 <6.0 1.5 24.6 <0.5 1.0
Bakana 90.4 26.0 <6.0 1.5 12.3 <0.5 1.5
Abalama 75.0 18.5 <6.0 1.5 16.3 <0.5 1.0

250 75 260 200 160 8 10
FMEnv
Table 4. 8b: Concentrations of Out door Air Pollutants in MTR Communities
Stations SPM NO2 SO2 NH3 VOC H2S CO

3 3 3 3 3 3
g/m g/m g/m g/m g/m g/m ppm
Basambiri 105.3 10.5 <6.0 1.5 54.3 0.5 1.5
Ogbolomabiri 131.6 10.9 <6.0 1.5 20.4 0.5 1.5
Rowka (Mile 2) 224.3 15.0 <6.0 1.5 13 0.5 1.5
Fantuo 67.5 14.6 <6.0 1.5 15 0.5 1.5
Ibidi (Brass LGA) 74.4 12.5 <6.0 1.5 14 0.5 1.5
Obioku (Brass LGA) 84.6 11.0 <6.0 1.5 20.5 0.5 1.0
Abonnema 100.4 16.6 <6.0 1.5 93.7 0.5 1.0
75
Kula 75.6 21.3 <6.0 1.5 59.2 1.0 1.5
Idama 88.4 20.6 <6.0 1.5 202.3 1.0 1.0
Bille 70.6 10.0 <6.0 1.5 83.9 1.0 1.0
Ke 86.5 12.8 <6.0 1.5 62.5 1.0 1.0
Harrys town 80.6 28.8 <6.0 1.5 44.4 0.5 1.0
Bakana 78.5 14.6 <6.0 1.5 19.7 0.5 1.0
Abalama 64.9 12.4 <6.0 1.5 25.0 0.5 1.0

250 75 260 200 160 8 10
FMEnv
The concentrations of pollutants measured in the area were generally low and varied with the
stations. In particular the concentrations of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) in all stations and Hydrogen
Sulphide (H2S) in some stations were below detection limits.
However the concentrations of Ammonia (NH3) in all the stations and in outdoor levels of H2S
did not show any variation. Similarly the concentrations of Carbon monoxide (CO) at Bakana
and Abalama did not show any variation
The indoor concentrations of Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
in all the stations and CO in most stations were higher than the outdoor concentrations. This
observation could be attributed to emissions from domestic activities and poor ventilation. On
the other hand the outdoor concentrations of Volatile organic compounds (VOC) were higher
than the indoor concentrations probably due to fugitive emissions from outboard engines and
other automobiles.
Comparing the results with permissible limits recommended by the Federal Ministry of
Environment (FMEnv, 1991), the concentration of SPM at Basambiri (indoor) 206.5 and
Rowka (indoor, 264.5; outdoor, 224.3) were enough to cause concern. VOC at Idama
exceeded the permissible limits. These levels may be attributed to cooking smoke (indoor air)
and the activities of the flow station and of engine boats and automobiles in the communities.
4.12.15.4 Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
76
Oil spillages, gas flaring and on-shore drilling activities are commonly believed to raise the
natural background radiation of the environment. The reason for this being that the by-products
of hydrocarbon compounds (oil and gas), the chemicals used in sourcing for crude oil may
contain radioactive particulates. Table 4.9 below show the mean count rates and the dose
equivalents obtained in the study areas.
Table 4.9: Radiation Count rates and dose equivalents for studied communities
-1
Mean count rate Dose equivalent (mSv.yr )
S/N Location (cpm)
1 Basambiri 17.124.14 0.750.18
2 Nembe Creek 15.833.98 0.700.18
3 Ogbolomabiri 19.234.39 0.850.19
4 Ibidi 15.273.91 0.670.17
5 Obioku 13.013.61 0.570.16
6 Abonnema 13.913.73 0.610.16
7 Kula 15.183.90 0.670.17
8 Idama 17.864.23 0.790.19
9 Bille 13.563.68 0.600.16
10 Ke 13.043.61 0.570.16
11 Obuama 17.664.20 0.780.18
12 Bakana 18.504.30 0.810.19
The level of natural background radiation is generally between 1 and 2 mSv.yr-1 (Hunt, S.E.
1987). The main contribution is the gamma ray absorbed dose arising from terrestrial radon
(~55%), cosmic ray (8%), natural radioactivity of environmental rocks (containing uranium,
actinium, radium and thorium) and the potassium-40 activity within our own bodies (Clement A.
W et al 1972). At present the cosmic ray dose varies by a factor of 3 from sea level to about
3,000 m (10,000 ft) and by 10% to 20% from 0 50o latitude (National Research Council
Washington D.C 1972). Radium and thorium contents of indigenous rocks vary by about the
same amount. The dose limit for all persons, other than those occupationally exposed, is 1
mSv.yr-1 (European Council for Nuclear Research, Dose limits 1995). The maximum dose
accepted internationally is 5 mSv.yr-1, (National Council on radiation protection, Washington
D.C 1976) which is about three times the average background of between 1 and 2 mSv.yr-1
(Hunt S. E.1987).
77
Our measurements for the twelve sites range from 0.570.16 mSv.yr-1 to 0.850.19 mSv.yr-1.
The lowest value of 0.570.16 mSv.yr-1 was at Obioku and Ke communities, and the highest
value of 0.850.19 mSv.yr-1 was at Ogbolomabiri.
These values are comparable with the typical background value of 0.71 mSv.yr-1 (Ebong I.D.U
and Alagoa K.D. 1992) at the Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port Harcourt.
They are also less than the set limit of 1 mSv.yr-1 for all persons not occupationally exposed at
the European Council for Nuclear Research, CERN, 1995. The slight variation would be
attributed to latitude and longitude (National Research Council, Washington D.C 1972). No
human health effect is anticipated at these low levels.
4.13 Inventory of Hazards
Hazardous agents in the study area may be classified as follows:
Chemical Hazards
Chemical agents or hazards comprise chemical compounds released into the environment as
a result of crude oil exploration e.g. those from drilling and flaring activities namely heavy
metals drilling fluids, spent metals effluent discharges, Nitrogen oxides (NOx), Sulfur dioxide
(SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), and particulate matter. These substances
contaminate and pollute the air, water, fishes and mangrove resources (e.g. crab, oysters, and
other foodstuff on which human life depend. They subsequently gain entry into the human
body and affect health negatively via the respiratory system, gastro-intestinal tract, and the
skin (Olishifsky, 1971).
Physical Hazards
Physical hazards in the Nembe Creek environment consist of noise pollution from flowstation
generators, radioactive substance resulting from flaring. Thermal and light pollution are also
health hazards that the people in the area are exposed to. Flaring increases the temperature
of the environment causing disturbances of body temperature and health breakdown e.g. heat
stroke. Excessive noise pollution is known to impair hearing, while light glares on the eyes
affect the sight (Egbuna, 1987). In the study area diseases associated with the eye and the
ear represented 4.8% and 3.2% respectively of the causes of morbidity in the population.
Respiratory problems are also among the leading causes of morbidity in the area. The
78
prevalence may be exacerbated by inhalation of hydrocarbon particulates.
Biological Hazards
These include dangerous snakes and insects such as mosquitoes, tsetseflies, sandflies,
houseflies which were reported to be present in the area. These contribute to morbidity and
mortality incidences in the area. The swampy nature of the terrain encourages the breeding of
these creatures.
Commercial Sex
Field investigations indicate that there were no brothels in the study area, however men and
women, especially young girls use their homes as a focus for commercial sexual activities.
According to health personnel's report promiscuity is on the increase. Sexually transmitted
diseases especially gonorrhea are seen often in the clinic among the adolescents. Factors
that have increased commercial sexual activities include, inadequate provision and care for the
youth people, and exposure to foreigners and visitor from oil companies and other oil related
oil industries. Young ladies visit houseboats, camps and hotels where these oil workers
reside. As a result of such activities pregnancies have increased. According to field reports,
about 76% of the teenagers get pregnant before the completion of their secondary school
education.
Epidemics of Communicable Diseases

According to the residents, the study area experiences epidemic of gastro-intestinal disease,
malaria, cholera, measles, scabies, chicken-pox, appolo and typhoid fever.
Gastro enteritis occurs every dry season when drinking water is scarce and the local wells and
ponds have dried up. During such periods, the people depend largely on unreliable sources of
water supplies from stream and rivers. Measles are said to be common also with dry season
between November and March when airborne droplets carry the germs. This is also the
presence of chicken-pox. Records of epidemic occurrences were however not available on
demand.
.
4.14 Perceived (Subjective) Impacts of SPDC Operations, Evaluation &
Expectations
Respondents were questioned extensively on:
79
(a) their perceptions of SPDC's operations on their environment;

(b) their opinions as to the nature of the relationship between their settlements and
SPDC;
(c) their expectations from SPDC, and
(d) how they feel about SPDC's planned expansion of existing facilities
in Nembe Creek Field.
Perception of the Environmental Impacts of SPDC's Operations

Pollution is perceived to be a problem in the area. The residents complained of water pollution
from spillages, seepages, lubricants, etc. resulting in reduced fish yields; thermal pollution, in
the form of increase in ambient temperatures, especially close to SPDC facilities; air pollution
arising from gas flaring; acid rain attributable to emissions from flowstations; noise pollution
from the latter, and the helipad near Flowstation I. Some settlements also complained of
tremors and explosions from operation sites.
Relationship Between Host Communities and SPDC

Residents of sampled communities were questioned as to the nature of the relationship
between their communities and SPDC. The general picture that emerged was that of a
lukewarm relationship between the host communities and SPDC.
Probed further as to the reasons for the absence of a warm and cordial relationship between
the parties, the people cited a host of reasons centering on:
- Alleged SPDC's indifference to the welfare of the masses as shown by failure to

provide schools, health centres, fishing loans to women and
others; at Ewelesoa, SPDC even allegedly failed to repair faulty Government-provided
electricity generator after repeated appeals.
- Irregular water supply to communities and periodic alleged SPDC harassment of water
fetchers.
- Failure to deal satisfactorily with victims of company-caused boat mishaps;
- Failure of SPDC to carry out/assist with shore protection works, even though shoreline
erosion is exacerbated by company-owned river craft.
- Failure of SPDC to appease deities whose shrines were displaced/disturbed by SPDC-
originated oil spillages, eg at Saikiri;
- Non compensation of residents for cash crops (plantains, yams, cassava, pineapples)
80
lost during a recent spillage in the area; and

- Failure of SPDC to draw unskilled labour from the army of unemployed youth roaming
the fishing settlements;
Community Expectations From SPDC
From Small Group discussions a clear picture of residents' expectations emerged.

- Water is indispensable for survival, not merely for healthy living; the people of the
settlements lack this valuable resource. SPDC is already helping to remedy the
unsatisfactory situation by permitting residents to fetch water from base camps.
However this is subject to the vagaries of supply by water barges. The people
therefore crave regularity of supply. The people also desire electricity. Some
reported that it is particularly frustrating to see Shell workers enjoying electricity very
close to them while they remain in darkness.
- Social facilities such as schools and clinics are manifestly inadequate.
The people request these facilities eg schools to supplement those at Nembe Creek
(Mile III) and Fantuo. Clinics are also expected to be built to service groups of
settlements.
- In some locations, the people expect appeasement of deities, whose shrines have
been disturbed/destroyed by oil spillage.
- The people expect Shell to hire unskilled labour from amongst the unemployed in
the settlements and that host community residents should also benefit from petty
contracts.
81
82
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The procedures adopted for the identification of the environmental impacts of the proposed
activities for the Diebu Creek Field Exploratory Drilling project are shown in Tables 5.1 to 5.3.
Table 5.1 identifies the major environmental sensitivities of the study area by matching
the environmental components against the processes. This is mainly based
on the existing environmental conditions at the time of the study.
Table 5.2 identifies the requirements of the proposed activities that may have
environmental consequences by matching impacting activities and agents.
Table 5.3 presents the potential environmental consequences of the project activities
on the environment. This is based on sensitivities identified in Tables 4.1
and the potential impacts identified in Table 4.2.
83
TABLE 5.1: ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES: SWAMPS
NATURAL ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSITIVITIES
THE LAND: ECOLOGY THE LAND USE: ECONOMY THE LAND USERS: SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL VALUES
1. CLIMATE high rainfall, highly seasonal

2. HYDROLOGY
RIVERS, CREEKS tidal, sensitive: changes in hydrology Fisheries; sensitive: loss of productivity
fisheries, sensitive: loss of productivity
3. WATER QUALITY brackish, sensitive: changes in salinity
RIVERS, CREEKS
4. SOILS muddy, peaty, fibres, hemist and unsuitable for agriculture except on sensitive: loss of revenues
saprist dredge spoils
SWAMPS
5. VEGETATION low resilience use for energy production and traditional land use systems,
construction activities exploitation
MANGROVES
6. FAUNA high bio-diversity, sensitive: loss of harvesting from nature, sensitive: over-
species exploitation, pollution
84
TABLE 5.1: ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITIES: SWAMPS (CONT'D)
HUMAN ENVIRONMENT CHARACTERISTICS AND SENSITIVITIES
THE LAND: ECOLOGY THE LAND USE: ECONOMY THE LAND USERS: SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL VALUES
7. RURAL POPULATION
GENERAL populated by fishing communities low quality residential houses,

sensitive: overcrowding
FISHERIES rivers, creeks, ponds, sensitive: loss increasing pressure, sensitive: over Sensitive: loss of revenue
of productivity fishing and pollution
8. URBAN POPULATION increase in population numbers stagnant economic conditions, lack of increase in population, sensitive: social
employment tension and strife
9. INFRASTRUCTURE waterways, access limited in swamp lack of maintenance, sensitive: land communications, sensitive: impediment
areas take, loss of production of communications
10. INDUSTRY exploration, production, refining, employment, revenues, sensitive: strong presence sensitive: disturbance
sensitive: physical impacts and land take, loss of production of operations
OIL AND GAS pollution
85
TABLE 5. 2: IMPACTING ACTIVITIES AND AGENTS
PROJECT PHASES
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
DRILLING FACILITIES DESIGN AND OPERATION ABANDONMENT

CONSTRUCTION
1. FACILITIES land take, average and peak run off industrial waste
run off, visual impact
WELLS mud, drill cuttings, hydrocarbons, production water, pads, pits, wells
hydrocarbons, blow-outs, chemicals, industrial waste,
industrial waste, traffic,
additives, noise, industrial spills, visual impact
forest clearing
waste, visual impact, light
PRODUCTION FACILITIES pads, flares, emissions, industrial pads, concrete footings,
waste, chemicals, spills, noise, piles
visual impacts
OFFICES AND WORKSHOPS household waste and pads, piles
sewage
HOUSING camps, waste and sewage camps, permanent housing, sites
waste and sewage
2. ACCESS changes in accessibility
TEMPORARY ROADS AND RIGHT-OF-
WAY (R.O.W.)
PERMANENT ROADS AND R.O.W. pipelines r.o.w. pipelines r.o.w. pipelines r.o.w.
3. CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, WATER
LATERITE, SAND
WATER (FRESH)
= NOT
APPLICABLE
86
TABLE 5.2: IMPACTING ACTIVITIES AND AGENTS (CONT'D)
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS PROJECT PHASES
DRILLING FACILITIES DESIGN AND OPERATION ABANDONMENT

CONSTRUCTION
3. ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION
ENGINES, GENERATORS fuel, emissions, noise, waste fuel, emissions, noise, waste fuel, emissions, noise, fuel, emissions, noise, waste
waste
VEHICLES Traffic, fuel, oily waste, traffic, fuel, oily waste, noise traffic, fuel, oily waste, traffic, fuel, oily waste, noise
noise noise
FUEL Storage, oily waste, spills Storage, oily waste, spills Storage, oily waste, spills Storage area
5. PERSONNEL
PRESENCE OF STAFF Social interactions, job Social interactions, job Social interactions, job Social interactions, job
expectations expectations expectations expectations
SOCIO-ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE Shops, recreational Shops, recreational Shops, recreational Shops, recreational
activities, traffic, change in activities, traffic, change in activities, traffic, change in activities, traffic, change in
access access access access
6. WASTE DISPOSAL Traffic, land take, Traffic, land take, Traffic, land take, Traffic, land take,
contamination contamination contamination contamination
= NOT
APPLICABLE
87
TABLE 5.3: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT
IMPACTING AGENTS AND ACTIVITIES ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
CLIMATE AND SOILS AND WATER VEGETATION ECOSYSTEM HUMAN

ATMOSPHERE GEOMORPHOLOGY AND FAUNA ENVIRONMENT
1. USE OF RESOURCES
1.1 LAND TAKE - PERMANENT
Well facilities, roads, housing, offices, waste Loosening of Loosening of Change of habitat Change of Change in
disposal soil/compaction soil/compaction mangrove economic
ecosystem functions
1.2 LAND TAKE - TEMPORARY
Roads, corridors, offices, camps, pads, storage Loosening of Loosening of Change of habitat Change of Change in
areas. soil/compaction soil/compaction mangrove economic
ecosystem functions
1.3 WATER USE
Fresh water Aquifer depletion Change in Freshwater Change in

vegetation type ecosystem economic
change functions
Reservoir pressure maintenance contamination
= NO CONSEQUENCES = MINOR CONSEQUENCES = MAJOR CONSEQUENCES
88
89
TABLE 5.3: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT (CONTD)
CLIMATE AND SOILS AND WATER VEGETATION AND ECOSYSTEM HUMAN

ATMOSPHERE GEOMORPHOLOGY FAUNA ENVIRONMENT
2.2 WASTE
2.2.1 SOLID WASTE
Household Contamination Vermin Land take Health risk
Hydrocarbons Toxicity Degradation Aesthetic
impact
Drilling mud and cuttings Contamination Change in
economic
functions
Industrial
2.2.2 LIQUID WASTE AND SPILLS
Production and utility water, sewage, spills of contamination contamination contamination Degradation Change in
chemicals, crude oil, fuel economic
functions
run-off Change in Change in Change in
surface water surface water surface water
levels levels levels
2.2.3 GASEOUS WASTE AND SPILLS
Hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide (CO2), Greenhous
produced water vapour e effect,
acid
deposition
Vehicle exhaust Smog
Nox Acidification Eutrophication
90
TABLE 5.3: ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF PROJECT ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT (CONTD).
CLIMATE AND SOILS AND WATER VEGETATION ECOSYSTEM HUMAN

ATMOSPHERE GEOMORPHOLOGY AND FAUNA ENVIRONMENT
3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL

INTERACTIONS
Fishing, Increase in Cultural interface
Presence of staff hunting exploitation Resource
competition
Prostitution
Difference in
Socio-economic infrastructure purchasing power
Dropping out from
school
aesthetics
Visual impact, night lighting
Noise Nuisance Nuisance Nuisance
= NO CONSEQUENCES = MINOR CONSEQUENCES = MAJOR CONSEQUENCES
91
Quantification of impacts has been carried out by assigning numbers to the potential magnitude,
extent and duration of the environmental impacts. The definitions used are:
Magnitude of Impact
A major negative impact can, if not mitigated, affect the potential subsistence, recreational or
commercial use of a Biophysical resource sufficiently that the value of that resource is reduced
far below publicly acceptable values.
A moderate negative impact can, if not mitigated, affect the potential subsistence, recreational
or commercial use of a Biophysical resource sufficiently that the value of that resource is
reduced below publicly acceptable values
A minor negative impact will affect the same potential Biophysical resource use as above, but
at levels publicly perceived as being inconvenient rather than unacceptable.
A positive impact will increase the potential subsistence, recreational or commercial use of a
Bio-physical resource
Extent of Impact
Site impacts are restricted to within the general project area of the proposed project.
Local impacts may occur anywhere within the immediate environment of the project area.
Regional impacts may extend beyond the immediate environment of the project.
Duration of Impact
Short-term impacts will cease within one year of their onset.
Medium-term impacts will cease within ten years of their onset.
Long-term impacts will continue for more than ten years.
The assigned numbers indicate the severity of impacts based on the subjective experience of
our team of scientists. The numbers were assigned according to Bisset (1992):
92
Magnitude Extent Duration Total

Major 60 Regional 60 Long-term 20 140
Moderate 20 Local 20 Medium-term 10 50
Minor 10 Site 10 Short-term 5 25
The impact values sum up to a maximum of 140 and a minimum of 25 with the impact severity
increasing as the value approaches the maximum. Calculations are as presented in the table
below.
C HARAC T E R IS T IC S
A ir Q u a lity
- D us t 45
- SPM 25 35 45 50 25 25 25 90 25
- G as e s 75 25 45 100 60 35 35 25 45 100 35 25
2 WAT ER
(a ) - S u rfa c e
D rainag e S ys te m 25 60 50
F lo o d C harac te ris tic s 60 50
F lo w V ariatio ns 50 50
W ate r Q uality 45 35 50 25 35 35 25 25 30 85 30 90 45 45 25 45
F is he rie s A c tivity 90 85 35 35 35 35 25 25 25 90 25 100 35 35 35 35
(b ) - G ro u n d
F lo w & W ate r T ab le F o rm atio n
W ate r Q uality 25 45 60
3 L AND
L and us e 60 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 25 85 90 75 25
Mine ral R e s o urc e s 25 35
S o il E ro s io n 35 25 35
C o m p ac tio n & S e ttling 25 25 25 25 35
S tab ility (s lid e s & s lum p s ) 25 25 25
B uffe r zo ne s 40 40
S o il Q uality 40 60 60 25 35 25 30 50 50 90 35 35 50
4 NO IS E
Inte ns ity 75 25 25 75 35 45 100 50 60 25 40 75 25
D uratio n
R e p e titio n
5 E C O L O G IC AL
(a ) F a u n a
T e rre s trial S p e c ie s 90 60 100 100 25 25 25 25 50 25 25 90 40 40 50 25 85 90 90 25 25 25
A q uatic S p e c ie s 90 45 85 90 25 25 50 25 25 50 50 25 60 50 50 90 25
B arrie rs 25 50 25 25 25 25
C o rrid o rs 60 50 25 25 25 25
(b ) F lo ra
T e rre s trial S p e c ie s 100 30 70 70 25 25 25 50 40 50 50 40 90 40 70 25
A q uatic S p e c ie s 45 25 90 90 25 50 25 25 30 50 25 50 25 90 90 25
T e rre s trial Hab itats 100 30 70 50 25 25 25 50 40 50 50 40 90 40 50 25
A q uatic Hab itats 45 25 90 90 25 50 25 25 30 50 25 50 25 90 90 25
T e rre s trial C o m unitie s 100 30 70 50 25 25 25 50 40 50 50 40 90 40 50 25
A q uatic C o m unitie s 45 25 90 50 25 50 25 25 30 50 25 50 25 90 50 25
6 S O C IO E C O N O M IC
E m p lo ym e nt 75 85 25 90 90 50 35 85 25 25 85
L o c al & Ind us trial D e ve lo p m e nt 35 60 25
P o p ulatio n D e ns ity 35 50 60 35 85 35
Ho us ing & Infras truc ture 35 40
Q uality o f L ife & L ife s tyle 45 60 35 60 60
He alth 25 35 25 40 50 40 45 60 90 25
S o c ial S e rvic e s 45 60
7 AE S T HE T IC S
R e lie f & T o p o g rap hy 45 25 90 35
O d o ur 25 25 25 25 40 40 25 35 25
V is ual/A p p e aranc e 75 60 90 40 90 45 100 60 60 90
No is e 75 25 25 35 25 25 90 50 60 60 35
93
94
5.1 CONSTRUCTION IMPACTS
The effect of the construction activities on the environmental factors will depend on the duration,
magnitude and extent of the impact as shown in Table 5.4.
5.1.1 Air Quality

The sources of emission during construction activities include exhaust fumes from boats,
tractors, generators etc. The fumes will include SPM and gases (CO, CO2, NOx etc.). From the
technical information for the project, the concentrations to be emitted are not expected to alter
the quality of the air since background levels are very low. Impact is expected to be minimal.
5.1.2 Aquatic Environment

The tidal range in the area varies from 0.8 1.67 metres and the water is largely without waves
unless when a vessel moves through it. Waves generated by marine vessels depend on the
type and speed of vessel. Vessel movements during construction activities are expected to
result in waves that flush the intertidal/banks of the creeks and rivers. These washings will
result in increase in turbidity of the water system. This will be a short term and localised impact
since the area is tidal and has reasonable discharge capacity.
Vessel movements would also result in washing off of intertidal pools. The juveniles in the pools
will be dislodged from their normal habitats and introduced into the main water body pre-
maturely exposing them to the activities of predators. This will result in loss of recruitment.
Through wave action, epipelic algae will also be washed off resulting in obligate epipelic feeders
being starved of food. The impact of this will be a reduction in population of epipelic feeders as
a result of deaths and poor growth.
Waves can also dislodge oysters and other members of the attached communities from their
substrates. This will also expose the young larvae to predators and affect the recruitment
potential of the system. The impact of vehicular movement on the intertidal flora and fuana will
be moderate, medium-term and localised.
5.1.3 Land Erosion

Increased vehicular movements during construction activities will also result in erosion of the
banks of the creeks and rivers. This will result in the dieback of trees and the loss of
95
associated communities.
5.1.4 Land Take

The exploratory well shall be drilled from an existing slot. This is to ensure minimal land take for
the project. However, there may be unforeseen circumstances where additional land take may
be required. In such situations, measures would be taken to ensure that site clearance and
construction activities are undertaken without unnecessary deforestation.
5.1.5 Fauna and Flora

Site clearance activities will also permanently alter the faunal and floral species of the project
site. The clearing of the trees and related flora will reduce the protection and shelter they afford
to the fauna including the wildlife of the area. This will lead to the migration of the fauna away
from the site as well as increasing the exploitation tendencies through hunting and fishing. In
this present project, site clearance activities will be minimal; the impact on the fauna and flora is
also expected to be insignificant.
5.1.6 Noise
The extent to which a given noise is unacceptable depends on the following factors, pitch,
period (time) of day, irregularity, duration, rhythm, unexpectedness, or whether the noise has a
meaning for the particular observer. However, there is a statutory level of sound above which
harm occurs. Exposure to noise exceeding 85 - 90 dB(A) has been shown to cause hearing
loss, which could be temporary and permanent.
Where noise is a nuisance, hours of exposure to the noise as stipulated by FEPA (1991),
presented in Table 5.5 should be complied with. In addition earmuffs should be used.
Table 5.4: Noise exposure limits for Nigeria

DURATION PER DAY, HOUR PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT dB (A)
8 90
6 92
4 95
3 97
2 100
1.5 102
1 105
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115
96
Since the construction impact end after completion, the impact will be short term and localised.
Noise from piling activities may increase noise levels in the area. Noise is also likely to affect
wildlife in the area especially to nocturnal animals that are not usually exposed to such levels of
noise. To avoid noise becoming a nuisance to the immediate communities piling and noise
generating activities should not be carried out in the night.
5.1.7 Spoils and Overburden

The construction activities will generate spoils from the cleared site. These should adequately
be disposed at approved sites. The impact will be moderate, local and medium-term. The
decaying leaves and pieces of wood add to the organic load of the soil.
5.1.8 Wildlife
Wildlife is abundant and evenly distributed in the Diebu Creek field area. The wildlife population
ha not changed significantly over the years. However, some production-related activities can
influence the wildlife characteristics. Flares attract kites by day. The light from the flares
enables hammerkop birds to feed on crabs at night. These are negative impacts for the prey
organisms.
5.1.9 Endangered Species

No evidence was obtained for the regular presence in the area of any species that is seriously
endangered in the context of the Niger Delta (Powell, 1997, 1995, 1972). However, under
Federal legislation, most species are listed as protected. The most important species, in terms
of regular presence, ranking (Schedule I) and ecology appear to be the otter, (tewu), the
sitatunga antelope (tubara) and the monitor lizard (abedi). The only local species ranked as
globally threatened (IUCN red List) are sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Caretta carett).
5.1.10 Dredge Spoils

Dredge spoils provide egg-laying sites for monitor lizards and perhaps may increase their
population. Spoils also are visited by mammals, as shown by the frequency of tracks (paw/hoof
marks), droppings and other signs. The vegetation on spoils may also provide food and shelter
for wild life. The spoils are beneficial to the richness and diversity of mangrove wildlife.
5.1.11 Sensitive Areas

According to local hunters, there is no particular sector of the field that is richer in wildlife, at
least for the large and common species. For birds, the richness in terms of diversity and
97
population is greater near the coast.
The less common wildlife species such as pangolins and red-legged squirrel utilize dense and
well-developed mangroves as main habitat. The mangroves should therefore be protected
where possible. Since the proposed activities are likely to be limited to already cleared areas of
the field, the impact of the activities on such sensitive areas will be minimal.
5.1.12 Visual Impact

Visual impact is usually assessed in terms of aesthetic qualities. It is dependent on the type
and location of the development.
For, the existing facilities in the Diebu Creek Field, the principal visual elements include, the
flowstation structures and equipment, radio communication masts, flowlines, illumination, smoke
plums, flares, well heads and dredge spoils. In addition to these, the proposed structures in
this project will have no significant visual impact due to its design.
Carry-overs during production that result in black smoke will be minimized. The flare system will
have a liquid knockout vessel to contain any unforeseen liquid carry over to the flare. However,
flaring effect will be eliminated when flaring is completely phased out by the year 2008.
5.1.3 Socio-economic/Health Impacts

Site clearance will generate moderate employment, especially of low-skilled and unskilled
labour. This impact will be local, of a short-term in nature, direct and positive.
Labour force during construction phase will affect the local economy (through consumption
expenditures, demands on housing, hotels etc.). This effect will be moderate direct, local, short-
term and positive (landlords and the few petty traders, shall benefit from this labour influx for its
short duration).
Influx of construction labour force will affect population densities. This impact will be direct,
negative, short-term, minor and local due to such problems as erosion of privacy of local
residents; perceived negative influence on local value systems, increased vehicular traffic
attributable to project personnel and even prostitution).
5.2 PROJECT OPERATIONAL IMPACTS

The effect of the project operation activities on the environmental factors will also depend on the
98
duration, magnitude and extent of the impact as shown in Table 5.4.
5.2.1 Climate
There will be no significant effect on climate or meteorological factors resulting from the
operation of the proposed activities. This is because most of the expected impacts will be local
and site specific. The only operational activity likely to alter climatic factor is gas flaring. The
proposed Associated Gas Gathering project for the Soku Gas Plant will assist to reduce gas
flaring in the field. It is anticipated that by the year 2008, flaring of gas will be phased out also
leading to the elimination of the localised operational impact.
5.2.2 Air Quality

There is already an impact of current operations on the local environment as evident from
higher suspend particulate matter (SPM) concentration downwind in the baseline study. The
operation of the new facility will increase this impact. However, any impact will be short-lived
because of the dispersive effect of the wind.
The emissions from the flare source will add to the environmental load. This includes pollutants
like: SPM, THC, CO2, etc. The magnitude of the impact depends on the quantity of pollutants
emitted, wind speed, local climatic conditions. However the associated gas-gathering project
will also reduce this impact and by the year 2008 will completely eliminate the impact.
5.2.3 Vegetation
A permanent or long-term effect is the loss of vegetation during construction of a right of way. It
may disrupt soils, vegetation and other ecosystem components of the area. The clearing of the
right of way and removal of vegetation will however open previously inaccessible areas. This
could encourage the exploitation of flora and fauna of the area. The impact will be minimal
since most of the new powerlines will follow the existing route.
5.2.4 Wildlife
Flight distances of wildlife will increase as a result of noise from operation equipment and
movement of boats. Wildlife species, which cannot adapt to these disturbances, may migrate.
Some of these wildlife species may be become vulnerable during migration.
5.2.5 Socio-Economic /Health Assessment

During the operation phase, new workers could increase population density and hence make
99
more demands on existing utilities (not just on-site). This will represent a minor, local, long-
term, negative and direct effect on utilities.
Increased vehicular movement during the operation phase will affect infrastructure negatively.
The effect will be local, direct, moderate and long-term.
The presence of a workforce during the operation phase can affect the quality of life. Potable
water can now be made available to the immediate settlements. This would be a positive
development. The effect will be long-term, minor, indirect, and local.
Spills and leaks; discharges and accidents, during the operational phase can impact on health.
The effects may be moderate, local, direct, short-term and negative.
5.2.6 Cultural Relics

There was no site of historical, cultural, archaeological or religious importance in the project
area.
5.3 ABANDONMENT
During abandonment, there will be demolition of structures, transportation of materials, waste
disposal and restoration activities. The impacts will be similar to those discussed for
construction activities. They will be short term and localised. The abandonment activities may
create temporary changes in employment. The impact may be minor, short-term, direct, local,
and positive. Reduction in the labour force during abandonment can reduce population density.
The effect will be minor, direct, local, short-term and positive the area is once more restored to
its prestige status.
5.4 Project Specific Reversible/Irreversible Effects

i Reversible effects
(a) Increased turbidity resulting from dredging;
(b) Temporary displacement of aquatic biota;
(c) Increase of noise level during construction period;
(d) Increase of smoke during construction;
(f) Interruption of mating in wildlife, arising from noise in construction sites.
ii. Irreversible effects

(a) Loss of forest vegetation along well slots.
100
CHAPTER SIX
6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES/ALTERNATIVES
The mitigation measures recommended for the Exploratory Well Drilling Project are
considered in relation to the major impacts associated with this project. The mitigation
measures are therefore to be adopted at the various phases of the project and will
ensure minimal negative effect of the project on the environment. Table 6.1 presents
anticipated project impacts and mitigation measures proposed to achieve sustainable
development of the field.
Table 6.1: Impact Mitigation Measures

Project Activity Potential Impact Mitigation Measures
Construction
Activities
Site Clearance Alteration in air quality from Impact will be minimal. Machinery to be
exhaust fumes of boats, tractors, used shall generate minimal levels of
generators, etc. pollutants due to good maintenance.
Increase in sediment load and Over burden shall be disposed in such a

turbidity. Decrease in way as to reduce turbidity generating
productivity. run-offs.
Decrease in recruitment potential Vessels shall travel with minimum speed

of aquatic organisms along narrow creeks to reduce resultant
waves.
Alteration in composition and Land take for the project shall be

abundance of flora and fauna. minimal because most of it shall be on
existing cleared sites.
Erosion and exposure of soils. Site clearing shall be undertaken in dry

season.
Hunting of Wildlife Hunters in the area shall be discouraged
from hunting wildlife in along ROW
through education and incentives of gain
through other means.
Vessel Dislodgement of oysters by Slow speed travel of vessels shall
movement waves prevent this.
Erosion of the banks of creeks Erosion due to waves shall be minimal

and rivers. due to slow vessel travel.
101
102
Table 6.1: Impact Mitigation Measures Contd.

Noise from river traffic Vessels with well-muffled engines
shall be used during the project.
Disruption to fishing Fishing sites shall be avoided.
Pollution from waste discharges No waste discharges from vessels

from river crafts especially at landing sites.
Signposts would be mounted at
strategic points to warn boat
operators against this activity.
Land take Land take for well slot - impact Land take shall be minimised
expected to be minimal via use of
existing location
Spoils and Reduction in land use area Spoils will be used in construction
Overburden of flare site bound wall and
sedimentary basin.
Equipment/Machi Noise from construction machinery. Low noise well-maintained-muffled

nery Noise will increase flight distances engines and machinery will be
of wildlife. used.
Well Location Habitat destruction, Increased Movement of heavy-duty

construction sediment load, Disruption of aquatic equipment on exposed soils to be
species minimised.
Increased erosion caused by Adequate timing of construction

construction activities. activities to coincide with low
precipitation.
Alteration in turbidity and decrease Surface water quality will be

in productivity from increase in monitored regularly.
sediment load
Increase in flight distances of Avoid low over-flights and noise in

wildlife critical wildlife areas especially
during resting and mating season.
Influx of labour force will impact on Awareness campaigns to be

socio-cultural values; cultural intensified. Restrict movement of
interface is difference in purchasing workers to camp and work sites.
power, prostitution.
103
Table 6.1: Impact Mitigation Measures (Contd)
Operational Phase
Equipment operation Noise from operation of Use of low noise machinery will
equipment could be disturbing to be mandatory.
communities close to the
facilities.
Noise will increase flight
distances of wildlife
Vehicular As discussed in Construction As discussed in Construction

movement/ Phase Phase.
Transportation of
materials
Storage Ground water contamination from Periodic audits to ensure

storage of fuels, lubricants and acceptable conditions are
other chemicals maintained will be carried out.
Waste Disposal & Contamination of surface and Adequate disposal of waste will
Recovery ground water. be undertaken
Disruption to fishing
Spills, leaks and Pollution of surface and ground Regular monitoring of facilities.
operational failures water. Ensure that appropriate
Disruption to fishing contingency measures to
Disruption to transportation contain, control and clean
spills/leaks are functional.
Discharges Pollution of surface water Avoid discharges into the

aquatic environment.
Ensure appropriate response
strategies
Work force Influx of labour force will impact Restrict movement of visitors
community socio-cultural values; cultural to camp and work sites. Mount
interface, include differences in awareness campaigns.
purchasing power, prostitution.
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Table 6.1: Impact Mitigation Measures (Contd)
Abandonment
Demolition Alteration in air quality as a result Impact short term and minimal.
of exhaust fumes from boats, Machinery to be used will
tractors, generators, etc. produce minimal concentration
of pollutants due to good
maintenance.
Alteration in turbidity and Wastes would not be dumped

decrease in productivity from into surface water.
increase in sediment load.
Transportation of Decrease in recruitment potential Vessels will travel with minimal

materials from washing off of inter tidal production of waves especially
pools by waves in narrow creeks.
Dislodgement of oysters by Vessels to travel at low speed

waves
.
Erosion of the banks of creeks Vessels to travel at low speed
and rivers.
Noise from river traffic Low noise vessels would be
used.
Disruption to fishing Vessels would avoid fishing
sites.
Pollution from waste discharges Wastes to be adequately
from river crafts disposed
Labour force Influx of labour force will impact Restrict movement of visitors to
socio-cultural values; cultural camp and work sites. Mount
interface, include differences in awareness campaigns.
purchasing power, prostitution,
increase in drop out rates of
young men. Crisis of rising
expectations
Waste disposal Contamination of surface and Avoid indiscriminate discharge

ground water. of wastes through methods
Disruption to fishing described earlier.
6.1 Measures To Minimise Unavoidable Environmental Effects

i. SPDC will ensure that excessive noise is reduced by the use of silencers.
ii. No existing drainage to be blocked during operation.
105
6.2 Waste
Waste generated during the well drilling process, will be mostly the clearings of the right
of way and the resultant vegetation i.e. trees and shrubs. The plant materials can simply
be left to dry and decay along the right of way (on drying, such plants are most likely to
be collected by the people nearby for firewood). The generated waste will be minimal
since existing slot will be used.
Disposal of Unwanted Waste Materials

All unwanted waste materials from operational activities shall be adequately disposed
of, followed by a thorough clean up of the work site.
Tables 6.2 and Table 6.3 show types of wastes and various methods to be employed for
different types of wastes generated during the project.
Table 6.2: Expected Wastes at each Project Phase

Waste Type Site Constructio Operation Abandonment
Preparation n
Forest cuttings x
Human Waste x x x x
Food wastes x x x x
Office papers x x x
Lube oil waste x x x x
Chemicals x x x
Welding rods, metals x x
Effluent/storm water x
X = Applicable Blank = Not Applicable
Table 6.3: Control/Disposal of Wastes

Wastes Disposal Method
Forest cuttings Disposed of in an approved site
Food wastes (cans, bottles, Cans, bottles and plastics to be recycled (ongoing
plastics) practice in SPDC)
Chemical Incineration in an approved site
Oily Drains Water Closed drainage system (no effluent discharge)
Metallic wastes Recycling
Refuse and debris
106
All refuse and debris resulting from SPDC operations shall be appropriately disposed of.
Disposal by burning shall be permitted only under the following conditions:
(a) With the approval of the landowner or tenant and SPDC and as approved by
Federal Ministry of Environment and Department of Petroleum Resources
(FMENV and DPR).
(b) Burning shall not create a hazard or nuisance to the public.
(c) The wind velocity shall not be more than 15 km / hour.
(d) Burning shall be within built confinement to prevent fire spread
(e) Regulatory requirements on burning shall be complied with. The ashes and
unburnt debris should be adequately disposed of.
No refuse or debris of any kind shall be disposed of by placing in a ditch or backfill.
Site Reinstatement
SPDC shall rehabilitate each work site to a state close to their original conditions.
6.3 Erosion
Erosion is expected at narrow stream or riverbanks due to wave action from high-speed
boats. To minimise such erosion, boats shall be operated at reduced speeds along such
narrow rivers or creeks.
6.4 Aquatic Ecosystem

Water Quality
(i) Care shall be taken not to cause alterations to creek/river beds that might
obstruct migration runs, or disturb spawning grounds of finfish.
(ii) During construction, the increase in suspended solids at watercourse crossings
could cause damage to the eggs of fish, invertebrates, young fish, etc. To
minimise any impact, topsoil shall not be stored close to the watercourse
especially in the wet season, and sediment traps would be used.
107
CHAPTER SEVEN
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
7.1 GENERAL
For the Diebu Creek Exploratory Well Project, environmental considerations were
given to well-drilling operations, project alternatives, design, construction and
commissioning in line with corporate and project-specific HSE plan.
To ensure that all aspects of the project life cycle are covered in the waste
management plan, a systems approach is adopted which looks at components of
the project life and scope of wastes generated. Monitoring and control from
mobilisation, site preparation and construction to abandonment have been
considered.
For the purpose of sound environmental management during the course of the
project, appropriate interaction is essential between environmental and
engineering design teams at all stages of the project from conception through to
design, construction and operation. Project construction and operation shall be
subject to appropriate environmental audit/monitoring to ensure that
environmental standards are met at each stage of project implementation.
Environmental management practices for the Diebu Creek exploratory drilling

and development shall be implemented in line with SPDC Health, Safety &
Environment (HSE) policy and statutory requirements. The major project
components are:
(a) Site preparation for well slots with the generation of dredge spoils.
(b) Drilling with the generation and management of drilling wastes.
(c) Generation of wastes during mobilisation, construction and operational
phases of project life by workers.
(d) Abandonment when decommissioning well in the navigable water way and
abandonment at the end of project life cycle.
108
7.2 Environmental Monitoring
The main essence of monitoring and surveillance systems in this EIA are: (i) to
detect if an impact has occurred and to estimate its magnitude; (ii) to ensure that
legal standards for wastes are not exceeded; (iii) to check that mitigation
measures are implemented in a manner prescribed in the EIA report or other
related documents; (iv) to provide emergency warnings for accidents and oil
spills/gas leaks so that actions may be taken if possible to prevent or reduce the
seriousness of unwanted impact.
Two types of monitoring shall be undertaken. These are impact monitoring and
compliance monitoring.
(a) Impact Mnitoring:

Variables for monitoring shall include the following items:
Flora and fauna
Soil status
Water Quality Status
Air quality status and emissions
Wastewater characteristics
Groundwater monitoring
Flora and Fauna

The flora and fauna in each sampling area shall be scored using basic
ecological tools such as quadrats and transects. The growth of colonizing
epiphytes on plants shall be evaluated as an indication of healthy state or
stress.
Soil Status
Top and subsurface soil samples shall be collected from designated points
within the treatment and reference area and tested for the following
parameters: pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, available
phosphorus, ammonium-nitrogen, exchangeable cations, extractable
109
micro-nutrients, heavy metals, moisture content, total hydrocarbons and

microbial load. This shall be done on a six-monthly basis.
Water Quality Status (Groundwater & Surface water)

Water samples from monitoring bore-holes shall be collected monthly and
analyzed for the following parameters: pH, turbidity, TSS, TDS, DO, BOD,
COD, NH4+, NO3-, NO2-, SO4-2, heavy metals, total hydrocarbons and
microbial load. Surface water samples shall be collected on a monthly
basis from rivers and creeks and similarly analyzed.
(b) Compliance Monitoring

This takes the form of periodic sampling and/or continuous measurements
of levels of waste discharges, noise, and other emissions to ensure that
conditions laid down and standards are met.
In general, compliance monitoring at the MPF and wells locations shall

include the following measurements:
Wastewater oil content.
Periodic sampling of wastewater (24 hr composite sample) for BOD,
COD, TOC (Total Organic Carbon), TSS, oil and grease, phenolics,
NH3-, sulphides, Cr, pH, temperature and flow rate.
Installation of monitoring wells for periodic sampling of groundwater to
detect early of contamination from spills and leaks.
A summary of the environmental monitoring programme is shown in Table

7.1
110
Table 7.1 : Environmental Monitoring Programmes
Environmental Monitoring
Timing of Impact Impact Indicator Sampling Location Sampling/analysis methods Benefits
Components Frequency
Surface Water Site preparation, pH, Cond., TDS, Rivers/streams within Water sampler, Compliance
Construction/ BOD, Oil and the immediate vicinity Turbidimeter, pH meter, and data bank
2 yearly
Operation phase Grease of ROW Water analyzer.
etc.
Noise Site preparation, Noise Level dB(A) MPF maintenance Noise level meter Compliance
Construction/ and base camps, and and data bank,
Operation phase ROW check design Monthly
and
specification
Socio-economics Project life cycle Attitude towards Towns and NGC and Communication Healthy
NGC and community assisted interviews, meeting and relationship,
community projects. discussion. hitch-free Twice
assisted projects project yearly
execution
111
DRILLING WASTE MONITORING AND MANAGEMENT
To minimize the impact on environment, SPDC well engineering has a structured

monitoring plan for all well engineering operations as summarized in Table 7.2.
Table 7.2 Discharge Monitoring Requirement for Well Drilling Operations

(DPR EGASPIN 2002)
DISCHARGE TYPE MONITORING REQUIREMENT: MEASUREMENT FREQUENCY

PARAMETER/EFFLUENT
CHARACTERISTICS
Drilling Fluid Volume/discharge rate Record hourly during
discharge
Toxicity, 96-hr LC (for each mud type Once per mud system
and major additive proposed for use.
Oil content for water based mud Every 305 meters of well
depth
Petroleum hydrocarbons (Aliphatic Once at the end of well (from
and Aromatic) for oil based mud. the lowest section but not in
the pay zone)
pH Every 305 meters of well
depth
Metals e.g. Copper, Lead, Mercury, Every 305 meters of well
Zinc, Nickel, Total Iron, Vanadium, depth
Arsenic, Barium, Total Chromium
Grain size distribution Every 305 meters of well
depth
Specific Gravity Every 305 meters of well
depth
Drilling Cuttings Volume/Discharge Rate Report daily during discharge
and measure duration of
discharge
pH Every 305 meters of well

depth
Oil and Grease Content Every 305 meters of well
depth
Metals Every 305 meters of well
depth
Deck Drainage Volume Record on a daily basis
Oil and Grease content Once per week
Sanitary sewage (con- Discharge Rate Estimate and record daily
tinuously manned by 10 Residual Chlorine Once per week
or more persons
Blow-out prevention Volume Record monthly
(BOP) fluid
Well Treatment Fluids Volume Estimate and record monthly
Work-over Fluids/ Volume Estimate and record monthly
Waste
pH Once per week
Oil and Grease Content Once per week
Chlorides Once per week
112
Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment of Diebu Creek Exploratory Well Drilling
7.3 Drilling Waste Management
There are several drilling waste management options based on the SPDC philosophy
or reduction, re-use and recycling. Many of these options have undergone field trials.
The options which are flexible and adaptable to meet the diverse nature of drilling
wastes are fixation of cuttings, slurrification and re-injection of cuttings (CRI)
flocculation of waste fluid, sub-surface injection of liquids, mud conversion to S-mix,
maceration and incineration of domestic waste. The application of a technique or a
combination of techniques depends on logistics and associated cost. Special
considerations are given to the swamp environment.
7.3.2 Minimisation of Drilling Waste
This shall involve the following improvements design:

(a) Location design improvement include:
(i) Location Drainage. Waste pits and burrow pits with permeable bottom are
no longer allowed. Concrete bottom and proper drainage systems are now
incorporated in location design.
(ii) Reduced Location Size: New land drilling location design reduces
location size and minimizes run-off water volume.
(iii) Clustered Location: Several wells drilled and operated from one location
to minimize impact of operations on environment.
(b) Well Design improvement include:

(i) Slim hole wells
(ii) Monobore wells
(iii) Horizontal wells that improve productivity and thus minimizes the number of
conventional wells.
(c) Muds and Solids Control
(i) Optimising solids control with state of the art shale shakers. This lowers
amount of mud on cuttings. Centrifuges will keep low gravity solids down
and reduce dilution requirements.
(iv) Using non-toxic mud additives and environmentally friendly mud systems
such as the Thermally Activated Emulsion Mud (TAME)
(v) Drilling top hole with bentonite and low polymer muds.
113
(vi) Re-conditioning and re-use of drilling mud.
7.3.3 Disposal of Waste
a) Water: disposal of wastewater is one of the main challenges facing drilling

and work-over operations under the new environmental regime.
Wastewater shall be retained in pits and tested to meet DPR/FEPA
standards before injected into disposal well.
b) Cuttings: In the swamps, the cuttings shall be collected in barges and

transported to the nearby Nembe-4 Cuttings Re-injection well or to Soku.
Cuttings slurrification and re-injection has been successfully implemented

in SPDC following approval by FMENV. It now provides a viable means of
disposal.
c) Spent mud disposed through:
(i) Conversion with S-mix into cement for casing cementation and
road construction.
(ii) Injection down-hole.
114
Table 7.3 Drilling Waste Management

Type of
Waste Waste Management Options Treatment and Disposal Method
Waste
Reduce Re-use Recycle Swamp Land
Gaseous From possible Special waste Special waste
gas kick disposal facility/ disposal
flare. facility/flare
Fuel, air - do- -do-
Liquid Rig wash Use in S-mix Waste pit,

water/ cement for casing improved layout
rain run-off design
Crude oil Collect and trans- Ditto
port to
flowstation at
Soku.
Oily waste Incineration Incinerate
Brine and work- Re-injection into Waste pit

over fluid dedicated waste
disposal well,
collection on
barge and later
pumping into
waste pits
Solid Cuttings Slim-hole, crush Slim-hole, crush
cement and bury CRI, and bury land fill,
returns fix, slim hole fix slim-hole
drilling drilling
Mud S-mix cement S-mix cement,
flocculation and inject, landfill
injection
Domestic waste Incineration Landfill

Sewerage Treatment and Collection in septic
discharge tank.
S-mix = Slag mix into cement for casing cementation:

CRI = Cuttings Re-Injection
7.4 ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF PIPELINE ROUTES
Ecological monitoring of pipeline route shall commence from the pre-

construction stage through to operation, to provide information on impacts as
compared to prediction. This provides advance-warning system in the event of
adverse impacts on the ecosystem. SPDC will comply with DPR/FMENV
guidelines in the monitoring of specific environmental sensitivity indicators. The
monitoring programmes is summarized in Table 7.1. This also applies to other
components of the project.
115
Also, pipelines right of way (ROW) shall be replanted with native vegetation species.
7.5 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT AFTER 3 YEARS OF OPERATION
About 3 years after implementation of the project, environmental auditing shall

be carried out to ensure that applicable environmental standards are being
maintained and that company CASHES policies and the environmental
management plan are being followed. It shall also ensure that enforcement of
company policy, procedures and standards is in line with management
responsibility and compliance with environmental legislation.
The environmental audit process provides an assessment of environmental

performance during the construction and operational phases of a project. It acts
as an internal control process to ensure that environmental protection and
management procedures are being enforced. Each environmental audit shall:
Examine line management systems, plant operations, monitoring

practices and data, procedures and plans.
Check the predictions in the environmental assessment and ensure that
recommendations are being implemented
Identify current and potential environmental problems
Recommend improvements to the management of the operation and
Examine compliance with regulatory requirements.
7.6 RESPONSIBILITIES AND RESOURCE PERSONS IN SPDC
Appropriate resources persons shall be provided to undertake the

environmental management duties. A project team approach is recommended
using the combined resources of SPDC Environmental and Front-End
Engineering Departments. These include project supervisor, wells and pipelines
engineers, asset management planner, front-end engineer, HSES adviser,
environmental adviser, community developmental officer, land supervisors and
civil works engineer. These resources personnel can be supplemented by
external consultants/advisers as necessary.
116
7.7 STAFF TRAINING AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
Environmental awareness training for operations staff is an integral part of a

comprehensive environmental management policy. SPDCs Safety and
Environmental Division is responsible for training/awareness seminars to such
staff.
Within SPDC, environmental issues are a line responsibility for which staff at all
levels are accountable. Accordingly, responsibility for environmental protection
lies with line management who must ensure that all environmental
considerations are integrated into environmental related activities. However,
SPDCs Environmental Division offers expert advice on protection measures
and monitors performance.
As part of SPDCs CASHES policy, general information on environmental

protection and specialized training courses for dealing with environmental
aspects of operations, are offered to staff and contractors to enhance
environmental awareness and expertise. Specific training courses are to be
attended by Environmental focal points, supervisors and operators from
Production Department who are identified as directly involved with daily running
of the MPF facility.
7.8 OIL SPILL, FIRE AND OTHER CONTINGENCY PLANNING
In the design of facilities and well drilling, relevant standards, codes,

specification, operations and maintenance philosophies, HSE and community
issues have been addressed. However, in the event of any accidents due to
equipment failure, negligence, sabotage and natural catastrophe, contingency,
measures shall be put in place to contain the effects (spillage, fire, etc) of the
accident.
The essential elements of the contingency plan include advance warning,

activation of plan, containment systems, evacuation procedure, notification to
responsible government agencies. However, SPDC, like other oil companies
117
operates a tiered approach for oil spillage contingency planning. It has the
necessary resources and facilities for dealing with minor spills up to 250 barrels
in inland water, or 2500 barrels on land, coastal/offshore water. For larger
spills, Clean Nigeria Associates (CNA) and the National Oil Spill Contingency
Plan (NOSCP) shall be called upon for assistance as may be necessary.
7.9 OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)
The EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address adverse impacts, to

enhance project benefits and to introduce standards of good practice to be
adopted for all project works. The plan is a stand-alone document covering all
aspects of the project activities. The EMP also lists the requirements to ensure
effective mitigation of each potential biophysical and socio-cultural impact
identified in the EIA. For each impact, or operation that could otherwise give rise
to impact, the following action plans are presented in Table 7.4.
The comprehensive list of the mitigation measures (actions) that SPDC

shall implement;
The person(s) responsible for ensuring full implementation of that action;
The parameters that shall be monitored to ensure effective

implementation of that action;
The timing for the implementation of the action to ensure that the
objectives of mitigation are fully met.
SPDC is committed to the adoption of these measures and shall carry out on-
going inspection to ensure implementation and effectiveness.
118
Table 7.4: Environmental management plan of the Diebu Creek Exploratory Well Drilling
activities.
Potential Parameters for

Action Responsibility Timing
Impact Monitoring
1. Land-take Well shall be drilled in Operations Clearly defined Prior to onset
existing slots. In case of any Manager, boundaries in of site
new acquisition, all necessary Construction place. No preparation
protocols and legal Supervisor, unauthorized off- and drilling .
requirements will be Civil site clearance
implemented Engineering
Supervisor,
Community
Liaison Officer
2. Soil erosion Area extent of site clearance Construction Site
shall be minimized by staying Supervisor clearance
within defined boundaries.
Uprooting trees or removing
undergrowth shall be avoided
where possible, so as to retain
land stability
3. Habitat Site boundaries for pipeline Civil Clear boundary Prior to
disturbance route and spoil disposal shall Engineering markers in place commence-
be marked out. Supervisor ment of site
Uprooting trees or other clearance
plants shall be avoided where
possible
4. Drainage and It shall be ensured that:
Effluent (a) drainage systems are Environment Evidence of Duration of
Discharge working effectively Supervisor impeded drainage, site
Impacts culvert blockage or preparation
collapse activities
(b) no off-site siltation or Environment Evidence of

flooding occurs from Supervisor siltation, flooding,
inadequate run-on vegetation die-back
measures
(c) no off-site die-back of Environment Evidence of die-

vegetation arising from Supervisor back at discharge
discharges points
119
Table 7.4 (contd)

Impact Monitoring
5. Fuels and Strict inventory of all fuel, Construction Up-to-date Duration of

Lubricants and lubricants brought to site Supervisor, inventory in place. drilling
Management shall be maintained and Drilling All drums and
placed in controlled storage. Supervisor, containers within
All unused lubricants and the storage area
fuels should be returned to
base;
Emergency and contingency Environmental Facilities and Duration of

plan shall be put in place with Officer inventories readily drilling
adequate provisions available in good
addressing potential oil leaks working order
and spills
6. Waste and Site-specific Waste Environmental Comprehensive Prior to site
Effluent Management Plan shall be Manager, Waste Management clearance for
Management complied which identifies and Civil Plan in place and drilling and
characterizes every waste Engineering available for Plant
arising/associated with land Supervisor inspection on-site installation.
reclamation and disposal of
each waste arising
7. Access, Access to forest other than for Security N/A Duration of
Security and off-site inspections shall Supervisor drilling.
Lighting strictly be forbidden.
Lighting shall be located and Civil

directed so that it does not Engineering N/A
unduly light up off-site areas Supervisor
and minimizes glare.
In the event that wildlife is Drilling N/A

attracted to the well site, there Supervisor
shall be erection of security
fence to discourage such Construction
access Supervisor
8. Soil All spills or leaks shall be Civil Evidence of Daily
Contamination reported immediately. They Engineering protective measures throughout
shall be contained or cleaned Supervisor, in place. No visual duration of
immediately. Impervious Drilling sign of oil spills drilling.
liners shall be put in place at Supervisor, Written spill
the chemical storage areas. All on-site procedure in place.
Personnel, Oil spill
Civil containment
Engineering materials on site
Supervisor
120
Table 7.4 (contd)

Impact Monitoring
9. Water No discharge shall be made to Civil No discharge hoses Duration of
Quality and water courses to avoid Engineering in the vicinity of Drilling
other increase in suspended solids Supervisor, water courses operation
Aquatic Drilling
impacts Supervisor
10. Noise and Site noise shall be minimized Operations No machinery Prior to
Vibration by implementing good Manager, running when not commence-
working practices. Install Civil required. Written ment of work
acoustic mufflers in large Engineering record of main- by contrac-
engines (where practicable). Supervisor, tenance for all tors on site.
Equipment shall be Safety plant.
maintained in good working Supervisor.
order.
7.10 CONSULTATIONS
The drilling project shall involve an extensive liaison with statutory authorities
and communities. The EIA also requires approval from FMEnv. These
consent/consultation procedures will form an integral and ongoing part of the
long-term environmental management process.
HOST COMMUNITIES: The land for the Diebu Creek Exploratory Well
project is within the operational confines of SPDC.
However, peaceful coexistence is required with the
Southern Ijaw community who own most of the forest
and land.
NAPIMS: To ensure timely approvals of budgets and contracts

for the project.
DPR: For the supervision of operations during and after

completion and to advise as appropriate.
FMEnv: Copies of the EIA report are to be forwarded for the

review process, approval and to ensure
environmental compliance.
BSEPA: Needs to be involved in all facets of the project.
DIW: For approval on inland waters as necessary.
LABOUR UNIONS: Frequent contacts and consultation to be maintained

especially during construction, to avoid any labour
121
union problems.
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE: To provide security in case of any disturbance and

provide escort during equipment transportation to
site, when necessary
.
7.11 FUTURE COMMITMENTS
SPDC shall initiate the relevant technical and managerial procedures, to ensure
that environmental management becomes integrated with engineering project
management. Environmental performance shall be reviewed at regular intervals
and appropriate lines of communication/responsibility put in place, to ensure
corrective action is taken as necessary. Consideration shall be given to
establishment of relevant environmental monitoring projects in order to keep an
ongoing check on compliance with agreed environmental controls.
A formalized Environmental Audit Program shall be established for the project.

For consistency of approach and procedures, consideration shall be given to
production of a project specific Environmental Auditing Manual.
Specific commitments which SPDC shall implement for the project include:
Initiation of relevant environmental monitoring studies during site

preparation, construction and operational phases.
Proper environmental supervision/management during the site

preparation phase including the production of a Code of Practice for
Environmental Management to be issued to all contractors.
Specification of environmental controls to minimize air, water and noise

pollution into contractor's Conditions of Contract.
Development of a detailed restoration and aftercare plan to appropriately

re-vegetate cleared sites as soon as possible.
A detailed assessment of the community impacts for all area affected by

the site development will be carried out with a view to:
- Understanding community perceptions and concerns;

- Provisions of compensation payments (or benefits, e.g. water
122
supply) to affected communities;

- Assessing options for labour sourcing and
- Establishing an effective liaison/communication channels from the
communities to the project execution team.
123
CHAPTER EIGHT
8.0 DECOMMISSIONING AND ABANDONMENT
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Facilities are designed to serve the planned useful life of the project after which
they shall be decommissioned and abandoned. Abandonment shall in general
be in a safe and environmentally responsible manner. The Diebu Creek
exploratory well is designed for twenty years life span.
Physical abandonment of the facilities is the reverse of the construction and

commissioning process. The technical aspects, HSES studies, detailed
engineering and abandonment execution planning would normally be
undertaken before actual implementation of abandonment. Negotiations with all
stakeholders (internal and external) including communities and regulatory
bodies would also have been completed. Generally, abandonment shall be
carried out in a structural manner.
8.2 THE DECOMMISSIONING AND DEMOLITION PROCESS

The facilities shall be taken out of operating service with isolation of all process
streams and services and the removal of all hazardous materials. Temporary
services may be provided during the cleaning and moth-balling of facilities. The
completion of this activity results in a decommissioned facility certified safe for
demolition.
The DPR (2002) revised Environmental Guidelines and Standards For

Petroleum Industry in Nigeria (EGASPIN) give the guidelines for abandonment.
8.2.1 Well Abandonment
SPDC shall:
(e) Obtain appropriate permit from the Department of Petroleum Resources;
(ii) Isolate well from surface;
(iii) Plug and abandon downhole according to permit criteria;
124
(iv) Place surface cement plug below cellar to allow removal of surface
components;
(v) Avoid any significant adverse effect on the environment;
(vi) Isolate production interval to prevent communication between aquifers of
different nature.
8.3 PREPARING FACILITIES FOR DEMOLITION

The drawing and inspection records for all facilities and items of equipment shall
be obtained to determine their status and integrity as well as personnel, spares
and special tools required to perform the demolition of the facilities. All
authorization for the work to be carried out safely shall be obtained. These
include:
(i) Permit to work procedure, PTW system
(ii) Permit to work in confined spaces and
(iii) Permit for excavation work.
8.4 DEMOLITION AND SAFEGUARDING OF FACILITIES

Site preparation for the demolition facilities shall include third party notification
e.g. access for cranes, operations near live facilities, etc. Thereafter, there shall
be phase/sequential demolition of the facilities and then removal from site. The
torn down facility items and associated materials shall be disposed of in an
approved manner. This may include decontamination and disposal by specialist
disposal contractors. Materials shall be crated and secured for transport, left in-
situ or reused appropriately dependent on available technology and outlet for
reuse. Some of the items with reuse potentials shall be used on other sites.
The waste management principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and recover (4Rs)
shall be extensively used.
8.5 RESTORATION OF SITE

There shall be a survey of the site for contamination. All materials that could
subsequently prove hazardous to the restoration of the site shall be treated. All
contaminated material shall be disposed of in a safe and approved manner.
125
Thereafter the site shall be restored to meet environmental requirements

approved by regulatory bodies or for subsequent reuse if required.
8.6 HANDOVER OF SITE

On restoration, the site shall be handed over to the asset owner with a handover
certificate.
8.7 SPECIFIC ABANDONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.7.1 Mechanical Items

All reusable items including pumps, drivers and instrumentation devices for the
compressor will be disconnected and handed over to operations department,
similarly, non reusable items will be carefully segregated, containerised, labelled
and conveyed to SPDC scrap yard for maintenance or ultimate scrapping at
approved disposal sites. Flow lines and other pipelines will be
decommissioned, de-oiled, flushed clean and left in-sites or recovered and
cross out for reuse at steel mills.
8.7.2 Soils
Any polluted or contaminated soil will be treated in-situ or removed from site and
treated/disposed of safely. The option of liming to reduce acidity and biological
treatment using Petroleum Decreasing Bacteria, PDB shall be explored.
8.7.3 Concrete and Civil Structures

Civil structures shall be broken up and disposed of by approved sites. Building
shall not be torn drown until all equipment have been removed. Paved sites
shall be re-scarified and prepared for re-vegetation.
8.7.4 Well Abandonment

For drilled wells planned for abandonment, the well design will determine the
suspension mechanism. Generally, the procedure serves to avoid
incursions/percolations of hydrocarbon into the environment, the different levels
of hydrocarbon will also be isolated from one another to avoid commingling and
underground blow out. Also, the well head will be cut at seabed level to avoid
126
obstruction to traffic.
In the generic sense, well abandonment is achieved by cementing in place at

the producing zone.
Well shall be abandoned so as to isolate effectively all potential hydrocarbon

bearing formations from one another. In addition, other water bearing
formations which are in pressure communication with hydrocarbons e.g. down
dip of oil or gas shall also be effectively isolated.
The Well shall be abandoned when it does not have foreseeable use in the
future. The likely scenarios could include:
(a) When well is without hydrocarbons and without foreseen use as water,
water production observation, disposal or training well.
(b) When well is considered unsafe or pose a potentially hazardous situation
due to its mechanical condition.
(c) When well abandonment will require location entry or deteriorating
surface conditions e.g. eroding beach line.
(d) When well has marginally completible hydrocarbon columns.
Abandonment where required, shall be planned on the basis of good

housekeeping and as a stopgap measure when no other economically
advantageous work over jobs are foreseen. After approving abandonment
within the company, SPDC shall seek DPR approval to abandon the well.
Abandonment can only be done on approval by DPR, if no approval is given,
the well shall be suspended.
127
REFERENCES
BISSET, R. (1992) Methods in Environmental Impact Assessment. 7th International
Training Course on Environmental Assessment and Management. Centre for
Environmental Management and Planning, University of Aberdeen, Scotland.
UK.
CORDEC, (1996) Nembe Creek IV Flowstation Environmental Evaluation Report.
DPR, (2002). Environmental Guidelines and Standards for the Petroleum Industry in
Nigeria.
EGBUNA, D.O. (1987). The Environmental Hazards of the Nigerian Natural gas
industry. The Petroleum Industry and the Nigerian Environment. Proceedings
of 1987 NNPC seminar.
FEPA, (1991). Federal Environmental Protection Agency. National Interim Guidelines

and Standards for Industrial Effluent, Gaseous Emissions and Hazardous Waste
Management in Nigeria.
FEPA (1992) Decree 86. Environmental Impact Assessment Decree.
FEPA (1992) Guidelines and Standards for Environmental Pollution
IPS (1991) Ecological Baseline Studies of Nembe Creek IV Flowstation.
MACMAHON, B. and Thomas F. Pugh (1980) Epidemiology: Principles and Methods,

pp110 - 118. Churchill Press, London.
MAUSNER, J and S. Bahn Anita (1974) Epidemiology: An Introductory Text, pp 81, 204.
W. B. Saunders Company Philadelphia.
POWELL, C B (1995). Wildlife Study I Report to Environmental Affairs Department

SPDC (East). 77pp.
POWELL, C.B. (1997) Discoveries and Priorities for Mammals in the Freshwater
Forests of the Niger Delta. Oryx 31 (2): 83-85.
RPI (1985) Environmental Baseline Studies for the Establishment of Control Criteria
and Standards Against Petroleum Related Pollution in Nigeria.
Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP 95-0000).
SPDC (2000) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Seibou-Brass NLG Pipeline.
SPDC (2001) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Nembe Creek Field
128
Development Plan
SPDC (2003) Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Okoroba Field Development
Plan
129

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THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF

Title: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) OF SPDC-EAST DIEBU

Originator: THE SHELL PETROLEUM DEVELOPMENT COMPANY OF NIGERIA

Document Number: SPDC 2004

Date: September 2004

Version: Final Report

Version Date Pages Reason

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-1

2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION 2-1

3.0 PROJECT AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION 3 -1

4.0 Area/ Ecological Description 4-1

4.8 Wildlife Studies 4-8

5.0 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS 5-1

6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES/ALTERNATIVES 6-1

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN 7-1

8.0 DECOMMISSIONING AND ABANDONMENT 8-1

8.6 HANDOVER OF SITE 8-3

Figure 3.2 Project Schedule 39

Table 1.1 Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP 95-0000) 13

For studied Communities 4 40

Plate 1 Mangrove, Water, sand and Urban Areas

EIA Preparers Dr. A. Adoki (Environmental Adviser)

the project, especially during the construction phase.

the drilling rig.

1.1 JUSTIFICATION FOR THE STUDY

1.2. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

To determine the current health status of the Project host communities.

To design appropriate health management plan for the project.

The detailed workscope is presented in Chapter Three of this report

1.4 LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Relevant Existing Nigerian Laws and regulations

Federal Ministry of Environment (FMENV)

Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR)

Other Relevant Laws and Acts

Table 1.1 Shell E&P HSE Manual (EP 95-0000)

Table 1.2: SPDC CASHES Guidelines; Specifications and Policy

12 Waste Disposal Guidelines

2.0 PROJECT JUSTIFICATION

3.0 PROJECT AND PROCESS DESCRIPTION

3.1 The Proposed Project

3.2 Project Scope

3.3 Project Site/Area

3.4 Design of Facilities

3.4.1 Basis for Design

Quality Assurance of Design

Applicable Standards and Codes

3.5 The Project Activities

3.5.1 Pre-Construction/Construction Activities

Movement and Transport of Equipment, Personnel and Supplies

Rig Movement and Positioning

3.5.2 Drilling Programme

o Deposits an impermeable cake on the wall of the well bore effectively

Types of mud in use are:

Waste Management Strategy

Table 3.1: Waste Generation & Management Strategy

Control Measure/Management Strategies

3.6 Operation and Maintenance Activities

Control and Protection

Hazard Detection Systems

3.7.2 Demolition and Site Clean-up

3.8 Oil Spill Contingency Plan

3.9 Project Schedule