IMPACT OF SITING GAS PLANT ON RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT IN KWARA STATE

This paper evaluates the impact of siting gas plants in residential environments of Offa. The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact on siting gas plant on residential environment. To achieve the aim of this research many objectives exists, these objectives can be summarized as below: To identify the factors influencing siting of gas plant in an environment, to evaluate the impacts of siting gas plant in residential environment, to suggest ways of minimizing the impacts of siting gas plant in residential environment. The research adopted quantitative research methods. The data were obtained from questionnaire. 101 copies of structured questionnaires, were administered, while 91 were retrieved. The statistical tools adopted in my analysis were Relative Important index and Severity Index The result showed that the gas plants in residential environment impacted negatively from environmental to health status and socio-economic well-being, through air, water and noise pollution which in turn affect the residents of that environment. Cough, catarrh, skin and other respiratory diseases are associated with the activities of the gas plants in the area. It is concluded that topmost major factors influencing the siting of gas plants in residential environment are Social and Economic Impacts, Regulatory Requirements, Environmental Considerations and Public Perception. It is concluded that the topmost impacts of gas plants in residential environment are; Air Pollution, Environmental Impacts, Noise Pollution, Water Pollution, Public Unrest, Negative Social Impacts and Land use and wildfire. It is concluded that the ways of minimizing the impacts of gas plants in residential area are; proper site selection, pollution control technology, environmental monitoring, Emergency response planning, community engagement, land use planning, rehabilitation and restoration. Finally, recommendation on the need for public awareness on any project and engagement on the potential benefits of the project and abatement methods of the impact to the environment were recommended.