Federal University Otuoke EIA
CHAPTER SIX
MITIGATION AND AMELIORATION
6.1
Introduction
Chapter 5 presented the basis for identifying, quantifying and ranking of the potential impacts,
which are likely to arise as a result of the Federal University Otuoke (FUO) permanent site project.
This indicated that various components of the biophysical, health and social environments would
be impacted. The negative impacts identified through that analysis were ranked as low, medium or
high. In order to reduce the impact of the proposed development to acceptable levels (or where this
is not possible to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)), a number of actions is proposed to
mitigate the high and medium negative impacts. The development also results in positive impacts
and a number of measures are also proposed to enhance these effects. The residual impacts that
arise despite the mitigation measures are discussed in order to keep any inability to mitigate these
to a low level.
The mitigation measures proposed for the predicted medium and high-ranking impacts arising from
this Project recognized the following:

Environmental laws in Nigeria, with emphasis on permissible limits for waste streams - FMEnv

Best Available Technology for Sustainable Development

Feasibility of application of the measures in Nigeria

Concerns expressed by stakeholders during consultation meetings and the socioeconomic/health status of the host communities.
These mitigation measures are presented in Table 6.1.
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
6-1
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Table 6.1:
Project Phase
Project Activity
Proposed Mitigation Measures
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Mobilization
Movement of
goods, equipment
and personnel
Potential increase
in road traffic
volume
High



Potential increase
in
road traffic
incidents
Medium





Increase in noise
levels
High


Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Large and slow moving vehicles should be
scheduled during off peak periods
Ensure maintenance of Otuoke road of any
damage caused by project
Raise community awareness of unusual
activity through the Director of works and
Security department team.
Pre-mobilization of all vehicles
Visible warning signs on roads and
vehicles
Speed breakers at sections traversing
communities
Flag men at road intersection
First aid training of workforce and provision
of first aid boxes in operational vehicles
Enforce night driving policy (no night
driving except when unavoidable)
FUO shall ensure that all vehicles and
equipment conform to Regulatory limits for
noise
6-2
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Construction
Site preparation
(Land clearing,
excavation)
Reduction in air
quality
(dust, exhaust
fumes)
Damage to the
Otuoke Road
Loss of flora and
fauna
Medium

FUO shall ensure that only vehicles with
road worthiness certificates are used to
reduce emissions from vehicle exhaust
High

Medium

FUO shall ensure repair of road when
damage is caused by the project
Site clearing shall commence from
developed (e.g. roads) to undeveloped
areas to provide escape routes for wildlife
Hunting by employees of contractors shall
be prohibited
FUO shall educate construction workers on
the sensitive nature of the biodiversity of
the area and the need for conservation
FUO shall limit cleared area to what is
required
FUO shall encourage the re-vegetation of
land cleared for temporary use where
feasible


Loss of habitat
Medium


Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
6-3
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Low
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Community unrest
High



Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
FUO shall ensure that all host communities
are represented in the employment of
locals during land clearing and excavation
to avert any conflict that could arise from
perceptions of unfairness
FUO shall ensure that land clearing and
excavation jobs are reserved exclusively
for the host communities
FUO shall abide by all MOUs signed with
the host communities
6-4
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Medium
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Stress on existing
Structures
(security, welfare
High






Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
FUO shall ensure that the contractors’ and
FUO’s personnel develop a high level of
security consciousness both within and
outside the work area
Daily security reports shall reviewed by the
FUO security adviser and Project Manager
Special security force shall be established
and deployed for the project. This shall
include deploying some of FUO special
security to strengthen security in the
project area
FUO shall ensure liaison with the
community to foster partnership so as to
guarantee security for the project is
established and sustained
In order to strengthen security for the
project, FUO shall contact government
authorities to improve the strength of the
police force at Kolo and shall consider
providing assistance with equipment e.g.
patrol vehicles, to ensure improved security
FUO shall ensure that safety workshops to
identify, evaluate and recommend
contingency plans for all security risks are
regularly organized
6-5
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Medium
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Increase in dust and noise
Medium
Potential increase in High
erosion
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
FUO shall ensure that nose masks and ear
muffs are worn by site workers during
excavation
 Water shall be sprayed on construction
sites to reduce dust levels especially during
the dry season
 FUO shall ensure that all construction
equipment shall be in proper operating
condition and fitted with standard silencing
features if appropriate
 FUO shall construct sound proofing walls
around stationary power generating
sources
 FUO shall re-landscape areas not
needed for construction as soon as
possible following excavation

6-6
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Threat to health of
workers
(snake bites,
insect stings,
injuries etc)
High




Construction
Changes in local
population
High



Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
FUO shall ensure use of PPE by field
workers
FUO will ensure there are adequately
trained and sufficient numbers of first
aiders at each site
FUO shall ensure that anti-venom/antihistamine is provided on site to mitigate
snake bites and insect stings
FUO shall ensure that awareness is
created among site workers and nearby
communities on the likelihood of
exposure to poisonous wildlife and plants
Prior to commencement of the
construction phase, FUO shall advertise
construction jobs that will be available.
This will hopefully discourage unqualified
personnel from moving into the project
area, thus reducing the rate at which the
local population will grow
FUO will look into the development of offsite job recruitment based on the training
provided for local community personnel.
Movement of unauthorized persons into
the campus or associated work camps
shall be strictly restricted
6-7
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Medium
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Construction
Increase in morbidity High
(including STIs) and
mortality








Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Health awareness lectures shall be given to
workers on the mode of transmission of
STIs (including HIV/AIDS)
As much as possible provide psychological
support to persons living with the HIV virus
Regular spraying of camp and work sites
Provision of insecticide treated nets to field
workers to reduce incidence of malaria
Awareness campaign shall be carried out
to enlighten the communities/field workers
on the common communicable diseases
and the health implications of drug and
alcohol abuse, unprotected sex, prostitution
and the need to sustain cultural values
An alcohol and drug policy shall be
implemented to encourage healthy lifestyle
for workers
FUO shall assist the activities of the state
action committee on STIs/HIV/AIDS within
the local communities
FUO shall ensure a site clinic is provided to
take care of minor illnesses for all
construction workers
6-8
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Increase in social
vices
Medium


Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Pressure on
existing
infrastructures and
utilities
Changes in culture,
lifestyle and habits
High

Medium

Increase in
potential for
erosion
High

FUO shall encourage contractor to support
sporting activities
FUO shall support public health lectures
with emphasis on common communicable
diseases such as malaria, TB, STIs
including HIV/AIDS
As appropriate, FUO shall support the
development of the health facility at
Otuoke.
FUO shall carry out enlightenment
campaigns
to
encourage
positive
influences on cultural values and healthy
lifestyles (e.g. breast feeding habits,
alcohol and drug use, exercise,
monogamy, high moral values with regard
to sexuality etc) and discourage adverse
influences (e.g. prostitution, drug abuse,
alcoholism etc)
FUO shall re-vegetate areas not needed for
construction as soon as possible
6-9
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Medium
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Soil degradation
Medium
Injury to workers
High
FUO shall provide containment for
chemicals and liquid discharges
 FUO waste management policy shall be
enforced in cases of domestic waste, scrap
metals, non-plastic combustible packaging
materials, plastic packaging materials,
drums and containers as well as medical
wastes
 FUO shall ensure that a controlled fuelling,
maintenance and servicing protocol for
construction machinery at worksite is
established and followed to minimise leaks
and spills
 FUO will ensure there are adequately trained
numbers of first aiders at each site.
 FUO shall provide and enforce appropriate use
of PPEs (e.g. coveralls, hard hats, eye
goggles)
 FUO shall ensure that health talks awareness
lectures and job hazard analysis are
conducted prior to work activities

6-10
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Medium
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Waste generation
and disposal
Loss of biodiversity
Medium
Reduction in air
quality
Medium
Increase in
High
breeding ground for
disease vectors
and other agents of
diseases
Increase in
nuisance
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Medium
FUO shall limit cleared area to what is required
FUO shall ensure that site clearing is
commenced from developed (e.g. roads) to
undeveloped areas to provide escape routes
for wildlife
 FUO shall undertake to educate construction
workers and locals on the sensitive nature of
the biodiversity of the area and the need for
conservation
 FUO shall ensure that hunting by employees
of the contractors shall be prohibited
 FUO shall encourage the contractor to revegetate land cleared for temporary use where
feasible
 FUO shall ensure that all mobile and stationary
internal combustion engines are properly
maintained
 FUO waste management policy shall be
enforced



FUO CLOs will ensure there is continuous
communication with the communities.
6-11
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Low
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Blockage of natural
drainage
Medium

Changes in
aesthetic quality
of the environment
Medium

Contamination of
the
environment by
domestic
wastes
Potential for falls
into exposed
trenches (by
animals,
unsuspecting
passers-by)
Soil degradation
from spills
and leaks
Medium

Medium

FUO shall put barriers and warning signs close
to
open trenches
Low
High

FUO shall ensure that all maintenance and
repair of equipment and vehicles is carried out
in a secure location with clean-up materials
(e.g. drip pans, containers, absorbent materials
etc) readily available
Low

FUO shall ensure that wastes are disposed of
at appropriate locations provided for waste
disposal and collected as quickly as possible
FUO shall ensure that the site restoration
process is completed
FUO shall re-landscape areas that are not
required for operation and maintenance of the
well head cellar
FUO shall ensure regular collection and
disposal of wastes in accordance with the
project waste management plan
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
6-12
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Operation and
Maintenance
Operation and
Maintenance of
structures and
utilities
Change in the
topography
of the soil
Exposure to
radiation materials
Medium

FUO shall ensure that the original topography
is maintained as far as practically possible
Medium

Low
Increase in noise
levels
Reduction in air
quality
Medium

Medium

FUO shall ensure that adequate safety
measures (appropriate PPE and engineering
techniques) are put in place to avoid exposure
to dangerous materials
FUO shall ensure that appropriate maintenance
programs are in place for all equipment.
FUO shall ensure that appropriate maintenance
programs are in place for all equipment
Potential for
erosion
Medium

FUO shall incorporate on-site drainage system
to collect run off from all impervious on-site
locations
FUO shall incorporate sub-surface drains to
intercept seepage and convey it to an
acceptable
point of disposal
Low

Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
6-13
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Decommissioning
Restoration and
Abandonment
Surface
equipment
dismantling,
Excavation,
Removal and
Disposal of
concrete works
and pipes
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Degradation of soil
and
surface water from
spills
and leaks
Medium
Increase in dust
generation
Medium
Increase in noise
levels
Medium
Increase in
respiratory tract
diseases
Medium
FUO shall provide containment for chemicals
and liquid discharges
 FUO waste management policy shall be
enforced
 FUO shall ensure that a controlled fuelling,
maintenance and servicing protocol for
operation and maintenance of machinery is
established and followed to minimise leaks
and spills
 FUO shall ensure proper use of PPEs
 FUO shall ensure that water is sprayed to
reduce dust levels
 FUO shall inform communities in advance of
likely increase in noise level during
decommissioning
 FUO shall ensure proper use of PPE (ear
muffs)
 FUO shall ensure that all personnel are
medically
certified for the operation prior to engagement
 FUO shall enforce appropriate use of PPE
(nose mask)
 FUO shall use barriers to separate dusty
activities
from non dusty ones

6-14
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Low
Low
Low
Federal University Otuoke EIA
Project Phase
Project Activity
Description of ImpactSignificance
Mitigation
Rating Before
Mitigation
Chapter Six: Mitigation and Amelioration
Increase in waste
generation
High

Potential for
community
unrest (from
employment,
pollution and
resistance to
dismantling of
equipment)
High



FUO shall ensure that wastes are disposed of
in accordance with her waste management
plan for
this project
FUO shall ensure fair community
representation
In the employment of local labour
FUO shall ensure that the waste management
plan for this project is implemented
FUO shall abide by the MOUs signed with the
communities for this project
6-15
Significance
Rating
After Mitigation
(Residual
Impact Rating)
Low
Medium
Federal University Otuoke EIA
6.2
Residual Impacts after Mitigation Measures
6.2.1
Community Unrest
The presence of a large number of vehicles and unusual movements is likely to create unease among the
communities given the present state of the roads. As a mitigation measure, FUO shall maintain established
channels of communication and inform communities in advance of activities associated with this important
phase of the project.
Community unrest stems primarily from (a) intra- and inter-community chieftaincy tussles; (b) perceptions of
FUO’s failure to deal even-handedly with all strata of community stakeholders; and (c) claims of
infrastructural deprivation. This situation may continue during the project. In order to deal with this, FUO
shall establish channels of communication with the communities during all phases of the project.
Furthermore, FUO shall require contractors to hire local labour where feasible, and to honour all MOU
requirements with the local communities. Following the foregoing, the impact rating should drop from high
to medium, rather than low because many causes of community unrest are outside the ambit of the project
and therefore cannot be addressed at this stage.
In the communities youth restiveness is synonymous with community unrest. This is currently high because
of joblessness, high expectations, complaints of broken promises, infrastructural deprivation, lack of
contract awards etc. This condition could be exacerbated by the project, especially during construction,
operation and maintenance as well as during decommissioning, restoration and abandonment of facilities.
During construction because of the pressure of employment; during operation and maintenance because of
apparent drop in business activities; during decommissioning, restoration and abandonment because of
perceived finality of project activities. As mitigation, FUO shall abide by all agreements reached with the
communities; unskilled labour shall be drawn from the community; preference shall be given to qualified
skilled labour from the project area; FUO shall encourage recreational activities; and maintain regular
dialogue with the communities. FUO shall not play favouritism in the communities. It is important that FUO
ensures that the contractors adopt transparent approaches in matters of employment even for the unskilled
labour. The impact rating is expected to drop from high to medium significance, but not to low. This is
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Federal University Otuoke EIA
because the measures to be undertaken by FUO cannot adequately address all or even most of the
reasons for community unrest, which may not be related to this project.
6.2.2
Stress on Existing Security Structures
FUO shall ensure that a high level of security consciousness is maintained by both contractor and FUO
personnel. To enhance security in the area, it may be necessary to establish and deploy a special security
force while fostering a closer working relationship between the Nigerian Police in the area, FUO Police and
the community.
6.2.3
Changes in Local Population
Based on the 2006 population census, the projected population of Ogbia in 2006 is approximately 179,606.
It is estimated that the incoming workers and followers have the potential to increase this population of
Otuoke, Otuaba and Kolo by up to 4% especially during the construction phase and full operation of the
university.
In most construction projects, incoming labour is usually predominantly male, aged between 20 and 44
years (the so-called productive age). The population of this age bracket and between 20-44 will certainly
increase with influx of students and employment of lecturers as departments and courses increase in
number.
6.2.4
Pressure on Existing Infrastructure and Utilities
Baseline information indicated that there was scarcity of decent accommodation in the project area to
house operations staff of the university temporary staff resulting to relocation to yenagoa and other
communities. Permanent accommodation for Operational Staff is to be provided outside of the host
communities’ housing. This is therefore expected to minimize the stress on existing housing within the
communities during the operations phase of the project.
The influx of labour is expected to increase the demands for health services. At present there is a general
paucity of health facilities and health services in the project area with existing health services being limited
to the management of minor ailments at the university health centre in Otuoke and the Cottage hospital in
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Federal University Otuoke EIA
Otuoke. Emergency rescue and Medevac / Med-rescue procedures shall also be put in place at all
worksites
The impact is considered to be of high significance, but following mitigation, it should drop to medium. It will
not drop to low because even at the end of the construction phase and demobilisation of construction
workers, a substantial number of these are likely to remain in the area and continue to apply pressure on
local infrastructure.
6.2.5
Increase in Inflation Level
Inflation of local prices for foodstuffs and other commodities is expected to cut across all three phases of
the development of the FUO Campus (mobilization, construction, operations).
After construction, there is expected to be an upturn in the local economy as opposed to the situation
during the construction period. Most of the unskilled construction workers are likely to leave Otuoke area for
other areas where their services may be needed but an nflux of students, lecturers and workers during the
operational phase of the University’s development will transform the area. The training schemes could be
expanded to include seminar sessions on economic planning and judicious use of the resources acquired
during the boom period. Inflation is of high significance and after mitigation it will only drop to medium and
not too low because once prices go up it is difficult for them to go down. Furthermore, inflation is a national
phenomenon and responds to other factors that originate outside the project area.
6.2.6
Injuries to Workers
Experience of other major projects within the Niger Delta suggests that during construction, operation and
maintenance as well as during decommissioning, restoration and abandonment, activities could lead to
increased work related injuries/fatalities.
6.2.7
Threat to Health of Workers (snake bites, insect stings, injuries, etc.)
There are several potential threats to the health of workers during different phases of the project life. These
include insect bites (such as mosquitoes), bee stings and attacks by wild animals and snakes etc. Other
threats include injuries due to contact with dangerous plants. The potential for transmission of
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Federal University Otuoke EIA
communicable diseases, such as tuberculosis (due to overcrowding or close proximity to cases),
gastroenteritis (contaminated foods and drinks) and malaria are also high during this phase of the project.
Although mitigation measures such as use of PPE by field workers and ensuring the availability of antivenom and anti-histamine drugs, to be administered on site by trained first-aiders are to be implemented by
FUO, it is not likely that these threats to health of workers can be reduced to low.
6.2.8
Increase in Noise Level (during Mobilization, construction, operation decommissioning and
restoration)
During all these phases, it is certain that noise levels will increase either from human activities or
equipment. The noise can be mitigated, however, to the level of low significance.
6.2.9
Potential for Community Unrest (from employment issues, pollution and resistance to
dismantling of equipment)
As has been observed in other project locations within the Niger Delta, there is always the potential for
conflict between communities and companies or institutions managing the construction and operation of a
major facility . This is especially so:

If communities believe that there is unfairness in applying local content principles and employing skilled
and unskilled workers as well as contractors from the communities;

If communities perceive that attendant pollution has not been satisfactorily dealt with.
For these reasons, it is likely that this impact will remain of medium significance even after mitigation
measures have been implemented.
6.3
Enhancing Positive Impacts
6.3.1
Utilization of off-cut vegetation by Communities
FUO would be helping to meet the energy needs of the communities by permitting community members to
remove and convert felled trees (during bush clearing) to firewood. In order to enhance this positive impact,
FUO shall facilitate controlled access to the campus site so that local community members can cut wood
appropriate sizes and transport it for use off-site
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Federal University Otuoke EIA
6.3.2
Increase in Economic Activities
This project is expected to increase economic activities during different phases. During mobilization, and
construction, jobs will be created that locals and others will be expected to take advantage of. This will
improve purchasing power and enhance economic activities. During the operation and decommissioning,
restoration and abandonment phase, jobs are expected to be available even albeit possibly at a lower rate
than during the construction phase. This will also improve purchasing power and enhance economic
activities.
So as to ensure enhanced economic activities throughout the life of the project, FUO shall ensure that all
subcontracts for supplies and minor repairs are reserved for qualified contractors from the project area in
the first instance. The surveys of the communities revealed many workers with skills, which may not meet
the required standards for the project. FUO shall suggest to the contractors that such persons and local
contractors from these communities could formally register with a skills’ registration centre, which could be
established for the project so that initial considerations shall be given to them for employment and
contracts. With employment and contracts given to the local communities, in order fully to implement the
local content law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, economic activities through availability of capital are
likely to be enhanced.
6.3.3
Increase in Employment and Business Opportunities
As part of sustainable approach to community interaction, FUO under its development programme shall
embark on necessary support to the communities so that they can take advantage of the business
opportunities which shall be available at the Otuoke area as a result of this project.
6.3.4
Skills Acquisition
Technically, for this project, proven technologies shall be applied in the design, construction and operation
of the facilities. The University shall endeavour to train men and women, other than FUO’s academic and
management staff, in new skills for the operation and maintenance of the university structures.
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6.4
Mitigating/Enhancing Cumulative Impacts
Mitigation measures and proposals for enhancing the negative/positive impacts have been presented for
each of the impacts listed in Table 5-6 of Chapter 5, which have been considered as cumulative impacts
arising from the permanent site project in Otuoke area. In order to ensure the effectiveness of these
measures and proposals, the frequency of monitoring of the appropriate (environmental) parameters will
have to be increased.
6.5
Stakeholder Perceptions
Public interest in this project is expected to be high because of the perceived socio-economic
transformation, which this project is likely to engender coupled with its impacts on the surrounding
communities, especially during construction and operation (e.g. noise, traffic, dust, emissions etc) and from
the influx of workforce.
Effective and realistic measures to mitigate/enhance these impacts have been proposed. Nevertheless,
stakeholder perceptions such as damage to structures due to vibration and increase in air and noise
pollution are likely to persist. In executing the project, FUO shall employ and sustain a dialogue with the
communities and other stakeholders and involve them in all phases of the project in the spirit of securing
the social license to operate. In particular,

FUO shall ensure that stakeholder communities are informed about and where possible involved in
environmental monitoring and management plan for this project.

Use available records on community development and other community-based activities as evidence of
a being a good institutional neighbour.
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6-21