From Bode Durojaiye, Oyo.
In spite of the growing public concern over the siting of fuel
dispensing stations popularly called filling stations in residential areas, the menace is continuing at an alarming rate in Oyo metropolis.
Residents say it is about time the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) and the State Fire Service take immediate actions to avert any impending disaster and save lives.
Along Idi-Ope/Alalubosa area alone, about five filling stations are located very close to shops, houses and chop bars.
A number of fuelling stations on the Jaremily/Ilora road are sited in the middle of shopping centres and close to homes.
On the Kosobo road, filling stations are sited very close to houses, drinking spots and a church.
Residents of Araromi market and Abolongo areas are said to be battling owners of filling stations situated very close to their abode.
According to the residents, they are living in constant fear as the filling stations threatens their lives.
They alleged that ‘people in high places’ were behind the projects and have circumvented the law to site the fuel stations there.
Even though there is a guideline that regulates the siting of such services, violation of the regulations by fuel and LPG station owners exposes the public to danger.
Apart from explosions, other identified risks associated with the installation and operation of filling station in residential areas include air pollution, threats to occupational and public health safety, and land degradation.
On environmental effects of petrol stations at close proximities to residential buildings, experts say that a ‘minimum’ distance of 50 yards should be maintained between petrol stations and housing.
“A 100 yards minimum distance should apply to especially vulnerable facilities such as hospitals, health centres, schools and old people’s homes.
“Some airborne organic compounds such as benzene, which increases the risk of cancer, have been recorded at petrol stations at levels above the average levels for urban areas where traffic is the primary source of emission.”
They argued that the air at petrol stations and in their immediate surroundings is above all affected by emissions stemming from evaporated vehicle fuels which are unburnt fuels from fuel loading and unloading operations, refuelling and liquid spillages.
