Seismic-Based Environmental Effects of Petroleum Exploration Activities in Parts of Tropical Forest Areas of Nigeria

Madu Anthony Joseph Chinenyeze, Ugwu Richard Ekene, Agbo Christian Chukwudi, Emmanuel Uzoechi

Abstract: SUMMARY Exploration activities generate a number of environmental impacts, positive and negative impacts. Provision of jobs for the community and other professionals, increase in commercial activities within the environment, engagement of youths in useful ventures, and award of contracts are the positive impacts of exploration activities within the site areas. Negative impacts also exist. They include waste generation, pollution, degradation of the environment and the associated effects on wildlife. Remedial actions are necessary in order to mitigate the challenges posed by the negative impacts. Pre-existing camp sites can be re-used in order to conserve the vegetation and associated wildlife; proper waste management, judicious and adequately directed use of chemicals, sealing of leakages and the compliance to shot-hole drilling procedures are the urgent measures that must be adopted in order to ensure a friendly and sustained Niger Delta and general tropical forest environment in Nigeria.

Keywords: Environmental impacts, line-cutting, shallow drilling, mud-pits, blowouts, explosives, formation of craters