Report Reveals How Lagos-Calabar Highway May Pose Environmental Threat

The Environmental Impact Assessment and Social Assessment report of Coastal Highway Project Section 1 has projected that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway may pose security and environmental threats.

This report was obtained recently from the ‘X’ account of the Environmental Assessment Department of the Federal Ministry of Environment.

According to the report, the proposed development may negatively impact the social and physical environment within which it is executed.

It stated, “This is because, for instance, the construction phase is often a rapid and disorderly process when a strong emphasis on completing the project is paramount, not protecting the environment.

“Construction activities occur only once but can have lasting effects due to site preparation, earthworks, waste generation, traffic and safety, which are localised and reversible. During construction, the impacts are rated as significant. However, they are considered minor in duration since construction activities are temporary.

“Proper construction management practices are crucial to minimising negative impacts. Adherence to safety protocols and environmental safeguards is essential. Proactive measures, responsible construction practices, and continuous monitoring will help mitigate any adverse effects during the construction phase.”

The report noted that based on the design of the project, those impacts could be divided into two.

“First, short-term construction-related impacts typical of building construction activities, include several significant factors. Communities might resist land acquisition for the highway, which can lead to delays and disputes. Ensuring fair compensation for affected landowners and communities is critical for maintaining goodwill and resettling communities while minimising disruption, which requires thoughtful planning and sensitivity.

“Geological and environmental factors are also a concern. The construction of the coastal highway could lead to habitat destruction, disrupting ecosystems along the route. Altering the coastal landscape may increase vulnerability to erosion and flooding, with the coastal region’s susceptibility to erosion posing a risk to soil stability and overall highway integrity.

“Natural features such as swamps, mangroves, and wetlands complicate foundation work and roadbed construction. Striking a balance between development and environmental conservation is crucial, with efforts needed to minimise harm to local ecosystems and wildlife habitats.”

The report further noted that the project also presented infrastructural and logistics challenges.

“Transporting construction materials over long distances can be costly and time-consuming. Developing access roads to remote construction sites is challenging, and building durable bridges across rivers and estuaries demands specialised engineering expertise.

“Security and safety concerns must also be addressed. The highway passes through regions with security challenges, such as militancy and banditry, making it essential to ensure the safety of workers and equipment. Coordinating traffic during construction, especially in densely populated areas, requires careful planning,” it asserted.

According to the firm, funding and budget constraints are another critical area. “Unexpected expenses can strain the project budget, making vigilant cost management essential. Consistent government funding throughout the eight-year construction period is vital for maintaining project continuity. Technical engineering challenges include soft soil stabilisation, which requires techniques like soil compaction, geotextiles, and deep foundations for stability,” it added.

The report indicated that proper drainage design was necessary to prevent water logging and erosion, and constructing bridges that could withstand environmental forces and heavy traffic was a significant task.

It stated, “Noise and dust nuisance from site preparation and material transportation can impact the surrounding community. Effective waste management is crucial to prevent environmental harm from site and camp waste. Soil contamination from stored fuel, lubricants, and paints is a risk that needs to be managed.

“Health and safety issues are paramount, with workers involved in construction facing health risks. Proper facilities and safety measures at the workers’ camp must be in place, and ensuring public safety near construction zones is critical.

“Efficient use of resources is necessary to optimise project outcomes, and increased social vices and other community-related challenges may arise, requiring proactive management.”

In reality the commencement of the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project without a fully approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) underscores a critical oversight in infrastructure development. These assessments are not merely procedural formalities; they are fundamental to ensuring that development projects are sustainable, socially responsible, and economically viable over the long term.

Understanding the Role of EIAs

Environmental Impact Assessments serve as a comprehensive tool to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of a project before significant commitments are made. They provide a systematic approach to identifying, predicting, and analyzing potential impacts and laying out mitigation strategies. The goal is to minimize ecological damage and enhance positive environmental and social outcomes.

Objectives:

1. Ensure sustainable development and environmental protection.
2. Identify potential environmental risks and mitigate measures.
3. Inform decision-making and project planning.
4. Comply with regulatory requirements.

Benefits:

1. Environmental protection: Minimize harm to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources.
2. Social benefits: Protect communities, cultural heritage, and public health.
3. Economic benefits: Avoid costly environmental damage, enhance project viability.
4. Improved project design: Incorporate environmental considerations.

Key Components:

1. Scoping: Identify potential impacts and stakeholders.
2. Impact prediction: Assess potential environmental effects.
3. Mitigation measures: Develop strategies to minimize impacts.
4. Monitoring and management: Plan for ongoing environmental management.

Environmental Factors Assessed:

1. Air quality
2. Noise pollution
3. Water quality
4. Soil erosion
5. Biodiversity and ecosystems
6. Climate change
7. Cultural heritage
8. Human health

Stages of EIA:

1. Preliminary assessment
2. Scoping
3. Impact assessment
4. Mitigation and management planning
5. Public consultation
6. Report preparation
7. Review and approval

Road Project-Specific Considerations:

1. Route alignment and design
2. Materials extraction and construction
3. Traffic and transportation impacts
4. Land acquisition and resettlement
5. Waste management

Best Practices:

1. Integrated approach: Consider social, economic, and environmental factors.
2. Stakeholder engagement: Involve local communities and experts.
3. Transparency: Make EIA reports publicly available.
4. Continuous monitoring: Ensure ongoing environmental management.

Regulatory Frameworks:

1. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
2. European Union’s Environmental Impact Assessment Directive
3. International Finance Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards
4. Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria (Dept pf Environmental Assessment)

Case Studies:

1. London’s £15 billion Crossrail project EIA
2. Australia’s $1.1 billion NorthLink WA road project EIA
3. Kenya’s $3.8 billion Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway EIA

Read more at  veracitydesk.com