ENGINEERING MEASURES TO AVOID WASTE AND REDUCE EMISSION FOR THE PREVENTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS IN ARTISANAL REFINING IN THE NIGER DELTA REGION.

Abstract

This paper on engineering measures to avoid waste and reduce emission for the prevention of environmental pollution and occupational accidents in artisanal refining of crude oil in the Niger Delta region examines various literatures, review and gave   critique to IGBEN.Vol. 25(3) 341-345 Artisanal petroleum refining and occupational dynamics in the Niger Delta Region, Nigeria. Two settlements, one far from area of artisanal refineries (controlled settlement) and the other in area of artisanal refineries (experimental settlement) were examined with analysis but engineering measures of pollution control was a gap not fulfilled. Literature findings also reveals that artisanal refineries operations are quite in close relationship to the Refineries, Petrochemicals and Chemical industries operating in the Niger Delta region but the difference is crude method of approach. And while most literatures emphasis are on policy and framework or decision making against the artisanal refineries; gaps, like capacity building is been kept aside. The act is illegal but development suggest the search for knowledge which can help to turn Pollution and accident control of modular refineries that has less financial implication to a discovery. This  paper therefore suggest the engineering measures such as stacks, scrubbers, dessorbers, strippers and hydrolyzer methods used in processing organizations in managing pollution and incidents be engaged with emphasis on the need to develop the capacity of a critical mass of locals and provide low-to medium-level manpower in pollution restoration in the Niger Delta region. Preventing pollution, rather than controlling it after it has been produced, seems like such a good policy on its face that one wonders how executing it could be. Business has embraced the idea of prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted explicit supporting policies and conducted many pilot projects. The recently adopted National Environmental Technology Strategy is broadly supportive: by progressing from an environmental paradigm based on cleanup and control to one including assessment, anticipation, and avoidance of gas flaring, spills, emissions, particulate (smog and smoke), air, and water / land pollution .Conclusively, modular refineries should be developed by empowering the youths in the local by government via trainings through scholarships to learn more on the technology than setting fire on trucks thereby polluting the environment the more which is adding to the hazard not control. The local youths see it as only crude means to generate income for ends meet.