Environmental Impact of Aggregate Mining of Crush Rock Industry in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State

Abstract

The impact of aggregate mining operation such as noise, dust, air quality, suspended particulate matter and gaseous emission poses serious environmental problem to both the inhabitant and the workers at Crush Rock Industries Limited at Old Netim in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Eight geo-referenced sampling points were chosen for the study which were SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4, SP5, SP6, SP7 and SP8. Results obtained shows that the noise level at the sampling stations varied slightly. The highest noise level was 101.8d(B) A at sampling point SP7 inside the premises of the company followed by 96.1d(B) A at station SP6 recorded at the plant during wet season. Other results were 78.7, 67.2, 46.0, 49.2, 71.0, 40.5d(B) A, while the FMENV’s was above the threshold value at sampling point SP7, while carbon monoxide (Co) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) levels were also above the threshold values at sampling point SP7 in Table 3 during wet season.