IMPACT OF PUBLIC WORK NIGERIA LIMITED QUARRY ACTIVITIES ON PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF VWANG DISTRICT, JOS SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Construction activities at all levels depend to a large extent on quarry stone aggregate for structural and none structural-developmental activities. The environmental implication of some of these quarry industries is often not considered. This study assessed the impact of public work Nigeria Ltd quarry activities on physical environment of Vwang area, of Plateau State, Nigeria. Observational method was used to assess the environmental consequences of quarry mining on the environment. Probe Toxic Gas Analyser model TG/501 and ATP 901A Sound meter were used to measure ambient air quality and noise level. Quantitative method was equally used to examine resident’s perception of the impact of quarry on their environment. The results obtained were compared with the FMEnvs and WHO reference standards and this showed that the air quality and noise level during operation hours was above the acceptable limits of SO2 (100µg/m3)/(80µg/m3), NO2 (60µg/m3)/(40µg/m3), CO (11.4µg/m3)/( 10µg/m3), SPM10 (250µg/m3)/ (50µg/m3) and (70dB for day) (60dB for night) in air. While the result of dust and vibration shock affect the air quality and 42.4% of buildings within the study area. It is therefore recommended that modern technology/instruments and effective protective measures like (tree planting and water sprinking on stones before crush) should be adopted in the quarry company to mitigate the impact of quarry pollutants on humans and their physical environment.