Environmental Impact Assessment of a Small Hydropower Plant: A Case Study of Orle River Auchi

Abstract

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that identifies both the positive and negative environmental impacts of some significant development at the planning stage of the project is required statutorily in Nigeria in line with the provision of the Environmental Impact Assessment bill of 2017. The study carried out an environmental impact assessment on a Small Hydropower (SHP) in the Orle Valley, Auchi, Edo State. Screening and scoping processes were carried out to interact with the competent authorities, stakeholders in the community, and members of the public on the likely impacts of the project. A field survey was used to enumerate the facilities and assets in the study area. The consequence of the hydropower plant construction, operation, flooding and failure on humans, assets, use of water, and economic activities associated with the river were analyzed. The safety by design approach was used to enhance the design and operation of the reservoir to minimize the risk of its failure and disruption of economic and social activities in the affected area. The result of the study indicates a low-level risk and impact of the dam construction and operation on humans, assets, and ecosystems in the vicinity of the reservoir and downstream of the river. It was observed that the economic benefits of the dam will largely offset the aggregate cost of assets that will be consumed by the plant construction and operation. The research work established a template for the determination of EIA for small hydropower plant in developing countries.