LOCATIONAL IMPACT OF PETROL FILLING STATIONS CLOSE TO RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN IFE CENTRAL, NIGERIA

Abstract

The emergence and indiscriminate siting of fuel filling stations all across the country call for urgent investigation of the impact of their siting at close proximity to residential areas at Ife Central, Nigeria. This project was conducted to assess the locational impact of petrol filling stations (PFS) close to residential buildings in Ife Central, Nigeria. The spatial locational pattern of fuel stations was analysed and its resultant impact on Ife Central, Nigeria to determine the degree of compliance of the PFS with planning standards and regulations; and assess the physical, the social and economic relationship between the PFS and residential land uses in the study area. Fifty-two (52) PFS were sampled for data collection. A two-phase mixed-method approach was adopted, using qualitative interviews to validate identified factors. Upon the validation of the location factors through an inductive approach, a quantitative questionnaire was formulated. Data were collected from 340 respondents with the quantitative survey. The data were then analysed using factor analysis and structural equation modelling to determine the factors and their relationship with factors of location. The analysis reveals non-compliance to principles and standards by all the PFS. The nearest neighbour ratio was 0.56, showing the PFS followed a cluster distribution pattern, portraying an uncoordinated distribution. The cluster distribution pattern of the PFS has negative impact on the residents’ wellbeing, environment and socio economic life. The study also identified owner preferential choice and planning standards; storage material and factor of location; environmental impact assessment; type of license; anddistancebetweenthetanksandsitemanagementasthefactorsthatinfluencedthesiting of location of the Petrol Filling Stations (PFS). These factors revolved round Weber’s theory of locational triangle – the accessibility, the site and the socio-economic environment. They all positively influence the choice of locating the PFS close to the residential areas. The findings reveal a sporadic growth in the establishment of PFS in the study area in recent years; above 65 per cent of the PFS were established in the last decade years (2009 to 2019). Air pollution constituted the greatest pollution which had perhaps triggered short term ailments (diarrhoea, cough, fever, dizziness, etc.) and long term health problems. Traffic congestion, parking inconveniences and noise pollution were identified by the respondents as one of the negative impacts of locating the PFS in the residential areas. This study identified five factors influencing location of PFS in the area, and therefore suggested strategies that may be adopted for a different environment in locating filling stations. It would also furnish and assist the planning concerned authorities on the state of the study area and thus influence the decision for a better and organised town.