GEO-SPATIAL ASSESSMENT OF PETROL STATION COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING PHYSICAL PLANNING STANDARDS IN YOLA NORTH, ADAMAWA STATE. NIGERIA

Abstract

Proliferation of petrol stations is known as a major issue in developing countries and big cities. Studies have shown that fueling points even with height influence and advantage to the economy has negative effects on the environment surrounding it.This study uses geospatial techniques to determine the distribution pattern and assess the level of conformity of the filling stations against the physical planning standards by the regulating bodies. Primary and secondary data were used as data sources (such as satellite imagery, socio-economic data, physical standards criteria data, Gps point data) etc. Roads were digitized from high resolution image of the area and a handheld Germin (GPSmap® 78) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver was used to capture the coordinates of Filling stations. Analysis was done using analyzing pattern of the spatial statistic tools to determine the pattern of distribution and proximity (Buffering) Analysis to determine the level of conformity. The result of the study revealed that the existing pattern of distribution of the petrol station is a clustered pattern and a small probability of 1% of it been as a result of random chance. It also revealed that the most understood form of hazards is the fire which frequently occurs during dispensing and disposing of service oil. The result also revealed that even though less than 50% of the petrol station are not conform with the standard, 83.55% of the petrol station are located less than 50m from the residential buildings therefore buildings located around the affected area should be relocated to safer area or the petrol stations should be relocated to most suitable sites where buildings will not be affected. Sensitization and awareness of petrol station hazards should be given to the public, training of petrol station attendants should be done frequently so as to improve their knowledge on safety. Keywords: Proliferation, regulatory agency, petroleum, filling station, safety requirement