M.A. Oyinloye, Department of Urban of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

B.O. Olofinyo, Department of Urban of Urban and Regional Planning, School of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

Abstract
The quarrying industry is of vital importance to all aspects of modern day life and development. However, searching, locating and extracting materials used for construction activities pose some problems to the environment which normally result in the damaging of the immediate environment and atmosphere. The aim of study is to assess the environmental impact of quarry activities in Akure region and identify the hazards associated it. Structured questionnaire and field observations was administered to elucidate data on socio-economic characteristics of the residents; vibration effects; building damages; health effects and impact of quarry activities on the environment. There were 2900 buildings in the study area which constitute the research population. The sample size of 10% was adopted, hence 290 copies of questionnaires was administered in the study area. The study also employed ArcGIS software to determine the extent of land area that is affected by pollution as a result of the quarry activities in the study area. The research also made use of IKONOS imagery for Geographical Information Systems GIS) to buffer and extract buildings that are within 3km radius. Results obtained show that most buildings that fall within buffer zone to quarry site have high risk such as air pollution, noise pollution and health effects. The Study recommended total relocation for the residents that falls buffer zones to reduce health risk problems and monitoring visits to quarry sites should be undertaken routinely so as to minimize the negative effects of quarrying operations on humans and the environment

Keywords
ArcGIS, Buffer zones, Construction activities, Extracting materials, IKONOS imagery, Pollution

Cite this paper
M.A. Oyinloye, B.O. Olofinyo, Environmental Impact of Quarry Activities on Resident of Akure Region, Nigeria , SCIREA Journal of Environment. Volume 2, Issue 2, April 2017 | PP. 11-29.

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