The Director, Institute of Pollution Studies, Rivers State University, Prof. Chibuogwu Eze on Wednesday raised the alarm over high level underground water pollution linked to leakages from underground storage tanks in fuel retail stations.
Eze, who spoke in an interview in Port Harcourt, revealed that the growing trend in fuel stations business across Port Harcourt and environs if not properly regulated could subject residents to a disturbing health risk involving exposure to lead and other chemicals.
According to the varsity don, his recent research sponsored by the university, covering Port Harcourt and Obio/Akor Local Government Areas indicated the presence of no fewer than 200 fuel stations in the highly populated area.
He commended the vice chancellor for his contributions to the research which was intended to profer solutions to a critical aspect of pollution affecting households.
The researcher stressed the need for adherence to operational guidelines by fuel retail stations so as to ensure that human activities and innovation do not continue to deplete the earth and its ecosystem.
He said, “In Rivers State for instance, God has blessed us such that you don’t need to dredge too deep into the ground before getting water, this on the other hand is a risk factor especially as most fuel retail stations pay little or no attention to the safety of their underground fuel storage tanks.
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“Most of them are unconsciously operating with leaking tanks and polluting our underground water which in turn filters into our boreholes, a situation that is gradually contributing to some underlying health problems in the area.
“There’s a very dangerous concept that boiled water is safe, sadly, boiling only kills partogenes not lead nor other dangerous chemicals.”
The don also revealed that there are extant laws guiding maintenance of underground fuel storage tanks, including confirmatory test and certification of fuel tanks before they are buried underground for fuel storage.
“The law also stipulates interval of five years test for corrosion or possible leakage as a result of wear and tear and allows for a maximum of 20 years lifespan for underground fuel storage tanks.
“Niger Delta states should be more careful and abide by these regulatory guidelines considering its topography.
“The guidelines if effectively followed would go a long way to ensure that petroleum products do not find its way into our underground water,” he added.
Eze therefore, urged the government, environmentalists and regulatory bodies to swing into action through sensitisation and enforcement of operational guidelines with a view to reducing impact on the environment.
