Abstract

The overall objective of this study was to perform an external compliance environmental audit of open refuse dumping at the Ugbor dump site by describing the physical and economic characteristics of the study area using a descriptive, cross sectional comparative study design. Data were collected via key informant interviews, focus group discussion,checklists and standardized measuring tapes. The major operational deficiencies identified were poor sanitation practices within and around the refuse dump site, inadequate manpower to oversee the day to day activities of the dump site and lack of equipment necessary for clean-up activities within the refuse dump site. The refuse dump also lacked antipollution equipment for detoxification of effluents, gas recovery systems, firefighting equipment, buffer zones and there was no fence around the dump site. A waste handler at the Ugbor refuse dump site does not require formal education; individuals learn on the job and are susceptible to disease conditions. Environmental audit revealed that Ugbor refuse dump site is out of compliance with the guidelines of the Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria and now poses public health risks and aesthetic burden to the citizens it meant to serve.

Key words: Ugbor, Edo, environment, audit, morbidity, survey.