Environmental Impact Assessment of Selected Sawmills in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the environmental impact of selected sawmilling industries in Ile-ife, Osun state, Nigeria. Data were obtained through oral interview, questionnaire administration, visual observation and direct measurement of logs and sawn timber produced. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square. Results showed that majority (57.1%) of the sawmill employees do not have any other alternative source of income and thereby depend mainly on earnings from the sawmilling operation for their livelihoods. The estimated Lumber Recovery Factor (LRF) differ based on the sawmill and timber species. The observed plant indicator of the waste dumpsite was Bidens pilosa. Perceived health ailments associated with sawmilling operations by the respondents are Catarrh (66.7%), Headache and Fatigue (14.3%) and cornea inflammation (4.8%). These ailments significantly depend on level of income as well as job categories (p<0.05). Other perceived environmental impacts include noise, emission to air, ground and water.


Key words: Sawmilling, environmental impact, sawn timber, emission