OGEPA Commences Enforcement, Assessment of Mining Sites in Ogun East
The Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency (OGEPA) has commenced an enforcement and assessment exercise at mining sites across the Ogun East Senatorial District to identify and address environmental and health risks associated with mining, quarrying and other industrial activities.
The exercise is focused on assessing gaseous emissions, air pollution and other environmental hazards, as well as verifying the environmental documents and regulatory approvals of operators.
The General Manager of OGEPA, Hon. Kehinde Bello, said the exercise was aimed at determining the possible impact of emissions from mining operations on the environment and the health of workers and residents in host communities.
Bello explained that prolonged exposure to dust, smoke and other pollutants generated from mining, quarrying and blasting activities could pose serious respiratory health risks and adversely affect the surrounding environment.
He said the exercise would enable the Agency to collect relevant data on air quality in mining communities and determine appropriate regulatory measures where violations or cases of non-compliance were established.
According to him, the enforcement drive forms part of OGEPA’s broader mandate to protect the environment, safeguard public health and promote responsible and sustainable industrial practices across Ogun State.
He added that the Agency would sustain its monitoring of mining and other industrial activities to ensure compliance with applicable environmental standards, particularly regulations relating to air pollution and safe operational practices.
Bello urged mining operators to ensure that their activities do not endanger the health and safety of residents, stressing that environmental responsibility and compliance with relevant regulations were essential to achieving sustainable industrial development in the state.
Also speaking, the Head of the OGEPA Task Force Unit, Mr. Olusesi Opaleye, said the exercise involved monitoring and examining operational practices capable of contributing to air pollution and other environmental hazards.
Opaleye noted that the exercise also provided an opportunity for the Agency to sensitise mining operators on the importance of complying with environmental regulations.
He urged operators to obtain the necessary environmental approvals before commencing operations and adopt safer practices capable of minimising risks to workers and surrounding communities.
Meanwhile, residents of communities hosting mining and blasting activities have been encouraged to report suspected environmental violations to the appropriate authorities.
The OGEPA management reiterated its commitment to sustained monitoring, enforcement and public sensitisation as part of efforts to ensure a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for residents of Ogun State.
Luke Adebesin
Information and Public Relations Officer, OGEPA
