Measurements of environmental noise levels and the creation of a unique Geographical Information System (GIS) layer map for environmental noise pollution in Chanchaga Local Government Council, Minna, Niger State

Abstract

Environmental noise is a nuisance that we have to put up with from day to day. Environmental noise has been recognised as a form of pollution. This study will help prepare the framework for a noise pollution database for Chanchaga Local Government Council, Minna, as well as to help build the nucleus for an environmental awareness advocacy campaign to be funded and executed by the Niger State Government. Also, this study will help prepare the framework for a noise pollution database for Chanchaga Local Government Council. Stations of interest that were identified were appropriately geo-referenced and marked in the conventional way. The stations were re-visited with the noise level equipment whence information about the sources of environmental noise and the corresponding values of noise were logged progressively from one point to the next. The result of this exercise shows that all of the stations occupied in the course of this investigation suffer from relatively high levels of noise (i.e. above the threshold of 70dB for environmental noise). Further, by use of the Geographical Information System (GIS) platform, a noise pollution layer for Chanchaga Local Government Council has been created, a novelty in itself. It can be deduced from the pollution map produced for this project work that, overall, the noise level regime over Barkin-Sale, Minna Central, Soje and Tonga neighbourhoods are quite high because a significant number of households and business locations use alternative power sources when the central power supply is cut. This GIS pollution layer map could now serve as a veritable urban development tool that would assist public health officials and town planners recommend appropriate action to be taken to safeguard the health of the citizenry.