Environmental Impacts of Sand Mining in Some Coastal Communities in Port Harcourt Metropolis Nigeria

Sand mining activity is one of the serious environmental problems, as the rivers are widely exploited for river bed materials like sand resulting in land and river bed degradation as well as loss of riparian habitat. The aim of this research was to assess the environmental impacts of sand mining activities in some coastal communities of Port Harcourt metropolis. Three communities namely Choba, Abuloma and Chokocho were selected for the study because of good access to waterfront and regular outcry by communities affected due to the level of environmental degradation. Formal interviews with operators of sand mining activity and stakeholders as well as the administration of questionnaire was employed. Questionnaires were designed to collect information on the characteristics of the sand mining activities in these coastal communities. The study lasted for a period of 12 months. Results obtained show that there were major impacts of sand mining namely soil erosion, road destruction, loss of vegetation, noise pollution across the coastal communities engaged in this activity. Choba recorded soil erosion with 27% as a major problem, Abuloma had noise pollution with 33% while in Chokocho, soil erosion ranked 32% as major impact of the activity. The study therefore, revealed that inspite of its economic importance, sand mining activity is causing more harm than good, hence it is suggested that environmental legislations regarding sand mining activities must be put in place to check and ameliorate the impacts. Community stakeholders should seek constant interface between the sand miners to resolve issues arising from the activity and to proffer intervention measures to ensure sustainability.