Azura-Edo Independent Power Plant Environmental Impact ... - IFC

The impact of the Project on water resources is therefore considered to be
moderate prior to mitigation.
Potential Over-exploitation of Groundwater Resources
The underlying aquifer is considered to have a prolific yield (Erah, Akujieze
and Oteze, 2002). The impact on groundwater resources are considered to be
negative and temporary since the receptor is expected to return to the
previous state when the impact ceases, and local (restricted to the site and the
adjacent areas). The magnitude is therefore considered to be insignificant –
low.
The sensitivity of the aquifer for water availability is considered to be low due
to the reported prolific water yield in the area (Erah, Akujieze and Oteze,
2002). Pending technical confirmation of water availability by Azura Power,
the negative impact of groundwater use on groundwater resources is
considered to be insignificant.
7.6.2 Impact Description and Significance: Operation
Impact Description
During operation the water requirements for the OCGT plant will be for the
fire fighting system, office use as well as welfare and hygiene, cleaning and
equipment washing and the cooling systems. The power plant will require a
maximum of approximately 50 m 3 (50, 000 litres) per day over the lifetime of
the Project. There is potential for the over exploitation of the groundwater
resources if not properly managed. Over exploitation of the groundwater
may result in direct depletion of water resources which may cause harm to
ecosystems. This could result in potentially long-term effects on the water
resources at a local and regional level.
Operation of the OCGT Plant could result in water resource contamination
from surface water drainage containing pollutants, incorrect process effluent
and sewerage management and incidents relating to accidental releases of
fuel, oils and hazardous chemicals, storage and incorrect handling of waste
including the sludge generated from waste waster treatment.
During operation the introduction of hard standing on the site will change the
existing surface water regime and may result in increased runoff which may
impact neighbouring agricultural plots and result in increased erosion.
Impact Significance
Potential Contamination of Water Resources
The potential contamination of the groundwater and surface water from
construction activities would be direct and secondary and local as the impact
AZURA EDO IPP
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DRAFT EIA REPORT