Geospatial Analysis of Petroleum Retail Outlets in Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State

In an economy whose principal source of energy is fossil fuel, there is bound to be an influx of several downstream activities including the proliferation of Petroleum Retail Outlets (PRO) or filling stations. This study assessed a geospatial analysis of PRO in the city of Yenagoa Metropolis, Bayelsa State. Garmin GPSMAP® 64st handheld Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receivers were used in taking the spatial coordinates of PRO, while simple random technique was utilized in administering semi-structured questionnaires to 200 respondents in residential buildings located 100m from PRO. Descriptive statistics and GIS were used in data analyses and presentations. The results showed that majority of the mapped PRO violated the DPR locational standard of not more than 4 PRO within 2km radius while noise pollution in residential areas, air pollution in the houses close-by as well as traffic in the filling station spilling to residential areas were most perceived environmental problems associated with proliferation of PRO in the area. The study recommends appropriate sanctions upon PRO operators/owners who have violated the DPR rules. These may range from withdrawal of operational license, stiffer financial fines, closure and/relocation among others. Also, geospatial technologies should be deployed in assessment of spatial phenomena based on its capabilities in supporting policies and in making informed decisions.