Abstract:

The aim of this study is to use geospatial technology to model and access the risks caused by natural occurring hydrocarbon seepage in Ugwueme town, Enugu State Nigeria. To this end, the hydrocarbon seepage hazard and vulnerability model maps of Ugwueme were created and superimposed, by using the ArcGIS 10.5 software to produce the final resultant risk assessment model map. The risk assessment model map was re – classed into four assessment zones as: severe risk, high risk, medium risk and low risk. The result of the study shows that 47.93% and 22.16% of the total area of Ugwueme are classified as severe and high risk areas, due to hydrocarbon seepage while 10.15% and 19.76% are considered as medium and low risk areas respectively. The study concludes that from the final risk assessment model map, Ugwueme is prone to severe risk due to hydrocarbon seepages as more than 70% of the study area is exposed to severe risk and high risks while less than 30% is prone to medium and low risks. Sequel to the findings, the study recommends good land use planning as a vital way to reduce the adverse effects of hydrocarbon seepage in Ugwueme. Thus, town planners and the necessary authorities should adopt an appropriate land use development plan in areas of hydrocarbon seepage within Ugwueme.