APPRAISAL OF THE LEGAL FRAMEWORK AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION ARISING FROM QUARRY INDUSTRY IN EBONYI STATE

Abstract

This study was an appraisal of the legal framework against environmental degradation arising from quarry industry in Ebonyi State. Environmental law and its policy was developed in response to the public perception that human health and the environment were inadequately protected. The doctrinal research methodology was adopted using data from primary sources such as the constitution, national legislations and as well as from secondary sources such as information from textbooks and internet. Among other things, the study found that there are numerous laws and legislations that suffers poor enforcement on the part of the people and government agencies and embodies charged with the responsibilities of enforcing and maintaining extant laws, policies and programmes that are meant to protect the environment. It was recommended, inter alia, that there should be put in place an efficient environmental audit system that will engender compliance activities such as obtaining permits, installing controls, monitoring compliance, reporting violations and keeping relevant records. It was further recommended that among other measures, government should strengthen its regulatory agencies and monitor them to carry out their assigned roles without compromise at all stages. It was the conclusion of this study that if these measures are carried out the issue of environmental degradation and rights abuse would be a thing of the past.