EVALUATING NOISE POLLUTION FROM DIESEL GENERATORS AT TELECOMMUNICATION MASTS IN JALINGO, TARABA STATE: COMPLIANCE WITH REGULATORY STANDARDS

Abstract

The important role in information flow by the telecommunication services in the 21st century with rise in population and high demand, has led to the emergence of several telecommunication companies across Nigeria, aiming to serve the same population. Jalingo has experienced proliferation of telecommunication masts, which has led to violation of telecommunication regulations by telecomm service providers resulting to several human issues. This study aimed to assess the noise from telecommunication mast diesel generators and adherences to regulatory standards in Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria. Four telecomm service providers were identified to include MTN, Airtel, Globacom and Etisalat with a joint capacity of 60 telecommunication masts. The result of the ambient noise level of diesel generators installed at telecommunication base stations shows a clear violation of NASREA noise permissible level for both day and night with an average mean reading of 66.995db at 5m during the day, 62.958db at 10m during the day and 68.2117db and 63.7367db at 5m and 10m during the night. The result of the noise reading shows the noise is louder at close proximity and also varies during day and night hour, indicating a higher impact on public health at a given time and distance. The study further recommends the alternative use of power source (solar energy) and regulatory bodies should enforce and penalize defaulters.