The overall objective of this study was to perform an external compliance environmental audit of open
refuse dumping at the Ugbor dump site by describing the physical and economic characteristics of the
study area using a descriptive, cross sectional comparative study design. Data were collected via key
informant interviews, focus group discussion, checklists and standardized measuring tapes. The major
operational deficiencies identified were poor sanitation practices within and around the refuse dump
site, inadequate manpower to oversee the day to day activities of the dump site and lack of equipment
necessary for clean-up activities within the refuse dump site. The refuse dump also lacked antipollution
equipment for detoxification of effluents, gas recovery systems, firefighting equipment, buffer zones
and there was no fence around the dump site. A waste handler at the Ugbor refuse dump site does not
require formal education; individuals learn on the job and are susceptible to disease conditions.
Environmental audit revealed that Ugbor refuse dump site is out of compliance with the guidelines of
the Federal Environmental Protection Agency of Nigeria and now poses public health risks and
aesthetic burden to the citizens it meant to serve.