Towards an Eco-Efficient Development Strategy that Minimises the Risks Associated with the Location of Gas Stations in Human Settlements: A Fuzzy PROMETHEE Method

Evaluating real world situations in risky environments based on various qualitative/quantitative criteria in order to suggest a strategy/policy among available？options is one of the critical challenges in incident management. Such is the case when considering an eco-efficient development strategy that can minimize the risk associated with the location of gas stations in human settlements. Taking the Douala city of Cameroon as an example, four actions were evaluated, including the options of relocating the gas stations, putting in place of emergency response plan in gas stations, and relocation of households subject to a group of four criteria. Data were collected via personal communication with decision-makers using a five-point Likert scale. The market values of buildings subject to expropriation were estimated based on order No. 0082/Y. 15.1/MNUH/D of 20 November 1987 of the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Cameroon. The financial costs incurred in establishing a gas station were an average value obtained from a sample of 80 gas stations randomly selected among those whose locations do not comply with？existing regulations. These amounts were obtained from their financial records,？while the value of putting in place an emergency action plan was obtained from the current market value of the equipment required. The algorithm of PROMETHEE under the usual criterion function was implemented. The results suggested that putting in place an emergency response plan could minimize relocation costs, maximize profits/welfare, and maximize environmental？quality, and minimize social impacts, and was therefore considered as the most preferred alternative. Sensitivity analyses of results further confirmed that implementation of emergency response plan is the most preferred alternative.