GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5216

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Mbig Limited proposes to develop an Asphalt mixing plant located on Land Parcel No. East Bukusu/North Kandunyi/11492, at Bukananachi, Kibabii–Tuuti Ward, Kandunyi Constituency, Bungoma County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures Vegetation clearance • Limit vegetation removal to actual location where proposed project will take place. • Plant trees and other vegetation in any open areas once project is complete. • Re-vegetate all open areas with grasses to trap surface runoff, increase rainwater percolation and reduce soil moisture loss. Assembling of materials and equipment • Site selected for storage and handling of materials to be one with minimal or no vegetation cover. • Employees involved in offloading to be provided with ear protectors. • Material delivery to be limited to day time to avoid unnecessary disturbance to neighbors at night. Actual construction work • Construction work to be limited to day time to avoid unnecessary disturbance to neighbors at night. • Noisy equipment to be fitted with noise reduction devices where applicable. • Workers to be provided with dust masks, enforcement on the use of dust masks by all affected workers to be effected. • Entire construction site to be secured with dust fine screens, where applicable. • Water to be sprinkled especially on open ground to arrest dust. • All construction waste to be promptly collected as its being generated and disposed at approved disposal site. • Management to explore possibilities of reuse. Occupational safety • All employees to be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment which includes safety boots, helmet, overalls, hand gloves, dust masks, ear protectors; and safety belts. • Contractor to enforce strict and correct use of all personal protective equipment provided by all affected workers, and visitors to the site during construction. 28th May, 2021 THE KENYA GAZETTE Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures • Contractor to provide workers with appropriate serviceable tools and equipment for the correct type of work. • All tools and equipment to be in required working condition. • Workers to have the required technical knowledge on the proper use of the required equipment before being assigned to use it. • All tools and equipment to be regularly serviced and maintained according to schedule. • Employees should be provided with appropriate working gear. • There should be a well-equipped First Aid box at the work station. Solid waste generation during operational phase of the Asphalt Mixing Plant • Waste bins to be provided at strategic points within the Plant area. • All waste bins to have lids on. • Employees at the plant to be sensitized on good waste management practices. • Engage a licensed waste collection company to collect and dispose of waste from the Plant. • Waste collection company to ensure there is no littering and scattering of waste during collection and transportation. • A record of waste tracking documents to be kept. Air pollution • Ensure de-dusting system is always efficient. • Workers to use appropriate PPE. • Strict enforcement on PPE use. • Ventilation at workplace to be sufficient. • The proponent is advised to carry out a baseline air quality monitoring by an accredited laboratory before starting operations, and thereafter quarterly as required in the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Air Quality) Regulations, 2014. • Minimize vapor leaks and loses to reduce the likelihood of air pollution and odors through the asphalt mixing works. • Ensure that housekeeping is of high standard. High noise level at the workplace • Developing and implementing an effective noise control and hearing conservation program. • Carrying out periodic noise measurements. • Fitting noise machines with noise reduction devices. • Providing suitable hearing protection to all workers exposed to noise levels above 85dB(A). • Posting notices and signs in noisy areas. • Carrying out audiometric test by a designated medical practitioner to all workers exposed to noise levels above 85dB(A). • Educating all workers on importance of making correct use of PPE provided to protect them. Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures Storm water and soil contamination • The operator shall prepare a hazardous materials and waste management plan. The plan shall include, but not limited to, measures to prevent: (a) contamination of soils; (b) pollution of water. • Contaminated waste water should be captured and kept in the hazardous waste stream. • The Proponent and contractor engaged in the demolition of the facility shall ensure machinery and vehicles used during demolition are adequately serviced to prevent any oil leakages. In addition, the Proponent shall undertake a further survey to identify any contaminated areas and remediate them accordingly. • Ensure wastewater is treated to acceptable standards before disposal. • Regular maintenance of the waste water management system. Parking • Provide for sufficient internal parking to accommodate parking needs of the plant. Fire safety • Install sufficient fire-fighting equipment, these should include portable fire extinguishers, fire blankets, horse reel, and fire alarm. • Train workers and employees in firefighting and fire response. • Develop and document a fire evacuation procedure, the procedure should be available to workers and other users of the facility. • Provide for fire exits. • Ensure all fire exits are clearly marked and not obstructed. • Carry out periodic fire drills. • Ensure all fire- fighting equipment are survivable. • Provide for bulk storage of water for fire- fighting. • Identify and mark a fire assembly point. Security • Management to hire the services of a registered and licensed security firm. • Use of security surveillance system such as Closed Circuit Television (CCTV). • Keep a record of all security concerns and incidences at the plant. Decommissioning of the plant • Demolition to be limited to day time to avoid disturbance to neighbors at night. • Consult Bungoma Water and Sewage Company on the most appropriate and acceptable way of decommissioning disused wastewater infrastructure. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Bungoma County. A copy of EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke 2386 2386 The National Environment Management Authority invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice to the Director-General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision making process regarding this plan. Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1814091 National Environment Management Authority.