GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8786

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, Bahari Wind Limited, Proposes to construct a total number of 333 housing units and associated facilities intended for resettlement exercise for the project affected persons(those whose land were acquired) for the Bahari wind farm project on plot L.R. No. LMU/1281/01/16 in Bahari Ward, Mpeketoni Sub-county, Lamu County The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures Dust pollution (generated during excavation, vehicle movement and uncovered trucks delivering sand and site • Workers to be provided with adequate personal protective equipment like dust masks and goggles. • Trucks transporting materials should be covered to prevent dust pollution. Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures clearance) • Sprinkle dusty areas with water in order to keep dust level low. • Install dust trappers around the site. • All personnel working on the project will be trained prior to starting construction on methods of minimizing air pollution during construction. • Control speed and operation of construction vehicles. Air emissions (Generated from vehicles and fuel machines on site) • Decreasing the number of trips carried out by the vehicles by delivering materials in bulk to minimize air pollution. • Vehicles used during construction phase should be kept in good working condition to prevent them from emitting excessive emissions. Noise Pollution (Caused by movement of vehicles, construction equipment and loading and offloading of materials) • Construction works and material delivery to be done only during the day (8am-5pm). • Machinery that makes excessive noise should fixed with silencers. • Locating noisy activities away from sensitive neighbors like school, restaurant, working offices etc. • workers to be provided with adequate personal protective equipment like ear muffs. • construction machines should be well maintained and regularly serviced. • Machinery, vehicles and instruments that emit high levels of noise will be used on a phased basis to reduce the overall impact. These equipment’s such as drills, excavators and cement mixers will be used when the least number of residents are expected to be affected, for example during periods where most residents are at work or school. Traffic management • Proper signage put in place to notify neighbor of activity and presence of heavy vehicles and to direct traffic. • Assign traffic marshals to ensure strict adherence to traffic rules. • Erect speed control measures at sensitive spots such as speed bumps. Soil erosion, soil compaction and clearing of vegetation • Minimize clearing of unnecessary areas at the construction site and protect such areas during construction by temporary fencing off. • Controlled access for heavy machinery and designate storage areas. • Revegetation and landscaping upon completion. • Provide drainage channels to natural drains and rivers/streams to minimize erosion. • Control earthworks to prevent compaction of loose soils that may hinder water and air penetration. • There should be designated path ways and drive ways for movement within the compound to avoid unnecessary compaction. 4212 4212 Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures High energy demand (Construction activities will use machines that require fossil fuel inputs such as diesel and petrol and generators whose application will increase the demand for energy) • Create awareness among workers on the importance of conservation of energy resources. • Employ technologies that demand less energy consumption. • The project proponent and contractor shall ensure responsible electricity use at the construction site through sensitization of staff to conserve electricity by switching off electrical equipment or appliances when they are not being used. • Proper planning of transportation of materials to ensure that fossil fuels (diesel, petrol) are not consumed in excessive amounts. Complementary to these measures, the proponent shall monitor energy use during construction and set targets for reduction of energy use • Switch off engines when not in use. • Use well serviced construction machinery that are fuel efficient. • Maximize the use of natural lighting by limiting construction works to daytime. Solid waste (Solid waste in the form of soil, stones, timber, metal, glass, plastics and other debris) • Reuse or recycle construction materials where possible to reduce amount of waste e.g., building stones, timber etc. • waste generated be collected by a NEMA approved solid waste handler. • Use of durable, long-lasting materials that will not need to be replaced as often, thereby reducing the amount of construction waste generated over time. • The site should have waste receptacle with bulk storage facility at convenient points to prevent littering. Large amount of water consumption (Mixing and casting concrete, dust area sprinkling, human use e.g., drinking and sanitary use) • Ensure water conservation in all activities. • Water be recycled without compromising on quality and health. • Ensure good use of water resources during construction by installing taps on all outlets. • Put in place sound water storage reservoirs that are leak proof. • Instill water use discipline among employees. • Sea water can be used for activities that do not require fresh water and are not likely to cause pollution. Occupation Health and safety • Designate adequate first aiders to respond accident and incidence. • Provision of adequate PPE (safety shoes, gloves, helmets). • Give employees correct tools and equipment for the assigned job. • A well-stocked first aid kits to be maintained by qualified personnel. • The site shall be fenced off and provided with security at the access gates to reduce potential accidents and injuries to the public. Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures • Buildings under construction should be covered with dust and debris arrestors during construction. • Moving parts of machines should be guarded to protect workers from injury. • The contractor shall conform to all the stipulations of the Occupational Health Safety Act, 2007. The Act requires the designation of a Health and Safety representative when more than 20 employees are deployed. Fire Prevention • Provide necessary fire prevention equipment on site in line with applicable regulations. Labour Rights • Ensure that workers have access to and are aware about the Grievance Mechanism. • Ensure legal labour standards as per the Kenyan constitution and the ILO regulations (child/forced labour, no discrimination, working hours, recommended wages) are met. • Provide housing conditions in accordance with all applicable health and safety regulations and norms by ensuring the provision of adequate space, supply of water, adequate sewage and garbage disposal system, appropriate protection against heat, cold, damp, noise, fire and disease-carrying animals, adequate sanitary and washing facilities, ventilation, cooking and storage facilities and natural and artificial lighting, and in some cases basic medical services. • Ensure the workforce has access to primary healthcare on site, providing prescriptions. Environmental contamination/ spills • Collect and segregate wastes and ensure safe storage and in line with legal requirements. • Ensure disposal through waste contractors licensed for treatment/removal/recycling of each of the waste types. • Ensure appropriate and safe storage of contaminants such as fuels, construction materials and wastes. Provide absorbent and intervention materials in sufficient quantities and at relevant locations for intervention in case of leakages/spills. • Implement appropriate secondary containment and spill controls for maintenance or refueling works. • Ensure appropriate containment and disposal of construction wastewater, including sanitary water. • Ensure immediate cleaning of any spills and remediation of contaminated areas after construction. Site Clearance- Vegetation removal and habitat disturbance • Limit vegetation clearing to areas within the site boundary where it is absolutely necessary. • Avoid clearing mature trees. • Avoid off-road vehicle traffic. Use existing roads. • Ensure revegetation of cleared areas where possible after construction using native species. 27th August, 2021 THE KENYA GAZETTE Possible Impacts Mitigation Measures Security measures • Fence the site to restrict movement and have security guards on the site. Disruption of Public Utilities • Installation of solar heaters and panels for energy use. • Pursue options for drilling a borehole to supplement water supply. Social Issues – employment, and crime • Ensure equally distributed employment opportunities for the residents. • Sensitize the construction workers, locals, and security personnel to be on the lookout on suspicious activities. HIV/AIDS, STDs • Initiate a sensitization and awareness campaign on HIV/AIDS and STDs to workers. • Reduce risk of transfer through provision of male and female condoms for all workers. Covid -19 Prevention and Mitigation • The Workplace should develop and implement action plans to prevent and mitigate COVID-19. • Carry out workplace risk assessments addressing Covid-19. • Observe preventive measures at the workplace including thermal screening of workers, provision and sensitization of the need to wear facemasks, regular hand washing with soap or sanitizing and social distancing as per Ministry of Health and WHO Protocols. 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, Lamu County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke 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 project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1801777 National Environment Management Authority.