GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8750

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, Kirnbhai Harimanbhai Patel has proposed to establish a lead battery recycling facility that will promote environmental conservation on plot L.R. No. Kisumu/Kombura/2184, Kombura, Nyando Sub-County in Kisumu County The following are anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures Air pollution • There are plans to have an enclosed system fitted with air filters to reduce the chances of having lead out through the chimney. • Provision of an adequate ventilation system. • The system engineer will strictly follow the maintenance schedule of the system to avoid leakages due to wear and tear. 22nd July, 2022 THE KENYA GAZETTE Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures • The proponent shall undertake air quality survey yearly by an approved person to ensure the levels are within the permissible levels. • The proponent shall adhere to the provisions of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Air Quality) Regulations, 2014. Water pollution • Damaged batteries will not be accepted for Servicing at the point of receiving. • All staff to undergo sensitization and training on safe practices within the plant. • The activities within the plant are automated in a closed system which will be maintained as per the manufacturer’s manual to reduce the risk of spillages. • Process water and sludge will be collected independently and treated to acceptable limits by a NEMA licensed entity for hazardous waste before disposal as appropriate. • Provision of proper storage of batteries to prevent breakages. • All the acid from the batteries will be collected and neutralized before disposal through a licensed hazardous waste handler. Soil pollution and land pollution • All batteries will be inspected for physical damage prior to being accepted for refurbishment at the point of collection. • All floors shall be resin impermeable flooring to prevent liquids from penetrating into the soil. • The facility shall develop and implement a waste management plan. • There shall be a provision of color-coded waste bins to ensure waste segregation at source. • Process liquid waste by design shall be isolated from the black and grey water streams and treated in the proposed waste treatment plant to acceptable limits and disposal through a licensed handler. • The grey water from the recycling process will be disposed through the 4 elaborate wastewater management systems planned two of which were almost complete during the visit. • Solid waste management at the facility shall be strictly guided by the provisions of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006. Solid waste from the process and general waste shall be collected by hazardous and general waste handlers respectively. Occupational safety and health • Undertake frequent risk assessment upon commencement of the operations based on which safe operating procedures shall be developed. • Train the workers on the hazards associated risks and applicable precautions. • Provide appropriate PPE (gloves, face shield, overalls safety boots) to workers which should be used at all times. Potential Impacts Mitigation Measures • Maintain and make available to users an updated inventory of material safety data sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used at the workplace for reference. • The facility shall undergo regular statutory assessments and audits by approved persons in tandem with OSHA, 2007. • Hazard communication through signage. Fire risks • Adequate ventilation to prevent the build-up of explosive gases from charging. • Provision of fire detection and alarm system. • Provision of well-maintained and adequate fire-fighting appliances. • Training of workers on fire safety and emergency preparedness. • Ensure Compliance with the Fire Risk Reduction Rules, 2007. Waste management • Contractor to undertake safe waste disposal, verify legality of waste disposal destination. • Ensure good housekeeping to ensure reduction of litter. • Colour coded waste handling bin should be provided within the premises and arrangement made for frequent emptying. Emissions to land • All batteries will be inspected for physical damage prior to being accepted for refurbishment. • All workstation floor shall be on resin impermeable flooring to prevent liquids penetrating into the soil. • The process wastewater will be directed into the plants designated wastewater treatment plants under management of a NEMA licensed company for hazardous waste. 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, Kisumu 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/3882695 National Environment Management Authority.