GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10635

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, Global Choice Limited is proposing to install and commission a cement grinding plant that will produce an average of 1900 tonnes per day (TPD). The raw materials for the plant will include clinker, pozzolana and gypsum. Clinker will be imported, warehoused and transported to the site from then the port of Mombasa while pozzolana and gypsum will be sourced from suppliers. Upon delivery at the site, the clinker will be stored at a clinker hall while the pozzolana and gypsum will be stored in a designated yard within the project site. The company will operate a cement mill integrated with a roller press technology; with a production capacity of approximately 700,000 MT per annum. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Loss of biodiversity (flora and fauna)/ vegetation disturbance • Ensure proper demarcation and delination of the project area to be affected by construction works. • Specify locations for vehicles and equipment, and areas of the site which should be kept free of traffic, equipment and storage. • Designate access routes and parking within the site. • Introduction of vegetation (trees and grass) on open spaces and around the project site and their maintenance. • Design and implement an appropriate landscaping program to help in re- vegetation of part of the project are after construction. Dust emission • Avoid excavation works in extremely dry weather. • Mixing should not be done on windy location. • All access roads and work areas to be regularly sprinkled with water. • Sprinkle water on graded access routes when necessary to reduce dust generation by construction vehicles. • Personal protective equipment to be provided to employees (breathing protection gear). • Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Exhaust emission • Vehicle idling time shall be minimized. • Alternatively fueled construction equipment shall be used where feasible equipment shall be properly maintained. • Sensitize truck drivers to switch off engines whenever possible. Noise pollution and vibrations from construction site • Sensitize construction vehicle drivers and machinery operators to switch off engines of vehicles or machinery not being used. • Sensitize construction drivers to avoid reversing of vehicle engines or hooting. • Ensure that construction machinery is kept in good condition to reduce noise generation. • Limiting the construction works to normal working hours (8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.) • Ensure that all generators and heavy duty equipment are insulated or placed in enclosures (containers) to minimize ambient noise levels. • Trees to be planted around the site to provide some buffer against noise propagation. • The noisy construction works will entirely be planned to be during day time when most of the neighbours will be at work. • Adherence to Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Increases and solid waste generation • Use of an integrated solid waste management system i.e. through a hierarchy of options: 1. Reduction at source 2. Recycling 3. Reusing 4 Incineration 5 Sanitary land filling. Especially packing materials like cement bags and other packages. • 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. • Provide facilities for proper handling and storage of construction materials to reduce the amount of waste caused by demage or exposure to the elements. • Use building materials that have minimal or no packaging to avoid the generation of excessive packaging waste. • Reuse packaging materials such as cartons, cement bags, empty metal and plastic containers to reduce waste at site. • Dispose waste more responsibly by contracting a registered waste handler who will dispose the wastes at designated sites or landfills only. • Srict adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Oil and materials spillage • Ensure no spillage occurs. • Ensure use serviceable machinery. • Ensure no littering of the compound. • Ensure safe storage of material. • Ensure accurate budgeting and estimation of actual construction material requirements to ensure that the least amount of material necessary is ordered. • Ensure that damage or loss of materials at the construction site is kept minimal through proper storage. • Use at least five to ten percent recycled refurbished or salvaged materials to reduce the use of raw materials and divert materials from landfills. Road safety • Enforce speed limits for construction vehicles especially along roads leading to the site. • Provide bill boards at the site/entrance to notify motorists about the development. Public health and occupational safety • Train workers on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear and workmen’s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions and manuals. • Adopt sound waste management system to ensure proper solid waste disposal and collection facilities. • Ensure effective wastewater management. • Design of sewarage system should be as provided in the plans. • Engage the services of qualified personnel and/or ensure training. • Ensure wholesome water is available for drinking. • Make health and safety awareness a priority. • Post clear warning signs e.g. “No unauthorized use of machines” ensure there are guards on moving parts etc. • Provide fully equipped Firs Aid Kits and train staff on its use. • Sensitize residents on environmental management. • Comply with the provision of OSHA 2007. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126– 00100, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Machakos County. 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 of the plan. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, PTG/2473/17–18 National Environment Management Authority.