GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 6915

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, Waste Afrika Kenya Limited is proposing to construct a sanitary landfill in a decommissioned/abandoned quarry pit for purposes of sanitary disposal of asbestos and ACM. The quarry pit is approximately 50ft deep, 80ft wide and 200ft in length. The total project area is 1.25acres (0.505Ha), River Ndarugu, water course is approximately 200m away located at Muthaara Area, Juja Sub-county in Kiambu County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Potential Environment/Social Impact Objective to Address Impact Mitigation Measures Construction Phase Air quality • To eradicate incidences of asbestos escaping to atmosphere. • To minimize exhaust pollution and nuisance. • The use of well- maintained construction plant and equipment. Occupational safety and health (OSH) • To ensure safety and health on and around the • All construction activities will be conducted in accordance with Potential Environment/Social Impact Objective to Address Impact Mitigation Measures construction site. applicable Kenyan Construction OSH Standards. • To ensure safety and health on the construction site. • The Contractor will comply with OHS regulations agreed with the proponent. • To prevent injury to the workers and the public. • Securing the site with perimeter fence and warning signs will be put in place in relevant strategic places. • Providing PPEs to all workers. Operational Phase Water quality • To prevent pollution of ground and surface waters water. • Control runoff and leachate infiltration Water erosion and storm water management • Prevent localized erosion. • To ensure that there is no ponding on the disposal site or flowing water. • Proper maintenance of storm drains. • Ensure all storm water from the site is directed towards the established water drains. Air quality • Prevent air pollution. • To minimize air pollution. • To prevent asbestos fibres from being airborne. • Put in place all necessary air pollution control measures especially wetting of asbestos wastes. • Establish air quality monitoring systems and implement operational management plans to ensure that the system is being maintained properly and that the outputs of the monitoring system are providing suitable data on air quality. (b) Appoint a dust monitoring system to monitor and analyse dust and air quality. (c) Air monitoring should be done continuously in areas related to asbestos removal works. Public health • Prevent disease outbreaks. Proper management of asbestos in and around the facility. Land use • Prevent de- vegetation. Plant more vegetation. Conflicts • To Make sure all stakeholders are comfortable with Creating a conflict management plan. 3586 3586 Potential Environment/Social Impact Objective to Address Impact Mitigation Measures project implementation. General conditions • This will help prepare the workers for the asbestos disposal and cleaning process. Notify workers about the upcoming activity. Prepare appropriate PPE complying with international good practice. Post appropriate signpost of the site that will inform the workers of key rules and regulations to follow. Waste management • To ensure a clean and healthy environment. (a) Inform cleaning and disposal workers of their responsibilities in terms of the EMP. (b) Ensure that all waste removal workers comply with the Waste Regulations of 2006. (c) Collect waste paper generated at the work site in scrap paper bins. Notify the waste paper removal worker /contractor when the temporary scrap paper storage area reaches capacity, for removal of the scrap paper to a recycling facility. (d) Place all general /domestic waste in refuse bins. Asbestos management • To prevent asbestos dust from becoming airborne. • To minimize personal exposure to asbestos fibres. (a) Asbestos disposal site shall be marked clearly as hazardous material. (b) The asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure. (c) The asbestos prior to removal should be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust. (d) Asbestos should be handled and disposed by skilled and experienced Potential Environment/Social Impact Objective to Address Impact Mitigation Measures professionals. (e) If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. Security measures will be taken against unauthorized removal from the site. (f) The removed asbestos will not be reused. Traffic and pedestrian safety • To avoid the spread of asbestos dust. • To reduce the potential to contaminate, as asbestos fibres can be spread through various mediums including living persons. • To eliminate risks of exposure to asbestos fibres. (a) Signposting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site should be clearly visible and the workers warned of all potential hazards. (b) Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians be made. (c) Active management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the workers. (d) Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, shops and residences during disposal and cleaning activities, if the facility is in operation during this activity. Management of temporary waste storage sites • To ensure that the wastes are removed effectively and in time. (a) Ensure management of temporary waste storage sites is in line set procedures and legal requirements. (b) Register and monitor waste volumes at the temporary waste storage site (c) Oversee the physical removal of the waste from 11th September, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE Potential Environment/Social Impact Objective to Address Impact Mitigation Measures the temporary waste storage sites Information and training • To provide awareness on the risks of asbestos. Training on the potential health risk caused by exposure to asbestos and how to reduce these risks. Asbestos exposure • To minimize risks of contracting diseases associated with exposure to asbestos fibres, e.g. cancer. The firm shall not permit any person to work in an environment in which he or she would be exposed to asbestos in excess of the prescribed occupational exposure limit. Medical observation • To minimize incidents of occurrence of occupational diseases, notably those caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. Ensure medical surveillance of an occupational medical practitioner after the disposal exercise. Disposal scheduling and hours • To prevent risk of inhaling asbestos fibres, which is possible if one does not clearly see the area of work due to darkness. The disposal and cleaning activities should be limited from 7 a.m. or sunrise (whichever is later) to 5 p.m. or sunset. Underground water contamination • This will reduce possibility of underground water contamination. Proper lining for the and in the asbestos disposal site. Emergence of new environmental concerns • To detect any environmental concerns that could have come up during the operationalization of the project. Undertake an environmental audit after operation commences as required by law. 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, Community, 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, Kiambu 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 plan. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Ag. Director-General, MR/1164790 National Environment Management Authority.