GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 41

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, County Government of Homa Bay, is proposing to refurbish Homa Bay Stadium to a modern sporting facility comprising of; football pitch, running track, VIP pavilion, six typical stands, four conner stands, net ball pitch, volleyball pitch and basketball court, four parking lots, well-managed landscape lawn in the compound located within Homa Bay Town, Homa Bay County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Increased exploitation of raw materials • Source building materials from suppliers who use environmentally friendly processes in their operations. • Ensure accurate budgeting and estimation of actual construction material requirements. • Ensure that damage or loss of materials at the construction site are kept minimal. • Use at least 5%-10% recycled refurbished or salvaged materials. Noise and excessive vibration • Install portable hoods to shield compressors and other small stationary equipment where necessary. • Endeavour to use equipment installed with noise abatement devices as much as practicable. • Reduce idling time on trucks and other noisy equipment. • Encourage drivers to turn off vehicle engines when not in use. • Noise shielding screens should be used and the operation of such machinery restricted to when required. • For mobile equipment, fit efficient silencers and enclose engine compartments in plant vehicles. • For fixed plants, isolate source by enclosure in acoustic structure. • Raise barriers around noisy equipment. • Notify the public of construction activities that may be perceived as noisy and intrusive prior to starting construction. • The use of hearing protection gears by workers when exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A). • Ensure that noise and excessive vibration from construction activities are within permissible levels as per the provision of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009. Airborne emissions • Construction equipment will be maintained in good operating condition to reduce exhaust emissions. • Construction sites, transportation routes, diversions and materials handling sites to be water-sprayed on dry and windy days to lay dust. • Use environmentally friendly fuels such as low sulphur diesel. • The project area will be cordoned off to minimize dust migration to nearby facilities by wind. THE KENYA GAZETTE 3rd January, 2020 22 22 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Minimize exposed areas through the schedule of construction activities to enable dust control. • Ensure no burning of waste on sites/non- designated areas. • Rehabilitation of disturbed areas once completed. • Speed controls by temporary speed bumps on diversions where necessary within the construction site. • Staff working in dust generating activities should be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) the use of PPE shall be enforced. Soil and water pollution • All machinery and equipment should be regularly maintained and serviced to avoid leak oils. • Maintenance and servicing of vehicle, machinery and equipment must be carried out in a designated area. • There should be no flooding within the site at all to prevent seepage of contaminated water into underground water sources. • Label products and store in weatherproof containers on spill containment pallets and under a weatherproof tarp. • Implementation of erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fences. • Cover open stockpiles of construction materials with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms. Increased solid waste • Adopt the method of selective demolition (for existing buildings) to the extent possible. • Waste (such as metal scrap or wood waste) that can be reused/ recycled may be donated to local people. • Segregate waste onsite. • Ensure that waste is disposed of according to EMCA (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006 and the Homabay County Government by-laws. • Contracted waste handlers should be licensed to transport and dispose waste at approved dumpsites only. • During transportation of waste, it should be covered to avert dispersion along the way. • Hazardous waste will not be mixed with other solid waste generated and should be managed by way of incineration or land filling. Water resource management • Develop and implement a site construction waste and wastewater management plan. • Provide appropriate sanitary facilities at construction camp and sites, worker compounds and other construction facilities. • Implement soil erosion control measures. • Install and regularly empty sediment traps in surface drains around construction areas. • Minimize soil disturbance and excavation during wet season. • Obtain appropriate consents for any abstractions from, and discharges to watercourses during the construction period. Soil erosion • Landscaping to create contours towards the drainage systems. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Control the earthworks. • Develop and implement a reinstatement plan. • Ensure that clearance of vegetation is limited to the plinth of proposed structures and trench line to prevent soil erosion that would ensue after loss of vegetation. • Ensure that construction vehicles use predetermined tracks at the site to reduce ground compaction. • Oils, fuels, paints and any hazardous materials to be stored in accordance with their respective MSDS’s, and in such a manner to avoid spillages or leakages. • Stabilize and maintain access roads created to access project sites. • Stabilize construction sites and camp(s) entrances/exits. Ecology and biodiversity • Avoid unnecessary removal/destruction of vegetation in site clearance. • Development and implementation of a Reinstatement Plan. • Re-vegetation of disturbed grounds with indigenous species. • Locate construction traffic routes, spoil piles etc. away from existing vegetation. • Provide for rescue of rare or distressed animals. • Begin reservoir inundation after the dry season once hibernating animals have emerged. • Implement “nuisance” plant monitoring programme for the construction site. Increased safety and health risks • Strict instructions shall be given for drivers of heavy equipment. • Develop evacuation procedures to handle emergency situations. • Truck drivers should maintain a speed limit of not more than 20Km/hr. • Speed controls by temporary speed bumps where necessary shall be undertaken within the construction site. • Clear marking of work site hazards and training in recognition of hazard symbols. • Training of all personnel in fire prevention and protection. • Regular inspection, testing and maintenance of equipment and machinery. • Provide full first aid kits at the construction yard. • Containment of hazardous materials. • Provide adequate protective gear to construction workers. Community Health, HIV/AIDs safety and security • Inform local communities of major activities in advance. • Ensure all dangerous construction sites are fenced off. • Enforce and monitor road safety standards. • Follow best practice to prevent the creation of breeding areas for vermin. • Provide awareness training to the workforce regarding the transmission of STDs, and traffic safety awareness. 3rd January, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • The contractor to keep carrying HIV/AIDS campaign for awareness creation and prevention of spread of diseases. • Warning literature and notices prepared and posted at strategic points within campsite. Traffic snarl up • Ensure all construction vehicles to and from the construction site use the designated entry/exit to the project site. • “NO PARKING” signs will be posted around the building where Parking is prohibited. • Signage and barricades should be used as part of the typical construction traffic controls. • Adherence to Homa Bay County Government Traffic By-Laws and Kenya Traffic Laws. Gender inequality • Equal employment opportunities will be provided for both men and women. • Involve women groups in activities that they are good at such as landscaping. • Expose and involve women in road construction and maintenance activities in an effort to transfer required skills to them. • Enhance gender sensitivity and reduce gender discrimination in construction activities. Security • Provide security guards and facilities during the entire project cycle. • Strategic installation of lighting as well as security alarms and backup systems. • The site shall be fenced. The full report for the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, 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, Homa Bay 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 for this project. MAMO B. MAMO, Ag. Director-General, MR/0440846 National Environment Management Authority.