GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 44

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, Agriflora Kenya Limited, proposes to construct a water reservoir involving construction of auxiliary works, excavation works, embankment formation, spillway channel, spillway sill, ripraps and composition to at least 95% dry density of impermeable soil of the embankment of water for storage lagoons on plot L.R. No. 4606/3, Njoro District in Nakuru County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: THE KENYA GAZETTE 3rd January, 2020 26 26 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Health and safety of workers • Workers should be provided with full personal protective equipment (PPE). • The site should be signed and controlled by trained flagmen/flag women and lit by night. • Well stocked first aid boxes should be availed. • The area should be fenced off to keep away unwanted persons. • Install safety signage along the work areas. Generation of waste • The soil generated will be used to level the area of land around the dam as well as landscaping some areas in the farm. • Waste bins need to be provided for collection of wastes such as cement packaging bags. • Construction waste should be recycled or reused as much as possible. • Use of durable, long-lasting materials that will not need to be replaced often. • Measures to ensure that waste materials from the project are disposed at suitable sites will be taken. • Provide portable sanitary conveniences for the construction workers for control of sewage waste. Noise pollution • Workers should be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment especially if the levels exceed 85dB for a continuous eight hours exposure. • Install portable barriers to shield compressors and other small stationary equipment where necessary. • Instruct the drivers to avoid unnecessary gunning of vehicle engines or hooting. • Ensure that machines are switched off when not in use. Generation of exhaust emissions • Proper and prompt maintenance of construction plants and equipment. • Ensure that machines are switched off when not in use. Dust emissions • Workers need to be in their respective PPEs during working hours. • Use predetermined tracks where feasible and rehabilitate disturbed areas. • Provide scour checks on over-15% slopes or when working in loose soils. • Sprinkle water on graded access routes when necessary. • Avoid excavation works during extremely dry weather if possible. Traffic impacts • Ensure strict enforcement of on and off -site speed limits. • Provide parking areas for the trucks. • Provide entry and exit points into the site. • Erect proper warning signs at a safe distance on the access roads. • Ensure only serviceable trucks are used during transportation. • Transport most of the materials during off peak hours when the traffic is low. Increase in HIV/AIDS Prevalence and • Education and sensitization of workers on HIV/AIDS and STIs including provision of condoms to the project team. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures other STIs • The contractor has to institute HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign amongst workers for the duration of the contract. • The contractor should ensure that the project workers are sensitized on the local culture. Oil spills and leaks • Machines that utilize oil and petroleum products should be adequately serviced to ensure they do not leak. • In case of any leak the affected soil should be collected and burned to get rid of the waste. Disposal of spoil • Maximizing the re-use of excavated materials in the works as far as feasible. • Properly disposing off the spoil in an area identified by the design team and approved by the confirmed land owners as well as by NEMA. • Care should be taken to avoid spoil location in land that could otherwise be used for productive purposes. Storm water • Drainage channels should be dug on the area lying on the upper side of the dam to ensure storm water does not enter the excavated area in case of rain. Emergency/ hazard response/ preparedness plan • There must be a well-designed and documented emergency preparedness plans including fire emergency procedures. • Signage around the farm warning the staff of possible danger and educate them on how to respond to emergencies. 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, Nakuru 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/0440676 National Environment Management Authority.