GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1128

PURSUANT to section 59 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, Muwariziki Sugar Millers Limited proposes to establish a sugar milling factory with a crushing capacity of 1250No.Tonnes of Cane Crushed per Day (TCD) expandable to 1500No. Tonnes of Cane Crushed per Day (TCD). Other operations shall include; production of sugar cane in its nucleus estate, construction of structures and amenities, processing of white/mill brown sugar from harvested sugar cane, generating 3MW captive power for factory use and ethanol distillery on Plot L.R. No. Gem/Genga/1301 in Sango/Rabango Sub-location, Genga Location, West Gem Ward, Rangwe Sub-county, Homabay County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Occupational health and safety risks • Provision of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment. • Safety education and training for workers. • Barricading the construction area appropriately and posting public warnings. • Provision of appropriate onsite sanitary convenience for workers. • Establishing emergency procedures against hazards and • Ensuring the workers stay aware/educated on following them and commensurate to the magnitude and type of emergency, by conducting regular drills and involving the neighboring people. • Display signage warning of potential hazards at various sections of the plant Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Air pollution • Watering all active construction areas as and when necessary to lay dust. • Avoid excavation works in extremely dry weathers. • A speed limit of 10km/hr. shall apply to all construction vehicles to limit dust. • Avoid overloading the bagasse for efficient burning. • Planting appropriate trees, shrubs and flowers to compensate for emissions. • Use acceptable emission control technologies. ESPs proposed for stack pollution control. • Conduct routine air quality sampling for analysis to comply with the set standards. Noise pollution • Restriction of the work hours during the construction phase from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. during weekdays. • All machinery used during construction shall be maintained in a sound mechanical condition with regular servicing. • Limit pick-up trucks and other small equipment to a minimum idling time and observe a common-sense approach to machine use and encourage workers to shut them off whenever possible. • Procure and provide adequate earplugs to workers at peak noise producing areas. • Regularly service machinery and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition. • Sensitize truck drivers to avoid unnecessary hooting and running of vehicle engines. • Comply with the Noise Regulations, 2009. Solid waste generation • Designate a waste disposal site for spoil soil and other construction waste. • Segregate waste and recover reusable materials for reuse, recycle. • 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. • Construction waste will be recycled or reused to ensure that materials that would otherwise be disposed of as waste are diverted for productive uses. • Provide facilities for proper handling and storage of construction materials to reduce the amount of waste caused by damage or exposure to the elements. • Consider the use of recycled or refurbished construction materials where feasible. • Use of bagasse as fuel in boilers for steam and power production; making mechanical paper, drying of sediments for use as fertilizers. 31st January, 2025 THE KENYA GAZETTE Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Increased water demand • Immediately drill a borehole to supplement water sourced from River Rangwe. • Quick fixing of licking pipes and toilet cistern. • Reduce water delivery in taps, through the installation of low flow devices or aerators on taps. Increased traffic flow and road safety concerns • Construction vehicles to enter and leave the site through designated paths only. • Posting traffic warning signs on both approaches to the construction site to warn other road users of traffic risks. • Strict adherence to speed limits near the construction area of 10 km/hr. • Clearly marking parking spaces, installation and maintenance of traffic guide signage. Waste water generation • Monitor the quality of wastewater discharged from the facility. • Vinasse shall be concentrated and utilized in boiler as fuel. • Spent lees shall be treated in CPU and recycled for molasses dilution. • Vinasse evaporator condensate shall be treated in CPU and recycled for molasses dilution. • Cooling tower blow down shall be treated in CPU and recycled for cooling tower make up and pump sealing. • WTP rejects and boiler blow down shall be treated in CPU and recycled for cooling tower make up and washings. Oil spills/discharge of waste oil • Conduct regular inspections of tanks, pipelines, valves, and connections to identify any signs of wear, corrosion, or leaks. • Implement a preventive maintenance schedule for all equipment handling molasses to avoid equipment failure that could lead to spills. • Build dyke wall around the molasses tank to contain molasses in case of accidental spillages. • Train employees on the proper handling of molasses, focusing on safety procedures, emergency response, and spill prevention techniques. • Establish clear safety protocols for transferring molasses between tanks, vehicles, and other equipment. • Conduct regular spill response drills to ensure that employees are well-prepared to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a spill. • Use automated control systems that can regulate the flow of molasses, ensuring that overflows are prevented. Fire hazards and emergencies • Develop and implement a fire and emergency evacuation plan. • Procure and provide adequate firefighting equipment and place them strategically within the plant. Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures • Ensure firefighting equipment are serviced by accredited fire service providers. • Train employees on the use of fire- fighting equipment. • Designate a fire assembly point and clearly display emergency exits. • Display fire safety and warning signage at appropriate sections of the plant. • Ensure proper handling and storage of flammable materials. • Plant operations should be undertaken by authorized personnel only. • Regular inspection and maintenance of electrical appliances. • Conduct annual fire safety audit and fire drills. • Comply with OSHA, 2007. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change 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, Homa Bay 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/6470592 National Environment and Management Authority.