GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8425

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Asma Ahmed Adan, proposes to construct a 30 storey commercial office development with 10 No. ancillary residential units, parking spaces and other associated facilities and amenities on Plot L.R No. 209/7148/3 (Nairobi/Block 31/206) along UpperHill road in Upperhill, Nairobi City County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Soil erosion • Control the earthworks and contain excavated soils on site. • Ensure compacted areas are ripped to reduce run off. • Apply soil erosion control measures such as leveling the site to reduce runoff velocity and increase storm water into the soil. • Planting grass. • Site excavation works be planed such that a section is completed and rehabilitated before another one begins. Air pollution (dust, exhaust emissions and particulate matter) • Maintain construction machinery in working order at all times. • Avoid excavation works in extremely dry weather. • Sprinkle water on graded access routes when necessary to reduce dust generation by construction vehicles. • Vehicle idling time shall be minimized. • Delivery vehicles with dry materials be covered. • Sensitize construction workers on aerial emissions. Impacts Mitigation Measures Noise pollution • Sensitize construction drivers to avoid gunning of vehicle engines or hooting especially when passing through sensitive areas such as churches, residential areas and hospitals. • Regular maintenance of machinery/ equipment. • Undertake construction only during the daytime (8am-5 pm). • Sensitize machine operators and vehicle drivers to switch them off when not being used. • Workers to wear ear plugs/muffs as part of the personal protective gear. • Ensure that all generators and heavy- duty equipment are insulated or placed in enclosures to minimize ambient noise levels. Water pollution (oil spills, silt, leachate from solid wastes, suspended matter, infiltration into water supply pipes, sewage discharge, etc.) • Proper storage, handling and disposal of oil and oil wastes from machinery. • Discourage servicing of machinery and vehicles on site, • A designed garage section of the site fitted with oil trapping equipment to be planed for changes, • Provide safe means of handling sewage from construction workers. Increased solid waste generation solid waste generation • Use of an integrated solid waste management system. • Construction concrete debris be disposed of safely preferably re-used on road graveling or filling excavated land. • 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. • Other inert materials (wood, steel bars, nails, papers, glass, etc. be recycled off site or dumped in designated dumping sites. • Use building materials that have minimal or no packaging to avoid the generation of excessive packaging waste. • Through accurate estimation of the sizes and quantities of materials required, order materials in the right sizes and quantities they will be needed. • Provision of waste holding units as temporary storage bins. • Dispose waste more responsibly by dumping at designated dumping sites or landfills only. Increased water demand • Sensitize construction workers to conserve water by avoiding unnecessary water use. • Install water conserving taps and a discharge meter at water outlets to determine and monitor total water usage. • Promptly detect and repair water pipes 2824 2824 Impacts Mitigation Measures and tank leaks. Occupational health and safety • Provide appropriate sanitation facilities for the construction workers. • Provide and enforce application of personal protective equipment. • Provide a well-equipped First Aid Kit on site for the workers and have a person trained to handle emergencies. • Provide safety signage within and around the site. • Provide safe scaffoldings railings at heights. • Sensitization campaign on STDs and AIDS in the workers. • Train workers on use of unfamiliar machines and simple maintenance. Increased energy consumption • Ensure electrical equipment, appliances and lights are switched off when not being used. • Install energy saving fluorescent tubes or bulbs at all lighting points. • Extend safety awareness to all occupants of the building as well as willing members of the neighbouring community. • Comply with all requirements on buildings as outlined under the Public Health Acts as well as the Local Government Acts (see section 4 of this report). • Install visible and readable signage on safety throughout the building for enhanced safety awareness. Increased energy consumption • Ensure electrical equipment, appliances and lights are switched off when not being used. • Install energy saving fluorescent tubes or bulbs at all lighting points. Storm water run off • The proponent should install a roof catchment system to trap rain water reducing run off from the development. • Landscaping should be done and include use of grass to improve water infiltration Air pollution (dust, exhaust emissions and particulate matter) • Pavements should be cleaned daily to reduce dust emissions. Noise pollution • Ensure the generator(if present) is placed in an enclosure to reduce ambient noise levels during power outages. Soil erosion • Planting grass in open areas Paving the area. 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) County Director of Environment, Nairobi City 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 this publication to the Director- General, NEMA, to assist the Authority in the decision making process regarding this project. Kindly quote Ref. No. NEMA/ENVIS/SR/00447. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/7804288 National Environment Management Authority.