GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5827

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, Jumbo Steel Mills Limited, is proposing to construct a steel rolling mill factory on plot L.R. No. Buni/Kisimani/1181, along Mazeras—Kaloleni Road in Mwele, Rabai Sub-County, Kilifi County, measuring a total of 4.46 Ha. The proposed factory will be mainly used for smelting scrap metals important for use in the production of billets, bars/structural steel, storage and operation of the facility. The proposed development is designed into three chambers housed in one building (Billet storage area, structural rolling mill and rebar TMT rolling mill storage /areas); the staff residence; an office block, security guard office, washrooms and changing rooms; four go-downs; workers' washrooms, ablution block, canteen, security tower, and residence; Both the designs and plans of the proposed development project has put into consideration various environmental aspects that will ensure that the proposed development coexist freely with the surrounding natural environment.- The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Proposed Mitigation Measures Clearing should be limited to the areas required for construction. Landscaping of disturbed areas should be undertaken after construction. Natural drainage to be maintained or improved. Stripped topsoil should be used for landscaping. Areas dedicated for hazardous material storage shall provide spill containment and facilitate clean up through measures such as dedicated spill response equipment. Storage sites for petroleum products to be secured and signs to be posted which include hazard warnings, who to contact in case of a release (spill), access restrictions and under whose authority the access is restricted will be posted. • In case of soil pollution, subsurface investigations should be conducted which should involve the collection of subsurface soil and groundwater samples for laboratory analysis. Impacts Vegetation clearance Soil degradation 16th June, 2011 •Adherence to Noise And Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Gender inequality • Equal employment opportunities for both men and women. •Expose and involve women in construction activities where possible in an effort to transfer required skills to them. •Involve women groups in activities that they are good at such as landscaping •Enhance gender sensitivity and reduce gender discrimination in construction activities. Occupational health and • Conduct Regular drills shall be safety undertaken to test the response of the involved stakeholders. •Use signage to warn staff and/ or visitors that are not involved in construction activities. •Restrict non-essential staff from the construction sites. •Develop evacuation procedures to handle emergency situations. •Truck drivers should maintain a speed limit of not more than 20Km/hr. •Compliance to all international, national and local health and safety standards that may exist. •Clear marking of work site hazards and training in recognition of hazard symbols. •Training of all personnel in fire prevention and protection. •Provision of first aid boxes and a trained first aider available during all working hours. •Regular inspection, testing and maintenance of equipment and machinery. •Use of water sprays to arrest dust. •Containment of hazardous materials. •Provide adequate protective gear to construction workers. •Comply with the provisions of OSHA 2007. 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)Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126— 00100, Nairobi. (c)County Director of Environment, Kilifi 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 of this project. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/3403058 National Environment Management Authority. Generation of solid waste • Construction waste should be recycled or reused to ensure that materials that would otherwise be disposed of as waste are diverted for productive uses: excavated soil and debris should be properly disposed of by backfilling and landscaping. •Contracted waste handlers should be licensed by NEMA 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 should not be mixed with other solid waste generated and should be managed by way of incineration or land-filling through a licensed hazardous waste handler. •Strict adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Alteration of natural • Monitor the natural flow system during drainage system heavy rains; special attention should be given to the outflow of the natural drains collecting flood/rainwater- from the areas under construction. •Improve on the existing natural drainage systems to avoid flooding. Air pollution • Conduct an air quality audit to collect baseline data that can be measured against. •Construction site and transportation routes to be water-sprayed on dry and windy days, especially if near sensitive receptors. •Haulage trucks must be covered. •PartiCulate emissions will be controlled by the off-site disposal of construction debris. •Vehicles and construction machinery should be properly maintained. •All diesel fuel in use should be ultra-low Sulphur diesel. •Staff working in dust generating activities e.g. site preparation, excavation, concrete mixing should be provided with dust masks. •Strict Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2006. Noise pollution • Conduct a noise survey audit to provide baseline data to monitor against. •Establish means for the public to contact the engineer-in-charge (i.e., provide telephone number, email, etc.) and methods to handle complaints. •The use of hearing protection gear by workers when exposed to noise levels above 85 dB (A). •It is recommended that the contractor ensures that noise & 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. •Construction work should strictly be undertaken between 8:00am — 5pm or as per EIA license conditions. •Use of well-maintained machineries with minimal noise emissions.