GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1170

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, Tembo Farming Limited, is proposing to establish sugarcane plantation on a 3300 ha (8,155 acres) of land at Matolani/Lali site in Kilifi County. The project will involve setting up a nucleus sugarcane plantation to produce good varieties of sugarcane and will produce 375,000 MT of sugarcane per annum. The water to irrigate the cane will be abstracted from the adjoining Sabaki River The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Environmental changes • The farm management should be imparted with necessary skills to monitor environmental and biological changes and the health and safety impacts to both the environment and the people of Matolani. • The project proponents shall monitor the project after its completion. • Conducting an environmental audit of the project upon its completion. Damage to landscape • Ensure that intake area is landscaped and that a 50m buffer zone along the river is maintained by planting of water friendly trees and grass along the river embankment and on both sides of the intake structure , construction of river embankment structures, as well as re use of soil from trenching activities as a backfill. Water logging • Adopt on the correct water application to ensure efficient irrigation technologies. Use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers • The farm management will review the material safety data sheet for pesticides and herbicides used in the farm. • Train workers on use and storage requirements of chemicals and personal protective equipments. • Consider and adopt Integrated Pest Management IPM. Build- up of toxins in the soil • Proper use of chemical and fertilizers at recommended rates. • Use of biodegradable farm herbicides, insecticides and fertilizers in the farm. • Explore organic farming options. Increased waste generation • Recycle and reuse waste including water. • Exercising appropriate waste handling and good housekeeping practices and procedures. • Strict Adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Damage to features and materials of archeological importance • Secure any finds and sites of archeological value and contact the National Museums of Kenya immediately. Disruption of water course • Stabilization of water courses and river banks after all constructions are complete. • Reuse of trenched soils as a backfill when laying the pipelines. • Abstract water as per the water permit. Dust, emissions and other odors and noise • Use hand tools to do excavation and limit use of heavy machinery. • Provide, enforce and use of personal protective equipment. • Adherence to Noise and Excessive Vibrations Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. • Regularly maintain and wet the farm roads. • Maintenance of all farm machinery and tractors as per the servicing schedule. • Sprinkling water when dusty conditions set in. • Strict Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Drying of river during low flow • Control irrigation during extreme droughts. • Consult and join Sabaki River Water resource Users Association, in line with Water Act, 2002. Rising of river bed upstream of the weir • Carrying out periodic scouring of sediments deposited. • Have a river embankment upstream of the intake weir. Rising of water table level adjacent to the weir • Plant trees and grass to protect soil erosion loss. 9th February, 2018 THE KENYA GAZETTE Loss of soil fertility • Practice good agricultural techniques. • Practice seed intercropping. • Sensitization of community on erosion prevention measures and good agricultural practices. • Carry out mulching. Encroachment in the river line area • Maintain the required riparian reserve along the river. • Enforce Agricultural Act on the same. • Sensitize community on importance of river line. • Plant grass in the river line for stabilization. Increase in waterborne diseases • Wash and cook vegetables. • Avoid eating raw foods. • Train workers on proper practices and sanitation practices. • Treat water before using it for potable uses. 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/4103557 National Environment Management Authority.