GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 36

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, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, through the County Government of Trans Nzoia is proposing to establish a border town at Suam border crossing to Uganda. The proposed border town at Suam will see the conversion of 50 Ha out of the existing 2,350Ha of Suam Forest into a border town complete with both National and County Government functions. Plots will be allocated to interested parties for use in accordance with the County Government of Trans Nzoia urban planning guidelines. There will be the associated infrastructure such as roads, waste management, electricity, National Government offices, and many other land alterations that are associated with urban development. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Biodiversity loss • Enhanced surveillance against poachers. •Continuous sensitization of workers against overexploitation of species. •Enforcement of trespass Act. The Proponent, Ever Forgarden Company Limited, is proposing to construct four (4) blocks (A, B, C, and D) of a fourteen (14) storied residential apartments with all attendant facilities such as parking and driveways on Plot L.R. No. 1/305(1/880/1) along Kayahwe Road, Yaya Centre, Nairobi City County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Architectural • Harmonize building scale with existing incompatibility development in neighbourhood. •Harmonize detail, material and finishes for roofs and walls with existing development in the neighbourhood. Disruption of existing • Development restricted to follow zoning natural environment policy/approved density — building line, plot and modification of coverage and plot ratio. micro-climate • Careful layout and orientation of buildings to respect wind and sun direction. •Adequate provision of green and open space planted with grass, shrub and tree cover. •Minimum use of reflective building material and finishes for roof, wall and pavement. Collapse of building • Ensuring building strength and stability during construction • Use of appropriate construction materials and reinforcements as per specifications. •Ensuring building components are as per designs. •Proper supervision. •Ensure proper timelines are followed e.g. curing time. Soil excavation • Excavate only areas to be affected by leading to site buildings. disturbance • Dumping of excess excavated materials to sites designated by NEMA and County Authority. •Restoration of sites excavated. Soil erosion • Create and Maintain soil traps and embankments. •Landscaping after completion of construction. Noise pollution and • Ensure use of serviced and greased vibration equipment. •Switch off engines not in use. •Construction work to be confined to between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. •Ensure use of earmuffs by machine operators. •Adherence to Noise And Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Air quality • Water sprinkling of driveways or the use of biodegradable hydrant e.g. Terrasorb polymer will reduce dust emission during construction. •Ensure servicing of vehicles regularly. •Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Solid Waste • Ensure waste materials are disposed of on generation county Authorities and NEMA approved sites. •Ensure re-use of materials that can be re- used. •Use of the 3rs — Reduce, Re-use, Re-cycle •Adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Energy consumption • Use electricity sparingly since high consumption of electricity negatively impacts on these natural resources and their sustainability. •Use of stand by Generators. Liquid waste • Regular inspection and maintenance of the generation and waste disposal systems during the operation management phase. •Connection to sewer system. Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Deforestation • Enhanced surveillance against poachers. •Continuous sensitization of workers against overexploitation of species. • Enforcement of trespass Act. Poaching of wildlife • Enhanced surveillance against poachers • Continuous sensitization of workers against overexploitation of species •Enforcement of trespass Act. Hydrology • Ensure that no complete elimination is done •Bare ground to be grassed. •Soil and water conservation structures. Increased human — • CFAs should liaise with KWS and establish a wildlife conflicts reliable Problem Animal Control Unit to manage human wildlife conflicts. •KWS to keep wildlife within park. •Fencing in forest plantation areas. •Use bee hive barriers which have proved to be effective in controlling problem elephants. Deterioration of • Establish and manage well a waste sanitation management site. •Establish and run well a sewerage system. •Adherence to Waste Management Regulations. Water Pollution • Demarcate and put visible beacons in place to show extent of riparian zone. •Respect planning laws. •Enforce relevant laws. •Operationalize a well-designed dumpsite. Insecurity • Tight surveillance of border. •Install CCTV. •Empower immigration office at the border. •Expand National Police Services at the border. •Community policing. Conversion of • Sensitize locals to make informed decisions. Agricultural land • Change of use to be done. to urban use Soil compaction and • Soil and water conservation structure. erosion Water use, depletion • Water resource planning. and water • Formulation and enforcement of rules and pollution Regulations to guide this practice. •Adherence to Water Quality Regulations, 2006. Encroachment into • Enforce physical planning rules and R. Suam's riparian Regulations. zone Fire hazard • Regular maintenance of firebreaks. •Removal and dispose brush from the forest boundary. •Install and maintain fire hazard signs. •Sensitize the communities on fire hazards. •Maintain fire preparedness including regular patrols. •Grade roads that act as barriers before onset of fire season. •Adopt no-burn strategy in high altitude. •Areas. •Enforce Grass Fire Act Cap. 327. •Set up fire watch towers in all forests. 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 Natural Resources, N.H.I.F. Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126-00100, Nairobi. (c)County Director of Environment, Trans Nzoia 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 the plan. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/4167047 National Environment Management Authority.