GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1600

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, Credible Blooms Limited, proposes to set up a 600 hectares fruits and vegetable farm for the cultivation and production of fruits, vegetables and herbs under irrigation for local and export markets. The water for irrigation will be drawn from abstraction of flood water from adjacent Pesi River and surface run off from surrounding hills. The project will be located on Plot L.R. No. 3264/2, within Rumuruti area, Laikipia West Sub-County, Laikipia County The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impact Mitigation Measures Fauna and flora • Limit clearing/soil disturbance to around planned planting sites. • Limit/control movement of machineries during tillage operations. • Undertake selective vegetation clearing that allows regeneration. • Re-vegetate disturbed areas at the plantation site. • Undertake routine monitoring/clearance of invasive species. • Restoration plans should incorporate measures to improve ecological status of the site. • Give provisions for wildlife corridors and buffer zones. Health and safety • Register the workplace with the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). • Have a documented safety and health work plan for workers. • Provision of appropriate clothing such as dust masks, safety gloves, and safety goggles to construction staff and workers. • Regular training of pro-safety attitudes for employees. • Ensure all equipment are inspected before use for appropriate safeguards. • Provision of sanitary/ hygiene facilities. • Provide first aid kit at the facility. • Undertake regular occupational safety and health audits. Air quality • Minimize processes that generate air pollutants through modification/ replacement of worn out process equipment. • Adoption of alternative better designs and technologies to achieve the same Impact Mitigation Measures objective. • Inform local residents of opening up and clearance activities likely to generate excessive noise. • Emphasize on switching off of engines when not in use. • Regular monitoring of air quality in the farm. Parameters for monitoring include; SO2, dust and other pollutants. • Maintain equipment and machinery in good condition to minimize unnecessary emissions. • Develop a noise management plan. • Scouting, spot spraying and integrated pest management. Water pollution • Continuous monitoring of irrigation water. • Safe disposal of waste water through artificial wetland (aerobic/anaerobic processes for water treatment). • Regular monitoring of water quality of the adjacent water bodies such as rivers. • Apply for waste discharge permits from NEMA. Soil erosion • Ensure good soil conservation measures. • Install proper and functional waste water and storm water drainage channels. • Encourage re-use of excavated materials for backfilling and landscaping activities. • Ensure that the activities of the farm do not encroach into riparian reserve. • Plant trees along the perimeter fence and other areas within the farm. • Safe water disposal to discharge points. Water misuse • Construction of storage dams to harvest rain water. • Encourage roof harvesting of the rain. Waste Management • Organic wastes to be composted and re- used in the farm as manure. • Contract NEMA licensed handlers for disposal of various solid wastes and hazardous wastes (chemical containers e.t.c). • Re-usable wastes e.g. drip lines, polythene sheets. • Wastewater from chemical store and grading halls could be directed to soak pits. • Apply for industrial packaging from NEMA. • Storm water to be harvested for use at the farm. Socio-economics, community health and amenity impacts • Install good fencing and other site security to prevent trespass and vandalism. • Form environmental management committee with locals to address all emerging issues/complaints. • Undertake annual environmental audits 10th February, 2023 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impact Mitigation Measures and submit reports to NEMA. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment 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, Laikipia 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/4245712 National Environment Management.