GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8409

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, Swahili Coast Farms Limited, proposes to establish a mariculture project along the continental shelf of the Gazi that will culture oysters (Crassostrea gigas) using cage and suspension methods. The project will develop a marketing system that will open Kenya’s exportation of oysters, train and support the local BMU and sea grass farmers to make them self-reliant in seafood culture and exploitation; develop and open up Gazi village. The proposed project will be located about 1.5 km from the shore line between Gazi landing site and Chale Island in Kwale Countyy. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Sediment pollution • The Proponent to develop and implement a water quality monitoring plan. • The Contractor to ensure collection of sediments for offshore disposal. Impact on seaweed farming • The Contactor to use silt curtains to localize turbidity to the construction area. • The Proponent to support Mwani women group to re-establish affected seaweed farms in suitable locations. • The Proponent to Water quality monitoring. Injuries from Accidents • The Proponent to provide a First Aid kit and train workers how to control accidents. • Use of personal protective gear. • Employ competent personnel who can swim in the event of falls into the sea. • Install safety signage boards at the project location. • Recruit qualified occupational health and safety expert. • Obtain insurance cover for employees and ensure appropriate compensation in the event of accident. • The Proponent to comply with OSHA, 2007. Alteration of normal sailing routes • The Proponent to provision of alternative routes. • The Proponent to alerts on ocean users on change of route. Biodiversity and habitat loss • The Contractor to ensure minimum disturbance on the water column and the sea bed. • The Proponent to carry out inventory on endangered and critical species in the area. Pollution from oyster processing activities • The Proponent to keep the processing surfaces as clean as possible. • The Contractor to put in place drainage systems to remove any spillages therefore averting odours. • The Proponent to store the shellfish in cold room and for short period of time. • The Proponent to seal by-products in covered, leak-proof containers. Possible introduction of invasive species • The Proponent to ensure the oyster seeds come with necessary certifications. • The Proponent to Monitor changes in the culture area. Possibility of water vessel accidents. • The Contractor to use floating and illuminating buoys to demarcate the project site and warn fishing boats and sailors at night. • The Proponent to clearly direct users on the new alternative routes. Wave and tidal destruction of project infrastructure. • Contractor to observe standards and best practices on installation works. • Proponent to continuously monitor 23rd June, 2023 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures variations in wave and tidal levels for necessary precautionary measures. • Proponent to carry out regular inspection of farm infrastructure to ensure its integrity. Increased energy demand and carbon footprints • Proponent to use renewable energy from installations of solar panels. • Proponent to use power use sparingly. Wastewater generation • Contractor. to design and construct a bio-digester to manage effluent. • Proponent to obtain an Effluent Discharge License from NEMA. • Comply with the Marpol Convention 73/78, The EMCA Cap. 387 of the Laws of Kenya and The KMA Act, 2012. Entanglement of fish and other marine creatures by the farm infrastructure • Proper spacing of inter-lines to allow safe passage for fish and other marine creatures. • Recording cases and conditions of entangled species for corrective responses including its release back to the sea. Influx of population in the area, including risk of HIV/AIDs • Proponent in liaison with the local administration to monitor incoming population. • Proponent to support the development of infrastructure to support the population increase. • Proponent to initiate and support the training the community on cultural integration. • Proponent to provide education and awareness on communicable diseases to the project staff and the community. • Proponent and contractor to provide condom dispensers at strategic locations. • Proponent to provide free medical clinics to treat such diseases and others. Workers occupational safety and health • Contractor to install navigational aids, marker buoys, and early warning signage along the Gazi-Chale route. • Proponent to sensitize local fishermen and tour operators on the farm area. • Proponent to develop and implement a safety action plan and set goals to ensure zero fatalities. • Proponent to provide adequate PPE to workers and enforce on their use. • Contractor and Proponent to Control access to the farm. • Proponent to conduct first aid training and provide well-stocked first aid kits at different sections of the farm. • Proponent to record all accidents. • Proponent to provide medical insurance cover for farm employees. • Proponent to carry out occupational health and safety undertakings and comply with the OSHA, 2007. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Upsurge of workplace related infections such as norovirus, influenza and hepatitis A. • Proponent to observe workplace ergonomics such as use tools and equipment that make work easier. • Proponent to provide sanitary facilities and trash cans on boats and offshore. • Proponent to regularly clean and disinfect work place sanitary facilities. • Proponent to provide clean water and antibacterial soap for hand washing at strategic points. • Awareness and sensitization through placing of notices with relevant message at strategic points. Increased conflicts • Proponent to develop proper measures to address and reduce conflicts, including constituting a Conflict Resolution Committee. • Proponent to sensitize fishers and local community on expected cultural change. Early pregnancies and broken marriages • Proponent to come up with community and students’ sensitization and awareness programmes. Possible vandalism and theft of project infrastructure • Proponent to secure good rapport with the immediate community. • Proponent to offer employment to locals as security personnel and other casual project staff. 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, Kwale 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/5180321 National Environment Management.