GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 9744

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, Liberty Solutions Limited proposes to set up an asbestos disposal site (landfill). The site is not for a one-off disposal and can accommodate approximately 3000 tonnes of asbestos material. The space site will be excavated 6m below the ground and fenced with a concrete wall to prevent leaching of the asbestos to the underground water. The excavated pit shall be marked with ‘danger sign’) on Plot L.R. No. 1250B in Minjila area within Garsen Sub-County, Tana River County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Community and workers health and safety • Notify workers about the upcoming activity. • Prepare appropriate PPE complying with international good practice. • Post appropriate signpost of the site that will inform the workers of key rules and regulations to follow. Solid waste generation • Inform cleaning and disposal workers of their responsibilities in terms of the EMP. • Ensure that all waste removal workers comply with the Waste Regulations of 2006. • Collect waste paper generated at the work site in scrap paper bins. Notify the waste paper removal worker /contractor when the temporary scrap paper storage area reaches capacity, for removal of the scrap paper to a recycling facility. • Place all general / domestic waste in refuse bins. • Ensure solid generated are regularly disposed of appropriately at authorized dumping areas. • Use of integrated solid waste management of options i.e. source reduction, recycling, composting and re-use, combustion and sanitary land filling. • Adhere to EMCA (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006. 21st July, 2023 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Asbestos management risks • Asbestos disposal site shall be marked clearly as hazardous material. • The asbestos will be appropriately contained and sealed to minimize exposure. • The asbestos prior to removal should be treated with a wetting agent to minimize asbestos dust. • Asbestos should be handled and disposed by skilled and experienced professionals. • If asbestos material is being stored temporarily, the wastes should be securely enclosed inside closed containments and marked appropriately. • The removed asbestos will not be reused. Fire hazards • Portable Fire extinguisher to be placed at strategic locations. • Elaborate escape routes to be provided. • Servicing of fire extinguishers as is necessary. Always inspect electricity wires. • Adequate firefighting water storage tank will be provided and connected with water network and firefighting nozzles. • Provision of fire and smoke detectors in all areas. • Construction of a fire wall. • Maintenance of the safety distances as per the design drawings provided. Air pollution • Avoid excavation works in extremely dry weather conditions. • Regular sprinkling of water to be done on open surface and dusty grounds during dry season until paving is done. • Ensure strict enforcement of on-site speed limit regulations. • Appoint a dust monitoring system to monitor and analyse dust and air quality. • Air monitoring should be done continuously in areas related to asbestos removal works. Noise disturbance • Ensure the machinery are well kept in good condition. • Sensitize drivers and machinery operators to switch off engines when not being used. • Ensure all generators and heavy machines are insulated or placed in an enclosure to minimize ambient noise levels. • Restrict noisy activities to normal working hours (8 a.m. -5 p.m.). • All equipment should be regularly inspected and serviced. Traffic impacts • Sign posting, warning signs, barriers and traffic diversions: site should be clearly visible and the workers warned of all potential hazards. • Provision of safe passages and crossings for pedestrians be made. • Active management by trained and visible staff at the site, if required for safe and convenient passage for the workers. • Ensuring safe and continuous access to office facilities, cleaning activities, if the facility is in operation during this activity. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Flagmen or traffic marshals will be employed to control traffic and assist construction vehicles as they enter and exit the project site. • Maintain on site a record of incidents and accidents. • Observe the Kenya traffic rules. Safety • Avoid at all times any source of ignition material at the facility. • Develop a fire safety policy with clear procedures and guidelines on how to react to LP gas fire. • Staff must be properly trained on how to react and handle fire. • There must be an automatic fire alarm system installed at the site. • Emergency response numbers must be on clear and visible space. • Provide personnel with full protective clothing such as full-face air supplied or self-contained breathing apparatus, overalls, thermal insulated gloves, splash proof goggles and non-sparking boots. • Conduct regular fire drills. Management of temporary waste storage sites • Ensure management of temporary waste storage sites is in line set procedures and legal requirements. • Register and monitor waste volumes at the temporary waste storage site. • Oversee the physical removal of the waste from the temporary waste storage sites. Asbestos exposure • The firm shall not permit any person to work in an environment in which he or she would be exposed to asbestos in excess of the prescribed occupational exposure limit. Disposal scheduling and hours • The disposal and cleaning activities should be limited from 7 a.m. or sunrise (whichever is later) to 5 p.m. or sunset. Clearance inspections • Inspections should be done to ensure that temporary storage site is cleaned to a satisfaction standard. Underground water contamination • Construct a concrete lining in the asbestos disposal site. 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, Tana River 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/5150019 National Environment Management Authority. 3184 3184