GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8597

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of the Environment 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 Mango Tree Marine Limited, proposes to undertake dredging/de-siltation and sand harvesting in Sondu Miriu River Delta at the boundary of Homa Bay and Kisumu Counties. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation Increased turbidity • Avoid dumping of dredged materials inside the lake. • Recycle sand as building material. • Transport other non-utilised dredged materials such as mud and clay through the pipeline to reclaim the derelict former sand harvesting sites within the area. • Carry out spot dredging to allow fish to move from high turbidity and suspended sediments areas by horizontal or vertical movements. 3710 3710 Potential Impact Proposed Mitigation • Avoid dredging near the fish breeding areas during the long and short rainy period. • Avoid dredging activities in areas along the delta and 100m wide from the shoreline; and • Limit the dredging to the mouth of the river, the near open lake waters and unblocking the old river mouth. Physical damage/injury or mortality on biodiversity • Avoid dredging near the fish breeding areas during the long and short rainy period. • Avoid dredging activities in areas along the delta and 100m wide from the shoreline. • Vegetation at the edge of delta facing the lake should not be destroyed; and • Limit the dredging to the mouth of the river, the near open lake waters and unblocking the old river mouth. Oil spill hazards • Collect the used oils and re-use or dispose of appropriately using expertise from licensed waste handlers; and • Seek to reduce probabilities of accidental and/or operational spills through enforcement of oil spill management systems. Occupational health and safety • Ensure the dredger is licensed by the IMO and KMA. • Create awareness among Lake users on the presence of the dredger and its activities as well as the require safety precautions. • Dredger should have an early warning system for local fishermen within the delta to prevent navigational accidents and loss of life in case of potential collision with the fishing boats. • Hire qualified and well-trained personnel for the dredging works. • The proponent to obtain insurance cover for employees of the dredger site and ensure appropriate compensation in the event of accidents. • Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for ship crew, workers and visitors to the dredging site. • Recruit qualified and experienced Occupational Safety Officers to train and enforce compliance with safety measures. • Comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007; and • All accidents should be reported, investigated and corrective action taken to prevent reoccurrence. Social grievances • Provide sufficient and timely information to communities about the dredging project and its activities, plus an approximate implementation schedule. • Employ locals in liaison with local leaders and administration in unskilled and semi- skilled duties. • Carry out regular meaningful community consultations and dialogue throughout the implementation of the dredging project; and • Comply with the National sand harvesting guidelines, 2007 and the provisions of the Mining Act, 2016. 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, Kisumu and Homa Bay Counties. 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/1801784 National Environment Management Authority.