GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 17008

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Tata Chemical Magadi Limited proposes to upgrade and expand the installed annual capacity of the TCML trona soda ash plant from 300,000 tonnes per annum to 1million metric tons of soda ash within the existing plant at Magadi. The proposed project is supported by facilities which include; dredgers, slaughter house, salt plant power house, oil recycling plant, Premium Ash Manufacturing Plant (PAM), Standard Manufacturing Plant (SAM), fuelling station, waste disposal site, water treatment plant, tree nursery, store and other associated facilities on plot L.R. Nos. 1026 and 3867 Magadi, Kajiado West Sub-Couty, Kajiado County The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Air pollution • Implement dust control measures such as water spraying. • Use low-emission equipment and machinery. • Regular servicing of equipment. • Provision of dust masks to workers exposed to duct. • Strict measures are to be applied for the handling of construction materials in powder form such as cement, lime, concrete additives. Water pollution • Ensure proper storage and handling of chemicals and fuels. • Install spill containment systems. • Monitor water quality regularly. • Install waste treatment systems to treated waste water before discharge to the environment. Increased energy consumption • Install energy efficient equipment. • Install renewable energy source such as solar energy, wind power. Soil erosion • Apply soil erosion control measures like silt fences. • Manage mine sites to minimize soil disturbance. • Planting of cover crops to avoid exposure of top soils to agents of erosion. THE KENYA GAZETTE 27th December, 2024 Impacts Mitigation Measures • Rehabilitate eroded gullies using the overburden produced from the mine site and planting of vegetation. Noise and vibration pollution • Restrict noisy operations to daytime hours and. • Provide hearing protection to workers. • Silenced machinery and instruments should be employed to reduce the impact of noise on the existing residents and workers. Loss of biodiversity • Implement habitat restoration by incorporating agroforestry projects within the company and the surrounding community land. • Development of nurseries to replace lost vegetation. • Involving the community through smart agriculture and agroforestry programs. • Avoid the use of Invasive Alien Species in the landscaping activities. Increased liquid waste production • Ensure that the integrity of septic tanks is perfect to avoid leakage to the environment. • Ensure hydrocarbons are well bunded to avoid environmental contamination in case of leakage. • Ensure licensed hazardous waste handler collect waste oils and other hazardous chemicals on regular basis. • Ensure the effluent are monitored on a regular basis at the point of production and after treatment to assess the effectiveness of the treatment process. Increased solid waste production • Develop a comprehensive waste management plan with an emphasis on recycling. • Implement safe disposal of hazardous materials by engaging licensed waste handlers. • Provide color coded waste bins. • Ensure regular removal of waste to avoid waste stockpile. Health and safety risks • Implement strict health and safety protocols. • Provide PPE and conduct. • Regular health screenings for workers. • Conduct a risk assessment of the site and implement recommendations. • Conduct regular toolbox tasks to sensitize workers on potential hazards and how to deal with them. • Proper barricading of mine sites to ensure unrestricted access. • Develop an emergency preparedness plan and implement it. • Provide First Aid Kit within the construction sites. • Limit damage to property by observing mining area limits by clear demarcation. Increased traffic accidents • Develop a traffic management plan. • Installation of speed calming measures. • Education workers and the public on proper use of the road. • Provision of safe walkways for pedestrians. Impacts Mitigation Measures • Provision of designated ways for truck transporting ores. Fire outbreak • Install fire extinguishers, fire alarms, hose reels, and smoke detection in the buildings and premises of the company. • Training of fire marshals to ensure readiness in case of fire. Increased vectors from stagnant water (mosquitos) • Introduce natural mosquito repellant to control mosquitos in tailing dams. • Provide nets to the community. Blasting risks (fly rocks) • Evacuation of the public to safe distance ahead of blasting activities. • Development of a blasting management plan. • Improvise/introduce new technologies that contain the process of blasting. Interference with cultural sites • Ensure all the cultural sites are mapped with the help of elders. • Ensure that the elders are consulted before interfering with such sites (Grave yards). • Ensure that the liaison officer communicate to the company of possible conflict in relation to the cultural sites. Climate change risks and vulnerability • Construction of flood defenses and drainage systems to protect mining infrastructure from flooding and landslides. • Improve water management and reduce water use during periods of drought (Recycling of waste water). • Use of renewable energy sources to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. • Implement community-based adaptation strategies, such as reforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture practices. Incidences of crime • Fencing off the Contractor’s camp with plant and materials. • Working with local committees to provide security. • Taking all reasonable precautions to prevent unlawful, riotous or disorderly conduct contractor's personnel. Labour influx • Reduce labour influx by tapping into the local workforce. Depending on the size and the skill level of the local workforce. • Effective contractual obligations for the contractor to adhere to the mitigation of risks against labour influx. • The company should prepare and implement a gender action plan. Gender equity and sexual harassment • Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited should be required, under its contract, to prepare and enforce a No Sexual Harassment and Non- Discrimination Policy, in accordance with national law where applicable. • Strive for an equitable distribution of employment opportunities between men and women. • The contractor should prepare and implement a gender action plan. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: 27th December, 2024 THE KENYA GAZETTE (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, Kajiado 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 e mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/6517878 National Environment Management.