GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2845

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, Perfect Purity Gases Company Limited, is proposing to set up an industrial gases plant for; (oxygen, nitrogen, acetylene food grade carbon dioxide and argon), two workshops, office block, power house and other associated facilities and amenities located on a plot L.R. No. Machakos/Nguluni/4867, Kangundo Road on Nguluni Area within Machakos County. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Excessive noise • Construction works should be carried out and vibration during working hours, as from 8.00 a.m.-5.00 p.m. • Machinery and equipment should be well maintained to reduce noise. • Workers should be provided with PPE's e.g. ear muffs when operating noisy machinery. • Consider noise levels when purchasing machinery. • Plant layout should be established taking into consideration minimal sound generation. Dust and air • Workers should be provided with PPE's e.g. emissions nose masks and goggles during construction. • Regularly sprinkling water on areas generating dust. • Ensure use of best technology of gas plants. • Air emissions from plant should be monitored and analysis undertaken periodically. Drainage • Design should ensure surface flow is drained Problems, water suitably into the public drains during wastage and construction. contamination • Drainage channels should be installed in all areas that generates or receives surface water e.g. car park, along the building block edges of the roofs. • Ensure all float valves are set within operating ranges. • Run cooling/boiler tower at optimum concentration cycles to minimize water discharge. • Utilize decanting and filtration before discharging waste water to water body. • Monitor and undertake water quality tests periodically including for heavy metals, pH, temperature, to ensure effluent is of acceptable quality. Solid and liquid • Non usable solid waste materials generated waste during construction shall be transported to a generation NEMA designated dumping site. • Engage a reputable, NEMA approved solid waste handler for appropriate disposal. • Ensure packaging materials are thoroughly cleaned and reused. • Liquid waste storage tanks should be funded to 110% capacity of tank. • Different liquid wastes should be segregated, marked and recorded before appropriate disposal by NEMA approved disposer. Occupational • The implementation of safety measures and risks, fire safety emergency plans to contain accident risks and health associated with construction activities. • All staff to be trained on use of any unfamiliar machinery and equipment that may pose danger to the user before they use them. Proposed Mitigation Measures • Provision of PPE's including safety boots, overalls, helmets goggles, earmuffs, masks, gloves. • Provide a fully equipped first aid kit. • Provision of Workmen's Compensation insurance cover. • Provision of sanitary facilities. • Appropriate warning signage within facility. • All works should be supervised by an expert including electrical , structural engineers, chemist. • Protecting the site from a fire outbreak will be achieved through sound engineering, reliable operations, trained employees, good preventive and predictive maintenance techniques and commitment to safety. • The proponent and contractor should provide firefighting equipment during the construction phases. • Sensitize workers on fire risks and ensure they have access to communication facilities for quick emergency response. • Use fire proof materials e.g. silk paint. • Provide emergency numbers at strategic points including for police, ambulance. • Provide a secure area/room to store valuable items of workers ensure regular inspection and maintenance of entire plant. • Provide emergency assembly point. • Provide automatic fire fighting system. • Provide adequate fire extinguishers. • Ensure all workers are trained in basic first aid, firefighting and handling of chemicals. • Ensure all lights and electrical fittings are flame proof. • Switch off all electrical appliances and lights when not in use. • Provide notices and information signs on means and" needs to conserve electricity e.g. Switch Off Lights When Not In Use". • Optimize operations of electrical equipment to enhance energy conservation. • Use energy saving bulbs/fluorescents for general lighting. • Make use of alternative sources of energy such as solar power. • Provide an emergency generator which should be installed in a sound proof area. • Ensure use of best technology of gas plants to minimize energy use. • Regularly service and maintain plants. High water use • Avoid excessive use water at site and encourage reuse and recycling. • Rainwater harvesting system should be provided. • Provide notices and information signs on means and needs to conserve water. • Install water conserving taps that turn off automatically when water is not in use. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Oil leaks • Improve maintenance and design of compressors. • Oils should not enter drainage system. • Provide a spillage control drainage system within workshops that is independent of drainage leading to sewer system. • Provide funding for each compressor and transformer. • Used oils should be stored in labelled drums and over a catch pot area. • Engage a NEMA approved used oil disposer. • Avoid vapor emission by cooling. • Oils should never be mixed with other substances. • Provide adequate oil water separator in water soluble emulsifiers is not used. Traffic risks • Ensure that all vehicles supplying materials to the site are insured and road worthy. • Set aside parking area for delivery trucks. • Put up signboard informing of construction activity at entrance of proposed site. • Provide a security guard at entrance to control movement of traffic in and out of the compound. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (g) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126-00100, Nairobi. (h) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. (i) County Director of Environment, Machakos County. 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. MAMO B. MAMO, Ag. Director-General, MR/0734815 National Environment Management Authority.