GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10316

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, Chuanshan International Mining Company Limited, is proposing to undertake diatomite mining and processing. The project will consist of construction of a Go down and installation of processing equipment, mining area diesel fuel tank, residential section for staff with recreation facility (basketball court), a store, parking area, a workshop and a perimeter fence among other facilities on plot L.R No. BCG/LS-203/2014 Katikit village, Kositei Sub- location, Tiaty West Sub-County, Baringo County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Surface and ground water contamination in all phases of the project. • Hydrocarbon storage areas with bunded bays and fuelling stations with sufficient bunding and retention structures will be constructed. • Hydrocarbon traps and a fuel station drainage system will be in place for water treatment prior to release to the surface water runoff system. • All equipment using hydraulic fluid (oil, fuel, etc.), will be subject to a preventative maintenance programme. • Runoff water with a large sediment load will be captured and directed via berms or ditches towards sediment control structures. • Perimeter storm drains will divert surface water runoff. • Roads will be maintained regularly. • Appropriate standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practice will be followed during removal and disposal 25th July, 2025 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Mitigation Measures of hazardous or toxic materials storage facilities and decommissioning of structures/facilities. Soil quality deterioration– contamination, Loss of soil fertility, Soil nutrient loss. • Limiting the area of impact to as small a footprint as possible. • Opting for areas with less sensitive soil groups to construct the facility and associated infrastructure. • Instilling an awareness programme regarding soil management over the length of the mining operation. • The development and inclusion of soil management as part of the general housekeeping operations. • Concurrent rehabilitation of all affected sites that are not required for the operation. • Effective cladding of the berms and soil stockpiles/heaps with vegetation or large rock fragments, and the minimising of topsoil height; and • Restriction of vehicle movement over unprotected or sensitive areas, as well as areas that fall outside of the infrastructure footprints. Biodiversity–Habitat loss, fragmentation, degradation, invasive species • Re-vegetation of bare areas using native plant species and ensuring that a mix of similar habitats as was there previously. • The extent of vegetation clearance should not exceed proposed area’s surface to be cleared. • Vegetation that is removed should not be burnt but shredded and left on the ground in suitable areas to decompose (preferably in soil stockpiles areas). • Physically removing or scaring away animals immediately before clearance commences. • Restore surrounding habitats to cleared areas to compensate habitat loss. • Adoption of the noise mitigation strategy set out in the noise section. • Prohibition of transportation of live or dead animals, plants or seeds in Project related vehicles. • Train staff to recognise key invasive species. Air quality – Human health effects from particulate matter and emissions into the air • Dust suppression techniques (e.g. wetting down, use of all-weather surfaces, use of agglomeration additives) for roads and work areas, optimization of traffic patterns, and reduction of travel speeds. • Exposed soils and other erodible materials should be re-vegetated or covered promptly. • New areas should be cleared and opened- up only when absolutely necessary. • Surfaces should be re-vegetated or otherwise rendered non-dust forming when inactive. • Storage for dusty materials should be enclosed or operated with efficient dust suppressing measures. • Loading, transfer, and discharge of Impacts Mitigation Measures materials should take place with a minimum height of fall, and be shielded against the wind, and consider use of dust suppression spray systems. • Conveyor systems for dusty materials should be covered and equipped with measures for cleaning return belts. Noise – Effect on environment, causing hearing impairment and affects quality of life • Implementation of enclosure and cladding of processing plants. • Installation of proper sound barriers and/or noise containments, with enclosures and curtains at or near the source equipment (e.g. crushers, grinders, and screens). • Installation of natural barriers at facility boundaries, such as vegetation curtains or soil berms. • Optimization of internal- traffic routing, particularly to minimize vehicle reversing needs (reducing noise from reversing alarm) and to maximize distances to the closest sensitive receptors. Traffic and Transportation • Reduce the likelihood of continued degradation from occurring, to the detriment of existing road users. • Reduce the likelihood of additional expenditure on routine vehicle maintenance. • Reduce the likelihood of spillages or accidents occurring. • Maintain the ability to accommodate two-way traffic flows along the principal access route; and • Attain community support by investing in local infrastructure. Socio-Economics • Mostly positive socio-economic impacts anticipated and enhancement measures: • Comply with Kenya National Mining Corporation. • Engage with national and county authorities to encourage cooperation in the governance system to maximise benefits for impacted communities from induced economic growth and payment of taxes. • Priority of local hiring for unskilled positions, and hiring from a wider area in case of skills shortage. • All employment will be managed via local employment structures; • Provide skills development programs for project staff. • Support for local education initiatives; • Facilitate access to information on procurement to help local businesses remain competitive. • Provide workers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the eyes, nose and ears in areas at risk. • Contractors and sub-contractors will commit to Chuanshan’s strict Health, Safety, Labour and Environmental standards, to ensure that all people working for the Project are treated under 4616 4616 Impacts Mitigation Measures the same minimal working conditions standards. • A comprehensive health and safety plan will be developed prior to commencement of any activities to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with activities. Community Health, Safety and Security – Community health impacts - incidence of diseases e.g. STDs, road safety impacts, Safety from hazardous materials, and security. • Health Services Program; • Disease Prevention Programme for: o Malaria. o Sanitation and water supply. o Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). • Community Health and Safety Awareness Programme for: o Traffic Safety Awareness. o Hazardous Materials Management and Safety Awareness. o Emergency Response and Preparedness Awareness. • Positive Lifestyles Programme. • Subcontractor Integrity Programme; and • Security with Integrity Programme. Cultural heritage – Loss of archaeological cultural remains; loss of sacred spaces, locations and features. • Avoidance of sacred sites (grave yards and sacred forests). • Implementation of a ‘Chance Find Procedure’ during construction. • Sacred Forests: Issues relating to the sacred forests are the responsibility of the community elders who will have to provide guidance in accordance with community customary practices, needs and concerns. • Observation of cultural taboos identified by the community. Emergency preparedness and Response – land subsidence geotechnical slope failures, Large fuel spillage, Dust explosion. • Chuanshan will develop a suite of SOPs, training materials, emergency response log sheets. • Formulating and applying safety management procedures. • Employ competent personnel in the planning, design, construction, operation/management. • Following legal requirements of Kenya and international best practice, where possible. • Operate the project in accordance with the construction, safety and environmental standards of Kenya; • Seek to establish long-term relationships with stakeholders. • Chuanshan will carry out regularly scheduled emergency drills. • Chuanshan will carry out annual environmental audits for their facilities. • Liaise with competent authorities in case of emergencies that have occurred on the site. • Develop and implement Occupational Impacts Mitigation Measures safety and Health policy, Fire Safety Policy and carry out the statutory OSH audits and other compliance requirements as per OSH Act, 2007. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Foresty, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00200, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Baringo County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environmental 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 for this project. Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, MR/7782163 Director-General.