GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5099

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) regulations, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the implementation of the proposed valley view apartments The proposed project involves establishment of residential two bed-room apartments flats with four floors namely ground, first, second and third floors. There will be five apartment flats namely Block A, B, C, D, and E. In total the proposed project shall have 120 household units after completion of the project. Each household unit (apartment) has a plinth area of 680 sq.ft comprises of 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, lounge, dining area, shower room, sanitary facilities, rear balcony, dhobi and a spacious corridor. Every unit has an overhead water tank and a common underground tank with individual water pump. Most of the floor for the rooms shall be of PVC tiles except for the kitchen which shall have ceramic tiles. The proposed project is situated on plot L.R. No. 337/1002 about 100 metres from Mlolongo Trading Centre, in Mavoko Municipality in Athi River Division of Machakos District. It’s neighboring an already occupied residential estate which was part of the Phase I of housing development by Harp Housing Limited. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Noise and vibration Construction works should be carried out only during the specified time i.e. from 0800 hrs to 1700 hrs and should avoid working on Sundays when many residents are expected to be within the environs. Provide buffers especially during the demolition of escarpment. A wall should be established to separate the two estates. Use machine cut stone that requires no chisel dressing which can be a major source of noise Sensitize construction vehicles’ drivers and machinery operators to switch off engines of vehicles or machinery when not in use Machineries should be maintained regularly to reduce noise resulting from friction. The generators and other heavy duty equipment (if present) should be insulated or placed in enclosures to minimize ambient noise levels There should be no unnecessary horning of the involved machinery and vehicles. Provision of bill boards at the construction site gates notifying of the construction activity and timings. Workers should be provided with relevant personal protective equipment (PPE)/ materials. Surface drainage The designs should ensure that surface flow is drained suitably into the drains effectively. The internal channels should be designed with regard to the peak volumes and must ensure the safe final disposal of run-off /surface water and must be self-cleaning. Drainage channels should be installed in all areas that generate or receive surface water. The channels should be covered with gratings or other suitable and approved materials to prevent occurrence of accidents and dirt entry that may compromise flow of run-off. Storm water generated from roof catchments should be harvested, stored and made use in various household activities i.e. general cleaning and garden watering. Paving of the side walkways, driveway, parking and other open areas should be done using pervious materials i.e. concrete blocks to encourage water percolation; reducing run-off volume Ensure suitable storm water drainage channels to effectively discharge water safe to drainage channels. Such channels need to be regularly maintained and repaired to avoid point discharges (have pronounced effect to soil erosion) in case of breakages or blockages. Soil disturbance Avoid unnecessary movement of soil materials from the site and provide soil conservation structures on the areas prone to soil erosion mostly to reduce impact by the run-off. Depending on the period, monitor construction activities for appropriate and effective control measures of erosion e.g. during rainy / wet conditions, ensure suitable barriers on potential water erosion paths while avoiding wind erosion during dry conditions. Conduct standard landscaping after project completion i.e. resurface (pave) open areas after the completion of the project and introduce suitable and well-managed vegetation to generate surface covers on the open areas; to control soil movement by erosion agents i.e. water, animals and wind. It is recommended that landscaping be done on completion of proposed works and introduce appropriate vegetation in open surfaces Increased Energy Demand Energy conservation involves optimum use of petroleum products (diesel and gasoline), electrical appliances (equipment), lighting systems and other electric machinery as used for different purposes. It also includes use of renewable energy sources. Switch electrical appliances when not in use and optimize operations of electrical equipment or energized machinery to enhance energy conservation. Install or Use energy conserving electric lamps for general lighting Put off all lights immediately when not in use or are not needed. Make use or install alternative source of energy such as solar power, which is renewable. The proponent should include solar power systems, which can be used for lighting purposes. Sewage and effluent The internal and external sewerage system should be made of hard, strong, durable, smooth, impervious, and non-corrodible materials. All drain pipes passing under building; driveway or parking should be of heavy duty UPVC pipe tube encased in concrete surround. All manholes on drive ways and parking areas must have heavy-duty covers set and double sealed airtight; as approved by specialists. All waste and soil pipes must be in ducts and bends must have cleaning eyes which must be accessible externally Sanitary facilities must be kept clean always, through regular washing and disinfecting. The design of the sewerage system should consider the estimate discharges from individual sources and the cumulative discharge of the entire project even during peak volumes. The gradient should be sufficient to ensure and maintain maximum depth of flow. Branches should be streamlined in the direction of flow. (these measurements have been put into consideration in the architectural drawings for the sewage treatment plant. Air Quality Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) / full protective gear to workers. They should also be trained on occupational health and safety and should be encouraged to go for regular health check-ups. Regular and prompt maintenance of construction machinery and equipment. This will minimize generation of noxious gases and other suspended particulate matter. Control over areas generating dust particles through regular cleaning or sprinkling of water to reduce dust. The areas can be enclosed to mitigate effects of wind on them. Regular air monitoring and tests to analyze the quality of air. 6th May, 2011 THE KENYA GAZETTE 1393 Solid Waste The contractor or proponent should work hand in hand with private refuse handlers, NEMA and the Local Council to facilitate sound waste management as per the prevailing regulatory provisions. The wastes should be properly segregated to encourage recycling of some useful waste materials. This calls for source reduction, recycling, composting and reuse. There should preferably be two bins maintained by every unit, one for organic matter and the other for mineral matter. The receptacles (bins) must be kept in a good condition, and frequently washed and disinfected. The collection of waste materials should be made at least once in 24 hours, and it should be done in such a way to minimize nuisance of smell and dust during filling into carts or vans. Train or educate the involved stakeholders/tenants on the importance and means of waste (garbage) management and handling especially during occupation phase. Flora Avoid unnecessary clearing of vegetation by conserving vegetation in the section being built up Landscape and plant vegetation in all open areas after the completion of the project and manage the introduced vegetation on completion of the development to restore or improve the site. Visual Intrusion Ensure no destruction of the existing vegetation not in the direct working areas and shield off the particular areas of construction with suitable materials. On completing the earthworks, the worked area should be restored through backfilling, leveling and planting of more vegetation so as to blend in a way to merge with existing environment. The building and the choice of colours should be attractive to match the general environment. All solid waste and debris from construction site must be cleared on completion. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) and traffic All workers should be provided with full protective gear. These include working boots, overalls, helmets, goggles, earmuffs, masks, and gloves among others. Factories Act abstract should be posted at a strategic point on site. The requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007 should be strictly adhered to, the Building Code and other relevant regulations. Only specialised machine operators should operate machinery and specialised equipment and all moving parts should be provided with appropriate guards. Properly design to allow for deceleration and acceleration to the site. Clearly indicate direction of traffic especially during construction A first aid kit(s) should be provided within the site. This should be fully equipped at all times and should be managed by a trained person. The contractor should not expose workers to stress inducing factors. The contractor should have workmen’s compensation cover. It should comply with workmen’s compensation Act, as well as other ordinances, Regulations and union Agreements. Sanitary facilities should be provided and standard cleanliness of the facilities maintained. Individuals preparing food for the workers at the site should be controlled and monitored to ensure that food is hygienically prepared. Workers should always be sensitised on social issues such as drugs, alcohol, diseases particularly HIV/AIDs etc. There should be a training program to facilitate this by the contractor. Billboards should be suitably elected on the onset of the project. The signs should indicate and inform the public e.g. ‘DANGER! HEAVY VEHICLES TURNING’. The traffic along the connecting road should be controlled especially during construction phase. Fire Preparedness Install an automatic fire alarm system for the entire project mostly on occupation, provide 3No. 30m hose reel for each of the blocks and provide for adequate fire reserve water storage tanks with an automatic booster pump for hose reel and 6No. 9kgs water fire extinguisher. Provide 6No. powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers on the ground floor (for the parking) Provide appropriate Fire Hydrant Ring main with suitable outlet points. All installation to follow Municipal’s Fire Masters requirements approval. Conduct regular fire fighting drills/simulations to sensitize workers/residents and adapt an emergency response plan for the entire project during occupational phase. Ensure that all firefighting equipment are strategically positioned, regularly maintained and serviced. Provide fire hazard signs such as ‘No Smoking’ signs, Direction to exit incase of any fire incidence and emergency contact numbers should be provided as well as the assembly points. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (i) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kapiti Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (j) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (k) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (l) District Environment Officer, Machakos District. 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 approval process of the project. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, MR1944096 National Environment Management Authority.