GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 11611

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has received an environmental impact assessment study report for the implementation of the proposed depot and strategic petroleum reserve. The Proponent proposes to develop a bulk petroleum receipt, storage, handling and distribution depot and a truck parking facility to accommodate up to one hundred petroleum tank trucks. The proponent also wishes to develop petroleum strategic storage reserves for the country to cushion Kenyans from erratic pump prices resulting from international crude oil prices. The proposed development is located in Malili division of Mukaa district in Makueni constituency. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental Issue Mitigation Measures Geology and topography In order to prevent irreversible construction compaction effects arising from construction plant and equipment ensure that to the extent possible, construction is undertaken during dry periods. On completion, all non – built up areas should be landscaped. To prevent soil erosion, all non – built up areas should be landscaped and appropriate soil binding grass planted. Surface water If possible undertake initial construction activities during the dry season to prevent water/soil run – off especially on side slopes. Water should also be diverted away from the project footprint areas through properly constructed drainage channels. Ensure that spills emanating from construction plant and equipment are cleaned immediately. Any petroleum products stored on site must be stored in bunded areas to prevent contamination of surface water. Contractor to adhere to Construction HSE management plan during the construction phase. Ecology Set up measures to ensure that during preconstruction and construction, impacts on sensitive ecological areas and individual protected biota are minimized and that good management is exercised during operation so as to prevent ecological impacts. Air quality Develop and implement effective measures for minimization of dust during the preconstruction and 23rd September, 2011 THE KENYA GAZETTE construction phase, followed by rehabilitation in a timely manner. Contractor to ensure that construction plant and equipment is in a good state of repair at all times to prevent adverse exhaust air emissions. Waste Develop and implement safe procedures for management of non – hazardous and hazardous wastes in accordance with Legal Notice number 121: Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Contractor is responsible for this during the construction phase and the Proponent during the operational phase of the project. For Human wastes and waste water the proponent should install septic tanks. A septic tank system is an onsite sewage facility is appropriate in such an area with no connection to main sewage pipes provide by the government. Due to large workforce expected during both the construction and operational phases (including the oil marketers) a minimum of three septic tanks will be required. Exhausted wastes will be disposed in Athi river where the nearest sewerage system is. Noise and vibration Contractor‘s plant and equipment should comply as a minimum with requirements of L.N.61: Noise &Excessive Vibrations Pollution Control Regulations, 2009. The project will be designed to maintain noise levels at 70 dB(A) at the fence line Installation of pumps with low horse rating which operate with minimal noise. Socio - economics The Proponent should create public awareness about ―safe‖ land uses of any future projects in the vicinity of the proposed project area. Implement measures to manage expectations about job creation during the preconstruction, construction and operational phases. Develop and put into practice strategies to minimize crime, to include effective communication with landowners to inform them about the movement of work teams, and codes of conduct for contractors and employees. Implement where feasible measures to employ local community members during both the pre-construction and construction phase, as well as the operational phase. Ensure effective communication with communities to limit expectations of employment creation. Develop and implement a HSE program for employees. Develop and implement transparent employment and procurement measures which comply with the regulatory framework and maximize local benefits. Implement measures to ensure that traffic and road safety hazards are minimized during the preconstruction, construction and operational phases. Traffic Develop and implement measures to repair regularly used roads to the project site especially the section between the turn-offs from the Nairobi-Mombasa highway to the project site. Ensure that contractor vehicle comply with axle load limits. Develop and implement a traffic management plan to take advantage of off-peak hours for delivery of construction materials during the construction phase. Contractor drivers should possess defensive driving skills gotten from a reputable training consultancy. Health and safety Develop and implement contractor safety rules which include the relevant provision of OSHA, WIBA and their respective subsidiary legislation. Specifically ensure that the construction complies with L.N.40:Building Operations and Work of Engineering Construction Rules,1984. The proponent will upgrade the road leading to the site. A fire protection system will be included in the design of the depot. An efficient security firm will be hired to ensure security in the depot and within the area. Oil leakage Depot design will provide for drainage and effluent treatment points (Oil water interceptors). Fire accidents Contingency measures should be incorporated into the project design. In addition, existing fire fighting systems should be expanded/improved and more staff recruited and trained to manage them. Communities living in the vicinity should be trained on response, and fire drills for staff and communities mounted on a regular basis. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Makueni 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. Z. O. OUMA, for Director-General, MR8256153 National Environment Management Authority.