GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 426

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 housing development. The proposed project is a comprehensive housing development project of 652 houses that includes; Maisonettes = 46 units. They shall be clustered in Zones A and B Split level Maisonettes = 36 units Apartment blocks= 57 blocks of five storey blocks. Each apartment block will have its own vegetation boundary and entrance gate. The proposed housing scheme on plot L.R. No. 8783/4 Athi River, at Mavoko Municipality is located to the east of the old Athi River Township off the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The said plot is approximately 10 acres. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Reduction of visual intrusion Landscaping and replanting that will blend with the environment. Leveling of soils at the end of earth works. Proper disposal of the excavated soils. Air pollution, dust generation and noise pollution Spraying of water during construction work. Control of speed and movements of construction vehicles. Use of low sulphur diesel in diesel operated machinery. Use of ear protection aids by construction workers. No unnecessary hooting by project and occupants‘ vehicles. Use of equipments designed with noise control elements. Temporarily fencing off noisy machinery such as vibrators. Cover the vehicles or sprinkle water on materials being transported. Construction work should be carried out between 8am to 5pm to minimize disturbances. Put up a fence before commencing with construction activities to contain any dust and noise that may emanate from this site. Maintain vehicles and machinery in good condition in order to minimize gas emission and noise. THE KENYA GAZETTE 21st January, 2011 Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Social concerns Where possible offer women equal employment opportunities as men. Accord local community employment and business opportunity as a priority. Clearing of vegetation Planting of ornamental trees along perimeter fence. Planting of grass lawns. Plant trees on buffer zones after construction. Disturbance of soil structure Put soil traps around perimeter fence. Landscaping with appropriate species. Maintaining specified routes for construction vehicles. Control earthworks. Use of light machinery and equipment. Generation of solid waste (construction waste) Re-use of soil, construction debris and other wastes. Proper containment and disposal of solid waste especially black cotton soil. Contracting a licensed waste collection and disposal company during the operation phase. Creation of awareness on proper solid waste disposal methods among the staff and tenants/home owners. Increased demand for water and electricity Efficient use of water and electricity during all project phases. Provision of adequate water storage facilities. Installation of rain water harvesting structures. Re-use of water where possible. Switching off equipment when not in use. Occupation health and safety risks Use of suitable personal protective equipment (PPEs). Site to be sprinkled with water to minimize dust. Use of stable ladders and other climbing/ support structures. Sensitize construction workers on safety measures. Maintain cleanliness and organization at the construction site. Fencing/covering of risky areas such as deep pits. Safety signage to be put up before commencement of works. Fire hazards and accidents Install fire fighting facilities during the construction and operation phases. Sensitize workers on fire safety during all project phases. Keep well stocked first aid box. Create awareness among the workers on proper handling and use of tools and machinery. Increase in traffic flow Put up adequate road traffic signage during the construction and operation stages. Security Guarding off site by a reputable security company. Adequate screening of visitors to site. Collaboration with existing security machinery. Partnership with neighbours and police in community policing. Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Generation of waste water Proper maintenance of the bio-box to ensure it is always in good working condition. Public health and safety Proper sanitation facilities for the construction staff. Proper handling and disposal of solid waste. Operation of noisy machinery during the day only. Installation of adequate water supply. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, National Environment Management Authority, 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, 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. WILKISTER MAGANGI, for Director-General, National Environment Management Authority.