GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 15895

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 development of Embu airstrip. The project will involve Runway expansion, construction of apron, terminal building and parking area, aircraft hanger, watch/control tower, staff houses and taxiway. Other facilities include construction of main access and other roads, drainage and ancillary works. The proposed airstrip, code HKEM is located some 7.1 km south east of Embu town at the border of Embu and Mbeere Districts. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental issue Mitigation Measures Waste management • Centralize responsibility for waste management and develop a solid waste management programme. • Carry out waste audits and ensure that airport users are compliant with the projected waste reduction, reuse and recycling plans. • Track all waste generated and disposed. • Isolate waste by containment to prevent the mixing of hazardous and non hazardous wastes or incompatible materials to enable reuse and avoid adverse reactions and emissions. • Dispose construction waste at sites approved by the Nakuru Municipal Council. • Install an incinerator within the site to manage hazardous waste. Energy use and conservation • Consider the possibility of using alternative sources of energy especially renewable sources such as solar. • Implement energy efficient measures i.e. pay close attention to the location of lighting fixtures and operate them on the basis of time, ambient light levels and occupancy etc. Solid waste management • Collect and sort out of waste. 2nd November, 2012 THE KENYA GAZETTE • Contract a private waste handler. Accidents due to unsafe practices during construction and operation • Engage an EHS consultant to develop an Environment Health and Safety (EHS) plan during the construction period. • Prepare an EHS manual for use during construction. Increased water consumption • Put in place measures for quick detection and repair of pipes, valves and tank leaks. • Sensitize staff and airport users on water conservation. • Establish proper housekeeping regulations to minimize unnecessary use of water i.e. ensure taps are not running when not in use. • Adopt sound water conservation measures. • Recycle water at the implementation phase where possible. Wastewater management • Establish a regular monitoring programme at outfalls. • Connect to the Septic system or treatment works. Air pollution • Avoid dust generation by spraying water where necessary. • Control speed of construction vehicles and switch off machines when not in use. • Use water bowsers to minimize dust pollution. Increased noise pollution • Establish noise management committee to receive complaints from the public and device appropriate noise mitigation measures. • Provide workers with ear muffs and nose masks. • Workers in the vicinity of or involved in high noise areas to wear safety protective gear. Incidents, accidents and dangerous occurrences • Provision of procedures for reporting incidents, accidents and dangerous occurrences shall be put in place. This shall be done in prescribed forms obtainable from the occupational health and safety office. Emergency and hazard response preparedness plan • There shall be well designed and documented emergency preparedness plans including fire emergency rescue procedures. • An accessible and well stocked first aid box shall be provided within the premises. • The proponent shall train personnel in first aid and certificates issued by a recognized body. • The most current emergency telephone numbers shall be prominently displayed within the premises. • Review emergency and contingency plans periodically. Fire Protection • Firefighting equipment such as extinguishers and hydrants shall be provided at strategic locations. • Regular inspection and servicing of the extinguishers will be undertaken by a reputable service provider and records of such inspections maintained. • Signs such as no smoking must be prominently displayed within the premises especially in places where inflammatory materials are handled e.g. hanger. Bird Strike menace • Conduct a bird species and habitat preference study on the facility and surrounding habitat. • Establish a bird strike control committee that is properly trained on implementing, reporting and managing bird strike hazards. • Ensure that the bird control committee is well equipped and funded. • Identify and minimize all bird attraction sites in the airfield and surrounding areas. • Grass at the airfield should be cut regularly to a maximum height of between 25 and 30 cm. Land use planning and management • KAA shall liaise with the local authority to establish land use criteria around the airport. • Limit encroachment of incompatible developments in sensitive noise corridor. Electrical safety • Circuits may not be overloaded. • Distribution board switches must be clearly marked to indicate respective circuits. • Electrical fittings near all potential sources of ignition shall be flame proof. • All emergency exits shall open outwards and be marked in RED and isles shall be clear of slips, trip and fall hazards. Public health and occupational safety • Suitable personal protective equipment shall be made available and the staff shall be trained on their proper use. • Train staff on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear in addition to the right tools and operational instruction manuals. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Embu 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 of the plan. Z. O. OUMA, for Director-General, MR/0910864 National Environment Management Authority. THE KENYA GAZETTE 2nd November, 2012 4266 4266