GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 12844

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, Devki Steel Mills Limited, proposes to set up a Steel Iron Ore Refinery and Processing Plant, comprising: furnace pallet plant, coal gasifier plant, crushing unit, bentonite processing plant, sub-station layout, lavatory, dam layout, stores, workshop, weighbridge, an office, associated facilities and amenities on plot L.R. No. Taita Taveta/Mbulia Group Ranch/11 off Mombasa Road, Manga Area, Taita Taveta County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Air pollution, noise pollution and excessive vibration • Ore transportation vehicles shall be covered. • Suppress dust within the project site. • Introduce vegetation on bare grounds along the fence to act as windbreakers and air cleaner. • Regular maintenance of all equipment`s on site. Disturbance of soil structure • Put soil traps around perimeter fence and on steep areas; • Landscaping with ornamental trees and grass planting. • Maintaining specified routes for construction vehicles. • Control earthworks. • Use of light machinery and equipment. Generation of solid waste • Provision of waste collection bins. • Re-use of soil, construction debris and other reusable waste. • Proper containment and disposal of solid waste. • Contracting a licensed waste collection and disposal company. • Creation of awareness on proper solid waste disposal. • Reuse of timber off-cuts and wooden support for fuel. • Comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management (Waste Management) Regulations Legal Notice 120. Increased demand for water • Conservation of water and electricity. • Provision of adequate water storage facilities. • Installation of rainwater harvesting structures. • Re-use of water where possible, mainly at construction phase. • Explore additional sources. Occupational health and safety risks • Employ safe systems of work/procedures at all times. • Strict adherence to OSHA 2007 and rules. • Establish a health and safety committee. • Train staff/workers on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear and workmen‘s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions and manuals during construction. • Engage the services of qualified personnel. • Avoid undesirable, substandard, hazardous or unauthorized materials during construction and maintenance. • Have access to work/permit to work controls procedures for risky jobs. THE KENYA GAZETTE 4th October, 2024 Impacts Mitigation Measures • Adherence to material safety data sheets. • Sensitized staff on social/health issues such as drugs. • Ensure machinery and equipment servicing and maintenance as per schedules and legal requirements. • Post strategically the OSHA Abstract and provide material safety data sheets. • Post clear warning signs e.g. No unauthorized use of machines, ensure there are guards on moving parts etc. • Provide incident register and a fully equipped First Aid kits and train staff on its use. • Ensure certification and issuance of occupation certificates from DOHS before commencement of operations. Fire hazards and accidents • Acquire firefighting facilities. • Sensitize workers on fire safety. • No storage of flammable substances on site. • Keep well stocked first aid box. • Proper handling and use of tools and machinery. Increase in traffic flow • Set driving speed limits. • Adequate road warning signs to traffic regulations. Insecurity • Guarding of site by a reputable security firm. • Constant site patrol. • Adequate screening of visitors to the site. • Collaboration with existing security machinery. Increased energy demand • Install energy saving bulbs at all lighting points instead of bulbs which consume higher electric energy. • Install solar systems to complement heating and lighting. • Encourage use of natural lighting during the day. • Sensitize workers to use energy efficiently by switching off when not in use. • Monitor energy use by setting targets for efficient energy use. Increased water demand • Management of water usage. Avoid unnecessary wastage. • Construct water reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems. • Supplement water supply with water from other sources with necessary approvals. • Recycling of water where possible. • Install water conserving taps that turn off automatically when water is not being used. • Make use of roof catchments to provide water i.e. for general purpose. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Taita Taveta County. A copy of the report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke 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 regarding this project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/6529537 National Environment Management.