GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 15458

PURSUANT to Regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Evergreen Avocados Limited proposes to establish an avocado farm. The project will be undertaken in phases with an aim to achieve 400 Ha. of avocado plantation. The proponent intends to introduce a varieties that are suited to the climatic conditions of the area for both the local and export market. The avocado plantations will be established in open fields, spreading throughout the expansive farm. Avocado seedlings will be propagated within greenhouses within the farm and an irrigation system will be set up to obtain the required moisture requirements. The project will be located in Ndabibi Farm, Naivasha Sub-County, Nakuru County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impact Mitigation Measure Soil erosion and alteration of hydrology • Avoid indiscriminate clearing of indigenous vegetation. • Any vegetation damaged accidentally will be replaced. • Consider using suitable tree species around the farm to enhance soil cover. • Practice good soil conservation practices. • Avoid working along disturbance of the local hydrology. Increased waste generation • Ensure proper waste segregation on-site to facilitate reuse and recycling. • Ensure purchase of materials for construction and maintenance in accordance to the Bill of Quantities to minimize possibility of waste. • Provide effective mechanisms for liquid waste disposal. Air pollution • Apply dust suppression measures along access roads. • Provide appropriate PPE such masks where necessary. • Maintain equipment fleet in good working condition to reduce emissions. Road traffic disruption • Sensitize drivers to observe traffic rules and speed limits, particularly near the shopping centre and schools. • Collaborate with relevant agencies in road maintenance in the area. Increased water demand • Adopt rainwater harvesting as a supplementary source. • Adopt water conservation measures at the farm. • Use of drip irrigation and misting sprinklers to minimize wastage. Increased energy demand • Integrate solar into the energy system at the farm. 10th November, 2023 THE KENYA GAZETTE • Adopt an energy conservation culture at the farm. • Ensure use of energy efficient appliances to prevent energy loss/wastage. Spread of communicable diseases and other infections • Create awareness on proper sanitation, hygiene and HIV prevention. • Provide adequate sanitation facilities. • Observance of protocols for COVID-19 prevention. Possible emergence of alien/invasive species. • Use certified avocado varieties. • Plant the varieties in the proposed sites only. • Regular monitoring of vegetation type and density within the farm. Degradation as a result of agro- chemicals • Adopt Integrated Pest Management and avoid indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. • Regular monitoring of soil properties and effect on vegetation. • Use organic compost/ manure to nourish the soil. • Comply with Kenyan and international standards in the use of agro-chemicals. Occupational health and safety • Provide and enforce use of PPEs by personnel. • Train personnel on emergency response and provide appropriate devices e.g. First Aid Kits. • Ensure occupational health and safety awareness creation before and continuously on the job. Relationship with local community • Set aside some employment opportunities for the local community. • Undertake Community Social Responsibility (CSR) activities within the community. • Support various community-based conservation initiatives e.g. Community Forest Association and Water Resource Users Association. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change 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, Nakuru County. A copy of EIA 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 e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/6203035 National Environment Management Authority.