The National Environment Management Authority has invited comments on an environmental impact assessment study report for the proposed establishment of an oyster farm project.
The authority received the project report pursuant to regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Coordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) regulations, 2003.
Nema says the proponent, Swahili Coast Farms Limited, is proposing to establish a mariculture project along the continental shelf of the Gazi that will culture oysters.
It will be located about 1.5km from the shore line between Gazi landing site and Chale Island in Kwale county.
The project, Nema said, aims to develop a marketing system that will open Kenya’s exportation of oysters, as well as train and support the local BMU.
It also seeks to support seagrass farmers and make them self-reliant in seafood culture and exploitation as well as develop and open up Gazi village.
Potential impacts and mitigation measures include sediment pollution.
The proponent is expected to develop and implement a water quality monitoring plan and the contractor will ensure collection of sediments for offshore disposal.
Impact on seaweed farming will see the proponent support Mwani women's group to re-establish affected seaweed farms in suitable locations.
The contractor is also expected to use silt curtains to localise muddiness to the construction area.
To mitigate injuries and accidents, the proponent is expected to provide a First Aid kit and train workers, encourage the use of protective gear and employ competent personnel who can swim in the event of falls into the sea.
The proponent will also recruit qualified occupational health and safety expert, obtain insurance cover for employees and ensure appropriate compensation in the event of an accident as well as comply with OSHA, 2007.
In case of an alteration of normal sailing routes, Nema said, the proponent will provide alternative routes and alert ocean users on change of route.
The contractor is also expected to ensure minimum disturbance on the water column and sea bed so as to not lead to biodiversity and habitat loss.
The proponent is equally expected to carry out inventory on endangered and critical species.
Swahili Coast Farms Limited is also expected to ensure oyster seeds come with necessary certification, and to monitor changes in the culture area to mitigate against the possible introduction of invasive species.
To mitigate the possibility of water vessels accidents, the contractor is expected to use floating and illuminating buoys to demarcate the project site and warn fishing boats and sailors at night.
Equally, the proponent is also expected to clearly direct users on the new alternative routes.
Swahili Coast Farms Limited is expected to come up with community and students’ sensitisation and awareness programmes to mitigate against early pregnancies and broken marriages.
They are also expected to develop proper measures to address and reduce conflicts.
This includes constituting a Conflict Resolution Committee and educating fishers and local community on expected cultural change.
The proponent, Nema added, will secure good rapport with the immediate community and offer employment to locals as security personnel and other casual staff to mitigate against possible vandalism and theft of project infrastructure.
In case of an upsurge of workplace-related infections such as norovirus, influenza and hepatitis A, the project proposes that Swahili Coast Farms Limited observe workplace ergonomics, such as using tools and equipment that make work easier.
They will also provide sanitary facilities and trash cans on boats and offshore as well as regularly clean and disinfect workplace sanitary facilities.
Swahili Coast Farms Limited is also expected to provide clean water and antibacterial soap for handwashing at strategic points and create awareness and education through placing of notices.
The project proposes the use of renewable energy from installations of solar panels and use of power sparingly to increase energy demand and carbon footprints.
The proponent is expected to obtain an Effluent Discharge Licence from Nema and comply with the Marpol convention 73/78, the EMCA Cap 387 of the Laws of Kenya and the KMA Act, 2012 to mitigate wastewater generation.
The project also proposes proper spacing of inter-lines to allow safe passage for fish and other marine creatures as well as recording of cases and conditions of entangled species for corrective responses.
This includes release back into the sea so as to mitigate entanglement of fish and other marine creatures by farm infrastructure.
The proponent, in liaison with the local government, is expected to monitor incoming population and support the development of infrastructure to support the population increase.
They are also expected to initiate and support community training on cultural integration as well as provide education and awareness on communicable diseases to staff and the community.
The proponent and contractor are expected to provide condom dispensers and free medical clinics to treat diseases to mitigate influx of population in the area, including the risk of HIV-Aids.
Along the Gazi-Chale route, the contractor is expected to install navigational aids, markers buoys and early warning signage as a way to promote workers' occupational safety and health.
The proponent is also expected to develop and implement a safety and action plan as well as set goals to ensure zero fatalities and provide adequate PPE to workers and enforce their use.
