How to do an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report for Residential Flats in Nairobi – 11 Steps of EIA Document
How to do an EIA for Residential Flats in Kenya, follow this step by step guide to writing an environmental Impact Assessment report, find flats EIA agents in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Machakos, Kiambu, Kakamega, Kitale, Kericho, Kisii, Muranga and all other counties in Kenya.
Kenya EIA: Residential Flats EIA in Nairobi
Kenya EIA: This EIA assessment in Kenya includes residential flats and apartments EIA. It is a professional EIA assessment for residential buildings in Nairobi. Building Flats and apartments EIA assessments include project screening and scoping, impact forecasting, Desk and field survey, mitigation planning, and report writing. EIA Report submission, monitoring and auditing are also part of the EIA.
To do an Environmental Impact Assessment EIA in Kenya is a Mandatory requirement especially for commercial buildings like flats, apartments, petrol stations, office blocks, residential flats among others. This article is a step by step guide on how to do an Environmental impact assessment and submit a report to National Environment Management Authority.
Here are 11 Steps to do an Environmental Impact Assessment EIA Report in Kenya
In details, these 11 sections of the EIA report for a block of residential apartments in Nairobi would include an extensive investigation and reporting of the expected impacts and the mitigative measures to be adopted in the design and development.
Kenya EIA: Residential Flats EIA in Nairobi
Kenya EIA: This EIA assessment in Kenya includes residential flats and apartments EIA. It is a professional EIA assessment for residential buildings in Nairobi. Building Flats and apartments EIA assessments include project screening and scoping, impact forecasting, Desk and field survey, mitigation planning, and report writing. EIA Report submission, monitoring and auditing are also part of the EIA.
To do an Environmental Impact Assessment EIA in Kenya is a Mandatory requirement especially for commercial buildings like flats, apartments, petrol stations, office blocks, residential flats among others. This article is a step by step guide on how to do an Environmental impact assessment and submit a report to National Environment Management Authority.
Here are 11 Steps to do an Environmental Impact Assessment EIA Report in Kenya
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 2: Policy, legal and legislative framework
- Chapter 3: Description of the project
- Chapter 4: Baseline Information of the Study area
- Chapter 5: Impact Assessment Methodology & Analysis of Alternatives
- Chapter 6: Potential Environmental Impacts
- Chapter 7: Impacts Mitigation Measures
- Chapter 8: Environmental Management Plan
- Chapter 9: Environmental Health and Safety (EHS)
- Chapter 10: Decommissioning
- Chapter 11: Conclusion and Recommendations
In details, these 11 sections of the EIA report for a block of residential apartments in Nairobi would include an extensive investigation and reporting of the expected impacts and the mitigative measures to be adopted in the design and development.
I) CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The EIA report introduction section includes several stages to introduce the study and in general contains the following:
1. Background and rationale for the Housing Project EIA: This is a few paragraphs that describes the building sector of the project and its development trends. It also explains the complementarity of EIA to the development as opposed to being antagonistic to it. EIA aims to add value to the construction through incorporation of environmental considerations.
2. Need for the Residential Apartments project: This section gives a justification how this residential flats development project is playing a vital role in providing affordable housing in rapidly expanding urban populations across developing countries. The aspect of rural /urban migration increases the urban populations and as such residential housing is a key development agenda in urban planning and investments. The location of such residential apartment block in Nairobi is determined by the need for close proximity to the Nairobi CBD and the needs for security and privacy for the tenants.
3. National Housing Policy and Housing Needs in Kenya: This section states the current overall housing needs of housing units per year to be provided by both government and private sectors. It also states the current housing supply in accommodation units per year hence showing the deficit of housing units per year. This makes a case for the necessity of more residential block of flats to be built in Nairobi and Kenya at large.
4. Scope of the Residential Flats Project: This section of the introduction shows the scope of the study on environmental investigations in line with the current provisions of environmental legislation. Most importantly are the adherence to provisions of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999 and the Environmental (Impact Assessment) and Audit Regulations 2003. The report analyses the physical extent and environment, implementation works (ground preparations, foundation, walling, roofing, fixtures and fittings) and installation of key utilities.
5. Overall Objective of the Residential Housing Flats Project: This states the overall objective of developing typical residential apartment blocks of 5 storeys with 20 units. The apartments comprise of 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom units. Adequate parking spaces will also be provided for the residents.
6. Terms of Reference (TOR): This indicates the expectations of the contribution of this report to the mitigation of the effects and impacts of (positive and negative) of the construction of the block of residential flat. This section also indicates the objectives it addresses including:
7. Content of the Housing Flats project: The project assessment will investigate and analyses the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed development and in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2003 and in particular part S-7 [1]a-k. Consequently the report will provide the following
8. Methodology: This stage outlines the methodology used in conducting this Environmental Impact Assessment Project. There are established step by step processes to conduct an EIA for a residential housing apartment in Kenya. Here a step by step methodology of conducting the EIA
ii. Environmental Scoping: Environmental scoping is a stage where the focus is on the environmental impacts with the greatest consequences. Impacts are also classified into short term and long term impacts. Environmental issues are categorized as physical, natural ecological and social economic and cultural aspects. In the scoping special attention is given to the project background, project objectives, present environmental conditions, Identification of Environmental impacts, public participation, Cost - benefit analysis, Development of an environmental management plan (EMP),Developing of a monitoring plan,
iii. Desktop study: This stage involves the review of project documents, architectural drawings, past EIA, Relevant policy, legal and institutional frameworks, Documents claiming climatic, demographic and hydrological data for Nairobi City County are also relied upon.
iv. Site visits and public participation: Field visits are meant for physical inspection of the project site in order to gather more information on the state of environment. Several Photos of the project site are taken for inclusion in the report. The study also seeks public opinion through consultation and public participation (CCP) excursive.
v. Reporting: The EIA experts together with the project proponents will prepare and submit 10 copies of the EIA report to NEMA for review and issuance of an EIA license. Environmental concerns will have to be included as part of the design and execution of the project
1. Background and rationale for the Housing Project EIA: This is a few paragraphs that describes the building sector of the project and its development trends. It also explains the complementarity of EIA to the development as opposed to being antagonistic to it. EIA aims to add value to the construction through incorporation of environmental considerations.
2. Need for the Residential Apartments project: This section gives a justification how this residential flats development project is playing a vital role in providing affordable housing in rapidly expanding urban populations across developing countries. The aspect of rural /urban migration increases the urban populations and as such residential housing is a key development agenda in urban planning and investments. The location of such residential apartment block in Nairobi is determined by the need for close proximity to the Nairobi CBD and the needs for security and privacy for the tenants.
3. National Housing Policy and Housing Needs in Kenya: This section states the current overall housing needs of housing units per year to be provided by both government and private sectors. It also states the current housing supply in accommodation units per year hence showing the deficit of housing units per year. This makes a case for the necessity of more residential block of flats to be built in Nairobi and Kenya at large.
4. Scope of the Residential Flats Project: This section of the introduction shows the scope of the study on environmental investigations in line with the current provisions of environmental legislation. Most importantly are the adherence to provisions of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999 and the Environmental (Impact Assessment) and Audit Regulations 2003. The report analyses the physical extent and environment, implementation works (ground preparations, foundation, walling, roofing, fixtures and fittings) and installation of key utilities.
5. Overall Objective of the Residential Housing Flats Project: This states the overall objective of developing typical residential apartment blocks of 5 storeys with 20 units. The apartments comprise of 2 bedroom and 1 bedroom units. Adequate parking spaces will also be provided for the residents.
6. Terms of Reference (TOR): This indicates the expectations of the contribution of this report to the mitigation of the effects and impacts of (positive and negative) of the construction of the block of residential flat. This section also indicates the objectives it addresses including:
- To review the existing legal and institutional framework related to the proposed residential block of flats
- To collect and collate baseline information relevant to the proposed housing development
- To collect primary data through the community participatory process
- To identify and assess positive and negative impacts of the proposed project
- To identify and analyse alternative options for the proposed project
- To develop mitigation measures and cost estimates for the negative impacts
- To design an environmental management plan (including cost estimate) and a monitoring framework for the environmental impact of the project.
7. Content of the Housing Flats project: The project assessment will investigate and analyses the anticipated environmental impacts of the proposed development and in line with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations 2003 and in particular part S-7 [1]a-k. Consequently the report will provide the following
- Nature of project
- The location of the project including the physical area
- The activities to be undertaken during project construction and waste generated
- The potential environmental impacts of the project and mitigation measures to be undertaken during and after implementation of the project
- An action plan for the prevention and management of possible accidents during the project cycle
- A Plan to Ensure Health And Safety Of The Workers And The Neighboring Communities
- The economic and social cultural impacts to local community
- The project budget
- Any other information that the proponent may be required to provide by NEMA
8. Methodology: This stage outlines the methodology used in conducting this Environmental Impact Assessment Project. There are established step by step processes to conduct an EIA for a residential housing apartment in Kenya. Here a step by step methodology of conducting the EIA
- Environmental screening
- Environmental Scoping
- Desktop Study
- Site visits and Public Participation
- Reporting
ii. Environmental Scoping: Environmental scoping is a stage where the focus is on the environmental impacts with the greatest consequences. Impacts are also classified into short term and long term impacts. Environmental issues are categorized as physical, natural ecological and social economic and cultural aspects. In the scoping special attention is given to the project background, project objectives, present environmental conditions, Identification of Environmental impacts, public participation, Cost - benefit analysis, Development of an environmental management plan (EMP),Developing of a monitoring plan,
iii. Desktop study: This stage involves the review of project documents, architectural drawings, past EIA, Relevant policy, legal and institutional frameworks, Documents claiming climatic, demographic and hydrological data for Nairobi City County are also relied upon.
iv. Site visits and public participation: Field visits are meant for physical inspection of the project site in order to gather more information on the state of environment. Several Photos of the project site are taken for inclusion in the report. The study also seeks public opinion through consultation and public participation (CCP) excursive.
v. Reporting: The EIA experts together with the project proponents will prepare and submit 10 copies of the EIA report to NEMA for review and issuance of an EIA license. Environmental concerns will have to be included as part of the design and execution of the project
II) CHAPTER 2: POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
Environmental Impact assessment is an instrument for environmental management and development control. Development has to be socially acceptable, environmentally sound and economically viable. In Kenya, it is mandatory to conduct an environmental impact assessment before embarking on a construction development and the EIA should be part of the project design phase.
This chapter discusses the relevant policy, legal and administrative frame work within which the proposed development project must adhere. The section will highlight the actual laws and policy statements meant to guide sound developments in Kenya. For example the Environmental Management and Coordination Act NEMCA 1999 will be quoted and the relevant sections guiding such developments mentioned.
The legal notice of section 3 of Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations of 2003 legal notice no. 101, dictates that an EIA needs to be conducted and submitted to the NEMA for review and eventual licensing of any proposed construction project in Kenya.
Others include the:
This chapter discusses the relevant policy, legal and administrative frame work within which the proposed development project must adhere. The section will highlight the actual laws and policy statements meant to guide sound developments in Kenya. For example the Environmental Management and Coordination Act NEMCA 1999 will be quoted and the relevant sections guiding such developments mentioned.
The legal notice of section 3 of Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations of 2003 legal notice no. 101, dictates that an EIA needs to be conducted and submitted to the NEMA for review and eventual licensing of any proposed construction project in Kenya.
Others include the:
- National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP)
- National Shelter Strategy of the year 2000
- The National poverty Eradication Plan (NPEP)
- National Policy on Water Resources Management and Development
- National Paper on Environmental and Development (Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999)
- Environmental Management and Coordination Act 1999
- Physical Planning Act 1999
- Land Planning Act Cap 303
- Building code 2000
- Water Act 2002
- County Government Act 2012
- The electricity power Act 1997
- The penal Code cap 63
III) CHAPTER 3: DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
This chapter of the EIA is a description of the actual project size. It describes the types of housing units in regards to their floor area, number of units, no of bedrooms per unit, parking spaces, generator rooms, caretaker house, underground water tanks or roof top water storage.
You should also include several pictures of the project plot showing the satellite image of the plot, the actual ground level picture of the plot and the developments in the neighboring area. This is meant to create a mental picture of the physical environment neighboring the project site.
Project location is also described in regard to where the project plot is situated in Nairobi. This is important so as to describe the need for such a residential flats project in that area. Presence of similar apartment housing projects in the area, indicate that your flats project is located in the correct land use area where similar projects are economically, socially and environmentally acceptable.
Other important aspects of the Residential housing apartment project description include the below:
1. Site ownership
2. Infrastructure
3. Electrical System
4. Water Reticulation System
5. Sewerage
6. Solid Waste
7. Security
8. Fire safety
9. Parking area
10. Perimeter fence
11. Landscaping
12. Building construction
13. Description of the project construction activities to include:
i. Pre-construction investigations
ii. Sourcing and transporting building materials
iii. Clearance of vegetation
iv. Storage of materials
v. Excavation and foundation works
vi. Masonry, concrete works and related activities
vii. Structural Steel Works
viii. Roofing and Sheet Metal Works
ix. Electrical works
x. Plumbing
xi. Landscaping
14. Description of the projects operational activities like:
i. Residence
ii. Solid Waste
iii. Waste water and storm water management
iv. Cleaning
v. General Repairs and Maintenance
15. Description of the projects decommissioning activities.
Decommissioning of a project is an important part of winding up. The project proponent needs to know that at the end of his project, he/she would be expected to demolish the built environment and cart away all the debris in an environmentally, socially and economically viable manner.
The following are decommissioning activities that should be explained in the EIA report
i. Dismantling of equipment and structures
ii. Site restoration
iii. Building materials and energy used
iv. Solid waste generated
16. Public participation
You should also include several pictures of the project plot showing the satellite image of the plot, the actual ground level picture of the plot and the developments in the neighboring area. This is meant to create a mental picture of the physical environment neighboring the project site.
Project location is also described in regard to where the project plot is situated in Nairobi. This is important so as to describe the need for such a residential flats project in that area. Presence of similar apartment housing projects in the area, indicate that your flats project is located in the correct land use area where similar projects are economically, socially and environmentally acceptable.
Other important aspects of the Residential housing apartment project description include the below:
1. Site ownership
2. Infrastructure
3. Electrical System
4. Water Reticulation System
5. Sewerage
6. Solid Waste
7. Security
8. Fire safety
9. Parking area
10. Perimeter fence
11. Landscaping
12. Building construction
13. Description of the project construction activities to include:
i. Pre-construction investigations
ii. Sourcing and transporting building materials
iii. Clearance of vegetation
iv. Storage of materials
v. Excavation and foundation works
vi. Masonry, concrete works and related activities
vii. Structural Steel Works
viii. Roofing and Sheet Metal Works
ix. Electrical works
x. Plumbing
xi. Landscaping
14. Description of the projects operational activities like:
i. Residence
ii. Solid Waste
iii. Waste water and storm water management
iv. Cleaning
v. General Repairs and Maintenance
15. Description of the projects decommissioning activities.
Decommissioning of a project is an important part of winding up. The project proponent needs to know that at the end of his project, he/she would be expected to demolish the built environment and cart away all the debris in an environmentally, socially and economically viable manner.
The following are decommissioning activities that should be explained in the EIA report
i. Dismantling of equipment and structures
ii. Site restoration
iii. Building materials and energy used
iv. Solid waste generated
16. Public participation
IV) CHAPTER 4: BASELINE INFORMATION ON THE STUDY AREA
This chapter has information on the bio-physical, social and economic aspects of the project location and area. These aspects are intensively discussed in order to identify areas that may be negatively impacted by the proposed project. The study will therefore consider the physical location, climatic data, geology, drainage, infrastructure, demography and socio economic information. Some of the information you will need to study in an Environmental Impact Assessment about the project location include:
1. Climatic Conditions
i. Temperatures
ii. Rainfall
iii. Wind Flows
iv. Sunshine
2. Topography and Drainage
i. Hydrology and Soils
3. Biological environment
i. Flora
ii. Fauna
4. Socio- economic Environment
i. Landuse
ii. Economic activity
iii. Population
iv. Employment
5. Socio-economic importance of the project
6. Water Resources
7. Waste Management
1. Climatic Conditions
i. Temperatures
ii. Rainfall
iii. Wind Flows
iv. Sunshine
2. Topography and Drainage
i. Hydrology and Soils
3. Biological environment
i. Flora
ii. Fauna
4. Socio- economic Environment
i. Landuse
ii. Economic activity
iii. Population
iv. Employment
5. Socio-economic importance of the project
6. Water Resources
7. Waste Management
V) CHAPTER 5: IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY & ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
This chapter discusses the Environmental Impact Assessment methodology that the expert will employ to perform the investigation. There are five factors that need to be considered when assessing the significance of impacts, namely: relationship of impacts to time or temporal frames, relationship of the impact to the spatial frames, the severity or benefits of the impact frame, the likelihood of the impact occurring.
Each criterion is ranked with scores assigned to determine the overall significance of an activity viz effect of the activity and the likelihood of the impact. The overall scores recorded for the effect and likelihood are then read off a matric presented to determine the overall significance of the impact. The overall significance is either negative or positive.
In analysis of the alternatives, the following are considered:
Each criterion is ranked with scores assigned to determine the overall significance of an activity viz effect of the activity and the likelihood of the impact. The overall scores recorded for the effect and likelihood are then read off a matric presented to determine the overall significance of the impact. The overall significance is either negative or positive.
In analysis of the alternatives, the following are considered:
- The no action alternative
- The relocation alternative
- Alternative land use activities
- Alternative to construction materials and technology
- Solid waste management alternatives
- Project Design
VI) CHAPTER 6: POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
This chapter outlines the potential negative and positive impacts that will be associated with the housing project. The impacts of the housing project during its life cycle stages (construction, operation and decommissioning) can be categorized into; impacts on the biophysical environment, health and safety impacts and socio-economic impacts.
Construction of the proposed residential apartment’s development is likely to present several environment impacts. These can be either positive or negative.
Here are the anticipated environmental impacts of the apartment housing project:
A. Positive environmental impacts of construction activities
B. Negative Environmental Impacts of Construction Activities
C. Positive Environmental Impact of Operational Activities
D. Negative Environmental Impact of Operational Activities
E. Negative Environmental Impacts of Decommissioning Activities
F. Positive Environmental Impacts of Decommissioning Activities
Construction of the proposed residential apartment’s development is likely to present several environment impacts. These can be either positive or negative.
Here are the anticipated environmental impacts of the apartment housing project:
A. Positive environmental impacts of construction activities
- Creation of employment opportunities
- Provision of a market for supply of building materials
- Increased business opportunities
- Individual investment
- Optimal use of land
- Revenue to government
- Enhanced Security
- Improved Infrastructure
B. Negative Environmental Impacts of Construction Activities
- Extraction and use of building materials
- Dust emissions
- Exhaust Emissions
- Traffic Flow during construction
- Noise and Vibration
- Risks of accidents and injuries to workers
- Solid Waste generation
- Energy Consumption
- Water Use
C. Positive Environmental Impact of Operational Activities
- Provision of Housing Facilities
- Employment Opportunities
- Revenue to National and Local Governments
- Improved Security
D. Negative Environmental Impact of Operational Activities
- Solid waste generation
- Energy Consumption
- Water Use
E. Negative Environmental Impacts of Decommissioning Activities
- Solid waste
- Noise and vibration
F. Positive Environmental Impacts of Decommissioning Activities
- Rehabilitation
VII) CHAPTER 7: IMPACTS MITIGATION MEASURES
This chapter highlights the mitigative measures taken to remove or reduce the negative impacts of the housing project construction, operation and decommissioning. These will be measures taken to reduce the environmental, health and safety impacts associated with the activities of the project during its 3 phases.
In this section, allocation of responsibilities, timeframes and estimated cost for implementation of these measures are presented in the environmental management plan of chapter 8. The mitigation of negative environmental, health and safety impacts of a flat housing construction project would be as below:
A. Mitigation of construction phase impacts
B. Mitigation of Operational Phase Impacts
C. Mitigation of Decommissioning Phase of the Block of Flats Housing project
In this section, allocation of responsibilities, timeframes and estimated cost for implementation of these measures are presented in the environmental management plan of chapter 8. The mitigation of negative environmental, health and safety impacts of a flat housing construction project would be as below:
A. Mitigation of construction phase impacts
- Efficient Sourcing and use of raw materials
- Minimization of run-off
- Minimization of construction waste
- Reduction of dust generation and emission
- Minimization of impacts of traffic flow
- Minimization of noise and vibration
- Health and safety of workers on site
- Reduction of energy consumption
- Mitigation of water use
B. Mitigation of Operational Phase Impacts
- Ensuring efficient solid waste management
- Minimization of sewerage release
- Ensure efficient energy consumption
- Ensure efficient water use
C. Mitigation of Decommissioning Phase of the Block of Flats Housing project
- Efficient Solid waste management
- Reduction of dust Concentration
- Minimization of Noise and vibration
VIII) CHAPTER 8: ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for a block of flats housing project is meant to provide a logical framework within which identified negative environmental impacts can be mitigated and monitored. In addition an EMP assigns responsibilities, time frame and a budget for implementation of the mitigative measures. EMP is a crucial outcome of an environmental impact assessment as it also provides a checklist for project monitoring and evaluation.
The EMP can be presented in the form of a table which outlines the following headlines
The above table sections are indicated against the activities of each project phase including:
The EMP can be presented in the form of a table which outlines the following headlines
- Environment Impact
- Mitigation measures
- Responsibilities
- Cost (Kshs)
- Monitoring Measures
The above table sections are indicated against the activities of each project phase including:
- Activities and Impacts from Project Construction phase Activities
- Activities and Impacts from Project Operational phase
- Activities and impacts from Project Decommissioning phase
IX) CHAPTER 9: ENVIRONMETNAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (EHS)
The Environmental Health and Safety EHS is aimed at protecting the workers at the work place. It is an important tool in concluding an EIA study. It is aimed at designing rules that will regulate the environmentally instigated diseases and occupational safety measures during construction and the operation and decommissioning phases.
The EHS environmental health and safety works to:
Some of the areas addressed by the EHS include the below.
The EHS environmental health and safety works to:
- Avoid injuries
- Provide a safe and healthy working environment for workers
- Control of losses and damages to plants, machines, and other products
- Enhance environmental sustainability through developing sound conservation measures
Some of the areas addressed by the EHS include the below.
- Policy, Administrative and Legislative framework
- Organization and implementation of the EHS Management Plan (EHS-MP)
- The guiding principles to be adopted by the contractor
- EHS Management strategy to be adopted by the contractor
- Safety Agenda for both the proponent and contractor
- Safety requirement at the project site during construction and operation phase
- Welding at the construction site
- Emergency procedure during construction and operation
X) CHAPTER 10: DECOMMISIONING
Decommissioning is an important part of the winding up of the operational phase of the project.it is the final disposal of the project and associated materials at the expiry of the project lifespan. If such a stage is reached, the project proponent will be required to remove all materials resulting from the demolition from the site. The below should be undertaken to decommission the project and rehabilitate the grounds:
There should be an Environmental Management plan drawn up for the decommissioning phase of the project. This EMP should include the phases where decommissioning applies, the recommended measures, the responsible party, time frame and the cost of that activity.
- Remove all underground facilities from site
- Proper landscaping of the site by flattening mounds and planting indigenous trees
- All equipment should be removed from the site
- Fence and signpost all unsafe areas until natural stabilization occurs
- Backfill surface openings if practical
There should be an Environmental Management plan drawn up for the decommissioning phase of the project. This EMP should include the phases where decommissioning applies, the recommended measures, the responsible party, time frame and the cost of that activity.
XI) CHAPTER 11: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The conclusion and recommendations of the study will state that the EIA has been done exhaustively and submitted to the NEMA. It is through this EIA report that the project proponent proposes to be issued with a license from NEMA to start his housing apartment’s project in Nairobi.
The recommendation should also indicate that the project audit should be undertaken in 12 months after the project is completed.
The recommendation should also indicate that the project audit should be undertaken in 12 months after the project is completed.