The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has invited the public to submit comments on an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report regarding the proposed expansion of Tata Chemicals Magadi Limited’s soda ash plant.
The expansion project seeks to increase the plant’s annual production capacity from 300,000 metric tons to 1 million metric tons. The facility, located in Kajiado West Sub-County, will undergo significant upgrades to enhance operations and reduce environmental impacts.
The proposed project will include dredgers, a Sulphur house, a salt plant power house, a recycling plant, and additional facilities such as a water treatment plant, a new trestle, and a store. This expansion is expected to improve production efficiency while incorporating measures to address environmental concerns such as pollution and waste management.
In the EIA report, the project proponent outlines several mitigation strategies. To manage air pollution, the report suggests, “Dust control measures like water spraying, the use of low-emission equipment, and regular maintenance of machinery are essential.” Additionally, measures such as proper handling of chemicals, the installation of containment systems, and the use of renewable energy are proposed to address water pollution and energy consumption.
The plant’s location in Kajiado County has raised concerns regarding biodiversity loss and the potential impact on local communities. To address these issues, the report proposes the “rehabilitation of affected areas by planting vegetation and incorporating agroforestry projects.”
The public is invited to submit comments within 30 days of the publication date, ensuring their concerns and suggestions are considered in the final project approval process. NEMA aims to ensure that all environmental considerations are met before the project proceeds.
