NEMA begins crackdown on apartment owners over environmental pollution

The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) has begun a crackdown on proprietors of apartments discharging effluent into the environment without an effluent discharge license.

In a signed letter to the proprietor, Shelton apartment, signed by County Director of Environment Mr Samuel Ondeng, accused the business owner of contravening the Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations, 2006.

“The Authority has reached a decision to initiate criminal proceedings against you for contravening the provisions of the Act,” read part of the letter copied to the County Police Commander James Mugera.

Odeng, issued a seven day notice to the proprietor to state why Nema should not institute criminal proceedings over the matter.

He explained that Part III (11) of Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations, 2006 outlaws discharge or apply any poison, toxic, noxious or obstructing matter, radioactive waste or other pollutants into the aquatic environment.

“That is unless such discharge, poison, toxic, noxious or obstructing matter, radioactive waste or pollutants complies with the standards set out in the Third Schedule of these Regulations.” he said.

Odeng also pointed out that owners or operators of irrigation project schemes, sewage systems, industrial production workshops or any other undertaking which may discharge effluents are required from time to time by Nema to submit accurate information about the quantity and quality of such effluent or other pollutant.

“Section 68 of EMCA CAP 387 Laws of Kenya requires such owners or operators to submit annual Environmental Audit to the Authority,” said Odeng.