GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5411

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, Murang'a South Water and Sanitation Company (MUSWASCO), is proposing to construct a sewerage infrastructure for Sabasaba, Maragua and their surrounding areas to be financed by World Bank and implemented through Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF). This initiative is under the umbrella of Up scaling Basic Sanitation for the Urban Poor (UBSUP) and involves construction of DTF of capacity 50 m3/day in Sabasaba Town, Murang'a County. The DTF will be used to treat the waste water from residential dwellings and institutions in Sabasaba, Maragua Town and the environs. Septage will be collected from latrines and septic tanks by exhausters, transported to the DTF, treated and effluent discharged to Sabasaba River after treatment to meet the WHO standard while sludge will be used as fertilizer. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental/S ocial Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures Environmental degradation risks • Construction activities will be limited to Project sites/routes which already exist therefore limited destruction to vegetation cover. • Stock piling of top soil, construction material and wastes should be done only at designated sites approved by the supervising engineer, erosion prevention through berming of loose soil sites should be done in all areas susceptible to agents of erosion. • Utilize to the extent possible the existing public roads to avoid social and economic disruption. • Ensure road safety measures for the construction vehicles to the extent possible by observing all traffic regulations. • The contractor will be required to provide for the appropriate environmental training and awareness in his costs and programming. • The contractor and sub-contractors shall be aware of the environmental requirements and constraints on construction activities contained in the provisions of this ESMP. • An initial environmental awareness training session shall be held prior to any work commencing on site, with the target audience being all project staff. Risks of increased social ills such as drug use, HIV and Aids transmission in the area • The contractor shall institute HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention campaign amongst his workers for the duration of the contract, contracting and implementing organization, with preference for an organization already working on this issue in the Project area. • Prohibit drug abuse within the project site. Social conflicts and security • Accommodate the views raised during stakeholder meetings. • Post emergency and SOS numbers strategically throughout the project lifecycle. • Incorporate lighting during designs within the site to enhance security. Environmental/S ocial Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures • Liaise with the administration units such as the police and local administration to provide regular surveillance and patrols to protect workers and the neighbourhood. Public/ community health and safety risks • Notify public the intent to cut sections of the road for safety precautions. • Provide signage and safety information in all work areas. • Ensure that no poorly constructed temporary structures, roads or bridges that may collapse and kill/injure members of community or damage neighboring properties. • The contractor will do proper fencing or boundary controls to prevent site access from unauthorized personnel and members of the community (especially children). • The contractor will Isolate the site for access by the local communities during the construction for their safety and health. • Contractor to provide a Healthy and Safety Plan prior to the commencement of works to be approved by the resident engineer. Disruption of amenities (access roads, services lines and driveways) causing inconveniences to the community • Notify other services providers. • Open small sections that can be reinstated within the shortest period to avoid public disruption. • Mark the lines to avoid conflicts with other activities. Risks of contaminating surface and ground water resources • Construction wastes (residual earth, debris and scrap materials) to be removed for safe disposal. • Encourage reuse where possible (concrete debris for access road surfacing). • Contaminated organic matter in the work areas to be isolated for safe disposal. • Material residuals to be disposed off in accordance with established regulations. Risks of solid waste mismanageme- nt leading to pollution • Provide sludge drying beds in the project. • Provision of adequately designed bins to prevent access by vermin. • Monitor skips so that they do not become overfilled. • Ensure that the solid waste collected is disposed of in an approved dumpsite. Risks of accidents, injuries or death of workers • Conduct job-specific risk assessments/job safety analysis/ safe work procedures. • Conduct statutory health and safety and first aid trainings. • Ensure that there is OHS committee representative/ OHS reporting line for effective OHS supervision. • Provide construction workers with personal protective gear (gloves, gum boots, overalls and helmets), • Provide temporary toilets and bathrooms for the construction workers at the work sites. • Provide onsite first aid kit accessible by the workers on need. 30th July, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE Environmental/S ocial Impact Proposed Mitigation Measures Hazards of fire outbreak, oil and chemical spills. • Follow specifications of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, EMCA1999 and others in the development and operation of stores. Air pollution causing respiratory disorders to human • Monitor and ensure that influent sulphate levels are below 240 mg/l. • Ensure that the pond series have adequate water flow to reduce the potential of odour formation. Vehicles delivering soil materials shall be covered to reduce spills and windblown dust. • Water sprays shall be used on all earthworks areas within 200metres of human settlement. Noise and vibration control from plant and equipment • The contractor shall keep noise level within acceptable limits and construction activities shall, where possible, be confined to normal working hours in the residential areas. • The contractor must adhere to Noise Prevention and Control Rules of April 2005. Increase in traffic along the access road • Limit septage delivery to the site between the hours of 8 and 5 p.m. This will limit the noise nuisance to residents and possibly reduce the population exposed to potential accidents, as most persons would have already left their homes to go to work or and schools. • Add adequate personnel and appropriate signs including speed limits along the road in proximity to the access roads to control movement of workers, equipment and goods to and within construction site. Poor depositing of septage by cess pool emptier • Institute and maintain a ticketing system for cesspool emptiers, where upon successful disposal, the WWTP operator would issue a receipt to the cesspool emptier. • County Government and NEMA should put in place a system to monitor cesspool service providers and in addition, have a public educational campaign to educate and inform the public about the system. Accidents occurrence and sicknesses • Install safety valves on gas conveyance system. • Make prior arrangements with healthcare facilities such as a Health Centre in proximity. • Design and implement an emergency response plan. Pollution of local stream • Follow the NEMA waste water quality guidelines strictly. • Keep the sewer treatment plant clean to limit the attraction of birds which scavenge for insects and maggots from the ponds and sludge beds. • The sewage treatment plants should be protected from wildlife encroachments by providing secure barriers to keep off the animals from interfering with the plant operations and safety. This will also ensure safety of the residents. • Storm water discharge leading to erosion and downstream flooding should be controlled and monitored. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, Community, 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, Murang’a County. A copy of the 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 plan. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Ag. Director-General, MR/0783613 National Environment Management Authority.