GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 6916

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, Aperture Green Power Company Limited, is proposing to develop a wind farm to generate energy from wind and supply to the national grid on a suitable section situated on several adjoining privately owned land parcels situated within Ndeiya area of Kiambu County. The proposed area is 78.61 hectares (191.62 acres) which is equivalent to 786,100 m2. The wind farm will comprise of 9- 12 number of wind turbines of 4.2–5.8mw turbines with an anticipated power output of 50mw. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Loss of agricultural land/soil disturbance • Sound landscaping and installation techniques. • Protect exposed soils and material from wind. • Spray (water) exposed surfaces. • Hard surfacing of vehicle areas, Water unsurfaced roads and paved roads and restrict vehicle speed. • Monitor and evaluate erosion control measures. Visual intrusion /effects on landscape • Retention of existing features. • Sound design and installation techniques. • Locating the turbines foundation at the base of the hill subject to and as per its usefulness to the purpose. Noise • Use of modern design “upwind” other than “downwind” machines where the thickness of the blades’ trailing edges have been changed to reduce noise. • Adherence to Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Aviation safety • Acquisition of all the licenses and permits. • Adherence to aviation regulations and signage requirements. Flora • Retain existing vegetation and plant more and other vegetation such as grass and food crops. • Introduce vegetation subject to not interfering with the wind speeds and turbines. Risk to the birds • Avoid activities likely to attract birds in the area. • Paint the blades with bright colors to improve visibility. • Safe distance separation of high tension lines. Risk to bats • Avoid any lights or sounds that may attract bats to the area. 3588 3588 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Carcass monitoring will be implemented. If significant bird mortality of protected species is identified, population studies and active turbine management will be implemented in line with international good practice. Air pollution through dust and gaseous emissions • Control speed and operation of construction vehicles. • Prohibit idling of vehicles. • Water should be sprayed during the construction phase of excavated areas. • Regular maintenance of construction plant and equipment. • Engage sensitive construction workers. • Proper use of PPEs. • Sale of environmentally friendly products such as low sulphur diesel and unleaded premium. • Strict adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Security • Provide security guards and facilities. • Security men should always be available to alleviate cases of robbery and safety risks. Public health and occupational safety • Installation by specialized personnel preferably from the manufacturing firm. • Train workers on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear and workmen’s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions and manuals during construction. • Adopt sound waste management system. • Provide sanitary facilities (pit latrines). • Adherence to provisions of Public Health Cap. 242. • Comply with the provisions of OSHA, 2007. Socioeconomic impacts • Maximize local employment, considering the skills required for the project. • Train local community members to further increase local employment opportunities. • Procure services locally, when available and competitive. • Support local communities through a Community Development Plan. • Implement a stakeholder engagement plan to keep stakeholders informed and up to date on the project activities. 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, Kiambu 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/1164756 National Environment Management Authority.