GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 42

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, Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, is proposing to set up the Malaba Sewerage Project in Busia County. The project consists of two main areas-setting up a new sewerage pipeline system and setting up a sewerage treatment plant. The proposed sewerage works will consist of; preliminary treatment consisting of inlet chamber, screening, grit chambers and measuring parshall flume, sewers of sizes ranging from 100mm total lengh 9.2 Km and consisting of 9 sewer lines, three main trunk sewer lines of diameter 200-600mm UPVC and concrete pipes and total length about 16km, a total of 12 waste stabilization ponds are proposed to be constructed to treat totsl of up to 4000m3/day of waste water. The ponds consist of 3No. anaerobic, 3No. facultative and 6No. maturation ponds, total area for the ponds is approximately 450m by 300m including space for future expansion. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Air quality control • Workers shall be trained on management of air pollution from vehicles and machinery. • All construction machinery shall be maintained and serviced in accordance with the contractor’s specifications. • The removal of vegetation shall be avoided until such time as clearance is required. • Exposed surfaces shall be re-vegetated or stabilized as soon as practically possible. • The contractor shall not carry out dust generating activities (excavation, handling and transport of soils) during times of strong winds. • Vehicles delivering soil materials shall be covered to reduce spills and windblown dust. • Water sprays shall be used on all earthwork’s areas within 200 metres of human settlement. Associated risks of environmental degradation • The site is to be cleared of all construction materials, including litter prior to hand over. • Fences, barriers and demarcations associated with the construction phase must be removed from the site. • Rehabilitation Activities of Environmental Cases identified must continue throughout the defect liability period. Risk of sewer blockage and overflows to the environment (polluting River Malaba • Awareness raising among community members not to dump solids in manholes. • Development of an inventory of system components, with information including age, construction materials, and drainage areas served elevations. • Design manhole covers to withstand anticipated loads and ensure that the covers can be readily replaced if broken. • Ensure sufficient hydraulic capacity to accommodate peak flows and adequate slope in gravity mains to prevent build-up of solids and hydrogen sulphide generation. Risk of illegal connection to the sewer pipeline • Constant inspection by BUWASCO officials to identify and repair leakages. • Conduct public sensitization programs on importance not interfering with the water pipeline and the need to seek official water connection from BUWASCO. Risk of encroachment and construction of structures on the sewer way leaves • Mapping and installation of beacons to which illustrate the width of the pipeline reserve. • Regular inspection of the pipeline corridor for encroachment. • Prosecution of encroachers as required by Busia County By-laws on way leaves and road reserves maintenance. THE KENYA GAZETTE 3rd January, 2020 24 24 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Conduct public sensitization programs on importance not interfering with way leaves and public reserve land. Soil Contamination • The BUWASCO to attend to burst pipes promptly to prevent excessive loss of soil. • Provide high risk areas with appropriate drainage for effective channeling of burst sewage spills. • Encourage land owners along sewer lines to maintain vegetated belts along the pipeline to control any overflows flows and trap soil. • Mark clearly the pipeline for ease of identification and protection by the adjacent landowners. Solid waste accumulation • Use of an integrated solid waste management system through a hierarchy of options. • All buildings, machinery, equipment, structures and partitions that will not be used up must be removed and recycled/reused. • All foundations must be removed and recycled, reused or disposed of at a licensed disposal site. • Where recycling/reuse of the machinery, equipment, implements, structures, partitions and other demolition waste is not possible, the materials should be taken to a licensed waste disposal site. • Donate reusable demolition waste to charitable organizations, individuals and institutions. Change in landscape (both built and natural • Implement an appropriate revegetation programme. • Rehabilitate the affected locations to the satisfaction of NEMA and other. • Consider use of indigenous plant species in re- vegetation. • Trees should be planted at suitable locations so as to interrupt slight lines (screen planting) between the adjacent area and the development. Environmental and safety risks associated with burrowing and opening up of new quarry sites • Ensuring that appropriate authorization to use the proposed borrows pits and quarries have been obtained before commencing activities. • Topsoil shall be stripped prior to removal of borrow and stockpiled onsite. This soil shall be replaced on the disturbed once the operation of the borrow site or quarry is complete. • Construction material sources should be environmentally sustainable (approved accordingly). • Delivery routes and modes of transport should be approved. • Material storage on site not to be internal or external nuisance. Risks of contaminating surface and underground water resources • Construction wastes (residual earth, debris and scrap materials) to be removed for safe disposal. • Contaminated organic matter in the work areas to be isolated for safe disposal. • Material residuals to be disposed of in accordance with established regulations. Occupational health and safety • Provide construction workers with personal protective gear (gloves, gum boots, overalls and helmets). • Provide onsite first aid kit accessible by the workers on need. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • 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. Traffic management on site • Strict use of warning signage and tapes where the trenches are open and active sites. • Employ and train road safety Marshalls who will be responsible for management of traffic on site. • Contractor to provide a traffic management plan during construction to be approved by the resident engineer. The full report for the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, 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, Busia County. 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 for this project. MAMO B. MAMO, Ag. Director-General, MR/0440842 National Environment Management Authority.