GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 47

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, Geothermal Development Company, is proposing a geothermal exploration program in Nakuru County. The project will involve drilling deep geothermal wells. The selection of specific locations for exploration wells, including their depth and diameter will depend on; access to funds, land accessibility, environmental sensitivity, identification of feasible well pad locations and eventual power plant development potential. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Loss of vegetation and wildlife habitat • Develop and implement an avifauna monitoring scheme, assessing bird population trends and direct hazards relating to the proposed project. • Unnecessary vegetation clearing will be prohibited. • Biologist survey and monitoring if necessary. • Possible implementation of visual and acoustic barriers. • Prohibit unnecessary cutting of trees and vegetation clearing. Damage to landscape • Dismantle temporary treatment facilities and worker camps. Fire prevention and response • Provide fire prevention and response equipment at each work site such as shovels, axes, fire extinguishers and dedicated water tanks. Traffic control • Provide information signs where land and road closures could substantially disrupt traffic circulation. Hazardous materials management plan • Use non-toxic and biodegradable drilling mud where feasible. • Embank reserve pits if drilling mud contains foams. • Install containment berms and redirect storm water flows around hazardous material storage sites. • Cap drilling mud determined to be toxic with clean fill materials. Increased waste generation • Prepare a Waste Management Plan for solid waste. • Store and dispose of solid waste at an appropriate designated areas. • Strict adherence to Waste Management Regulations, 2006. Geotechnical investigation • Conduct geotechnical investigation prior to initiating civil works activities. Loss of culture • Conduct surveys for archaeological and cultural resources prior to civil work activities. • Handling all culturally sensitive issues. • Provide archaeological and cultural resources training to workers. Noise control • Install acoustic barriers between stationary equipment and sensitive receptors. Air quality • Install gas detection and monitoring devices during well drilling and testing activities. THE KENYA GAZETTE 3rd January, 2020 30 30 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Maintain and repair equipment according the manufacturer’s standard. • Dust will be minimized by regularly watering of construction area. Conflict • Provide compensation for farmers where farmland and crops are impacted by the proposed project. Soil erosion • Plastic sheeting to secure topsoil. • Reapply topsoil. • Replant trees and grass after construction. • Limit heavy machinery to designated routes. Community engagement and sensitivity • Local people will be given priority in employment. • Hold public meetings with the affected communities and install an informational sign at the entrance of each proposed project area and sites. • Obey the local population custom. Occupational health and safety • Prepare and implement an EHS plan with all required elements. • Use relevant protective gear during construction, operation and maintenance. • Provide First Aid and safety equipment. • Provide information to workers regarding their rights on safety and payment; and provide training to workers for their position. 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, Nakuru 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. GEOFFREY WAKHUNGU, Director-General, MR/0431712 National Environment Management Authority.