GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2622

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environment Management Authority, (NEMA) has received an environmental impact assessment study report for the implementation of the proposed transmission line. The components of the proposed project include: 13.9km 33kv extension of the Rabai – Malindi – Garsen – Lamu mainland line from Lamu mainland‘s Hindi MJ Road to Mokowe old Jetty. 0.5km 33kV submarine cable from Mokowe old Jetty to Lamu Island 2.8km 33kV line from the first tower in the Island at Mnazi Moja to the proposed 33kv/11kV substation at Mnazi Moja, Lamu Island 1.5km 11kv submarine cable from Lamu Island‘s Mnazi Moja substation to Manda Island The proposed construction is of a 17.5kms 33kV & 11kV electrical transmission line from Hindi MJ Road – Mokowe Old Jetty – Lamu Island‘s Mnazi Moja – Manda Island. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures Environmental Impacts Suggested Mitigation Measures Terrestrial habitat alteration Re-vegetation of disturbed areas with native plant species. Undertake selective clearance by removing tall woody species leaving saplings, for quick regeneration of vegetation along the way-leave. The selective removal of tall-growing tree species and the encouragement of low growing grasses and shrubs in transmission line rights-of-way. Removal of alien invasive plant species. Cultivating native plant species. Avoiding clearing in riparian areas. Vegetation management should not eradicate all vegetation. Noise and vibration • Sensitize the workforce and truck drivers on issues of equipment maintenance. Supervise construction traffic, maintain plant and equipment, undertake construction only during the daytime for peace of the neighbours, workers to wear ear plugs, muffs as part Environmental Impacts Suggested Mitigation Measures of the personal protective gear. Consider the possibility of investing in silencers to reduce quantity of noise produced. Create a barrier well beyond the perimeter of the high level noise area and the community. Aquatic habitat alteration Regular maintenance of site equipment. Investigate the possibility of catalytic converters. Safety procedures for fuel storage and refuelling. Dispose of oil residues carefully. Road safety Enforce speed limits for construction vehicles during construction, design a separate vehicle entry different from the common entrance with the residents, streamline traffic flow into and out of the premises, initiate changes in traffic flow in the micro -area upon commissioning, install approximate cautionary signage for motorists entering the premises. Ensure appropriate road safety signage. Ensure all drivers adhere to the traffic laws and requirements. Erection of bumps where human and vehicular traffic have high interaction opportunities. Soil erosion Soils excavated for the erection of towers should be used for re-filling and should not be left exposed to wind or water for long periods. The contractor should avoid steep terrain during the transportation of construction material by using alternative routes or use light vehicles where appropriate. Riverine vegetation should be minimally disturbed during the construction phase to reduce soil erosion and safeguard riverbank protection. Re-plant degraded areas with local species common in the area to complement natural vegetation regeneration to improve ground cover. Air pollution (dust, fuel emissions) Control speed of construction vehicles. Prohibit idling of vehicles. Water should be sprayed during the construction phase on excavated areas. Regular maintenance of plant and equipment. Provision of dust masks for use when working in dusty conditions. Contamination of ground and surface water Maintenance of construction vehicles should be carried out in the Contractor‘s camp and a recognized garage. Proper storage, handling and disposal of oil wastes from machinery, discourage servicing of machinery and vehicles. THE KENYA GAZETTE 18th March, 2011 Environmental Impacts Suggested Mitigation Measures Management of solid waste Contractor must dispose solid wastes away from the site to an approved disposal site. Temporary pit latrine for construction workers. Risk of fire Establishing a network of fuel breaks of less flammable materials or cleared land to slow progress of fires and allow fire fighting access. Provision of fire safety system that includes training, firefighting equipment; regular maintenance of machinery, vehicles and equipment; and no burning activities to be allowed close to or within the site. Controlled burning of vegetation in transmission line rights-of-way should adhere to applicable burning regulations, fire suppression equipment requirements, and typically must be monitored. Electrocution from live power lines A maintenance system to ensure physical integrity of structures is maintained. Deactivating and properly grounding live power distribution lines before work is performed on, or in close proximity, to the lines. Ensuring that live-wire work is conducted by trained staff. Workers should not approach an exposed energized or conductive part even if properly trained unless the worker is : - properly insulated from the energized part with gloves or other approved, insulation; the energized part is properly insulated from the worker and any other conductive object; the worker is properly isolated and insulated from any other conductive object (live- line work). Workers should not approach an exposed energized or conductive part even if properly trained unless the worker is properly insulated from the energized part with gloves or other approved insulation; the energized part is properly insulated from the worker and any other conductive object; the worker is properly isolated and insulated from any other conductive object (live- line work). The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Kapiti Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, N.H.I.F. Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Coast Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Lamu West District. 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 approval process of the project. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, MR1272537 National Environment Management Authority.