GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 5577

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) regulations, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the implementation of the proposed Chania Mataara Small-hydropower. The proposed small-hydropower plant is projected to supply power to the Kenya Tea Agency, Power Company. The proposed plant will be developed along River Chania which is located in Thika District, Gatanga Constituency, Kariara Division, Kiarutara Sub-Location, Kamukobini village. The proposed Small- Hydropower project is located about 0.5Km from Mataara Tea Factory. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Biological diversity Planting of grass and trees species that would be destroyed, flowers and grass within the proposed Small-Hydropower station site. Planting trees, grass and flowers has been done and will continue to be done to improve on the landscape quality of the small-hydropower station compound and also acts as windbreakers. Special attention paid to propagation of the endangered tree species especially Prunus Africana. Tree species to be planted to rehabilitate the site and improve the aesthetic value of the small hydropower station compound. Land degradation due to increase soil erosion Terraces to be constructed at appropriate places at the site and suitable plants and grass species planted. Extra roads to be constructed as narrow as possible and along the contour in consultation with Kenya forest. Service (KFS) and Ministry of Roads and Public Works as necessary. Rip-off compacted for planting of trees. Footpaths to be protected with appropriate grass species, stones or appropriate environmentally friendly measures that would prevent soil erosion. Avoid use of heavy machinery. Use water bowsers to minimize dust pollution. Control earth works. Siltation Ensure de-silting is done regularly at a minimal rate. Physical environmental destruction (land scarification) Avoid use of heavy machinery. Use water bowsers to minimize dust pollution Control earth works. Roads rip-off and re-vegetation after construction. Wastes disposal Waste disposal containers will be placed at strategic places where wastes are sorted out into biodegradable, and non- biodegradable. Solid wastes such as plastics, papers, and bottles will be collected for recycling.While papers and other wastes that cannot be recycled are burnt in the compost pit or incinerator. Possible Impact Mitigation measures Wastes such as green leaves will be used to produce compost manure for flower gardens to improve soil fertility and also planting trees and flowers later at the small-Hydropower station site. Waste water to be disposed into water sanitation system and exhausted for disposal as need arises. Environmental pollution through oil, petrol and diesel spillage. Minimize accidental spillage of oils, petrol and diesels. Where they occur, immediate collection and treatment of site is recommended. Dispose wastewater using environmentally sound methods. Dispose machinery pollutants using environmentally sounds methods. Ensure machinery and equipment are well serviced to reduce leaks. Construct storage fuel tanks away from regular activities in compliance with Energy bill, 2003. Occupational health hazards or issues during construction and after Provision of adequate personal protective gear/equipment to workers such as gloves and gum boots to workers during construction work. Use of water to reduce effect of dust on workers and the environment. Erect warning signs. Fence where necessary HIV and AIDS, VCT and Health Support Clinic within the small- hydropower station area. Personal safety such as workforce accidents by unsafe working practices Guard all moving parts of machines; provide personal protective clothing and ensure they are used; Display for all to read health, safety and environmental management policies Compliance to the provisions of the EHS management plan to safeguard workers. Prepare and print safety manual for distribution to workers. Contract an EHS Consultant to police workers with the view to ensure provisions of the EHS regulations are adhere to. Provide protective gear for example overalls, hard hats (helmets), and safety boots among others. Air, dust and noise pollution Dust masks to be provided to workers to limit 42 inhalation of the dust. Contractor will give prior notice of activities and time durations to neighboring households. Watering dusty ground before excavation begins. Measures will be put in place to ensure use of serviced and greased equipment and earmuffs by operators. Switch off engines when not being used. Generators to be well insulted or placed in enclosures to minimize noise levels. Sprinkling of water on graded routes to reduce dust. Provide earmuffs to workers. Possible Impact Mitigation measures Use of appropriate devices to filter toxic emissions from the smoke before released to the atmosphere. Screening/fencing the site to avoid spread of dust and ensuring all noisy work is done during daytime to avoid disturbance to neighbours. 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, Central Province. (d) District Environment Officer, Thika East and 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, MR2066256 National Environment Management Authority.