GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10529

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Tana Water Works Development Agency proposes to carry out expansion and rehabilitation of a 2.5 km waste water system and construction of a waste water treatment plant serve Dedan Kimathi University of Science and Technology main campus, Nyaribo Market, Chaka Township, Embassy area and its environs. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impact Mitigation Measures Spillage of wastewater from treatment plant • Wastewater treatment plant will be fabricated with high quality materials. • Sludge drying beds will be paved to prevent infiltration. • Multiple aeration basins will be installed in the plant to manage overflowing problems. • Drains and bypasses shall be designed for emergency cases. • A standby pump should be in place in the event of failure of the primary pumps. Pollution of groundwater • Monitor water quality in the adjacent to rivers and implement mitigation measures if necessary. • A water quality monitoring program shall be in place to detect any contamination in WWTP. • A groundwater quality monitoring program must be in place to detect any contamination that may be linked with the treatment plant Treatment of wastewater to meet wastewater quality standards as set by Water Quality Regulations, 2006. • Six-monthly groundwater quality testing at two boreholes: directly upslope and directly down slope of the sewage plant. Fire hazards • Prepare and implement a Fire Hazard Response Plan. • Label all inflammable materials and store them appropriately. • Use of retardant material in installation works of WWTP. • Install fire Suppression Systems such as Sprinkler system, hose reels, Dry risers (hydrants) and portable fire extinguishers. • Undertake bi-annual fire audits. • County Government of Nyeri to issue a fire safety certificate. Water pollution • Treated effluent shall be chlorinated to ensure that any remaining pathogens are eliminated before the effluent is released. • Quality of wastewater used for irrigation shall be tested monthly on the last day of the month by grab sampling, at the point where the wastewater enters the irrigation system. • Wastewater must be tested for the parameters indicated in the Third schedule Water Quality Regulations, 2006. • Hand screens and grit channels shall be cleaned regularly. Generation of solid waste • Provide trash bins that promote separation at source. • Cover screening wastes and grit chamber wastes to prevent mixing with surface run off. • Create awareness among workforce and visitors on the importance of proper disposal of solid wastes. • Manage waste through the hierarchy; reduction at source, separation for recycling/ reusing. • Contract a private waste handler who is registered with both NEMA and the County Government of Nyeri and proper records kept for collection and disposal. • Generally solid wastes will be managed in line with Legal Notice No. 121 of 2006. Potential climate change • Prepare and implement Contingency Plans for Phenomena associated with climate change such as flooding as provided for in the engineering designs of the development. 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, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, 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, Nyeri 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 project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/6532393 National Environment Management.