GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 13720

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 (Triumph Power Generating Company Limited) is proposing to abstract water from Kasuitu dam. The estimated abstracted water is 1800m3 per day and will be used in the power plant for engine cooling. The project will involve extending the current dam to increase its capacity by demolishing the current retaining wall and relocating it downstream (about 10 metres away from the already existing one) and clearing the way-leave and laying of the pipeline from the dam to the power plant about 2 km away. The current water abstraction from the dam is 1000m3 and this is expected to increase to 2800m3 per day. Below is a summary of the anticipated impacts and the proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Loss of vegetation cover • Ensure proper demarcation and delineation of the project area to be affected by construction works. • Introduction of vegetation (trees, shrubs and grass) on open spaces and around the project site and their maintenance. • Design and implement an appropriate landscaping programme to help in re- vegetation of parts of the project area after construction. Air pollution by dust and VOCs generated • Project personnel will be trained prior to starting construction on methods for minimizing air quality impacts during construction. • Construction heavy earth moving vehicle drivers will be under strict instructions to minimize unnecessary trips and minimize idling of engines. • Screening of construction site to contain and arrest construction-related dust. • Exposed stockpiles of e.g. dust and sand, will be enclosed, covered, and watered daily, or treated with non-toxic soil binders. • All workers will be required to wear protective gear • Ensure construction machinery and equipment are well maintained to reduce exhaust gas emission Pollution from hazardous waste • Handle the materials as per the material safety data sheets from the manufacturers. • Appoint a safety officer to ensure that proper disposal guideline are observed • Ensure that maintenance and repairs are carried out by qualified personnel • In case of spillage emergency spillage control measures to be instituted • Containerization of any wastes and disposal through a licensed waste handler. Noise and vibration • Use of equipment with noise control elements will be adopted where necessary. • Trucks shall be routed away from noise sensitive areas where feasible. • Idling time for pick-up trucks and other equipment will be minimized • All workers operating in noisy areas or operating noisy equipment will be provided with earpieces to protect against extreme noise. • Comply with L.N. 25: Noise prevention and control rules, 2005 Traffic and transport • Adequate maintenance to reduce emissions. • Vehicle comply with axle load limits • Well trained and experienced drivers Workers accidents during construction • All workers will be sensitized before construction begins, on how to control accidents related to construction. • A comprehensive contingency plan will be prepared before construction begins, on accident response. Improper human waste disposal during construction • As provided for by the Building Code, a temporary latrine will be provided on site to be used by construction workers Soil Erosion • The contractor must implement erosion control measures to avoid erosion in areas that are prone to erosion, e.g. steep slopes and drainage lines. These measures must include the construction of cross drains and other appropriate measures Change in Athi river flow regime and reduction in water flow downstream • Ensure sustainable abstraction of water from Athi River Water borne diseases • Awareness creation; • Provision of mosquito nets; • Boiling and treatment of drinking water if collected from water pools. • Regular supervision of the piping in order to identify system malfunctioning early Hydrological Situation • Monitor the flow trends of Athi and Kitengela Rivers over time. • Ensure that minimum flows in Athi and Kitengela • Rivers are maintained at all times in accordance with Water Resources Management Rules. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (b) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Machakos 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 of the plan. ZEPHANIAH OUMA, for Director-General, MR/3175258 National Environment Management Authority. 11th October, 2013 THE KENYA GAZETTE