GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 12201

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, Kenya Electricity Transmission Company,is proposing to construct twelve (12) transmission lines and fourteen (14) substations for supply of high voltage power to the Nairobi–Mombasa Standard Gauge Railway Line (SGR) and the economic belt along the railway line. The proposed project will traverse five (5) counties: Kilifi, Kwale, Taita Taveta, Makueni, and Machakos counties. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Noise and vibration • The contractor to adhere to the EMCA Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution Control Regulation, 2009. • Contractor to ensure that noise levels emanating from machinery, vehicles and noisy construction activities (e.g. excavation, blasting) are kept at a minimum. • Regular servicing of engines and machine parts to reduce noise generation. • The noisy construction works will entirely be planned to be during day time when most of the neighbours will be at work. • Provide necessary PPE to workers who may be exposed to high levels of noise and ensure proper and constant use. Air pollution • Ensure strict enforcement of on-site speed limit regulations. • Sprinkle water on graded access routes when necessary to reduce dust generation by construction and vehicles. • PPE to be provided to employees and ensure proper and constant use. • Sensitise truck drivers and machine operators to switch off engines when not in use. • Regular servicing of engines and machine parts to reduce exhaust emission generation. Solid waste • Use of an integrated solid waste management system i.e. the 3 R’s: 1. Reduction at source 2. Reuse 3. Recycle. • Ensuring that, all remnants of loose gravel and concrete are effectively collected from the tower bases and re-used or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. • Waste collection bins to be provided at designated points on site. • Dispose waste more responsibly by contracting a registered and licensed waste handler who will dispose the waste at 23rd November, 2018 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures designated sites or landfills only and in accordance with the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006. • Employ segregation of waste at source. Oil spills hazards • Install oil trapping equipment in areas where there is a likelihood of oil spillage e.g. during maintenance of vehicles. • In case of an oil spill, immediate clean up measures will be instituted. • Storage and liquid impoundment areas for fuels, raw and inprocess material solvents, wastes and finished products should be designed with secondary containment to prevent spills and the contamination of soil, ground and surface water. • Collected used oils should be re-used, disposed of appropriately by licenced waste handlers, or be sold for reuse to licensed firms. Destruction of existing vegetation and habitat • Conduct selective clearing of vegetation on the way-leave corridor. • Designate access routes and parking within the site. Impacts on workers’ and community health and safety • Ensure strict compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) 2007. • Identify all hazards before undertaking a process and conduct and continually review a risk assessment. • Train all employees and regularly sensitize them on safe working procedures. • Only use experienced workers during erection of towers and stringing. Soil erosion and storm-water runoff • Surface runoff and roof water shall be harvested and stored in tanks so that it can be used for cleaning purposes. • A storm water management plan that minimizes impervious area infiltration by use of recharge areas and use of detention and/or retention with graduated outlet control structure will be designed. • Apply soil erosion control measures such as levelling of the project site to reduce run-off velocity and increase infiltration of storm water into the soil. Resettlement and loss of use • Conduct consultation meetings with Project Affected Persons and ensure timely compensation for loss of property and land use. Ensure adherence to the Land Act, 2012, and the World Bank Environment and Social Safeguard (ESS). Electrocution from live power lines or electric equipment • Put in place a maintenance system to ensure physical integrity of project equipment is maintained. • Access to the substations should only be by authorization and trained personnel. • Erect a perimeter fence to deny unauthorized people access the substations. • Clear warning signs to be placed on strategic places. • Conduct periodic awareness and sensitization campaigns for the neighbouring communities. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Increase in social vices including HIV/AIDS • Periodic sensitization forums for employees on ethics, morals; general good behaviour and the need for the project to co-exist with the neighbor. • Guidance and counselling on HIV/AIDS and other STDs to employees. • Enforcement of KETRACO’s policy on sexual harassment and abuse of office. Avifauna mortalities • To minimize collisions, undertake wire marking to alert birds to the presence of power lines, allowing them time to avoid the collision. • Build raptors platforms for bird roosting and nesting. Release of sewage into the environment • Provide adequate and safe means of handling sewage generated at the substations. • Conduct regular inspections for sewage pipe blockages or damages and fix appropriately. • Ensure regular monitoring of the sewage discharged from the project to ensure that the stipulated sewage/effluent discharge rules and standards are not violated. 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, Kilifi County. (d) County Director of Environment, Kwale County. (e) County Director of Environment, Taita Taveta County. (f) County Director of Environment, Makueni County. (g) 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. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/55203228 National Environment Management Authority.