GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 2527

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, Khalala Hydropower Kenya Limited, is proposing to construct a 28 MW Hydropower plant 19 km from Webuye Town in Sitikho and Khalala Msabale villages, Sitikho Sub-location, Webuye West Sub-County in Bungoma County. The proposed project will comprise of; weir and intake structure, desander/desilting tank and headrace channel, forebay, spillway, penstock pipe, power house, tailrace water discharge, 6No. access roads and a construction workers camp site. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Noise and excessive vibration • Noise events will be scheduled for appropriate times of the day to avoid disturbances. • Construction activities will be limited to only day time hours; • Community awareness of the project activities. • Noise monitoring will ,be undertaken within the area and at nearby receptors, • Use well maintained and serviced equipment that generates low noise levels. • Noisy equipment will be sited away from sensitive receptors whenever possible. Proposed Mitigation Measures • Only monitoring site visits necessary for proper running of the hydropower project will be conducted. Watering of unpaved access roads and restrict clearance. • All truck loads that enter or leave the site will be covered. • All vehicle movements will be subject to risk assessment. • Community awareness and sensitization about the project. • • Vehicles and machinery will be fitted with appropriate exhaust systems. All emission-producing equipment will be operated only when necessary. • Staff working in dust generating activities e.g. site preparation, excavation, concrete mixing, stone dressing should be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) the use of PPE shall be enforced. • Strict adherence 'to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. • All the waste collected from the headrace system at the time of cleaning will be disposed of appropriately at designated waste disposal sites. • A site operation waste and wastewater management plan in order to minimize environmental damage. • All machinery and equipment be regularly maintained and serviced to avoid leak oils. • Maintenance and servicing of vehicle, machinery and equipment must be carried out in a designated area (protected service bays). • Oil interceptors shall be installed along the drainage channels leading from such areas. • All applicable national laws, regulations and standards for the safe use, handling, storage and disposal of hazardous waste to be -followed. • Implementation of erosion and sediment control measures such as silt fences. • Monitor operation activities at the open headrace. • Minimize cut and fill for new development. • Respect natural contours so that new development follows natural contour. • Construct project access roads parallel to the contours of the land to minimize erosion and to redUce the runoff rate more effectively. Impacts Air quality Soil and water pollution Impacts on fauna Roods Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Adhere to Nairobi County Government Traffic By-Laws and National Traffic Laws. • Designation of vehicle registration and checkpoint inside the premise to avert unnecessary traffic snarl up along adjacent roads. Water Management -• All waste generated, should be sorted and disposed of appropriately. • Toilet facilities for use by the construction personnel will be in place at the construction sites and the work camps. • Anti-vermin safeguards should be issued. • Waste management in line with the waste hierarch. Impacts on aquatic ecology • Implement soil erosion control and biodiversity measures and reduce soil disturbance during construction. • Proper design for storm water drainage facilities and maintenance during the construction phase. • Design and implement agreed seasonal compensation flow regime during operation. • Initiate river catchment protection programmes. Weir and intake failure hazard • Contract qualified and experienced civil engineers (contractor) for the construction works. 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. GE01-1-REY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/6019924 National Environment Management Authority.