GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 8764

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, Tana Water Works Development Agency, is proposing to construct Kanjogu Dam within the Mt. Kenya Forest in South Maara River, Maara Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County. The proposed project involves the construction of 0.745 million cubic meters dam, water treatment and irrigation water supply system whose purpose is to stabilize the surface water source by impounding the runoff within the South Maara River catchment and supplying water for irrigation, livestock and domestic use to the resident communities of Mitheru, Ganga, Chogoria and Muthambi Wards of Maara Sub- County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Air quality • Use wet suppression techniques in all exposed areas. • Ensure protection of stockpiles to reduce the potential for air pollution originating from stockpiles of construction materials, topsoil and subsoil. • No open burning of construction and or waste material at the site. Storm water • Minimize or eliminate the discharge of pollutants management into storm water drainage system. • Implement practices and procedures that promote proper handling and storage of construction material and other stockpile to prevent or reduce storm water pollution. Solid waste • Provision of waste collection bins at designated points. • Application of good strategy to collect, remove and safely dispose of waste on daily basis to ensure clean environment. • Conduct educational and awareness campaigns among workers on proper SWM. • The management of construction solid waste shall adopt the integrated solid waste management system. Invasive • The contractor will ensure that appropriate species screening of all construction machineries originating from other locations in order to avoid the transfer of dangerous invasive species and biological material attachments on construction equipment. Noise and • A suitable noise barrier will be created in form of vibrations properly designated noise minimization wall and green belt. • Reducing hazardous material use on site. • Use of alternative products if available. • Training employees in proper handling and use of construction materials. Hazardous waste management Project Activity and Management Action Plans and Issues Responsibilities Water use trends • Support the communities by forming WRUA. • Sensitize the community on sustainable water use. • Collaborations on sanitation, health and hygiene awareness creation. Downstream ecology • Simulate the dam to allow appropriate artificial flood release to ensure water quality regulation and silt feed into downstream. • Liaisons on ecological and social characteristics of Kipchorian river sub- basin. Social and economic • Sensitization on water resource issues management and conservation. • Local communities should also participate in water resource management and planning. • Encourage formation of WRUA's for sustainable water utilization. Safety and risks • Undertake risk assessment study or the dam as part of the pre-commissioning stage with emergency preparedness strategies. • Construct a perimeter fence around the dam. • Sensitize the communities on dam safety issues associated with the dam. • Consider acquiring the land directly below the dam wall to avoid safety risks. Institutional aspects • Comply to the provisions of the Water Resources Management Authority. • Organize communities for sustainable utilization of natural resources associated with the dam. • Establish appropriate water user associations in the areas neighbouring the dam. De-commissioning • The contractor to prepare a decommissioning plan of all construction installations and associated sited at least 3 months prior to end of construction. • Undertake a decommissioning audit at least six months and provide a decommissioning plan. • Undertake the decommissioning following the decommissioning plan and under supervision by NEMA. 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 30 I 26-00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Kericho 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 regarding this plan. MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1320275 National Environment Management Authority. 30th October, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE 4337 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Institute practices and procedures to reduce or prevent leaks or spills which may be discharged into the environment. • Potential contaminated effluent (by oils and lubricants), will be captured using oil, water and sand filter separators. • Hazardous and general waste will be separated and removed from site for disposal at recognized waste management facilities as approved by proponent. Social and • Recruitment of local workers will be undertaken economic without discrimination. impacts • Local procurement of goods and services will be undertaken wherever possible. Public health • Continuation of awareness programme on risks associated with STIs and HIV/AIDS both for the construction workers and people in the project site neighbourhood. • Development and implementation of awareness programme on risks associated with STIs and HIV/AIDS for construction workforce. • Use of preventive measures like condoms by availing condom dispenser to construction workers.