GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 7680

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 Limited (KETRACO), proposes to construct approximately 40Km Transmission line from an existing Isinya Substation to new Konza city substation. The TL will transverse through two counties: approximately 32Km in Kajiado County and approximately 8Km in Machakos County. It will occupy a wayleave corridor of 60m (30m on either side from the Centre of the transmission line). Construction activities will comprise of Isinya-Konza 400KV TL and 400KV new substation at Konza City in Kajiado and Machakos Counties. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Noise and vibration • Sensitize construction vehicle drivers and machinery operators to switch off engines of vehicles or machinery not being used. • Sensitize construction drivers to avoid running of vehicle engines or hooting. • Regular servicing of engines and machine parts. • Ensure that all generators and heavy duty equipment are insulated or placed in enclosures (containers). • 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. • All construction equipment and machinery to be used must be tested. Dust emission • Stockpiles of earth should be enclosed/ covered/watered during dry or windy conditions. • Ensure strict enforcement of on-site speed limit regulations. • Avoid excavation works in extremely dry weather. • Stockpiles of earth should be enclosed/ covered/watered during dry or windy. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • PPE to be provided to employees and ensure proper and constant use. Exhaust emission • Sensitize truck drivers and machine operators to switch off engines when not in use. • Regular servicing of engines and machine parts to reduce exhaust emissionGeneration. • Alternative non-fuel construction equipment shall be used where feasible. Increased solid waste generation • Use of an integrated solid waste management system i.e. the 5 R’s: 1. Reduce2. Reuse 3. Recycle 4. Recover 5. Residuals. • Accurate estimation of the dimensions and quantities of materials required. • Use of durable, long-lasting materials that will not need to be replaced as often. • Provide facilities for proper handling and storage of construction materials. • Use building materials that have minimal or no packaging. • Reuse packaging materials such as cartons, cement bags, empty metal and plastic containers. • Waste collection bins to be provided at designated points on site. • Dispose waste more responsibly by contracting a registered waste handler who will dispose the waste at designated sites or landfills only and in accordance with the existing laws. 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. • Collected used oils should be re-used, disposed of appropriately by licensed waste handlers, or be sold for reuse to licensed firms. • Storage and liquid impoundment areas for fuels, raw and in-process material solvents, wastes and finished products should be designed with secondary containment. Terrestrial habitat alteration through Destruction ofexisting vegetation • Sitting and designing the TL in way that it avoids sensitive ecosystem and distribution right-of-way, access roads, lines and towers. • Installation of transmission lines above existing vegetation (vegetation in the area is mostly composed of shrubs) to avoid land clearing. • Re-vegetation of disturbed areas with native plant species. Aquatic Habitat Alteration • Minimizing clearing and disruption to riparian vegetation; and management of construction site activities those are around the riparian area. • Establishment of buffer zones around the riparian area. Impact on Migratory Fauna • Selection of right of way that avoids sensitive habitats; and use of common corridors to minimize impacts on undisturbed areas. Soil erosion and sedimentation • Establishment of the buffer zones around the riverine areas. • Re-vegetation of exposed areas around the site should be carried out rapidly. • Construction of gabions in areas prone to soil erosion. 3890 3890 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, Community, 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, Kajiado and Machakos Counties. 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 plan. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1324595 National Environment Management Authority.