GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 11076

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, Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, is proposing to develop conventional and simplified sewer networks to convey wastewater to treatment plants, an "off-site" collection system for Kapsabet Town sewerage project in Nandi County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Recommended Mitigation Measures Vegetation resources • Compensatory planting of trees i.e. plants at least twice the number of trees, about 900 in total either on farmer's land or in public land within the project area. • Vegetation should only be cleared along the project corridor and where it will interfere with Project construction and/or present a hazard. • The local community should be given a chance to harvest the targeted vegetation if they so wish. • Areas to be cleared should be agreed and demarcated before the start of the clearing operations to minimize exposure. • The use of existing cleared or disturbed areas for the contractor's camp, stockpiling of materials etc. shall be encouraged. Occupational safety • Establish a Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and health risks for civil works areas ensuring the working hours are controlled and that employees are not allowed to extend the working hours beyond an acceptable limit for purposes of gaining extra pay. • Provide workers with gloves, ear gears, sturdy rubber boots and overalls to protect their skin from the effects of cement. • Provide workers training on safety procedures and emergency response such as fire and sewer pipe bursts. Air pollution • Water sprays shall be used on all earthworks areas within 200 metres of human settlement especially during the dry season. • The removal of vegetation shall be avoided until such time as clearance is required and exposed surfaces shall be re-vegetated or stabilized as soon as practically possible. • Do not carry out dust generating activities (excavation, handling and transport of soils) during times of strong winds. Environmental Concerns Noise pollution Water sprays shall be used on all earthworks areas. Water shall be applied when need be to reduce dust emissions caused by vehicle movements or wind. Vehicles delivering soil materials shall be covered to reduce spills and windblown dust. Vehicle speeds shall be limited to minimize the generation of dust on site and on diversion and access roads. • The contractor will keep noise level within acceptable limits (60 decibels during the day and 35 decibels during the night) and construction activities shall, where possible, be confined to normal working hours in the residential areas. • Sensitive receptors, for example markets such as Kapsabet markets and schools shall be notified by the contractor at least 5 days before construction is due to commence in their vicinity. Water demand and • Isolate solid wastes disrupted from the effluent generation works during excavations for safe disposal. The wastes should be collected and disposed in approved sites. • Earth moving and excavations for the construction are carried out considering safety of the river and surface drainage. Control siltation of rivers and other surface drains. • Ensure spilt oil does not discharge into water sources Provide oil spill containment including concrete platform for servicing of construction equipment and holding of scrap oil drums. • Contain excavated soils so that they will not find their way into nearby water sources including streams, shallow wells and Chebarbar River. • Spilled cement or concrete should be collected and disposed away from natural water ways or storm water drainage. • Sensitize workers and enable them to properly handle concrete spillages or waste cement. Solid waste generation Soil resources • A site waste management plan should be prepared by the contractor prior to commencement of construction works. This should include designation of appropriate waste storage areas, collection and removal schedule and identification of approved disposal site. • Ensure that the solid waste collection, segregation, and disposal system is functioning properly at all times during the construction phase. • The spilled oil from fueling and servicing stations should be trapped in grit chambers for settling of suspended matter before being release into the environment. • Collected oil should be properly disposed to avoid any underground water contamination. • Earthworks should be controlled so that land that is not required for the road works is not disturbed. 24th December, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE 5167 Environmental Concerns Recommended Mitigation Measures Environmental Concerns Recommended Mitigation Measures • Wherever possible, earthworks should be carried out during the dry season to prevent soil from being washed away by the rain. • Excavated materials and excess earth should be kept at appropriate sites approved by the supervising engineer. • The contractor should adhere to specified cut and fill gradients and planting embankments with shrubs and grass to reduce erosion and take care of stability problems of road embankments. Areas cleared for improving sight distance should be planted with grass to reduce erosion. Liquid wastes • Water containing pollutants such as concrete or chemicals should be directed to a conservancy tank for removal from the site where applicable. • The contractor shall prevent runoff loaded with sediments from flowing into Chebarbar River and other water springs within the project area. • No grey water runoff or uncontrolled discharges from the site or working areas to adjacent water sources. • The contractor shall ensure that the machines and equipment are in good condition to prevent leakages. • Interceptors such as sand can be used to prevent pollutants from reaching underground water, water pans and streams. • Ensure proper handling of lubricants, fuels and solvents while maintaining the equipment. Labour Influx to the • Effective community engagement and Project area. strong grievance mechanisms on matters related to labour. • Effective contractual obligations for the contractor to adhere to the mitigation of risks against labour influx. • Proper records of labour force on site while avoiding child and forced labour. • Fair treatment, non-discrimination and equal opportunity of workers. • The contractor shall require his employees, sub-contractors, sub-consultants, and any personnel thereof engaged in construction works to individually sign and comply with a code of conduct. 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, Nandi 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/1435065 National Environment Management Authority.