GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 14657

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, Sotik Tea Company Limited is proposing to develop a 135,421m3 water storage structure/dam along the Kapsasura Stream in Bomet County to provide water for irrigation. The proponent intends to diversify agricultural products with the introduction of avocados and blueberries under irrigation. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures Site clearing • Delineation of the project site to avoid indiscriminate clearing of vegetation. • Traffic to follow designated access routes. • Establish the construction/site camp within a less vegetated area. • Replace vegetation damaged accidentally and revegetate after construction. Earth movement • Practice good soil conservation practices. • Source burrow material from appropriate sites to minimize degradation. • Rehabilitate any borrow pit and re– establishing indigenous vegetation. Waste management • Ensure waste segregation at site. • Reuse, recycle, and fabricate various wastes from construction activities. • Contractor/proponent to minimize any over–supply or waste. Noise pollution • Limit noisy activities to daytime only. • Contractor to limit noise within EMCA, Noise Regulations. • Workers to be provided with appropriate PPE. Air pollution • Sprinkle water on exposed dusty surfaces to reduce dust generation. • All machinery and equipment maintained in good working order. • Utilizing dust masks for workers. Increased traffic • Sensitize drivers to observe traffic rules and speed limits. • Notify stakeholders of traffic and identify best strategies to protect pupils. Health and safety issues. • Proponent and contractor commit to site occupational health and safety rules. • Workers provided with PPEs (gloves, boots, goggles, aprons, ear protection). • Ensure availability of first aid kits on site. Spread of communicable diseases and other infections • Appropriate/adequate facilities for sanitation and personal hygiene. • Sensitize personnel on proper sanitation and hygiene. • Adequate ventilation and spacing of accommodation. • Observance of protocols for COVID 19 prevention. Sub–standard construction activities • Competence evaluated in selection of contractors, suppliers, and personnel. 8714 8714 Environmental Impacts Mitigation Measures • Ensure stringent monitoring system is put in place to inform on the conformance to the specifications recommended in the design report. Stream flow and downstream ecology • Compensation/ environmental flows are ensured. • Maintain water abstraction records. • Downstream water users are aware of the dam design and functionality. Water quality • Regular monitoring of water quality. • Estate personnel to avoid drinking untreated or raw water. Sedimentation and proliferation of aquatic weeds • Desilting of the sediment traps and upstream sections of the reservoir. • Prompt removal of aquatic weeds. • Initiate soil conservation measures e.g., trees and vegetation around the dam. Dam breach resulting in ecological and property damage • Dam design provides for flooding. • Regular inspections on dam integrity and undertake maintenance works. • Maintain a healthy vegetation cover around the dam for embankment. Safety • Erect a fence around the dam to limit access by people and livestock. • Provide safety measures to enhance the recreational use of the dam e.g., guard rails, supervision by skilled personnel, and provide lifesaving jackets. 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 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director–General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Bomet County. 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 project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director–General, MR/4248190 National Environment Management.