GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 521

PURSUANT to section 59 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Octavia Carbon, in partnership with Cella Mineral Storage, is a pioneering initiative that aims to deploy Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology integrated with geothermal energy to permanently remove CO2 from the atmosphere. This proposed project leverages Elementaita’s abundant geothermal resources, skilled workforce and unique geological formations to effectively capture and store 1000 Tonnes of CO2 annually through mineralization using 100 DAC modules laid out in a grid pattern of 2m to optimize air flow across the system. The proposed project is located in Elementaita, Nakuru County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Noise pollution • All vehicles and equipment must be maintained and kept in good working condition. • Workers must be provided with earmuffs and/or any other necessary PPEs. • Constant noise monitoring should be undertaken and corrective measures employed in case noise levels exceed the permissible range. • Restrict truck movements to daytime hours to minimize community disturbances. • Notify nearby communities of transport schedules to reduce potential disturbances. Air pollution • Visually monitor dust generation from work zones to reduce the impact on the neighbouring receptors. • Sprinkle work areas with grey water to suppress the dust. • Use low-emission technology in transportation and processing. • Regular monitoring of air quality to ensure compliance with environmental regulations. • Implement a strict maintenance schedule to ensure all trucks operate efficiently and meet emission standards. • Optimize transport routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. THE KENYA GAZETTE 17th January, 2025 Soil erosion • Restore and rehabilitate disturbed areas after construction. • Preserve top soils for rehabilitation of degraded sites. • Restrict clearing of vegetation to areas where the DAC machines are installed and the access roads to the demarcated areas only. Energy use and efficiency • Maximize truckload capacity to reduce the number of trips required and overall fuel consumption. • Use energy-efficient truck models and ensure regular maintenance to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. Water usage/pollution • Treat wastewater to remove suspended solids, and other contaminants before discharge. • Implement water recycling and conservation practices. • Employ monitoring of groundwater and surface water quality. Waste generation • Waste collection bins are to be provided at designated points on-site. • Contractor to liaise with licensed waste handlers to ensure proper disposal of waste generated. • Segregate toxic and non-toxic waste. Loss of biodiversity • Vegetation removal should be limited to the site of operation only. • Perform environmental impact assessments to identify and protect sensitive habitats. • Revegetation of the affected areas. Loss of aesthetic appearance • Restore and rehabilitate disturbed areas after construction. • Minimize clearance of vegetation. Occupation health and safety • Contractor to undertake regular risk assessment exercises. • Provide health and safety training to all workers. • Develop and implement a traffic management plan. • Develop an Emergency Response Plan to address any accidents. • Maintain a standard first aid kit on site. • Train drivers in defensive driving techniques and safe handling of pressurized CO2 tanks to prevent accidents. 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, Nakuru 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/6520690 National Environment Management.