GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 14451

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, Tana Water Works Development Agency proposes to establish a sewerage treatment system designed for a design peak flow of 3,000m3/day. The system comprises of inlet works, sedimentation tank, low rate trickling filter and the final humus tank, chlorine contact channel, wetland, river inlet structure, sludge digester, sludge drying beds, solid waste drying structure and incinerator of solid waste, an administration structure which shall include (office, laboratory), staff houses and other associated facilities located at latitude -0˚27’05.24’’S longitude 37˚34’10.84’’ Runyenjes, Embu County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures:- Impacts Proposed mitigation measures Soil erosion • Re-plant the indigenous vegetation as much as practical once work is completed. • Limit vegetation clearance unless where unavoidable circumstances appear. • Contain excavated soils so that they will not find their way into nearby water sources. • Cement mixing should be done in a designated area away at a safe distance from storm water drains. 3rd October, 2025 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impacts Proposed mitigation measures • 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. • Re-vegetation of exposed areas around the site should be carried out rapidly to mitigate against erosion of soil through surface water runoff and wind erosion. Loss of vegetation • Cutting of trees to be restricted to the wayleave area only. • Issuance of tree seedlings to PAPs and local community to compensate for the trees cut and increase forest cover. Changes in hydrology/ impended drainage/deep excavations • Excavated channels to follow contours to avoid interference with surface drains. • Where necessary, the drains to be directed along the construction line towards existing drainage systems to cater for storm water during the rains. • Utilize excavated soil to level excavated ground where necessary and cover the sewer lines. • Construction materials and other debris (lime, cement and fresh concrete.) should be handled carefully to prevent them from finding their way into the nearby water sources. Air pollution • Proper maintenance of the sewer infrastructure. • Regular patrols to supervise leakages. • Installation of leak detectors. Noise pollution • Discouraging hooting within public places or reserved places. • Proper servicing of vehicles • Monitor noise levels at sensitive receptors (residential areas, schools, hospitals). • Use of hearing protective gears e.g. earmuffs and ear plugs by workers working in noisy environments. • Inform residents when construction activities are likely to generate excessive noise in order to minimize disruption to local residents. Occupational Safety and Health • Ensure that all construction machines and equipment are in good working conditions to prevent occupational hazards during excavation activities and laying of the pipes. • Establish a Health and Safety Plan 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 adequate manual labor to meet the requirements of the tasks. • Appoint a trained health and safety team for the duration of the construction work, monitor and advise appropriately on health and safety matters during the rehabilitation activities. • Provide workers with gloves, ear gears, sturdy rubber boots and overalls to protect their skin from the effects of cement. Impacts Proposed mitigation measures • Provide workers training on safety procedures and emergency response such as fire and sewer pipe bursts. Public health, occupational health and safety • Train staff/workers on occupational health and safety. • Provide full protective gear and workmen’s compensation cover in addition to the right tools and operational instructions and manuals during construction. • Design of sewerage system should be as provided in the plans and should be constructed to approved size and design, standard and of approved materials. • Ensure use of standard construction materials and to the specifications. Avoid undesirable, substandard, hazardous or unauthorized materials during construction & maintenance. • Sensitized staff on social/health issues such as drugs. Insecurity and social impacts • Provision of security guards, CCTV cameras, security lights and other security apparatus during the entire project cycle. • Construction work timings shall only in line with the NEMA licensing conditions. Increased water usage • Management of water usage. Avoid unnecessary wastage. • Recycling of water at the construction phase where possible. • Make use of roof catchments to provide water i.e. for general purpose. Increased generation of waste • A site waste management plan should be prepared by the contractor prior to commencement of construction works. • Proper solid waste receptacles and storage containers should be provided. • Arrangements should be made for the regular collection of litter and for its disposal with the County Government • Ensure that the solid waste collection, segregation, and disposal system is always functioning properly during the construction phase. • Recycle and re-use wastes where possible such as scraps metal. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Foresty, NHIF Building, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00200, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Embu County. A copy of the EIA report can be downloaded at www.nema.go.ke The National Environmental 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 for this project. Kindly quote Ref. No. NEMA/EIA/5/2/2299 Comments can also be e-mailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, MR/7784093 Director-General. 6964 6964