GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 10587

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the implementation of the proposed Mombasa – Nairobi 400kv Transmission Line (Kibwezi Forest Section). The Proponent (Kenya Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd) for the Proposed Mombasa – Nairobi 400kv Transmission Line (Kibwezi Forest Section) has proposed to develop an 8 km 400kv electrical transmission line through Kibwezi forest. The proposed line will have the following components: pylons/steel towers, dumpers, conductors, optical fibre, circuit breakers and lightening arrestors. All the project components will be installed using the best electrical engineering practices. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Construction waste generation  Ensure identification of the waste types; segregation into the various categories and the establishment of suitable mechanisms for collection, storage, transfer, and final disposal.  Provide refuse bins temporarily before being taken away for proper disposal by NEMA licensed waste transporters.  Ensure construction solid waste generated by activities that are unsuitable for use are disposed in areas approved by the local authority/council and NEMA that will be identified before commencement of construction activities.  Provide pit latrines and urinals for construction workers.  Waste water from concrete batching and aggregate screening will be reused.  Cement trucks will be washed in designated car wash areas away from the construction site.  Machinery will be maintained and repaired in designated garages away from the construction site. Soil erosion and sedimentation  Excavated earth would be held on locations of the site not susceptible to storm water runoff and deposited carefully on selected sites without the risk of being washed away.  Re-vegetation of exposed areas around the site would be carried out rapidly in order to mitigate erosion of soil through surface water runoff and wind erosion. Risk of fires • No uncontrolled burning to be carried out. • Burning would adhere to application of regulations, fire suppression equipment and monitored by fire watchers. • Establish network for fuel breaks of less flammable materials or clear land to slow progress of fires. 3rd August, 2012 THE KENYA GAZETTE Air quality • Spray water or water based mixtures on stockpiles and on unpaved road accesses regularly and at handling sites for cement to suppress dust. • Provide protective equipment (PPE) such as dust masks to be worn in the immediate vicinity of the operations. • Maintain machinery and equipment in good working conditions to minimum emissions including carbon monoxide, oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur, as well as suspended particulate matter. • Cover trucks removing soils from the site, delivering sand and cement to minimize dust blowing into the surrounding neighbourhood. Risk of leaks and spills • Regular maintenance of site equipment and machinery to ensure any leakages are detected and controlled. • Fit catalytic converters for heavy equipment to convert harmful substance in the exhaust fumes to less harmful substances. • Observe safety procedures for fuel storage and re-fuelling. • Oil residuals including waste oil, lubricants, used filters, would be carefully collected and stored for safe disposal, in order to prevent migration of contaminant hydrocarbons into storm water or groundwater resources. Occupational health and safety issues • Ensure all equipment are inspected before use for appropriate safe guards and that the machine operators are trained on machine safety. • Ensure the working hours are controlled and employees not allowed to extend beyond an acceptable time. • Provide appropriate road safety signage and drivers adhere to the requirements of such signage. • Ensure strict access controls to the electricity power lines. • Enforce way leave requirements for power lines. • Deactivate and ensure live power distribution lines are properly grounded before work commences. • Ensure live wire work are conducted by trained workers with strict adherence to safety and standards. • Ensure that structures are tested for integrity prior to commencing work. • Implement a fall protection program that includes training in climbing techniques and the use of fall protection measures. Noise and vibration • Determine levels and extent of harmful noise and provide PPE (hearing protection) to persons who must operate within or visit the identified high noise areas. • Provide silencers to reduce the quantity of noise produced. • Create a barrier well beyond the perimeter of the high noise level area to protect the unsuspecting public who May approach the project site. • Sensitize construction vehicle drivers and machinery operators to switch off engines of vehicles or machinery not being used. • • Ensure that construction machinery are kept in good condition to reduce noise generation. • Ensure that all generators and heavy- duty equipment are insulated or placed in enclosures to minimize ambient noise levels. • Workers on-site will need to wear appropriate hearing protection devices Terrestrial habitat alternation and disruption • Site transmission lines and distribute right-of-way, access roads, lines and towers to avoid critical use, through the use of existing utility and transport corridors, as well as existing roads and tracks for access roads. • Installation of transmission lines above existing vegetation to avoid land clearing. • Re-vegetation of disturbed areas with native plant species and removal of invasive plant species during routine vegetation maintenance. Avian and bat collisions and electrocutions • Maintain a 1.5 meter spacing between energized components and grounded hardware. • Cover energized parts and hardware and Install visibility enhancement objects (marker balls). Aircraft navigation safety • Consult with regulatory air traffic authorities prior to installation. • Adherence to air safety regulations. Right of way maintenance • Schedule maintenance activities to avoid breeding and nesting sessions. • Avoid clearing in riparian areas and use of machinery in the vicinity of watercourses. • Observe manufacturer machinery and equipment guidelines, procedures with regard to noise as well as oil spill prevention and emergency response. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (a) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839 - 00200, Nairobi. (b) Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30521, Nairobi (c) Provincial Director of Environment, Eastern Province. (d) District Environmental Officer, Makueni District. 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 of the plan. Z. O. OUMA, for Director-General, MR/0157608 National Environment Management Authority. THE KENYA GAZETTE 3rd August, 2012 2880 2880