GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 13497

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 drilling of eighty (80) geothermal steam production wells for expansion of electricity power generation at greater Olkaria geothermal field in Naivasha district. The Proponent (Kenya Electricity Generating Company Ltd (KenGen)) is proposing to drill a total of 80 geothermal production wells in Olkaria area of Naivasha district. The objective of the proposed project is to adequately harness steam that will be used for the generation of 560MWe of geothermal energy in line with vision 2030. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Land acquisition • Negotiate and purchase land from the affected land owners Soil erosion • 3 wells are drilled on one pad to minimize area required • Compact cleared areas to avoid wind erosion • Rehabilitate all degraded areas • Build gabions where gulley's Increase in water abstraction from Lake Naivasha • Geothermal fluids will be used for drilling • Containment of geothermal fluids to control surface runoff getting into water ways • Reinjection geothermal fluids into the wells Air quality • Monitor H2S and dust levels and sprinkle exposed earth surfaces • Maintain drilling machinery, equipment and vehicles used at optimal working conditions • Monitor precipitation chemistry • Speed limits of 40Km/hr to be imposed and drivers sensitized Noise • Maintain drilling machinery, equipment and vehicles used at optimal working conditions • Monitor noise levels • Sensitize staff working in areas of high noise levels • Erect warning signs in areas with high noise levels • Provide staff working in excessive noise (above 45dba) and visitors with appropriate PPES Waste effluent • Monitor waste brine and other discharges quality • Re-inject all brine discharges • Contain effluents and waste brine sumps to allow see page Accidental oil spills • Prepare plans and procedures for proper storage and handling of oil products • Plants and equipment should be maintained in optimal working conditions to avoid leakages • Bund oil and lubricants storage area and Cover outdoor storage sites • Deploy drip trays while servicing machines and equipment • Line oil store floors with appropriate material and any drains should go to an oil interceptor Drilling chemicals • Provide and enforce strict use of procedures and material safety data sheets for handling process chemicals • Formulate emergency response plans and procedures just in case of a chemical spill • Chemicals should be stored in appropriate stores and with cover Source of Construction Materials can degrade environment in other areas • Specify required standard for all materials and appliances • Verify source of all construction materials • Quarries for raw materials for access roads should be NEMA licensed • Raw materials that can be supplied by locals should be contracted to locals in the area Solid waste generation from the construction and workers • All waste generated by the project should be disposed off as per EMCA 1999 (waste management regulations) • Waste should be segregated, transported in permitted vehicles and disposed off in NEMA licensed sites • Construction waste that can be re-used for landscaping and gabions making Biological and physical environment • Ensure only the minimal required areas are cleared of vegetation • Only vegetation indigenous to the area should be used for rehabilitation works • Rehabilitate all the degraded areas • Sensitize workers against destruction of vegetation, cutting of trees and poaching Visual intrusion and aesthetics • Use colors that blend with the local environment for equipment and pipelines • Re-vegetate areas that had been cleared of vegetation Public nuisance • Minimize air pollution with measures earlier proposed • Notify the public through local community leaders of possible disturbance during construction • Erect warning signs • Create a complaints register Occupational health and safety • Prepare safety and emergency plans and procedures • Test safety and emergency plans regularly • Ensure compliance with codes of practice, ordinances, laws, regulations and union agreements • Provide appropriate PPE'S and enforce use by workers THE KENYA GAZETTE 21st September, 2012 3546 3546 Public Health and Safety • Reduce dust emission levels through regular watering of cleared areas • Conduct awareness on sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS • Provide standard facilities for solid waste and sanitation • Provide workforce with wholesome drinking water • Monitor quality of water, air and noise levels 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) County Director of Environment, Nakuru 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 of the plan. B. M. LANGWEN, for Director-General, MR/0462361 National Environment Management Authority.