GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 15075

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 Mangu-Thika East 66kV dual circuit sub-transmission power line, in Thika west district. The Proponent (The Kenya Power & Lighting Company Ltd.) is proposing to construct and commission a Ten (10) kilometre 66 kV dual circuit sub-transmission line from Mangu 132/66 kV Substation to Thika East Substation in Thika west district. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Possible Impact Mitigation measures Soil and Geological impacts (soil erosion, soil contamination, soil instability) • Back fill concrete poles after erection and foundation setting with excavated soil. Any remaining soil should be spread under tea plantations or trees and on gentle grounds to avoid possibilities of soil erosion. • Rehabilitation of exposed sites as soon as practicable. • Contractor to follow existing road as much as practical and avoid unnecessary trails which can exacerbate soil erosion. Trees clearance • Limit way leave areas to 10 m where line traverses private land and ensure that it runs along the road reserve and the existing way leave as much as possible. • Kenya Power will estimate Total Economic Value of lost trees & allocate equivalent monies to support initiatives by community and do tree planting elsewhere. • Ensure Proper demarcation and clear only necessary areas. Air quality & dust • The Contractor to protect stockpiles of loose material subject to wind blow by wetting, or with a barrier, vegetation, or windscreen. • Cover loads of loose material during transportation. Pollution from waste generation • Develop and implement procedures for safe and appropriate disposal of waste for all project phases. • Any service/repair of vehicles to be done offsite in approved garages or service stations. Water resources and Water quality • Measures shall be instituted to minimize erosion and sediment transport, especially during construction activities. Noise & vibration • The Contractor shall comply with the legal requirements for the management of noise impact as specified in NEMA noise and excessive vibrations rules 2009. Visual & aesthetic impacts • Follow the road reserve and new power line to run along the existing 11, 66 & 132 kV line to reduce visual intrusion. • Maximize straight-line runs to reduce the need for HT poles which are more conspicuous. Way leave trace • Kenya Power to follow Land Administration Laws of Kenya, and Way Leave Rules. • Kenya Power to obtain way leave consent from affected land owners • Community sensitization on alternative land uses. • Compensation of the affected people for any trees cut, crop damage or relocation of any structure. Fire Hazards • The Contractor shall take all necessary precautionsto prevent fires caused either deliberately or accidentally during construction process. • The Contractor shall provide adequate fire fighting appliances at specified localities on the worksite to meet any emergency resulting from ignition of a fire. • No burning of any litter/cleared vegetation on site. • Avoid careless handling of cigarette butts. Wetland Ecosystems • Span poles across wetlands to avoid disturbance and to maintain ground clearance. • Pole foundations to be strong enough to withstand wet conditions and strong winds. Impacts on Archaeological, cultural and historic sites • Respect cultural values and avoid erection of poles on sensitive sites like graves. • Have a provision for chance find and if any Archaeological or historic finds are detected, contact National Museums of Kenya. Occupational Health & Safety • Locate Right-of-Way (RoW) away from human receptors. • Staff training and regular equipment service and testing • Only trained & certified workers to install, maintain or repair electrical equipment. • Use of signs, barriers and education/public outreach to prevent public contact with potentially dangerous equipment. • Community policing to be encouraged to reduce vandalism of transformers and transmission cables. • Ensure provision and proper use of Personal protective Equipment. • Follow safe work procedures. • Maintain a fully stocked and accessible first aid kit. 26th October, 2012 THE KENYA GAZETTE • Observe OSHA 2007 regulations. Avifauna • The new line to run along an existing line where birds are used of the obstacle to prevent any accidental collisions and electrocutions. • Regular Monitoring and record any Avi – Fauna death. Social Impacts • Kenya Power will identify all potential Project Affected Persons (PAPs) & document any damages or possible relocation of structures and compensate at the market rates. • Appropriate on-going consultation with local communities throughout Project construction as well as informing workers on local cultural sensitivities and health matters. 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, Nairobi 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. Z. O. OUMA, for Director-General, MR//0518928 National Environment Management Authority.