GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 9805

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, Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen) proposes to construct Olkaria VII Geothermal Power Plant which will include power generation plant with an estimated capacity of 80.3MWe, power plant sub-station, steamfield above ground system(SAGS), power transmission line and works at Olkaria-IUA substation, acces roads to well pads, power plant site earthworks, water supply and storage systems associated facilities and amenities, located 37kms from Naivaisha Town along the Moi South Lake Road, within Olkaria, Naivasha, Nakuru County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impact Mitigation Measures Occupational and health hazards • Design and implement safety measures and emergency plans to contain accident risks. • Install appropriate road traffic signs, markings and road furniture on the rehabilitated road. Impact Mitigation Measures • Provide workers with protective clothing (nose and mouth masks, ear muffs, overalls, industrial boots and gloves). • Raise awareness among the project workers and support mechanisms to prevent and control spread of communicable diseases. Visual intrusion • Rehabilitate all degraded areas through landscaping and subsequent planting of suitable grass, shrubs and trees to blend with the enviro. • Paint the power plant and other project buildings and the steam pipe lines with appropriate color. • Improve impeded drainage through landscaping and filling in the created depression. Noise pollution • Use of protective hearing devices such as ear plugs and ear muffs among project workers when noise levels exceed 85-90 dBA. • Selection of appropriate machinery and regular servicing of machinery and vehicles. • Procure Type 1 noise monitoring equipment with data logger and 1/3 octave filter. Soil erosion and siltation • Where applicable install silt traps to reduce sediment load directly entering riverine environments. • Carry out terracing and landscaping of the disturbed sites as appropriate. • Plant sediment binding grasses, shrubs and trees on the exposed slopes and other surfaces as appropriate. Air and dust pollution • Limit levels of dust through good practice such as watering of access routes, construction sites, deviations and other disturbed sites and cover lorries transporting construction materials. • Provide workers with appropriate dust protective gear including masks and overalls. • Reduce gaseous emissions by selection of appropriate machinery and regular servicing of vehicles. • Provide workers with appropriate protective gear including masks to cut down on gaseous emissions inhaled. Effect of hydrogen sulphide plumes and noise levels. • Install CEMs for real time monitoring of Hydrogen Sulphide gas (H2S). • Procure and install weather station. • Access effects of low levels of H2S on physical structures, people, flora and fauna. Disposal of brine • Ensure all brine produced is re-injected into designated re-injection wells. • Fence off and secure all the brine ponds associated with separators. Loss of habitat and biodiversity • Discourage any wanton destruction of vegetation and habitats beyond the designed project works. • Restore lost biodiversity on the disturbed area through planting of appropriate trees, shrubs and grasses and protect the fauna species and their habitat. • Eradication of alien plant species in the project area. • Participation in monitoring and biodiversity investigations with other stakeholders including KWS and KMFRI. 9th August, 2024 THE KENYA GAZETTE Impact Mitigation Measures • Increase surveillance and security in the Hell’s Gate National Park during the construction stage. • Support for local initiatives in environmental protection. 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/6513676 National Environment Management.