GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 6620

PURSUANT to regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Athi Water Services Board is proposing to construct Ruiru II Dam in Kiambu County. The project will involve construction of an earth fill dam located downstream of the confluence of Bathi and Ruiru rivers. The dam shall allow 40,000m3/day of water to be conveyed to the treatment plant. In addition it shall also involve the construction of raw water gravity transmission main, construction of Water Treatment Plant (WTP) at Ndumberi Township and construction of clear water mains and terminal tanks to supply water to Kiambu and Karuri Towns. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures - Sedimentation • •A water pan (silt trap) may be established downstream of the dam which will act as a soil trap to hold the excessive silt during construction. Encourage re-afforestation and improved farming systems upstream of the dam. Seasonal flushing of the dam should be done and should be synchronized with the Ruiru I dam flushing. • Erosion and sediment monitoring and • control plan should be prepared for the lifetime of the project. • The steep slopes surrounding the dam construction should be stabilized. • compacted and strengthen to reduce on erosion and potential landslides as a result of deep cutting, drainage channels should be installed only when necessary. Water quality • Local residents are using the river water as principal source of water (drinking water). The residents should, therefore, be provided alternative access to clean drinking water during the construction period. Such as to include additional shallow wells, access to other streams or delivery of clean water with tankers to schools and institutions. • Define a 30m buffer zone for reservoir protection against siltation, waste deposit and sewage, pesticide use and to reduce chances of water contamination, but from site visit, no latrines or graves has been noticed in the reservoir area. - • Increase of aquatic macro-fauna along the periphery of the dam to ensure natural aeration of water. • Institute a water quality monitoring system, programmes and maintaining appropriate records on water quality. • Identification of point sources of water pollution for management. Water loss • Creation of awareness on water resource management and conservation. • Sub-surface water infiltration trends on affected areas should be monitored over a period of time with respect to effects on houses and other structures downstream. • Ensure enhanced monitoring maintenance of the transmission and distribution pipelines upon commissioning to ensure minimal loss of water through leakages. • Geological profiles throughout the area proposed for inundation should be continuously monitored and areas of weaknesses noted for incorporation of appropriate strengthening measures. Air quality • Ensure proper maintenance of the construction equipments and machinery. • Practice dust control measures. • Limit speed limits for the construction machinery and contractors vehicles. • Ensure effective scoring as appropriate to reduce silt ahd also accumulation of organic matter in the lower layers of the dam. Noise and vibration • Encourage the adoption of low noise technology and practice for construction machines. • Limit construction activities to the day time only as indicated in NEMA license conditions. -- Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to all workers exposed to elevated noise levels - and enforces usage. - Waste (solid and liquid) • Any storage tanks and equipment should have correct labels and Material Safety Data Sheets. • Adequate Emergency Response Plan should be in place in the camps. • All fuel storage and dispensing areas must be laid on hard standing. • The contractor's camp should have a comprehensive waste management and - • sanitation plan and facilities commensurate with population of workers and activities in the camps. Species diversity • Undertake an inventory of the biodiversity in the affected areas for • purposes of preventing species extinction and identification of new species. * Intensive catchment management strategies will be. developed- among them, practicing re-afforestation, soil erosion control, land use control and settlement and urban development planning among other initiatives to minimise impacts on flora and fauna. • Engage the relevant authorities OS) in monitoring and establishing community interests and values in the new ecological setting associated with Ruiru II dam. • Education, awareness and sensitization programmes will be prepared for the local communities with respect to biodiversity -management, values and their roles in the conservation. Hydrology - Ensure compliance with water resource regulation at all times. • Maintain the required ecological flow based on the calculation and findings of the hydrological assessment study in order to sustain ecological and social requirements downstream. • Provide mandatory buffer area (30M) for conservation of the riverine and dam ecosystem through the review of riparian land ownership. • Installing gauging stations for monitoring the river basin • Adequate catchment protection measures be put in place to ensure the catchment is maintained in a healthy status to reduce soil erosion and sedimentation. - 19th August, 2016 THE KENYA GAZETTE • 3303 Social • Undertake a comprehensive and all- inclusive RAP study to provide guidelines for the land acquisition and compensations thereof. All - compensations shall be completed before commencement of the project construction. • Quantification of assets and losses as well as the population to be displaced (Project Affected Persons (PAPs)) should be done to the satisfaction of the affected before commencement of the project works. • Adequate and timely compensate for lost assets and damages to be undertaken I before project commencement. Occupational health and• Implement measures to assess the public health presence of vectors and control its and potential diseases. • Creation of awareness, prevention and monitoring programs. • Wellness centres and awareness campaigns on the sexually transmitted diseases and HI V/AIDs. • Adequate provision of personal protective equipment to the workers. • Provide sanitation facilities in all work areas. • Waste generated (sanitary, rehabilitation and proper hazard waste storage) during the construction phase should be carefully disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. l Ensure compliance with all standards and legally required Safety and • Health regulations in line with OSHA. • Provide safe access point to the water for the local residents and livestock to enhance safety. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, Nairobi. Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, N.H.I.F. Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126- 00100, Nairobi. County Director of Environment, Kiambu 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. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/9620932 National Environment-Management Authority.