GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 4345

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, Rift Valley Water Services Board, is proposing to construct Olkalau town sewerage project. The sewer system involves construction and maintenance of approximately 14.296 Km of sewer lines of various sizes ranging from 160mm to 375mm uPVC pipes and socket flexible jointed construction of 1050mm to 1200mm manholes and other auxiliary works. The works also involve construction of 6 ponds with total capacity of 41,730 m3 and Waste Water Stabilization Pond sewerage treatment system at 01' Kalou Township at the County Government waste management site. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed mitigation measures High demand of Raw • Source building materials from local material suppliers who use environmentally friendly processes in their operations. Excavation, • Properly demarcating the project area to Removal and disturbance be affected by the construction works. of flora • Strictly controlling construction vehicles to ensure that they operate judiciously and over designated areas to minimize destruction of vegetation. •Re-establishing vegetation in some parts of the disturbed areas through implementation of a well-designed landscaping programme by planting of ornamental trees, flowers and hedges. • Carry out all excavation works as instructed in the approved architectural plans for the sewer plant and trunk. Soil erosion • To the greatest extent possible, plan to do the construction work during the short rains to minimize the exposure of loose soil to surface runoff. • As much as it's practically possible, phase site clearance so as to minimize the area of exposed soil at any given time. • Back fill and compact excavated areas as soon as the laying of trunks is done. Construction wastes • Covering all trucks hauling soil, sand and other loose materials and/or require these trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard. •Watering all dust-active construction areas to suppress dust emissions. •Paving or applying water when necessary or applying non-toxic soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads and parking areas. Noise and vibrations • Sensitization of truck drivers to switch off vehicle engines while offloading materials. •Instructing truck drivers to avoid running of vehicle engines or hooting especially when passing through noise sensitive areas such as religious areas, hospitals and schools. •Properly servicing and maintaining and tuning construction machinery such as generators and other heavy duty equipment to reduce noise generation. •Placing noisy equipment in sound proof rooms or in enclosures to minimize ambient noise levels. •Planning the construction work to take place only during the day when the neighbours are also at work. •Maintaining reasonable working hours so as to reduce the number of complaints concerning noise from the workers and neighbours. •Operating shorter shift periods for workers who come in direct contact with high concentrations of noise or other hazards. •Posting notices at the construction site informing the public of the construction activities, time and day. •Providing ear protective devices to prevent high frequency noise emitted by the high frequency machines during construction phase. •Adherence to Noise And Excessive Vibration Pollution (Control) Regulations, 2009. Nuisance dusting • To the greatest extent possible, plan to do the construction work during the short rains to minimize the generation of dust. •Workers on the site should be issued with dust masks during dry and windy conditions. •Covering all trucks hauling soil, sand and other loose materials and/or require these trucks to maintain at least two feet of freeboard. •Watering all dust-active construction areas to suppress dust emissions; and •Paving or applying water when necessary or applying non-toxic soil stabilizers on all unpaved access roads and parking areas. •Properly plan the transportation of materials and ensure that vehicle fills are increased so as to reduce the number of trips done and the numbers of vehicles on the roads. •Adherence to Air Quality Regulations, 2014. Occupational health and • Well stocked first aid box which is safety easily available and accessible should be provided within the premises. •Implement all necessary measures to ensure health and safety of workers and the general public during operation of the housing project. •Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers should be provided at strategic locations such as stores and construction areas. •Regular inspection and servicing of the equipment must be undertaken by a reputable service provider and records of such inspections maintained. •Comply with the provisions of OSHA 2007. 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)Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126- 00100, Nairobi. (c)County Director of Environment, Nyandarua 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 this project. GEOFFREY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/3429055 National Environment Management Authority.