GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 603

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, Tana Water Services Board, is proposing to undertake an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Study Report for the proposed Water Supply Infrastructure for Chuka Town planned to be financed under the Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation Project of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The project area covers 380km2. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Environmental degradation • Isolate through fencing the camp sites from access by the public for their safety. • Preferably to be located on land already cleared land wherever possible. • The Contractor’s Camp layout shall take into account availability of access for deliveries and services and any future works. • Utilize to the extent possible the existing public roads to avoid social and economic disruption. • Ensure road safety measures for the construction vehicles to the extent possible by observing all traffic regulations. Air pollution • Workers shall be trained on management of air pollution from vehicles and machinery. • All construction machinery shall be maintained and serviced in accordance with the contractor’s specifications. • The removal of vegetation shall be avoided until such time as clearance is required and exposed surfaces shall be re-vegetated or stabilised as soon as practically possible. • The contractor shall not carry out dust generating activities (excavation, handling and transport of soils) during times of strong winds. • Vehicles delivering soil materials shall be covered to reduce spills and windblown dust. • Water sprays shall be used on all earthworks areas within 200metres of human settlement. Change of land/soil erosion • Stock piling of top soil, construction material and wastes should be done only at designated sites approved by the supervising engineer, erosion prevention through berming of loose soil sites should be done in all areas susceptible to agents of erosion. Noise and vibration intereference • The Contractor shall keep noise level within acceptable limits and construction activities shall, where possible, be confined to normal working hours in the residential areas. • Hospitals and other noise sensitive areas shall be notified by the Contractor at least 5 days before construction is due to commence in their vicinity. • Any complaints received by the Contractor regarding noise will be recorded and communicated to the RE. • The Contractor must adhere to Noise Prevention and Control Rules of April 2005. THE KENYA GAZETTE 25th January, 2019 210 210 Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Generation of solid and liquid waste • Preferably to be located on land already cleared wherever possible. Communities shall be involved in the site location to avoid conflict. • The need to be more than 20 meters from water courses and in a position that will facilitate the prevention of storm-water runoff from the site from entering the watercourse. • Contouring of spoil site to approximate natural topography and drainage and/or reduce erosion impacts on the site. • The Contractor shall ensure that the placement of spoil is done in such a manner to minimise the spread of materials and the impact on surrounding vegetation and that no materials ‘creep’ into ‘no-go ’areas. Pollution of water resources • Construction wastes (residual earth, debris and scrap materials) to be removed for safe disposal. • Encourage recycling where possible (concrete debris for access road surfacing). • Contaminated organic matter in the work areas to be isolated for safe disposal. • Material residuals to be disposed off in accordance with established regulations. Loss of biodiversity • Construction activities will be limited to Project sites/routes which already exist therefore no destruction to vegetation cover. Traffic management on site • Strict use of warning signage and tapes where the trenches are open and active sites. • Employ and train road safety Marshalls who will be responsible for management of traffic on site. • Contractor to provide a traffic management plan during construction to be approved by the resident engineer. Occupational health and safety • Notify public the intent to cut sections of the road for safety precautions. • Provide signage and safety information in all work areas. • Ensure compliance by workers with safety safeguards including the OHS, provision of safety gear and enforcement of application. 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 30521, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Tharaka Nithi 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/5815355 National Environment Management Authority.