GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 938

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, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation, State Department of Agriculture, is proposing the development of Ruungu Irrigation Development Project in Karocho location, Tharaka Sub-County in Tharaka Nithi County. The project comprises; head-works, sedimentation basin, mainline, distribution network, infield system other pipeline appurtenances and structures, and other associated facilities and amenities. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures Interference with • Adequate survey should be done on the the physical water pipeline route. setting • Anyone, whose property is affected to be compensated for disturbance. • Engagement shall be done to assess whether there is grievances. Air pollution • Supply and construction vehicles will only use the designated transport routes. • The drivers will also be advised to stick to prescribed speed limits. • The contractor will ensure proper repair and maintenance of vehicles and equipment to minimize exhaust gases. • The contractor shall ensure the appropriate speed limits are observed at along all road sections that will be • used by construction vehicles on a needs basis to eliminate the creation of dusts. • Construction workers will be provided with dust masks and other PPEs . Loss of flora and • The proponent shall ensure that clearing of fauna vegetation is limited to the pipeline trench area (i.e. 0.5 meters width) within the road • Transportation of construction materials to be done through the existing local roads. • Avoidance of vegetation clearing along riparian land. • Sensitization of construction work-force on environmental conservation and ecological protection. • Re-vegetation of completed pipeline route with fibrous rooted indigenous vegetation species. Noise pollution and • Noise maintained in accordance to the vibration manufacturer's specification. • Operators to put on ear masks to prevent direct noise from the machinery. • Machines that are less vibrating to be used. • When high vibration needed, to be done during the day approved by the supervising engineer. • The contractor should adhere to specified cut and fill gradients and planting embankments with shrubs and grass to reduce erosion. • The contractor must adhere to Noise Prevention and Control Rules of April, 2005 Generation of liquid • Provision of solid waste collection facilities and solid waste (waste bins). • Contracting licensed solid waste handlers. • Sensitization of construction workers on proper disposal of solid wastes. • The contractor will maintain all site vehicles and equipment is a serviceable state. • Temporary latrines will be provided on site to be used by construction workers. • Oils and greases emanating from repair and maintenance activities will be collected in containers to avoid entry into Jocal drainage channels. • Water from cleaning of equipment will be utilized within the project site and will not be discharged into watercourses. • All polluted water treated before discharging to water bodies. Soil erosion and • Use excavated earth materials for siltation of surface backfilling. water resources • Sprinkling of backfilled trenches with water. • Compaction of backfilled trenches. • Re-vegetation of excavated areas. • Channeling of surface water runoff away from irrigation channels and pipelines. Increased vehicular • Transportation of construction material to and human traffic specific sites will be done through the existing local roads. • The contractor will rehabilitate the local roads that will be damaged during construction activities. • Consultation with the local communities on planned road diversions if any. • Restriction of vehicular and human traffic to the road reserve where possible. Impacts Proposed Mitigation Measures • Sensitization of drivers to comply with prescribed speed limits. Occupational health • Continuous supervision of occupational, and safety health and safety management to ensure compliance. • Occupational safety and health training for contractor's staff. • Conduct orientation talks and visits. • Conduct toolbox talks. • In case of accidents, injured persons should be given first aid and immediately taken to the hospital. The full report of the proposed project is available for inspection during working hours at: (c) Principal Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, NHIF Building, Community, P.O. Box 30126-00100, Nairobi. (d) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839-00200, 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. GEOFHtEY WAHUNGU, Director-General, MR/0440871 National Environment Management Authority.