GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 9197

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, Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency, is proposing the development of Amaya/Amaiya Dam Water Supply Project comprising a rock fill dam, 49m high (from riverbed to dam crest), located in Laikipia County at the upstream part of the Amaya/Amaiya Gorge, with total storage volume of 10.4MCM (live storage 9.0MCM), water supply system for domestic, non-domestic and livestock watering needs, which will serve around 116,600 people and 81,000 equivalent livestock units in 2040, in areas of Churo/Amaya, Tangulbei/Korosse, Silale, Suguta Marmar and Sosian wards and a 20ha demonstration plot at the north and south banks of Amaya/Amaiya River downstream of the dam, which will comprise various irrigation systems located at Amaya Triangle in Samburu, Laikipia and Baringo Counties. 6th November, 2020 THE KENYA GAZETTE The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures. Potential Impacts ProposedMitigation Measures Construction Phase Loss of use of land and need for resettlement • Recommendations made in the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) should be affected before commencement of the project De-vegetation • There should be minimal disturbance especially of indigenous vegetation • Agro forestry should be encouraged after commencement of the project. • Seeds should be collected from seeding plants, for planting in alternate areas including upstream of the project / in the project catchment area. Loss of biodiversity • Re-vegetate exposed areas on the site so as to mitigate further erosion of soil • Only minimal bush clearing should be allowed; Air emissions/ Air pollution • Pave the main access road to the project area. • Sprinkle water on exposed dusty surfaces to reduce dust generation. • Utilizing masks for workers who are directly in the location where dust is dispersed. Soil erosion • Compaction of all loose material • Diversion of runoff flows from construction sites. • Rain water harvesting (Roof and rocktop harvesting • Regular monitoring visits lead to the identifying of areas that have problems regarding erosion and thus are given priority, so that corrective plans are implemented. Sedimentation • Construction activities should take place during the dry conditions. • Top soil removed will need to be transported away from the site to a location not vulnerable to storm water surface flow. • Provide a soil trap downstream the dam site to intercept excessive silt during the construction. Noise and vibrations • Selecting an appropriate period for construction activities and refraining from it being synchronous with sensitive period for wildlife, such as their pregnancy and giving birth duration. • Elevating the speed of work, so as to shorten the construction period as much as possible. • All equipment should be maintained in good mechanical order and fitted with the appropriate silencers, mufflers, or acoustic covers where applicable. • Informing the resident community of any possible noisy if its inevitable • Fixing engines and exhausts of heavy machineries. Occupational health and safety concerns • Workers shall be provided with appropriate personal protective equipment, such as coveralls, boots, mittens, gloves, dust and fume masks, all of which must be regularly replaced. • The abstract of the Occupational Safety & Health Act 2007 must be displayed at prominent places within the site. • Well stocked first aid box and an ambulance should be availed or accessible in the site. Potential Impacts ProposedMitigation Measures Construction Phase • Staff training and sensitization on use of PPE and adhering to the OSHA 2007 throughout the construction phase. Construction waste • All solid waste will be collected at a central location on the site and will be stored temporarily until removal to an appropriately permitted disposal site. • Dumping within the surrounding area is prohibited. Where potentially hazardous substances are being disposed of, a chain of custody document should be kept with the environmental register as proof of final disposal. • Waste generated at the site should be segregated by the contractor and disposed off in the recommended manner into different waste streams (including general and hazardous waste). Wherever possible recycling should be carried out. Fire risk • Labeling of all inflammable materials and store them appropriately; • Provision of adequate fire-fighting equipment capable of fighting all classes of fire; • Put up NO SMOKING Signs in areas where flammable substance are stored; • Train workers on the use of fire-fighting equipment and have a fire assembly point Spread of transmissible diseases • Observe good hygiene conditions at workplace and camps. • Sensitize the migrant workers on risky sexual behaviour and provide protective devices such as condoms. Operation Phase Spread of water borne diseases • Public awareness campaigns and civic education on hygiene standards both at water sources and within homesteads. • A regular creation of fluctuation on the dam water surface to prevent breeding of disease vectors like mosquitoes. • The Ministry of Health should frequently survey of health records in Health Care Facilities to check spread of malaria. • Develop a malaria prevention programmes such as use of long lasting insecticide treated nets, indoor residual Spraying among others. Water shortage • The water management committee (WMC) to prepare communities for a transition strategy when de-commissioning is foreseen. • Develop alternative water sources. Water use conflicts • The project’s Water Users Association (WUA) will be required to formulate strict By-laws that will guide on water usage and resolve possible conflicts in the project area. • Irrigation officers should encourage promote the use of best irrigation practices and technologies aimed at efficient water use and management in the demonstration plots and for kitchen gardening; and • Water Users Association should be empowered to control water usage and resolve possible water use conflicts among all water users. 4472 4472 Potential Impacts ProposedMitigation Measures Construction Phase Accidents and deaths • Fence the area surrounding the reservoir to restrict access of livestock, wild life and human beings. • The cattle trough and the community water point should be located away from the reservoir. Social tensions and conflict • All incidents or complaints about either environmental or social issues will be managed in accordance to the existing procedure in line with the legal framework; • All incidents and complaints will be recorded in the contractors incident reporting system; • Sensitize workforce on cultural sensitivities; Water use conflicts • The project’s Water Users Association (WUA) will be required to formulate strict By-laws that will guide on water usage and resolve possible conflicts in the project area; • DRSLP should promote the use of best irrigation practices and technologies aimed at efficient water use and management in the demonstration plots and for kitchen gardening; and • DRSLP should empower WUA to control water usage and resolve possible water use conflicts among all water users. Hydropower Component Death of resident birds • To minimize collision wire-markings to alert birds of of power line, allowing them time to avoid the collision. • Build raptors platforms on top of pylons for roosting and nesting • Bird feeding programs can be introduced in the area Risk of fire • No burning activities to be allowed close to or within the site Establishing a network of fuel breaks of less flammable materials or cleared land to slow progress of fires and allow firefighting access. • Provision of fire safety system that including training, firefighting equipment; regular maintenance of machinery and vehicles. Electromagnetic interference with radio and tel/con systems • Ensure controlled access to the electricity power lines. • Enforce way leave requirements for power lines. Corona effect • Use technological measures during installation to abate against corona effect during operation which include. • Observation of the recommended distance between conductors; • Use of electrical dampers to reduce vibration among other measures. Decomissioning Phase Water shortage • The water management committee (WMC) to prepare communities for a transition strategy when de-commissioning is foreseen. • Develop alternative water sources. Soil erosion • Plant grass and other native vegetation along soil filled sites. • Maintain soil conservation works until the site stabilizes. Potential Impacts ProposedMitigation Measures Construction Phase Visual impacts • Landscaping to rehabilitate open sites Waste generation • Safe disposal of waste material Risk of accidents and hazards • Secure all unsafe and potentially dangerous areas 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, Community, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Directors of Environment, Samburu, Laikipia, Baringo Counties. 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 plan. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@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 plan. MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/1324472 National Environment Management Authority.