GAZETTE NOTICE NO. 1599

PURSUANT to Regulation 21 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003, 10th February, 2023 THE KENYA GAZETTE the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has received an Environmental Impact Assessment Study Report for the above proposed project. The proponent, Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA), proposes to construct a dam (with a crest elevation of 1800.00 m, a crest width of 8m, a maximum dam height of about 52m, a total crest length of 300m, a controlled drainage area of 67 km2, an effective storage capacity of 16.249 million m3, an average annual water supply of 16.62 million m3, spillway, water intake, bottom outlet and associated facilities), water supply pipeline(diversion pipeline, transmission pipeline, reservoir and associated facilities) and a water treatment plant with a capacity of 50,000 m3/d along River Ndarugo within Thenge-ini area in Kiambu County. The following are the anticipated impacts and proposed mitigation measures: Impacts Mitigation Measures Conflicts arising due to loss of land, developments e.g., houses and crops • Compensation of affected persons. • Informing all community members along the pipeline routes of the proposed project. • Incorporating community input. • Creation of a community liaison office. Loss of vegetation • Retention of vegetation where possible. • Care will be taken to minimize damage of vegetation cover along the pipeline route. Soil erosion • Loose soils to be used to fill back excavated/disturbed areas. • Loose soils to be compacted with a mechanical roller to avoid erosion by wind or water. Increased generation of waste • Dispose waste at licensed waste treatment sites through licensed waste handles. • Adhere to Waste Management Regulations of 2006. Road traffic disruption • Observe good driving practices to be followed. • Suitable junction/access point to be provided. • Use of appropriate and legible signage. • Employment of formal flagmen/women to ensure the public safety. Impacts on cultural, religious, and sensitive sites • Mapping of cultural, religious, and sensitive sites. Rerouting the pipeline to less sensitive sites. • Consulting the local elders and compensation for any damages caused. Air quality concerns • Limit levels of dust through good practice such as watering of access routes, construction sites, deviations and other disturbed sites and cover lorries transporting construction materials. • Provide workers with appropriate dust protective gear including masks and overalls. • Regular servicing of vehicles. Noise and vibration • Standard restrictions to hours of site works (8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m.) and the fitting of mufflers on construction equipment. • Use of protective hearing devices such as ear plugs and earmuffs among workers when noise levels exceed 85-90dBA. • Selection of appropriate machinery and regular servicing of machinery and vehicles. Health and safety risks • Design and implement safety measures Impacts Mitigation Measures and emergency plans to contain accidents risks. • Install appropriate road traffic signs, markings, and road furniture. • Provide workers with protective clothing (nose and mouth masks, earmuffs, overalls, industrial boots, and gloves) and helmets. Hydrology • At least 30% of the base flow should always flow in the stream to sustain ecological and social requirements downstream. • Monitor the effects of the dam to the river basin over time. Water loss • Geological profiles proposed for inundation should be established to identify areas of weaknesses and appropriate strengthening measures incorporated. • Sub-surface water infiltration trends on affected areas should be established and monitored over a period with respect to effects on houses and other structures. • Plant indigenous trees and shrubs around the dam buffer zone to minimize loss of water through evapotranspiration processes. Increased wastewater production • Ensure that all households, institutions, and businesses connected to the new water pipeline network are also connected to the proposed new municipal sewer line. • The wastewater should be treated before being disposed. Climate change impacts • Integrate climate change impacts such as extreme heat and flooding into the project's design. • Workers be provided with adequate facilities and PPEs to improve comfort in case of extreme heat. • The premises should be constructed with adequate drainage systems to control flooding. • The proponent is advised to construct premises and facilities that can withstand earthquakes (seek further advice from the state department of geology. 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, 12th Floor, Ragati Road, Upper Hill, P.O. Box 30126–00100, Nairobi. (b) Director-General, NEMA, Popo Road, off Mombasa Road, P.O. Box 67839–00200, Nairobi. (c) County Director of Environment, Kiambu County. 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 project. Comments can also be emailed to dgnema@nema.go.ke MAMO B. MAMO, Director-General, MR/4245704 National Environment Management. 540 540