Esia Report Nema

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT REPORT
PROPOSED SEWERAGE TREATMENT PROJECT ON 32 UNCONSOLIDATED PLOTS BY EMBU

WATER AND SANITATION COMPANY LIMITED
SITE GPS COORDINATES:

S00033’01.7’’
E037027’42.1’’
ALTITUDE:
1,353 M ASL
BEARING:
2490
THIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT REPORT IS SUBMITTED IN

COMPLIANCE WITH PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, ENVIRONMENT
MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION ACT (1999) AMENDED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MPACT
ASSESSMENT AND AUDIT REGULATIONS (2003)
PROPONENT: LEAD EXPERT:
EMBU WATER AND JOHN IRERI

SANITATION CO. LTD
OCTOBER NEMA REG NO. 6480
2016c
P.O. BOX 2142 –60100 EMBU EIK REG NO. 117
TEL: 068-2231156, 31527 P.O BOX 441-60100
EMAIL: EMBU, KENYA
info@embuwater.co.ke TEL: 0722 613831
WEBSITE: EMAIL:
ww.embuwater.co.ke edakenya@yahoo.com
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
EA Environment Audit
EIA Environment Impact Assessment
EMCA Environment Management and Coordination Act
EMP Environmental Management Plan
EWASCO Embu Water and Sanitation Company
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet
NEMA National Environment Management Authority
PCC Public Complaints Committee
TWSB Tana Water Services Board
WRMA Water Resources Management Authority
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The proposed waste water treatment system project will be implemented by Embu Water and Sanitation Company Ltd
(EWASCO) as the proponent and an Agent of Tana Water Services Board (TWSB) which manages the water and
sewerage system for Embu town and its environs. The proposed site of sewage treatment plant to supplement the
existing facility is to be built at the confluence of Rupingazi River and Kamiugu Stream as recommended in the report
by consultants for the design. Inflow to the treatment works is estimated at 2,000m3/day. The relatively short distance
from the sewered areas to the treatment plant will allow most of the funds to be used for construction of the sewer
reticulation system. The sewer lines will be constructed to improve the sanitary conditions in the central business
district, some parts of residential and commercial areas under phase 1 i.e. Blue Valley, part of Majimbo Village and its
immediate neighbourhood, Dallas, Stadium Estate, Kanjuru and Muruatetu Estate, part Spring Valley Estates, Kangaru
Schools and Kenya School of Government, Embu and its surroundings. The proposed project will be located on 32
unconsolidated plots of land (see copies of title deeds in the annexes) measuring a total of 1.87 ha with absolute form of
land ownership owned by Tana Water Services Board (TWSB) on behalf of EWASCO.
The sewage disposal problem still persists in Embu town and is becoming more and more pronounced as the town
continues to expand and grow. A viable solution to the waste water disposal problem is still being sought in order to
specifically address the most critical areas in need of sewage services in Embu town apart from the proposed project.
The existing sewerage system and treatment plant in Embu town was constructed in 1972 All the sewers are designed
for ultimate flow based on population projections. To avoid duplication of sewer lines in the future, sewers in areas
traversed by flow from the areas not in phase 1, have been designed to also cater for ultimate flow from these areas.
The project will consist of the following:
i. Construction of waste stabilization ponds composed of two anaerobic ponds, two facultative pond and two
maturation ponds
ii. A wetland
iii. Two drying beds
iv. Laying of sewer line network to the proposed site
v. Lockable gate
vi. Fencing the site
vii. Staff houses
The sewage flow into the proposed treatment plant working in tandem with the existing treatment works is estimated at
3,000m3/day. The Treatment Plant in the design Report was designed for 5,000m3/day, though the flow was estimated at
5,151m3/day. However, the proposed treatment plant is designed for a flow of 2,000m3 per day so as to fit in the five
acre piece of land owned by EWASCO.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) experts have prepared this Project Report to fulfil the legal requirements
outlined in Section 58 to 69 of the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) 1999 amended and Part
I and II of the Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations. This Project Report is based on proponent
documents review, field data gathered, and discussions with the Proponent, contractor and neighbours as well as other
relevant stakeholders.
From the Environmental Assessment carried out, the following mitigation measures are recommended to make the
project environmentally sustainable and reduce negative impacts:
Table 1: Potential adverse environmental impacts and recommended mitigation measures

Potential adverse Mitigation measure
impact
Excavation and  Excavation should be carried out such that drainage is controlled and water
earthworks resulting is not allowed to accumulate at the project site. Any water that collects has
into stock piles, soil to be drained and disposed of sensibly, so as not to cause erosion
erosion:  Establish controls for surface runoff during excavation e.g. digging
trenches around excavated areas and earthworks to control erosive
potential of surface runoff
 Control excavation activities to limit excavation to land which is required
for construction
 Securing of the site using iron sheets or other appropriate materials to
protect passersby and control noise.
 Use the excavated soil as back fill
 Excavated and piled soils should be covered when there is rainfall to
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Potential adverse Mitigation measure
impact
prevent it causing sedimentation in R. Rupingazi
Noise and dust during  Construction work shall be done during day time hours only i.e. from 8:00
construction AM to 5:00 PM
 Control working hours to limit noise, dust and traffic nuisance. Noisy
construction activities should be scheduled to hours with minimal
interruption for residents.
 Sprinkle water on areas where dust is likely to be generated
 When excessive noise is anticipated, acquire a licence from the County
Government and follow NEMA regulations and orders.
Wastewater discharge  The contractor shall erect a functioning sewer waste disposal system to
to sewers cater for anticipated increase in waste generation
 Portable toilet facilities should be provided for workers and visitors to the
site
Occupational health  Develop a site safety action plan detailing safety equipment, emergency
and safety procedures, restrictions on site, safety inspections and controls;
 Reporting and recording of health, safety and environmental incidences as
per Legal Notice No 40, The Factories (Building Operations and Works of
Engineering Construction) Rules 1984.
 Erect warning signs on site warning residents and visitors of inherent
danger posed in the construction site and restricting access at all times
Project maintenance /  Timely maintenance of sewer conveyance, distribution system;
impacts on the local  Maintenance of access routes and the drainage system;
river and the  Manage solid wastes and dispose it appropriately;
neighbourhood  Monitor water quality, upstream and downstream and at the point of
discharge
Drainage  Proper project site drainage management to Control erosion
management  Avoid ponding water;
 Proper waste and material handling, and storage to avoid flushing of
wastes in to the neighbouring river
 Follow designs made for the system
Loss of Water  Runoff channels to be constructed to drain storm waters
Quality and  Water quality tests at the river to be conducted quarterly
interference with  Maintain the riparian reserve as per WRMA requirements
riparian reserve  Replant the riparian zone with suitable trees
 Leave the riparian area without any development
 Maintain the required buffer zone to the Rupingazi river
Waste handling and  Develop a solid waste management plan prior to project commencing,
disposal identifying optimal waste re-use options and disposal in licensed sites
 Comply with NEMA guidelines on solid and liquid waste disposal.
 Acquire requisite licenses from NEMA offices
Foul Odours  Monitor and ensure that influent sulphate levels are below 240 mg/l.
 Ensure that the pond series have adequate water flow to reduce the
potential of odour formation.
Decommissioning  Inform NEMA of intentions
phase  Perform a close down Environmental Audit
 Restore the area as per NEMA recommendations
Construction at the site will be immediate after a go ahead is issued and the estimated cost of the project is Ksh.
400,000,000. Through a careful assessment, it has been noted that there are no adverse environmental impacts likely to
arise that cannot be mitigated as per available information. An annual Environmental Audit should be undertaken upon
completion of the Project to gauge the level of implementation of Environmental Management Plan (EMP). Its therefore
recommended that NEMA approval can be issued on the basis of this report.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 Background information ................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.3 Terms of reference .......................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 2
1.5 Registration ..................................................................................................................................... 2
2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN ........................................................................................... 3
2.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.2 Sewage quantities from Embu town area........................................................................................ 4
2.3 Quantity of sewage conveyed to the treatment plant. ..................................................................... 4
2.4 Composition of sewage discharged into public sewer .................................................................... 5
2.5 Groundwater infiltration and storm water in the sewer .................................................................. 5
2.6 Sewerage design criteria and costs ................................................................................................. 6
2.7 Hydraulic design ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.8 Property drains ................................................................................................................................ 8
2.9 Manholes ......................................................................................................................................... 8
2.10 Sewage treatment system ................................................................................................................ 8
2.10.1 Sewage treatment plant alternatives............................................................................................ 8
2.10.2 Sewerage design alternatives ...................................................................................................... 9
2.10.3 Project phasing .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.11 Project facilities ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.12 Project cost .................................................................................................................................... 11
3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK ......................................................... 12
3.1 The importance of EIA ................................................................................................................. 12
3.2 The Constitution of Kenya 2010 ................................................................................................... 12
3.3 Vision 2030 ................................................................................................................................... 12
3.4 Policy framework .......................................................................................................................... 13
3.5 Legal framework ........................................................................................................................... 14
4 BASELINE INFORMATION .............................................................................................................. 21
4.1 Location and General Description ................................................................................................ 21
4.2 Topography ................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3 Climate .......................................................................................................................................... 22
4.4 Evaporation ................................................................................................................................... 22
4.5 Geology and soil conditions.......................................................................................................... 23
4.6 Institutions and industries ............................................................................................................. 23
4.7 Embu town water supply .............................................................................................................. 24
4.8 Existing sewerage and water systems ........................................................................................... 24
4.9 Population projections and development plans............................................................................. 26
4.10 Town development plan and population projections .................................................................... 26
4.11 Electrical Power ............................................................................................................................ 28
4.12 Communication and transport ....................................................................................................... 28
4.13 Petroleum dispensing outlets ........................................................................................................ 28
4.14 Public Transport System ............................................................................................................... 28
4.15 Recreational Facilities ................................................................................................................... 28
4.16 Wetlands/Riparian Reserves ......................................................................................................... 28
5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES ...................................................................................................... 29
5.1 The no action alternative ............................................................................................................... 29
5.2 The proposed development ........................................................................................................... 29
5.3 The proposed development with modifications ............................................................................ 29
5.4 The proposed development in another location ............................................................................ 29
5.5 Recommended alternative ............................................................................................................. 30
6 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ................................................................................................................. 31
7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND MITIGATION ........................................ 33
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7.1 Site Preparation phase ................................................................................................................... 33
7.2 Operational Phase ......................................................................................................................... 35
7.3 Environmental monitoring programme/waste management plan ................................................. 37
8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN................................................................................... 39
8.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 39
8.2 Decommissioning phase ............................................................................................................... 48
9 CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATIONS .................................................................................. 49
10 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................... 50
II
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background information
The sewage disposal problem still persists in Embu town and the problem is becoming more and more prevalent as the
town continues to expand and grow. A viable solution to the waste water disposal problem is still being sought in order
to specifically address the most critical areas in need of sewage services in Embu town.
The existing sewerage system and treatment plant in Embu town was constructed in 1972 following a “Study Master-
plan” by Desmond Fitzgerald and Associates in 1970. It was augmented by Embu Water and Sanitation Company
(EWASCO) in 2009 to improve the deteriorating sanitation condition in town as no funds were available to build a new
one as recommended in Master Plan by consultants. The existing sewer system serves a small portion of the population
of Embu town’s western part of the town, mainly due to the limitations of location and the capacity of the treatment
plant. The existing treatment plant was designed for an ultimate capacity of 800 m3 of waste water per day. The waste
water treatment plant has already exceeded the ultimate design capacity.
EWASCO, an Agent of Tana Water Services Board (TWSB) which manages the water and sewerage system for Embu
town and its environs, carried out a design review based on the above reports and updated the design to cover the period
2015 and selected a portion of the town that was most needy so as to comply with the Kenyan Laws and Regulations,
Millennium Development Goals and also with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and came up with engineering cost estimate with a
view of getting financing from the World Bank.
The areas that are to be sewered have been identified as high priority as per the EWASCO assessment and specifically
are Dallas, Stadium, Blue Valley, Parts of Majimbo, Kanjuru, Muruatetu and parts of Central Business District all
within Embu Town. Not only are these areas built up but some of them have a large and growing population whose
earnings are in the low income bracket and they need the sewerage services immediately since most developments are
coming up there and are not sewered. These areas are within areas bounded by Kapingazi River to the east and
Rupingazi River to the south and west of Embu town.
The present population for both the selected needy areas and in the whole of Embu town study area as projected from
the growth rate of Embu town as derived from the 1999 and the 2009 census. The projected population of Embu town
and the selected needy areas for the ultimate design period is estimated at 95,509 and 52,783 persons respectively.
However the critically affected areas have an estimated population of about 12,500 persons.
The proposed sewerage system consists of 32 km gravity sewers and waste stabilization ponds treatment works of
capacity 2,000m3 per day that is based on the size of the land available. It has been found necessary to retain the
existing treatment plant that can effectively treat 1,500m3 sewage per day as part of the future sewerage system until the
time when the proposed phase 2 of the works recommended in Master Plan that can treat 15,000m3 of sewage per day
are put in place as abandoning them now would create a bigger problem in waste disposal management. The available
area for proposed sewage treatment works of about five acres can only accommodate a flow of 2,000m3/day which is far
much less than the sewage generated in the already sewered area of Embu and the area being considered for sewering.
The selected area covers the substantially developed areas of the Embu town that are generating more than 5,000m3 of
waste water. The other areas of the town and those outside the existing town boundaries shall be considered for
sewering as per the future EWASCO strategic plans and the availability of funds.
The proposed site of sewage treatment plant to supplement the existing facility is to be built at the confluence of
Rupingazi River and Kamiugu Stream as recommended in the design report by Runji and partners. Inflow to the
treatment works is estimated at 2,000m3/day. The relatively short distance from the sewered areas to the treatment plant
will allow most of the pledged funds to be used for construction of the sewer reticulation system. The sewer lines will
be constructed to improve the sanitary conditions in the central business district, some parts of residential and
commercial areas. In the area proposed for sewering, there are 8,068 potential connections out of which 3,500 are
connectable after the completion of the construction of the proposed trunk and lateral sewers.
Towards fulfilling the requirements of this project, the proponent seeks to fulfil the requirements of Environmental
Management and Coordination Act (1999) as well as Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit (2003) guidelines.
This Project Report has been prepared to provide sufficient and relevant information on the proposed project to enable
the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) establish whether the activities of the project are likely to
have significant adverse environmental impacts. If the negative impacts are adequately addressed as proposed in the
Environmental Management Plan (EMP), then, this Report can form a basis for the issuance of an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) Licence.
This Report documents the findings of an assessment and study of the proposed project site, project design and
neighbour’s concerns. Mitigation measures have been proposed for identified impacts and an Environmental
Management Plan for the implementation of the proposed measures has been presented.
1.2 Objectives
The objectives of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) are:
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 To fulfil the legal requirements as outlined in Section 58 to 69 of the Environmental Management and
Coordination Act (EMCA) amended and Part I and II of the EIA/Audit Regulations
 To obtain background biophysical information of the site and legal and regulatory issues associated with the project
 To assess and predict the potential impacts during site preparation, construction and operational phases of the
project
 To make suggestions of possible alterations to the proposed design, based on the assessment findings
 To propose mitigation measures for the potential significant adverse environmental impacts and safety risks
 To allow for public participation
 To lower project cost in the long term
 To prepare an Environmental Management and Mitigation Plan (EMMP).
1.3 Terms of reference

The Terms of Reference for this assessment are based on the NEMA Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit
Regulations, 2003. According to the Regulations, the Project Report should, where possible, contain descriptions of the
following:
 The location of the project including the physical area that may be affected by the project’s activities
 A summary description of the project
 A concise description of the national environmental legislative and regulatory framework, baseline information and
any other relevant information related to the project
 Objectives of the project
 The technology, procedures and processes to be used in the implementation of the project
 Materials to be used in the construction and implementation of the project
 The activities that shall be undertaken during the project construction, operation and de-commissioning phases
 Products, by-products and waste generated by the project
 Description of the potentially affected environment
 The environmental effect of the project, including the social and cultural effects and the direct, indirect, cumulative,
irreversible, short-term and long-term effects anticipated
 Alternative technologies and process available and reasons for preferring the chosen technology and processes
 Analysis of alternatives including project site, design and technologies and reasons for preferring the proposed site,
design and technologies
 An environmental management plan proposing the measures for eliminating, minimising or mitigating adverse
impacts on the environment, including cost, time frame and responsibility to implement the measures
 Provision of an Action Plan for the prevention and management of foreseeable accidents and hazardous activities in
the cause of carrying out activities or major industrial and other development projects
 Measures to prevent health hazards and to ensure security in the working environment for the employees and for the
management of emergencies
 The project budget
 The design of the project
 Any other information that NEMA may require.
1.4 Methodology
The procedure used in undertaking the environmental assessment included the following:
 A desk-study to obtain background biophysical information of the site and legal and associated regulatory issues
 Literature review
 Interviews with the proponent and relevant stakeholders
 Site visits assessment for collecting the baseline conditions and public consultation by taking photographs
 Assessment and prediction of potential impacts during the site preparation, construction and operational phases of
the project
 Preparation of a Project Report, including the Environmental Management Plan and mitigation measures.
1.5 Registration
As required by NEMA, the Lead Expert is currently registered by NEMA as an Expert for “Environmental Impact
Assessment and Audit” and also with EIK and is therefore authorised to undertake the EIA project study and submit a
report.
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2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND DESIGN
2.1 Introduction
Sewage may comprise both domestic and industrial effluent and may be diluted by ground water and storm water. The
connection of storm water drains to the sewers should generally be prohibited. In order to estimate the quantities of
sewage, water consumption has to be multiplied by a reduction factor; some of the water is either lost in leaks in the
distribution system or is not, after use, conveyed to the sewerage system. The table below shows sewage quantities from
Households, Institutions and Commercial Areas for the project
Table2.1: Sewage Quantities from Households

Types of Water consumption Factor approx. Anticipated quantity
establish
ment of sewerage
produced
High class
housing 300 1/p/d 75% 225 1/p/d
Average class 150 1/p/d 80% 120 1/p/d

housing
Average
low cost 120 l/p/d 85% 100 1/p/d
housing
Low cost
housing 75 1/p/d 85% 65 1/p/d
Table 2.2: Sewage quantities from Commercial and Institutional areas
Types of
establishment Water Factor Anticipated
consumption quantity of sewage
produced
Hospitals 200 l/b/d 80% 160 l/b/d
Embu Prison 75 1/p/d 85% 65 l/p/d
Residents at school
and 150 l/p/d 80% 120 l/p/d
institutions
Boarding schools 50 l/p/d 80% 40 l/p/d
Day schools 25 l/p/d 85% 21 l/p/d
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Embu Water & Sanitation. Co. Ltd
EIA Project Report
Administration
Offices 25 l/p/d 85% 21 l/p/d
Hotel 200 l/p/d 80% 160 l/p/d
Average Factor 81%
When the total reduction factors from different sources are combined together the average reduction factor is found to be
0.81. This figure is used to calculate the average sewage produced in the areas of Embu town that are to be sewered.
The types of industries to be put up in Embu town in future are not known; therefore, it is estimated, as indicated the
effluent will be 25m3day/ha from areas scheduled for heavy industrial development. For light industry, the effluent is
assumed to be 12m3/day/ha. It is worth to note that the areas that were earmarked for heavy industries in Embu were
converted for other uses. Industrial area that has now been left is only for the light industries and has been considered in
this report.
2.2 Sewage quantities from Embu town area

Based on the water consumption presented in the tables above for both Embu and the part of the selected areas of
Dallas/Stadium and Kamiu and using the sewage factor of 0.81 the daily quantity of sewage produced is estimated as
shown in the table below:
Table 2.3: Sewage Projected In Embu town and the selected areas
Area Sewage Generated m3/d
2016 2018 2028 2038
Embu town 10,494 10,817 12,583 14,696
Dallas/Stadium, Kamiu 5,540 5,710 6,625 7,698
To obtain the peak flow in the pipes, the total daily quantity is distributed over 24 hours and multiplied by the peak factor.
It has been assumed that the peak flows, from domestic users and the industries, will coincide. In accordance with the
ministry of water and irrigation Practice Manual, the following peak factors are used for the design of the sewerage
system:
Table 2.4: Peak Factors

Diameter Of uPVC Sewer Peak F Factor
315 mm or less 2½
Between 315 and 600 mm 2
Over 600mm 1½
2.3 Quantity of sewage conveyed to the treatment plant.

The sewage quantities, which form the basis for the sewer pipe design, are the ultimate total amount of sewage produced
in initial Embu town area which has been developed. The inclusion of the ultimate sewage in the whole Embu town for
final design report is because it is expected that the whole of Embu town shall be sewered. The sewers that are to be
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EIA Project Report
designed are expected to carry the whole quantity of sewage generated in Embu town ultimately. The sewering processes
shall be carried out as the company grows.
A treatment plant for selected areas for phase 1 is proposed at a site on the confluence of river Rupingazi and Kamiugu
within the municipality. In phase 2, a treatment plant to handle the ultimate sewage flow from the whole study area was
proposed by Runji and Partners to be constructed at a site near the airstrip on the Embu - Kiritiri road. However
development has taken place in that area. Another site of more than 50 acres has been identified south west of Don Bosco
about 500m away past Werus Academy next to Rupingazi River where a sewage treatment plant can be built.
The time of the implementation of phase 2 works is not known. The quantity of sewage projected to be produced in the
selected area of Dallas/Stadium and Kamiu is far much more than the amount of waste water that can be accommodated at
the 5 acre plot that belongs to EWASCO. The available plot can take a treatment works that can accommodate only
2,000m3 of waste water as opposed to the estimated 7,698m 3 of waste water generated. To avoid overloading of the
treatment plant in the event of late implementation of the phase 2 due to this uncertainty, it has become necessary to retain
the existing sewage treatment plant that currently treats 1,500m3 of waste water per day. In addition, the ultimate sewage
produced in Embu town by the year 2038 is estimated at 14,696m3. This shows that an area that can accommodate the
amount of sewage generated should be sourced for as soon as possible.
The calculation of the sewage flow for Dallas/Stadium and Kamiu is calculated from the total water consumed in the area
and average figure of 0.81 taken as the factor for sewage as per WHO Report No. 9 for sewage values from various sources.
The designed sewage treatment plant for Dallas/Stadium and Kamiu area will take only 2,000m3 out of the ultimate
7,698m3 is dictated by the availability of the land and is the site being assessed in this report.
2.4 Composition of sewage discharged into public sewer
2.4.1 Sewage from households (residential)

Each person is assumed to contribute 55 grams of BOD, 20oC and 80 grams of Suspended Solids (SS) every day, as stated
in Ministry of Water and Irrigation Practice Manual.
2.4.2 Sewage from schools, administration offices et al

In the above values for the BOD and SS contributed by each person, an allowance is included on the domestic sewage
flowing from institution areas.
2.4.3 Sewage from industries

For any existing industry and future unknown industries, it is assumed that the composition of industrial effluent will be
approximately the same as for sewage from residential areas. For the calculations, a figure of 450 mg BOD5/1 has been
adopted.
2.4.4 BOD at the treatment plant for selected area

The water consumed for the selected area is 9,503m3/d. This gives an overall consumption average rate of 160l/p/day and
the number of consumers is therefore estimated at 59,394 persons. But the design of the pond is restricted to an influent of
2,000m3/d that will only cater for about 12,423 persons. The total BOD load that is generated from both the industrial and
domestic effluent is 782kg BOD/Day. As stated earlier the total quantity of sewage for selected areas is 2,000 m 3 day. The
average oxygen demand per litre will therefore, be:
782kg BOD5/day/2,000 m3/day = 391mg BOD 5 /l
Results of sewage laboratory analysis (ref 7) show the BOD5 of the existing treatment works influent to range from 380 to
630 mg/1. The calculated value of 391mg/l is thus reasonable representative of the actual BOD5 values.
2.5 Groundwater infiltration and storm water in the sewer
2.5.1 Groundwater infiltration

The soils investigations carried out along the proposed sewer lines during the preparation of sewage master plan indicate
that the groundwater table at most places are below the sewer system. However, the groundwater level is likely to be
relatively high in the flat areas along the streams and in the bottom of the valleys. Some sewer sections have been proposed
to be laid in these areas. If the new sewers and manholes are properly constructed, the groundwater infiltration should not
be a concern. Furthermore the PVC pipes with flexible rubber ring joints to be used will certainly eliminate the risk of
leakages at the joints.
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EIA Project Report
2.5.2 Unauthorized and unavoidable storm water
All sewers are designed to run at only half capacity. This means that there should be adequate space for dealing with some
of the unauthorized and unavoidable storm water, which might enter the system.
In WHO report No. 9 it is recommended that sewerage system in Kenya shall be partially separate systems. The authorized
storm water, conveyed to the sewers, originates from areas likely to be polluted by organics dirt, or from roof connections at
the end of the sewer lines. Areas which are to be drained to the sewers must be bounded by kerbs, in order to exclude the
drainage from surrounding areas. The areas must also be paved.
It is also strongly recommended that the storm water passes through a grit chamber, before it is conveyed to the sewers. At
present there are no such likely places in Embu, except the area around the market and the bus stations that could be drained
to the sewers.
As it is unlikely that there will be many paved areas in the future which will be particularly polluted by organic dirt, the
above mentioned spare capacity in the trunk sewer as recommended in the report by consultants should be sufficient. The
expansion of the Embu town boundary has resulted in the increase of the population that can drain to the sewer network and
therefore to the sewage treatment works. However, the ultimate volume of sewage generated in the developed area of the
municipality and the sizing of the trunk sewers should take into consideration of this volume of wastewater but not size
using the capacity of the proposed treatment works that can only take 2,000m3.
2.6 Sewerage design criteria and costs

2.6.1 Choice of pipe materials
There are three different types of pipe materials that are available for sewer pipes in the market today: concrete, PVC and
Glassfibre Reinforced Plastic (GRP). The three types of pipes are described and evaluated below.
a) Concrete pipes available in Kenya

Concrete pipes are made locally and are in accordance with BS 5911 part 1. 1985. (Specification for concrete cylindrical
pipes and fittings). Pipes are now available in different strength classes. Pipes with diameter of 375 mm or more can be
manufactured reinforced, on request. The nominal dimensions for concrete pipes relevant for this study are: 225, 300, 380,
450, 525 and 600 mm. Three types of concrete pipes are available.
i) OGEE jointed pipes (rigid joints)

The pipes are available in dimensions up to 1200 mm and length of 1.0 m. The joint is rigid and the pipes have to be laid in
a concrete bedding to prevent leaks at the joints due to the settling of the ground.
ii) Spigot and socket jointed pipes (rigid joints)
The pipes are available in dimensions up to 1,200 mm and in the lengths of 1.0 to 1.8 m. The pipes need jointing with
Hessian hemp and cement mortar and as above, the pipes have to be laid in concrete bedding. Rubber jointing of the pipes
have been introduced by some manufacturers but concrete bedding is still required.
iii) Spigot and socket profiled jointed pipes (flexible joint)
The profiled pipes of 1.0 to 1.5 m length are available in dimension from 150mm to 600 mm. Due to the flexible joint
(rubber ring joint), the pipes only require a sand/gravel bedding, normally.
b) uPVC pipes available in Kenya

uPVC pipes for sewers are manufactured locally, according to ISO class34 and 41 or KS 06 217 class 34 and 41. The pipes
have flexible rubber ring joints, and are available in the nominal dimensions (External Diameter) 110, 160, 225, 250, 315,
355, 400 and 600mm.
c) GRP pipes
The Glass – fibre Reinforced Polyster (GRP) pipes are new in the market. They are produced in sizes ranging from150mm
to 3500mm. GRP pipes are highly resistant to corrosive substances and are therefore, ideal for municipal waste water.
However, these pipes are not produced locally and can only be imported which reduces their chance of being used in the
project under consideration since the importation cost will make their price uncompetitive.
2.6.2 Comparison of characteristics of concrete and pVC sewers

The pipes to be considered for the project are concrete pipes with rigid spigot and socket joints, concrete pipes with flexible
rubber ring joints and PVC pipes with flexible rubber ring joints. The PVC pipes have the advantage of being resistant to all
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matter normally found in sewage. They also have good resistance to mechanical impact and they are easy to transport, join,
handle and lay. They, however, must be protected against direct solar radiation during storage. Concrete pipes are not
resistant to sulphuric acid which is common in sewers in the tropic. Their resistance to mechanical impact is also low.
Though concrete pipes with flexible rubber ring joints are easy to join, concrete pipes are generally difficult to handle and
lay due to their considerable weight. Local contractors, however, have experience handling concrete pipes which is of some
advantage.
2.6.3 Comparison of costs for laying of concrete and pvc pipes

The estimated costs for laying of concrete and uPVC pipes include:
i. Material price, inclusive of value added tax duty and contractors profit
ii. The costs have been estimated from information supplied by the manufacturers
iii. Transport to Embu.
iv. Manual excavation of trench in soil, backfilling, compacting and disposal of surplus material
v. Laying, jointing and bedding.
vi. Handling
For uPVC pipes, wall protection sleeves in connections to manholes are included. The assumption is that the
pipes in various strength classes are used. The minimum dimension used for trunk and branch sewer is 230 mm
for concrete pipes, and 200 mm for PVC pipes. The 100 mm and 150mm pipes in concrete, or the 110 mm and
160 pipes in PVC, are used for property drains only.
2.6.4 Recommended pipes

When comparing the characteristic of the three types of pipes, the uPVC pipes are more advantageous than concrete pipes.
The unit price per meter for both types of pipes is almost the same. The mass production of uPVC sewer pipes and handling
of the same have made them much cheaper than concrete which is not easy to handle and transport.
2.7 Hydraulic design

The flow of waste water from the existing waste water treatment plant to the proposed waste water treatment plant at the
confluence of Kamiugu stream and Rupingazi River shall be through a trunk sewer. The trunk sewer shall be expected to
convey all the sewage from these works once they are abandoned after a sewage treatment works of a capacity of 15,000m3
is constructed. This trunk sewer is expected to carry a flow of 3,000m3 of waste water per day.
The quantity of waste water from Embu Level Five hospital through Muruatetu, Kajuru western part of Blue Valley, and the
market is also supposed to carry 3,000m3 of waste water. The third trunk sewer also of a capacity of 3,000m3 carries waste
water from Majimbo, and areas of east Blue valley. The two trunk sewers join at Ndumari/Matakari to create a combined
main trunk sewer carrying waste water volume of 6,000 m3. This trunk sewer then empties its content at the proposed
sewage treatment plant at Kamiugu/Rupingazi confluence.
2.7.1 Pipe flow

For design purposes, the roughness is assumed to be 0.00025 m for PVC pipes. The sewers are designed so that half
capacity corresponds to the peak flow. This allows for unauthorized and unavoidable storm water and for groundwater
infiltration. As ventilation impedes the creation of hydrogen sulphide, it is an added advantage that the sewers are normally
not running full.
2.7.2 Self- cleansing velocity

It is essential to obtain a certain minimum velocity in sewers to prevent the settling out of solids in the sewer pipes. In the
ministry of water and irrigation Practice Manual it is stated that a velocity of 0.5 metres per second, occurring at least once
per day, is sufficient to keep sewers clean.
However, in small sewers it is practically impossible to obtain such high velocities. Experience shows that small sewers
are kept clean with a 1% minimum slope. This requirement is based on the fact that, unlike in large sewers, the flow is
neither constant nor regular since this flow emanates from the property drains that are not constantly in use throughout the
day.
In this project all sewers are designed so that either the velocity is at least 0.5 metres per second, once every day, or the
slope is at least 1 per cent with exception of some smaller sewer stretches, especially on the existing sewer network.
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Nevertheless, in the first years after the completion of the project, the flow in the sewers will be below that for which they
are designed and it will, therefore, occasionally be necessary to flush the sewers to wash out all deposits.
The maximum slope is fixed at 30 per cent for sewers because a steeper slope will often cause wear and tear to the bottom
of pipe, as the velocity will be too high. However, for short distances, the maximum slope may be exceeded to avoid drop
manholes. Where slope is excessive a special pipe and manhole design is adopted.
2.7.3 Hydrogen sulphide in sewers

Hydrogen sulphide in sewers is a problem in warm climates, as the sewage quickly turns septic due to biological activity,
thus reducing the dissolved oxygen content. The bulk of the hydrogen sulphide is generated in deposited silt and in the
biological slime layer, formed on the submerged surfaces of the sewers.
The minimum velocity required to prevent build-up of sulphide has been computed as 0.86 m/s, in the Sewerage Master
Plan. Normally such a high velocity will only be reached in the main sewers on some smaller section, so it is of primary
importance for the sewers to be kept clean of silt. Formation of thick sludge layers below water level should also be
prevented, because, as mentioned above, it is here that the bulk of the hydrogen sulphide is generated. The sewers will be
kept clean, if the conditions mentioned under above in this section are complied with. Since PVC sewers are to be used in
the implementation of the project, the corrosion from hydrogen sulphide is avoided completely.
2.7.4 Laying of pipes

In the design of sewers, care should be taken to ensure that pipes are protected against any external load or mechanical
impact. Of importance, also, is that infiltration of groundwater, due to leaks or poor joints, is kept to a minimum. It is very
important that the pipes are joined and bedded properly.
2.8 Property drains

Construction of property drains will be the responsibility of the land owners. The drains should be constructed in PVC
material as the trunk and branch sewers. Where possible, the property drains should connect into manhole. The pipe
diameter of property drains should be 100 mm, for connections to houses with one family, and 150 mm for larger houses,
groups of houses and institutions. The slope should preferably be a minimum of 2.0 % but if this is not possible, the
connections can be laid with a minimum slope of 1%.
2.9 Manholes
In order to facilitate the inspection and cleaning of the sewers, manholes will be provided at all changes of vertical or
horizontal direction and at all junctions between trunk sewers and lateral sewers. The maximum distance between manholes
should be approximately 60 m for the smaller sewer sizes and 90m for the 600mm diameter sewer.
2.10 Sewage treatment system

The treatment plant is to be located at the confluence of Rupingazi River and Kamiugu stream. The existing and the
proposed sewage treatment plants are capable of treating 3,000m3 of waste water which is equivalent to the sewage
generated by the developed area of Embu town and far much less than the ultimate sewage that is being used for design
purposes. To avoid overloading of the treatment plant in the event of late implementation of phase 2, the treatment plant is
designed to handle flows for only the pro poor areas while awaiting the procurement of land for a treatment plant that can
handle 15,000m3 of waste water.
Waste stabilization ponds are proposed. For operation and maintenance reasons, two parallel streams, allowing for
bypassing of any of the ponds if necessary, are proposed. Each stream comprises one anaerobic, one facultative and two
maturation ponds. The site for the treatment plant has a slope of about 15%. A cut and fill pond construction is therefore the
most economic method of construction. The upper area of the proposed site has murram and rock boulders at a depth of 2m;
the middle area has murram and loam soil at same depth while the lower end has loamy soil up to a depth of 2m.
2.10.1 Sewage treatment plant alternatives

The selected areas are designed to provide the greatest relieve to the currently poor sanitary condition of the town, at the
least cost. Waste stabilization ponds for treatment are the best option for operations and maintenance as well as
sustainability. The waste stabilization ponds are designed to meet the set standards by the Ministry of Water and Irrigation
and NEMA.
Table: Ponds Size alternatives

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Depth Length One Pond Retention No of
Description of Ponds (m) (m) Breadth(m) Volume m3 Days Ponds
Anaerobic Ponds 3 100 55 16,500 5 2
Facultative Ponds 1.5 183 94 25,803 9.5 2
Maturation Ponds 1.5 121 63 11,435 4 4
Table: Proposed Ponds Sizes of 2,000m3 Based On Available Land

One Pond No of
Description Of Ponds Depth Length Retention Ponds
(m) (m) Breadth(m) Volumem3 Days
3,46
Anaerobic Ponds 5 27 27 5 3.5 2
9,60
Facultative Ponds 2.5 80 48 0 9.5 2
3,30
Maturation Ponds 1.5 55 40 0 3.5 2
1,12
Wetland 1.5 50 15 5 0.5 1
Notes: Due to the need for the maintenance of the treatment works, it is prudent to put up two
sets of ponds so that when one fills up the flow is diverted to the other set to avoid raw sewage
being discharged to the receiving system.
2.10.2 Sewerage design alternatives
The sewage undergoing treatment normally goes through five stages before it can be released to the receiving waters. The
stages may involve different methods of treatment but the end result for each stage is the same. Some methods are more
efficient than others and they are also used depending on location and also the availability of land. The fifth stage is rarely
used except where there is need to reuse the water for domestic needs. These stages are:
i) Preliminary treatment: At this stage the works involved entails screening, shredding, grit removal, pre-aeration, pre-
.chlorination and catch basins. The main purpose in this process is to remove large floating suspended solids
and grit.
ii) Primary treatment: the process involves employs preliminary sediment clarifiers, dissolved aeration/flotation,
chemical assisted sedimentation and settlers. The end result is the removal of suspended solids and some heavy
metals.
iii) Secondary treatment: The methods employed in this process includes trickling filters, activated sludge units,
lagoons coupled with wetlands, external aeration, oxidation ditches, sequential batch reactors. Sewage
undergoes these processes to remove suspended solids, biodegradable organics, volatile organics and some
nutrients namely Nitrogen and phosphorous.
iv) Tertiary treatment: The process uses flocculation, clarification, filtration (sand), Ultraviolet (UV) lagoons,
adsorption through activated carbon, reverse osmosis. In the process, nutrients N&P, dissolved solids, Heavy
metals, pathogens are removed.
v) Advanced treatment: When an effluent undergoes this kind of treatment it can be recycled for domestic use. The
process uses granulated advanced carbon, ozonation, hydrogen peroxide filtration, denitrification and
precipitation which lead to the removal of organics, salts, ionic contaminants, pathogens.
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EIA Project Report
When financial and technical aspects are considered, the following is recommended:
a. Development of a network of sewers covering the fully developed areas not covered by the existing sewerage system
as the client recommends in the mostly pro poor areas.
b. Retention of the existing treatment plant to serve the existing sewer network and proposed sewer network for Kaunda
Estate, un-serviced areas to the west of Embu Level Five Hospital and of Izaac Walton Inn including Embu
University College.
c. Construction of a new treatment plant comprising of waste stabilization ponds at the Rupingazi-Kamiugu Rivers
confluence
d. To construct a trunk sewer main to link the existing sewer system to the ultimate Treatment Plant to be built further
downstream once land and finances become available.
2.10.3 Project phasing

The experts recommend implementation of the project in phases due to environmental, financial and technical aspects.
Generally, the areas to the East side of Majimbo - Kangaru Road cannot gravitate to the proposed Treatment Plant.
Therefore they are omitted. Otherwise this phase caters for developed areas from which sewerage can gravitate to the
proposed treatment plant.
The areas to be provided with sewers generally are Dallas, Stadium, Blue Valley, Parts of Majimbo, Kanjuru, Muruatetu
and parts of Central Business District. The Sewage from these areas will mostly gravitate to the proposed Treatment Plant
at Kamiugu-Rupingazi Rivers Confluence.
The existing enhanced Treatment Plant will continue to cater for the greater part of CBD, East College including the areas
to its south, the Embu Level Five Hospital neighborhoods, Spring Valley, Upper Blue Valley, Kaunda Estate and Majengo
Estate among other areas.
2.10.4 Proposed sewer network

An extensive sewerage system is proposed for construction in the substantially developed areas. Areas to be provided with
sewers under phase 1 are Blue Valley, part of Majimbo Village and its immediate neighbourhood, Dallas, Stadium Estate,
Kanjuru and Muruatetu Estate, part Spring Valley Estates, Kangaru Schools and Kenya School of Government, Embu and
its surroundings.
All the sewers are designed for flows for ultimate flow based on population projections. To avoid duplication of sewer
lines in the future, sewers in areas traversed by flow from the areas not in phase 1, have been designed to also cater for
ultimate flow from these areas.
2.10.5 Prioritized sewers

The initial sewer construction is comprised of:
a) The trunk sewer line C from the existing treatment works to the proposed site sewage treatment plant passes through
Dallas and Stadium
b) The trunk sewer line A from the proposed sewage treatment works to Muruatetu estate c) The trunk sewer line D from
the proposed sewage treatment works to Dallas estate d) The trunk sewer line D a branch of Sewer line A emanating from
Embu - Kiritiri road to Majimbo estate
e) The trunk sewer line E, a branch of Sewer line A emanating from Embu - Kiritiri road to end of Blue Valley estate
2.10.6 Effluent Quality

All of the effluent parameters are expected to pass NEMA and WHO guidelines. Periodic testing should be carried out to
determine the quality of waste water being discharged to the environment.
2.11 Project facilities

The project will consist of the following:
 Construction of waste stabilization ponds composed of two anaerobic ponds, two facultative pond and two maturation
ponds
 Two drying beds
 A wetland
 Laying of sewer line network to the proposed site
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 Lockable gate
 Fencing the site
 Staff houses
2.12 Project cost
The estimated project cost of the project is Ksh. 400,000,000 million
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3 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is “a structured approach for obtaining and evaluating environmental
information prior to its use in decision-making in the development process. This information consists, basically, of
predictions of how the environment is expected to change if certain alternative actions are implemented and advice on how
best to manage environmental changes if one alternative is selected and implemented”.
3.1 The importance of EIA

EIA is conducted for the following purposes:
i. Identify impacts of a project on the environment.
ii. Predict likely changes on the environment because of the development.
iii. Evaluate the impacts of the various alternatives on the project.
iv. Propose mitigation measures for the significant negative impacts of the project on the environment.
v. Generate baseline data for monitoring and evaluating impacts, including mitigation measures during the project cycle.
vi. Highlight environment issues with a view to guiding policy makers, planners, stakeholders, and government agencies to
make environmentally and economically sustainable decisions.
3.2 The Constitution of Kenya 2010
Article 42 of the Bill of Rights of the Kenyan Constitution provides that ‘every Kenyan has the right to a clean and healthy
environment, which includes the right to have the environment protected for the benefit of present and future generations
through legislative and other measures’. Under Chapter 5 (Land and Environment), Part 1 is devoted to land. It requires that
land be used and managed in ‘a manner that is equitable, efficient, productive and sustainable, and in accordance with the
following principles:
(i) Equitable access to land;
(ii) Security of land rights;
(iii) Sustainable and productive management of land resources;
(iv) Transparent and cost effective administration of land; and
(v) Sound conservation and protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
Part 2 of Chapter 5 of the Constitution is dedicated to Environment and Natural Resources. Article 69 in Part 2 provides
that the state shall;
(i) Ensure sustainable exploitation, utilization, management and conservation of the environment and natural resources,
and ensure the equitable sharing of the accruing benefits;
(ii) Work to achieve and maintain tree cover of at least ten per cent of the land area of Kenya;
(iii) Encourage public participation in the management of, protection and conservation of the environment;
(iv) Protect genetic resources and biological diversity;
(v) Establish systems of environmental impact assessment, environmental audit and monitoring of the environment;
(vi) Eliminate processes and activities that are likely to endanger the environment; and
(vii) Utilize the environment and natural resources for the benefit of the people of Kenya.
Further, Article 70 states that if a person alleges that a right to a clean and healthy environment recognized and protected
under Article 42 has been, is being or is likely to be, denied, violated, infringed or threatened, the person may apply to a
court for redress. The sub-project should ensure compliance with the constitution in so far as equitable sharing of the
resources, between the stakeholders. Further, the project should ensure the sustainability of livelihoods and biological
resources within the project areas are protected. Any development proposals should also be cognizant of the increased
powers under the Constitution given to communities and individuals to enforce their rights through legal redress.
3.3 Vision 2030

Vision 2030 is the new country‘s development blueprint covering the period 2008 to 2030. It aims at making Kenya a
newly industrializing middle income country providing high quality life for all its citizens by the year 2030. The vision has
been developed through an all inclusive stakeholder consultative process, involving Kenyans from all parts of the country.
The vision is based on three pillars namely; the economic pillar, the social pillar and the political pillar. The vision 2030
comes after the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery Strategy (ERS) for Wealth and Employment Creation
2003-2007.
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EIA Project Report
The Kenya Vision 2030 economic pillar aims at providing prosperity of all Kenyans through an economic development
programme aimed at achieving an average GDP growth rate of 10% per annum over the next 25 years from the year 2008.
The social pillar seeks to build a just and cohesive society with social equity in a clean and secure environment‘. On the
other hand, the political pillar aims at realizing a democratic political system founded on issue based politics that respects
the rule of law, and protects the rights and freedoms of every individual in the Kenyan society.
3.4 Policy framework

3.4.1 Water Rules 2006
To operationalize the Water Act 2002, the Water Resources Management Authority has developed water rules and
regulations. It has already come up with the draft water rules, which are due for Gazettement. The rules cover the following
areas: the reserve, protected areas, swamps, wetlands and riparian areas. They have also incorporated the means through
which we can protect these fragile water resources and related environment.
Other areas that these rules cover include:
 Threshold levels for water allocation
 Harmonization of water permitting fees and water use charges for different permits
 Provide the Water Resources Management Authority (WRMA) with powers to place control orders, to stop destruction
and anti-social behavior which are detrimental to our water resources.
 Formulation of Catchments Management Strategies (CMS) including the zoning of catchments
 Re-enforce and separate functions between different water sector institutions
 Promote decentralization of decision making
 Promote participation and offer channels through which civil rights issues can be addressed.
3.4.2 Land Policy 2006

The policy is as result of extensive consultation and deliberation between the Ministry of lands, other Government
Departments and other Non-State stakeholders for over two years. Kenya has not had a clearly defined or codified National
Land Policy since independence. This, together with the existence of many land laws, some of which are incompatible, has
resulted in a complex land management and administration system.
3.4.3 The National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) -1994

According to this plan, it’s recognized that the development projects on the environment i.e. industrial, economic and social
development programs that do not take care of environmental considerations in their operations are not sustainable. Under
the NEAP process, EIA was introduced and among the key targets recognized were the industrialists, business community
and local authorities.
3.4.4 The National Water Resources Management Policy -1999

It enhances the systematic development of water resources for all the sectors in promotion of the country’s socio-economic
development. It also recognizes the by-products of these developments as wastewater and therefore calls for development of
appropriate sanitation systems to protect the people’s health and water resources from institutional pollution.
It is therefore imperative that these activities be accompanied by appropriate waste management plans. The policy also
recommends that all such developments should undergo comprehensive EIA that will provide measures to protect
environment and people’s health in the neighborhood of the project including the downwind communities.
As its predecessor, the EMCA (1999) calls for annual Environmental Audits (EA) to ensure continuous implementation of
Environmental Management Plans (EMP) proposed in the EIA and any other recommendations and issues arising.
The policy requires that those who pollute water bodies must pay the full cost of remediation of the contaminated water; in
tandem with the “Polluter Pays Principle.”
3.4.5 Sessional paper No. 6 (1999)

Policy guidelines on environment and development – the key policy objectives of this paper includes:
 Ensuring that all development projects at the inception stage and programs, as well as policies consider environmental
considerations.
 Ensuring that an EIA report is prepared for any undertaking or development project before implementation.
 Coming up with effluent treatment standards that will conform with acceptable health guidelines.
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EIA Project Report
It’s important to note that issues of waste water management and human settlements are given prominence and therefore,
the policy recommends re-use and recycling of residues i.e. waste water, use of low waste generation technologies and
increasing public awareness on benefits of a clean environment. It also recognizes the role of stakeholders in all these
initiatives within their localities.
The paper encourages better planning in rural and urban areas in provision of needs i.e. water, drainage system, waste
disposal facilities et al.
3.5 Legal framework

The relevant national legal framework for the proposed project includes the following:
Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999
i. Water Act of 2002
ii. The Physical Planning Act Cap 286
iii. The Public Health Act, Cap 242.
iv. The land Act, Cap 303
v. The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulation. Kenya Gazette supplement No.56 of 13.06.2003
vi. The Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulation. Kenya Gazette supplement No.68 of
2006.
vii. The Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulation. Kenya Gazette supplement No.69
of 2006.
viii. The Water (Services Regulatory) Rules, Kenya Gazette supplement No. 183 of 23.11.2012
ix. Guidelines on drinking water quality and effluent monitoring of WASREB
3.5.1 Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) amended of 1999

According to section 58 of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 Legal Notice No. 8, a
project proponent whose project falls under the second schedule 9 (i) of the act is required to submit Impact Assessment
and audit report to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Part V of the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Audit (EA) regulations provide for the Environmental audit and Monitoring. The Act
provides that an Environmental Impact Assessment shall be undertaken on all upcoming development activities, which are
likely to have adverse Environmental Impacts. These development activities include ongoing projects that commenced
prior to the coming into force of the fore said regulations.
This Act of Parliament came in to force on 14th January, 2000. It’s aimed at providing for the establishment of appropriate
legal and institutional frame work for the management of the environment, and covers over seventy other statutes, it’s
important to note that this Act eliminates duplication of rules and consolidates all other environmental laws hence
enhancing its practicability. The Act entitles every person in Kenya to a clean and a healthy environment and safeguards it.
The Act stipulates that any operator of any undertaking should carry out an EIA and EA afterwards every year, and submit
the report to NEMA, which in turn issues an EIA license if the report is accepted.
The said Act prohibits discharging or application of poisonous, toxic, noxious or obstructing matter or other pollutants into
aquatic environments. Any person who goes against this rule must pay for restoration of the damaged environment, or pay
third party’s compensation.
Section 74 requires that all effluent generated from point sources are discharged only into the existing sewerage system
upon issuance of prescribed permit from local authorities.
Section 147 provides the framework for carrying out EIA and EA by NEMA through licensed experts and firms of experts.
The institutional framework of the Act

The Act provides for various administrative structures, which includes the National Environment Council (NEC), charged
with the responsibility of developing the National Environmental Policy (NEP) in Kenya and sets the annual environment
goals and objectives.
NEMA was established to deal with general supervision and coordination with all matters pertaining to the environment in
Kenya. It’s a principal government organ for implementation of environmental policies in Kenya. The Public Complaints
Committee (PCC) was formed to investigate environmental complaints and submit its findings to NEC. The Standards and
Enforcement Review Committee (SERC) advises NEMA on criteria and procedures for measurement of water quality in
Kenya and minimum water quality.
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EIA Project Report
3.5.2 The Environmental Management and Co-Ordination (Wetlands, River Banks, Lake Shores and Sea Shore
Management) Regulations, 2009
17. The following principles shall be observed in the management and conservation of river banks, lake shores and the
seashore;
(a) Resources on the river banks, lake shores and the sea shore shall be utilized in a sustainable manner;
(b) Environmental impact assessment as required under the Act shall be mandatory for all major activities on river banks,
lake shores and the seashore; and
(c) Special measures, including prevention of soil erosion, siltation and water pollution are essential for the protection of
river banks, lake shores and the seashore.
Identification and inventory of degraded river banks, lake shores and sea shores and conservation measures
18. (1) within five years from the date of commencement of these Regulations, the Authority shall, in consultation with the
relevant lead agencies –
(a) Identify river bank, lake shores and the part of the seashore which are at risk from environmental degradation;
(b) Prepare and maintain an inventory of the river banks, lakeshore and the part of the sea shore which are at risk from
environmental degradation, and cause such measures as are necessary to be taken to prevent and reduce degradation of such
areas;
(c) Promote soil conservation measures along river banks, lake shores, and the seashore, including the following.
i. bunding;
ii. terracing;
iii. mulching;
iv. tree planting or agro forestry;
v. grassing;
vi. Soil engineering, compaction and placement of fills;
vii. zoning and planning;
viii. building of gabions;
ix. control of grazing, and
x. Recommending the promulgation of appropriate by-laws by the relevant local authorities.
3.5.3 The Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations, 2006
Relevant parts of this regulation include
 Prohibition of any waste disposal on a public highway, street, road, recreation area or in any public place except in
designated waste receptacle;
 All waste generator to collect, segregate and dispose such waste in a manner provided for under these regulations;
 All waste generators to minimize waste generated by adopting cleaner production methods;
 All waste transporters to be licensed according to the act;
 All vehicles used to transport waste to be labelled in such a manner as may be directed by the Authority;
 Collection and transportation of the waste to be done in such a manner no to cause scattering of the waste;
 The vehicle and equipment for waste transportation to be in such a manner not to cause scattering of or flowing out of
waste; and
 The vehicles for transportation and other means of conveyance of waste to follow the scheduled routes approved by the
authority from the point of collection to the disposal site.
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PART IV: HAZARDOUS WASTES
Hazardous Waste 22. For the purposes of this part, waste considered as hazardous, shall be any
Specifications waste specified in the Fourth Schedule or any waste having the characteristics
defined in the Fifth Schedule, and any wastes which do not fit the said categories
of classification will be treated as non-hazardous waste.
Requirement for 23. No person shall engage in any activity likely to generate any hazardous waste
Environmental Impact without a valid Environmental Impact Assessment licence issued by Authority
Assessment under the provisions of the Act.
Handling, storing, and 24. (1) Every T The generator of hazardous waste shall ensure that every
transporting of hazardous container or package for storing such waste is secure and labelled in easily
waste legible characters, written in English and Kiswahili. (2) The label shall contain
the following information: (a) the identity of the hazardous waste. (b) the name,
physical address and telephone contact of the generator of waste. (c) the waste
composition and total weight of waste. (d) the normal storage stability and
methods of storage. (e) the name and percentage of weight of active (f) warning
or caution statements which may include any of the following as appropriate: (i)
the words “WARNING” or “CAUTION”; (ii) the word “POISON” (marked
indelibly in red on a contrasting background; and (iii) the words “DANGER!
KEEP AWAY FROM UNAUTHORIZED PERSONS”; and (iv) a pictogram
of a skull and crossbones. (g) a statement of first aid measures, including the
antidote when inhaled, ingested or dermal contact and a direction that a
physician must be contacted immediately. (3) The provisions of Part II of these
Regulations relating to the license for transportation of waste and mode of
transporting waste shall apply mutatis mutandis to this Part.
Treatment of Hazardous 26. (1) Every person who generates toxic or hazardous waste shall treat or cause
Waste to be treated such hazardous waste using the classes of incinerators prescribed in
the Third Schedule to these Regulations or any other appropriate technology
approved by the Authority. (2) Any leachate or other by-products of such treated
waste shall be disposed of or treated in accordance with the conditions laid down
in the license or in accordance with guidelines issued by the Authority in
consultation with the relevant lead agency. (3) In issuing a license for the
disposal of waste, the Authority shall clearly indicate the disposal operation
permitted and identified for the particular waste
operators of disposal
13. Anysites.
operator of a disposal site or plant shall apply the relevant provisions on waste
Cap 265 treatment under the Local Government Act and Regulations thereunder to ensure
that such waste does not present any imminent and substantial danger to public
health, the environment and natural resources.
Validity of license
14. A
and
licence to operate a waste disposal site or plant shall be valid for a period of one year
renewals from the date of issue and may be renewed for a further similar period on such
terms and conditions as the Authority may deem necessary or impose for
purposes of insuring public health and sound environmental management.
Requirement for
15. Every licensed owner or operator of a waste disposal site or plant shall carry out an annual
Environmental Audit environmental audit pursuant to the provisions of the Act.
3.5.4 County Governments Act (2012)

Section 109 of the Act helps counties to ensure effective coordination of spatial developments. Sub section 2 part C states in
part; spatial County Plan shall:
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i. Indicate desired patterns of land use within the county
ii. Address spatial construction or reconstruction of the county
iii. Provide strategic guidance in respect of the location and nature of development within the county
iv. Set out basic guidelines for a land use management system taking into account any guidelines, regulations or laws as
provided under Article 67 (2) (h) of the Constitution of Kenya
v. Set out capital investment framework for the Counties development programs
vi. Contain a strategic assessment of the environment impact of the spatial development framework
3.5.5 Land planning Act (repealed), Cap. 303

A local authority may, after consultation with, and with the agreement of, the Minister, prepare and submit to the Minister
for his approval a town plan or area plan, as the case may be, for that part of the area under its jurisdiction to which these
Regulations apply.
Subject to the provisions of any rules made under these Regulations for regulating the form and content of area plans and
town plans, any such plans shall include such maps and descriptive matter as may be necessary to illustrate the planning
proposals as may be appropriate to different parts of the area and any such plans shall in particular define existing
development, proposed roads, the different use and density zones proposed and areas (if any) in which no sub-division is
permitted for the time being.
The Minister, for the purpose of securing the proper sub-division of land in an area other than of unalienated Government
land, may require a local authority which has submitted a town plan or area plan, as the case may be, for approval, to submit
to him for approval subdivision and use plans for its area or any part thereof.
An interim planning authority may prepare and submit to the Minister for his approval plans and particulars of any
amendment to a town or area plan, as the case may be, which has previously been approved.
Subject to these Regulations, no person shall carry out development in an interim planning area except with the consent of
the authority under these Regulations empowered to grant consent.
Any person who carries out development without consent shall be guilty of an offence against these Regulations and shall
be liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both
such fine and imprisonment.
3.5.6 Physical Planning Act, Cap. 286

The protection of the environment, the conservation of the natural resources and pollution are tied up with the question of
the permitted use of land. The land planning law in Kenya is found in the Physical Planning Act, Cap. 286. The main
purpose of the physical planning legislation is to control the use of land, which is of great importance since it affects the
environment. When an owner seeks to develop a plot of land which is within the jurisdiction of the Local Authority,
approval from the Local Authority Director of Physical Planning is mandatory. The Act defines ‘Development’ to mean any
material change in the use or density of any building or land.
Section 36 specifically provides that in connection with a development activity which will have an injurious impact on the
environment; the applicant shall be required to submit together with the application an Environmental Impact Assessment
study (EASR) report. Section 29 of the Act allows for prohibition or control of the use and development of land and
buildings in the interest of proper and orderly development of an area. Section 30 of the said Act states that any person who
carries out development without permission will be required to restore the land to its original condition and that no other
licensing authority shall grant license for commercial and industrial use or occupation of any building without development
permission granted by the local authority. Section 36 states that where the project will be injurious to the environment, the
developer shall be required to submit an EIA report and thereafter, an EA every year.
3.5.7 Water Act of 2002

Water Rights and Works
A permit shall be required for any of the following purposes:-
i. Any use of water from a water resource, except as provided by section 26;
ii. The drainage of any swamp or other land;
iii. The discharge of a pollutant into any water resource;
iv. Any purpose, to be carried out in relation to a water resource, which is prescribed by rules made under this Act to be a
purpose for which a permit is required.
v. Nothing in this section applies to the purpose of a state scheme under this part.
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Except as provided by the subsection (2), a permit is not required:-
For the abstraction or use of water, without the employment of works, from or in any water resource for domestic purposes
by any person having lawful access thereto;
For any development of ground water, where none of the works necessary for the development are situated-Within one
hundred meters of any body of surface water (other than enclosed spring water, as defined in the subsection (3); or Within a
ground water conservation area ;
For storage of water in, or the abstraction of water from a dam constructed in any channel or depression which the
Authority has declared, by notice published in the gazette, not to constitute a watercourse for the purpose of this Act.
Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to any activity mentioned in that subsection which is carried on in prescribed
circumstances, where rules made under this Act provide that a permit shall be required for the carrying on of that activity in
those circumstances.
For the purpose of subsection (1) (b) (i), “enclosed spring water” means water in a spring which:-
Is situated wholly within the boundaries of the land owned by any one landholder; and
Does not naturally discharge water into a watercourse abutting on, or extending beyond, the boundaries of that land.
Rules made under this Act may take provision for or with respect to the use of water from a water resource in any manner
for which a permit is not required.
3.5.8 The Public Health Act

Section 115 of the Act states that, no person or institution shall cause nuisance or condition liable to be injurious or
dangerous to human health. Section 116 of the Act requires that Local Authorities take all lawful, necessary, reasonable and
practicable measures to maintain in their jurisdiction, clean and sanitary environment to prevent occurrence of nuisance or
condition liable to be injurious or dangerous to health; these includes waste pipes, sewers, drains, refuse pits situated or
constructed as in the opinion of a medical officer of health not to be offensive or injurious to health.
According to Sec. 118, any noxious matter or wastewater flowing or discharged from any premises into a public street or
into the gutter, side channel, watercourse, irrigation canal or bed is also a nuisance. Others include accumulation of
materials or refuse which may harbor rats or vermin i.e. collections of water, rubbish or refuse and any disposable fluid
which permits and facilitates breeding of pests. Section 130 provides for making and imposing regulations by the local
authorities and allows the duty of enforcing the rules in prohibiting use of water supply or erection of structures draining
filth or noxious matter into a water supply.
3.5.9 The Physical Planning Act, 1996, (Cap 286)

The Physical Planning Act, 1996 commenced operation in 1998 after its revision. The Act provides for the preparation and
implementation of physical development plans and other related purposes. Its provisions apply to all parts of the country
except those areas as the Minister may specify. Thus the Act directs, regulates and harmonizes development and use of land
over the country. In addition, the Act provides a vital link with the Environment Management and Co-ordination Act. For
example, Section 36 of the Act states that” In connection with a development application a local authority is of the opinion
that proposals for industrial location, dumping sites, sewerage treatment, quarries or any other development activity will
have injurious impact on the environment, the applicant will be required to submit together with the application an
environmental impact assessment report”. This reinforces EIA requirements under EMCA (1999).
Section 29 of the Act allows for prohibition or control of the use and development of land and buildings in the interest of
proper and orderly development of an area. Section 30 of the said Act states that any person who carries out development
without permission will be required to restore the land to its original condition and that no other licensing authority shall
grant license for commercial and industrial use or occupation of any building without development permission granted by
the local authority.
Section 36 states that where the project will be injurious to the environment, the developer shall be required to submit an
Environmental Impact Assessment Report and thereafter, an Environmental Audit every year.
3.5.10 The Way leaves Act Cap 292

According to the Way leaves Act cap 292 Section 2, Private land does not include any land sold or leased under any Act
dealing with Government lands. Section 3 of the Act states that the Government May carry any sewer, drain or pipeline
into, through, over or under any lands whatsoever, but May not in so doing interfere with any existing building.
Section 8 further states that any person who, without the consent of the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry responsible for
works (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld), causes any building to be newly erected over any sewer, drain or
pipeline the property of the Government shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine of one hundred and fifty shillings,
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and a further fine of sixty shillings for every day during which the offence is continued after written notice in that behalf
from the Permanent Secretary; and the Permanent Secretary May cause any building erected in contravention of this section
to be altered, demolished or otherwise dealt with as he may think fit, and May recover any expense incurred by the
Government in so doing from the offender. The proposed site is not inhabited hence there will be no need for compensation.
3.5.11 The Malaria Prevention Act Cap 246

Section 5 – Drainage System
No operations shall obstruct flow of water into or out of any drainage. The management shall be required to maintain the
drainage system within the area of the project for removal of water from any land around the project to prevent larvae
breeding.
3.5.12 The Penal Code Cap 63

Section 191 – Fouling water
The management shall ensure that no foul water of any public spring or reservoir is rendered unfit for the purpose for which
it was ordinarily used for by the community.
Section 192 – Dwellings and Neighborhood
The operation phases of the project shall ensure that health of persons in general dwellings or carrying on business in the
neighborhood or passing along a public facility are protected.
Section 193 - Offensive Trade
The proponent shall control loud noises or offensive and unwholesome smells so as not to interfere with the common rights
of the people within the surrounding. This offence is punishable for common nuisance.
3.5.13 The Land Acquisition Act (CAP. 295)

This Act provides for the compulsory or otherwise acquisition of land from private ownership for the benefit of the general
public. Section 3 states that when the Minister is satisfied on the need for acquisition, notice will be issued through the
Kenya Gazette and copies delivered to all the persons affected. Full compensation for any damage resulting from the entry
onto land to things such as survey upon necessary authorization will be undertaken in accordance with section 5 of the Act.
Likewise here land is acquired compulsorily; full compensation shall be paid promptly to all persons affected in accordance
to sections 8 and 10 along the following parameters;
i. Area of land acquired,
ii. Property value in the opinion of the Commissioner of land (after valuation)
iii. Amount of the compensation payable,
iv. Market value of the property
v. Damages sustained from the severance of the land parcel from the land
vi. Damages to other property in the process of acquiring the said land parcel.
vii. Consequences of changing residence or place of business by the land owners.
viii. Damages from diminution of profits of the land acquired
Part II of the Act allows for the temporary acquisition of land for utilization in promotion of the public good for periods not
exceeding 5 years. At the expiry of the period, the Commissioner of Land shall vacate the land and undertake to restore the
land to the conditions it was before. Any damages or reduction of value shall be compensated to the land owners.
3.5.14 Occupational Health and Safety Act (2007)

This legislation provides for protection of workers during construction and operation phases. It is tailored at implementation
of the Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) plan in compliance with the relevant sections of this Act.
It shall be the duty of every employer to:
1. Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all his employees.
2. Without prejudice to the generality of an employer’s duty under subsection (1), the matters to which that duty extends
include in particular;
(a) The provision and maintenance of plant and systems of work that are, so far as is reasonably practicable, safe and
without risks to health;
(b) Arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and absence of risks to health in connection with
the use, handling, storage and transport of equipment, machinery, articles and substances;
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(c) The provision of adequate and suitable protective clothing or devices of an approved standard to employees who in the
course of employment are likely to be exposed to the risk of head, eye, ear, hand or foot injury, injury from air contaminant
or any other bodily injury and the provision of adequate instructions in the use of such protective clothing or devices;
(d) The provisions of such information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure, so far as is
reasonably practicable, the safety and health at work of his employees;
(e) So far as is reasonably practicable as regards any place of work under the employer’s control, the maintenance of it in a
condition that is safe and without risks to health and the provision and maintenance of means of access to and egress from it
that are safe and without such risks;
(f) The provision and maintenance of a working environment for his employees that is, so far as is reasonably practicable,
safe, without risks to health, and adequate as regards amenities and arrangements for their welfare at work; a
(g) Compliance with sections 7, 12, 37, 46, 75 and 76, Parts III and IX and such other duties as may be imposed on him by
regulations made under this Act.
3. An employer shall—
Ensure that all hazardous chemicals present in the industrial establishment are labeled in a way easily understandable to the
employees, or are identified in the prescribed manner;
Obtain or prepare, as may be prescribed, an unexpired chemical safety data sheet for all hazardous chemicals present in the
workplace;
3.6 Licenses and Permits

In order to manage the environmental quality standards, the EMCA requires that project proponents apply to the NEMA for
various types of permits depending on the nature of the project once it becomes operational. These permits include:
 Effluent Discharge License (for wastewater discharges into sewer systems)
 Air Emission License (for air pollution)
 Waste License (for transport, storage and disposal of all types of wastes)
 Other statutory licenses and permits
3.7 Policy Guidelines on Environment and Development

Among the key objectives of the Policy Paper on Environment and Development (Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999) are to
ensure that from the onset, all development policies, programmes and projects take environmental considerations into
account and to ensure that an immediate environmental impact assessment (EIA) report is prepared for any industrial
venture or other development before implementation among others.
The policy recommends the need for enhanced re-use/recycle of residues including wastewater, use of low non-waste
technologies, increased public awareness and appreciation of clean environment. It also encourages participation of
stakeholders in the management of wastes within their localities.
3.8 Building Code 2000

Section 194 requires that where sewer exists, the occupants of the nearby premises shall apply to the local Authority for a
permit to connect to the sewer line and all the wastewater should be discharged into sewers. The code also prohibits
construction of structures or buildings on sewer lines.
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4 BASELINE INFORMATION
4.1 Location and General Description

Embu Municipality is located in Embu West Sub County in Embu County on longitude 37 0 27’ East and latitude 00 32’
south, at an altitude of approximately 1,400 m above sea level. Embu town is situated about 130 km north of Nairobi, on the
tarmac Road B6 from Nairobi to Meru. It covers an area of approximately 80 km2. The most developed area is within the
area of 24 km2 of which 5.5 km2 constitutes Embu Town centre. The proposed site of sewage treatment plant to supplement
the existing facility is to be built at the confluence of Rupingazi River and Kamiugu Stream as recommended in the report
by consultants for the design at the outskirts of Embu Town.
Embu town Settlement Patterns are influenced by its topography. The settlements reflect both concentrated settlements and
scattered settlement following the topographical ridges within the areas of the expanded town covering a total of 80 km2 as
stated earlier. Pockets of concentrated settlements are however noticeable in satellite towns. The real urban settlements are
found within the old 24 km2 while the scattered settlements (unplanned) take up the bulk of the extended town. This
element is explained by extension of the Embu town boundaries into the rural settlement that are in the periphery of the old
Embu town. Outside the initial 24 km2 the urban growth is ribbon and tends to follow the two major trunk roads B6 (Embu
– Meru Road) and B7 (Embu – Kiritiri Road). The Local Service Centres within the extended Embu town boundary area
include:- Mutunduri, Kangaru, Karurina, Kimangaru, Njuikiri markets in Embu County and PI, Gathoge Njukiini, and
Mugamba Ciura markets in Kirinyaga County. Emerging from the above observation, the population densities within the
town boundary have also followed a similar pattern. However, available data on densities as per the census only refers to
the old Embu town boundaries of 24 km2 thus leaving the bulk of the area within the 80 km2 area unaccounted for.
The areas that constitute the expanded Embu town currently are as stated below. However, the area that requires immediate
sewage facilities are the old developed areas of 5.5 km2 within the former 24km2 extended town boundaries before the
current Embu town boundary was further expanded to the current size of 80km2 later.
Table4.1: Population for all areas of expanded Embu Town

Name Of Area Area In Km2 Population 2009 Census
Gatituri 10.7 5,875
Kiangima 6.3 4,345
Itabua 30.1 8,228
Dallas/Stadium 3.5 18,767
Kamiu 6.6 15,020
Njukiri 6.7 4,615
Nthambo 6.7 4,290
Gatunduri 9.0 6,309
Total 79.6 67,449

Embu Town is the seat of the County Government of Embu County and the Headquarters for Embu West Sub County and
the Central Government Regional Headquarters. The northern part of the town comprises schools and government
institutions while the central and southern parts of the town comprises the County, Sub County and Central Government
administration offices as well as commercial establishments.
The developed part of Embu town is in dire need of sewerage facilities. The western part of the town and a portion of the
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Central Business District are sewered. But the greater part of the town does not have sewerage system. The selected areas
of town proposed for sewering in this report that exhibit pro poor tendencies are Dallas, Stadium, Blue Valley, Parts of
Majimbo, Kanjuru, Muruatetu and parts of Central Business District that are bounded by Rupingazi River to the south and
west and Kapingazi River to the east. The Refined sewerage final design report covers the whole of the developed town but
zeros only on some selected areas of phase 1 area as set out by Runji and Partners report of 1994. The coverage of the
whole developed portion of Embu town has been considered because the sewers expected to be constructed are expected to
eventually carry the ultimate sewage generated within the town to the future site of the sewage treatment plant.
4.2 Topography
Embu Municipality is traversed by a number of small streams and rivers which are tributaries to the two major rivers,
Rupingazi and Kabingazi. These streams and rivers have cut deep valleys and have created steep hillsides which have
caused great difficulties in urban development. The development of the town was initially concentrated mainly on the
ridges between the streams and rivers but is now taking place in the gently sloping areas east of the town Centre towards
Don Bosco area along the Embu - Kiritiri road. There is a general slope from north to south of 170 m in 4 km, or 4.3%
within the valleys and gently slopes on the land east of Kapingazi River.
4.3 Climate
The details of the Embu town climate presented in the sewage master plan are as reproduced below.
4.3.1 Temperature
Temperature has been recorded in Embu during the period 1942 – 1951 at Embu Agricultural training school. The records
are given on Table below. The records indicate that the coldest month is August when the mean minimum temperature is
13.0oC. The table shows the biggest deviation from the yearly mean minimum temperature is only 1.1oC.
4.3.2 Rainfall
Observations of rainfall have been carried out at the then Embu Development Centre which is now known as Embu Kenya
School of Government. The mean precipitation for Embu town indicates two rainy seasons: Long rains in March – April –
May and short rains in October – November - December
4.4 Evaporation
Evaporation is not measured at Embu, but can be estimated from “studies of potential Evaporation in Kenya” by T.
Woodhead, Nairobi, 1968. Sheet No. 7 of this publication shows that the annual mean evaporation is estimated at about
1900 mm per annum. To illustrate the variation during the year, statistics from a meteorological station, some 20 km south
of Embu, at Mwea Rice Irrigation scheme Experimental Station are presented in the table below.
From the table below it appears that the monthly mean evaporation does not vary significantly from the average monthly
mean of 8.3% for the whole year.
Table 4.2: The Variation of Evaporation. Embu – Mwea Experimental Station No. 90 37/112
Monthly mean in
Mean Monthly Evaporation Percentage of
Period (1963 – 1970) (mm) Annual mean
January 192 9.7
February 198 10.0
March 191 9.7
April 164 8.3
May 139 7.1
June 120 6.1
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July 112 5.7
August 135 6.8
September 178 9.0
October 211 10.7
November 153 7.8
December 178 9.0
Year Total 1971 100
4.5 Geology and soil conditions

The geology of the area is described in the “Geology of the Fort Hall Area” Report no. 73, Geological Survey of Kenya.
The Geology of the area is characterized by the nearby now extinct volcano, Mount Kenya. The geological strata resting
upon the Precambrian rocks are of volcanic origin in the area around Embu and they are called the Mount Kenya phonolite.
Four kilometres west of the proposed treatment works, the basement rock outcrops is the Murinduko Hill. Along the
Rupingazi River, the Mt. Kenya phonolite was heavily eroded in Tertiary times, and a deep valley formed in the phonolite,
was in Pleistocene times filled up with Thiba basalt flowing down from Mt. Kenya.
Soil investigations were carried out during the preparation of the sewerage master plan and also during current reporting
period. Investigations revealed that, the upper part of the plot up to a depth of two metres, the soil consists of murram and
rock boulders. The middle portion of the pond site at the same depth has murram on the lower quarter and the upper part
deep loam soil. The lower part of the plot has deep loam soil only. The soil profiles result means that it is possible to carry
out cut and fill pond construction without borrowing construction soil from other areas.
4.6 Institutions and industries

Embu is the administration centre of Embu County. It houses the County Headquarters for both the Central and County
governments as well as the headquarters of Embu West Sub County. The town therefore hosts a large array of Government
Offices. In addition, there is a Level Five Hospital, a Prison, hotels and various educational facilities. The Town is however
lacking in heavy industries and only boasts of a few light industries, mainly for processing agricultural and forest products.
4.6.1 Schools
There are many public primary and secondary schools within the town area, private boarding and day schools, secondary
schools both private and public, as well as technical schools.
4.6.2 The level five hospital and medical centers

The Embu Level Five Hospital has an average attendance of more than 700 outpatients daily. The number of inpatients
range between 700 and 800 though the number of hospital beds is 714. The Level Five hospital employs 750 persons.
There are some 32 staff houses within the hospital with about 175 residents.
A medical training centre is attached to the hospital. The current number of students in the centre is 350. The hospital is
located at the area of Embu town that is connected to the existing sewerage system. Private clinics have sprung up in Embu
town and most are located in the Phase 1 areas that were recommended for sewering in the design report. Some clinics
attend to outpatients only while others have got both outpatient and inpatient.
4.6.3 Embu prison

The Embu GK Prison is located at Majimbo, about 500m from the Embu - Siakago road. The prison is planned for
2,500 prisoners and approximately 2,500 staff and their dependents. Currently, the prison holds 700 prisoners and about
600 resident staff and dependents.
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4.6.4 Institutions and colleges
KARLO Center is located in the Northern side of the town. The centre situated south of Kangaru water storage site for
EWASCO has 150 employees. Across the Embu – Meru road east of the College is the Kenya School Government
formerly the Government Training Institute. The school has a student population of 520 day scholars and 700 boarding
students. It has 45 residential houses for the staff in the compound.
Embu University College has taken up the land that formerly was being used by the EAST College. It currently has a
student population of 2,000 that is going to increase to 5,000 students by the end of this year once the recent intake joins
the college. When fully constituted, the university shall have a student population of 10,000students.
4.6.5 Embu Slaughterhouse

A slaughterhouse is located at Majimbo area past the Embu GK prison. 12 persons are employed at the slaughterhouse but
none is resident. Twenty cattle and fifteen goats are slaughtered every day. The slaughterhouse has its own effluent
treatment plant consisting of screens and a grease trap and two waste stabilization ponds in series. Effluent from the ponds
is led to soak away pits in form of trenches. Currently, the performance of the treatment plant is satisfactory.
4.6.6 Hotels
The growth of Embu town has led to the opening of several hotels to cater for the increased demand for accommodation
and catering services. There are 54 hotels of varying standards with a total bed capacity of 1,690 rooms.
4.6.7 Food premises

There are many places in Embu town that serve food related items. The food premises number approximately 22 in the
town dealing with different classes of food products.
4.6.8 Non food premises

There are also premises in town that provide other services other than food products such as electrical gadgets, furniture
etc. they number approximately 25 and are of different classes.
4.7 Embu town water supply

Initially Embu town had one water source namely the Kapingazi water source. Due to the inadequacy of the Kapingazi
source due to the high water demand for Embu town, Ngandori/Nginda water supply project was used to supplement the
Embu water supply. The water supply was still insufficient to cater for the needs of Embu town and a second source was
identified by EWASCO and constructed on river Rupingazi.
The raw water from Kapingazi intake was being treated at Kangaru water treatment works and it had a production capacity
of 2,700m3 per day. This source has since been abandoned after the Rupingazi source was constructed and later expanded.
The former Kangaru water treatment works site is now being used by EWASCO as a treated water storage site.
The raw water from Rupingazi Water intake is gravitated to a treatment works at Mukangu which is situated about 6km
north of Kangaru site where the old water treatment plant used to be. This new water treatment plant constructed by
EWASCO has a production capacity of 12,000m3 per day. However, the water supply for Embu town was recently
augmented with funds obtained from JICA that increased the water supply production capacity to 27,000m3 per day an
increase of 15,000m3 per day. The Embu water treatment works is managed by 17 persons. The whole town is now fully
supplied with piped water except for those that have not applied to be connected and those who buy water from kiosks that
were constructed by Plan International that tap water from springs below the Kanjuru estate. The water supply has also
been connected to people living in rural areas within and on outskirts of the town that have applied for connection and also
to the people on the periphery of the town.
EWASCO has also extended the water coverage to satellite towns of Kiritiri and Gachoka in Mbeere South sub-county and
their periphery too.
4.8 Existing sewerage and water systems

The existing sewer reticulation system covers most of the Central Business District, some parts of the western part of the
town centre, the area around the Embu Level Five Hospital and Majengo site and services schemes. It has recently been
extended to cover Kaunda Estate, the neighbourhoods of Embu Level Five Hospital, Spring Valley Estate and Upper Blue
Valley Estate.
The sewerage system in Embu town centre was constructed in 1973 while that in Majengo site and service scheme was
constructed in 1978. Several extensions to the sewer lines have since been made by EWASCO. The total length of the
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existing main and branch sewer lines with diameter 150 mm and above is more than 27.0 km. The sewers are generally in
good condition and are well maintained.
4.8.1 Existing sewage treatment plant

The sewerage system is connected to a public treatment plant consisting of a screen, grit chamber and four waste
stabilization ponds with an outlet to Rupingazi River. The treatment plant was designed to treat 800m3 of waste water per
day. The spiral pond and the original sewer network were constructed in 1973. Two new stabilization ponds were added by
EWASCO in 2008 and they became operational in 2009 bring the capacity of the treatment plant to about 1,500m3 per day.
The initial treatment works is circular in shape but is partitioned to form a spiral channel with an inlet on the outer side and
an outlet at the centre to increase the sewage detention time.
The pond has a mid – depth diameter of 110 m and a water depth of 1.37 m and thus, a volume of approximately 13,000 m3.
It is furnished with a baffle wall on one side of the inlet to prevent short circuiting of flow. On average, desludging has been
carried out at 4 years intervals.
The flow from the circular pond now enters a 5,000m3 maturation pond that empties to a 3,000m3 pond. These ponds were
added in year 2008 - 2009 to improve the quality of effluent.
The 3,000m3 empties to the last pond that was originally constructed as a temporary pond to take up the influent during
desludging of the spiral pond. This last pond has a capacity 2,000m3. All the sewage ponds at the existing treatment works
taken together have a combined capacity of 23,000m3. With a full sewage treatment to achieve the acceptable BOD effluent
load of 20mg/l, the current treatment works can only comfortably treat about 1,500m3 of waste water per day.
Flow measurements carried out in the year 2009 by the EWASCO show the average inflow into the first pond to be about
700 m3 / day compared to a flow of 610m3/day in 1993. The current flow to the pond that was taken in May 2016 was found
to be 1,500m3 of waste water per day. This shows that the flow of sewage from the connected part of Embu town to the
sewerage treatment works has more than doubled the treatment capacity of the then existing sewerage treatment plant
before the addition of the extra maturation ponds notwithstanding the fact that the bigger part of the developed Embu town
is not sewered.
The composition of the treatment plant influent and effluent were determined occasionally by the then Municipal Council
that was running the Embu sewage treatment works and lately by EWASCO, that runs both water supply and waste water
disposal systems.
The results for the final effluent released from the sewage treatment works taken in 2009 shows the BOD to have been
35mg/l. The figure was expected to become better when the two ponds attained their full treatment potential once the
seeded aerobic bacteria multiply to their full potential but as long as the influent keeps on increasing, the BOD would
hardly be reduced further. This value of the final effluent BOD5 level of 35 mg/1 exceeds the acceptable BOD standard of
20 mg/1 as per set WHO.
The faecal coliform (FC) bacteria, in the final plant effluent had earlier in the study of the Master Plan found to be about 2.6
x106 FC/100 ml. The required standard of 5 x 103 FC/100 ml was, therefore, far from fulfilled. The above results show the
performance of the treatment plant with its existing load is not only unsatisfactory but cannot effectively treat the waste
water as it is already overloaded.
4.8.2 Effluent recipients

There are two major rivers in Embu County that traverse Embu town. These rivers are the Rupingazi and the Kapingazi.
The rivers are both perennial but are heavily tapped for both domestic and irrigation waters. The existing sewage treatment
works and the proposed one are both situated adjacent to river Rupingazi. Rupingazi is therefore, the recipients of the
current sewage effluent and the expected effluent from the proposed sewage ponds.
Records of the flow of the river Rupingazi shows that the Rupingazi waters can accept an effluent of more than 1,800m3 per
day and provide a dilution exceeding the recommended ratio of 1:8 as per the Master Plan Report
4.8.3 Other methods of waste water disposal in project area

The sanitary conditions in the unsewered areas in Embu town are deplorable and requires immediate relieve. This has been
compounded by the availability of adequate potable water supply in Embu town. When the sewage system was built the
water demand in Embu town was a meagre 2,500m3 per day. However, as the town continued to grow, the water demand
substantially increased but the water supply production at Kangaru water treatment works remained only 2,500m 3 per day.
Meanwhile, the waste water that was being generated in sewered area of Embu town and taken to the existing treatment
works at that time was receiving proper treatment and the effluent was within the WHO acceptable standards.
EWASCO sought a loan in form of materials from the suppliers and upgraded the Embu water supply system and
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EIA Project Report
constructed a new intake at river Rupingazi and a water treatment plant at Mukangu that has a capacity of 12,000m3 per day
thereby easing the water shortage in town. The water supply has since been augmented to the current capacity of 27,000m3
per day.
This increased water supply system without corresponding increase in the capacity for water treatment plant has resulted in
sullage finding its way in the open drains in Embu town posing a grave health hazard.
Kangaru secondary school and Embu University College have old and well maintained sewers consisting of concrete pipes
of 150mm diameter that are connected to the institutional treatment works. The sewage treatment works for Kangaru
School consists of a grit chamber, a septic tank and a trickling filter with hydraulically propelled rotating arms. The
operation of the plant is, however, very poor. The effluent is released without proper treatment. The treatment works for the
university consists of lagoons that are also overflowing due to the increased population that currently uses the facility that
was being used by EAST College and KARI.
Other areas which are not covered by the existing sewerage system are served by either septic tanks or pit latrines.
Depending on the number of users and the nature of the soak area the sewage flow sometimes exceeds the capacity of the
soak area. This is especially the case in unsewered central commercial and residential areas. EWASCO provides septic tank
exhausting services at a nominal fee of Kshs. 2,000.00 per 5m3 load. Access to most of the septic tanks, however, is often
very difficult, resulting in infrequent and/or unhygienic manual emptying of these septic tanks to open grounds mostly
during the night. The revenue that was generated by the exhauster service in year 2008 was Kshs 2,880, 000.00. In rural
areas and in areas with low class housing, the use of pit latrines is very common. Unimproved pit latrines are odorous,
attract flies and are, a potential health risk. The sanitary conditions in areas where the latrines are used are therefore
generally bad.
4.9 Population projections and development plans

The population growth rate and projections up to 2038 are shown in table below. This draft refined sewerage reviewed
final design report has based its population projection on the 1999 census and the 2009 census which gives Embu town a
growth rate of 1.55 % per annum which is adopted instead of the 1.45% which is the growth rate of Embu County. The
growth rate of Embu town is higher than the growth rate of Embu County. This higher growth rate of the town is attributed
to the movement of people from rural to urban areas in search of employment opportunities.
Table 4.3: Population Growth Rate for Embu County and Embu Town
Name Actual Population/year Growth Rate
Area 1999 2009 %
Embu County 447,159 516,212 1.45
Embu Town 52,446 61,140 1.55
4.10 Town development plan and population projections

The former Ministry of Lands and Settlement, the then Department of Physical planning compiled a provisional long term
town Development plan, in September 1978, which was the basis for the Sewerage Master Plan prepared by Cowiconsult.
However with time the area use has been changed quite significantly to the extent that it is not now possible to use land
use as a basis for the determination of the waste water produced in each Zone for Embu town. The current development
that is taking place in Embu town shows that the residential areas are scattered all over Embu town in an unplanned
manner in the area. The commercial, business and administrative areas are located in any area in Embu town and not only
at the town centre.
The institutional areas are, like the residential areas, scattered throughout the town, but the larger institutions (Kenya School
of Government, Kangaru School, Embu Girls, Kangaru Primary School, Embu Agricultural Research Station and Embu
University College) are situated to the north of the town along the main Embu-Meru road and between the Embu Level Five
hospital and Kangaru village. The industrial development is planned to take place in the southern part of the Municipality.
The industrial areas are mostly planned for light industries. The small area that was reserved for heavy industry has been
taken up and developed as commercial and residential area.
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EIA Project Report
The steep hillsides along the small streams which traverse the Embu town were considered as unsuitable for any
development of the town and were therefore defined as open space area for agriculture and recreational activities. But
demand for housing and commercial facilities have led to the grabbing and subsequent development of those spaces.
The north-western part of the town is mainly reserved for agriculture.
4.10.1 Population projection in the study area

The population projections that were arrived at in the Runji and Partners design report during the review of Master Plan are
at a considerable variance when compared to 2009 Census. The estimated population in the Runji report for the
Municipality was 84,000 in 2005 compared to actual census population of 61,000 for year 2009. Therefore, it is prudent to
use the population growth rates for Embu town derived from the last two previous censuses as the more realistic approach
especially when it comes to design of the sewers and the Treatment Plant. Even if the Treatment facility is to prove in-
adequate in the near future it is going to ease the overloading being experienced by the existing treatment works and it can
also be expanded later when more funds are availed.
During the review of the Runji Embu sewerage design report by EWASCO, a small area of phase 1 in the design report was
identified for sewering as it was found to be the neediest in terms of sewage disposal problems. The population growth rate
for each area was considered as shown in the below:
Table4.4: The population growth rate for the selected areas to be sewered
Actual Population Growth
Rate (%)
Area 1999 2009 Pa
Central Division 52,446 61,140 1.55%
Municipality Loc. 36,920 42,692 1.46%
Dallas/Stadium 16,993 18,767 1.00%
Kamiu 11,357 15,020 2.83%
4.10.2 Total population within the prioritized area

The areas that are desperately in need to be sewered and have been prioritized as per the EWASCO report and are in the
terms of reference for this consultancy are specifically Dallas, Stadium, Blue Valley, Parts of Majimbo, Kanjuru, Muruatetu
and parts of Central Business District. These are built up areas in Embu town and are currently struggling with waste water
disposal problem and they need the sewerage services immediately. Dallas, Stadium and Majimbo are low income estates
and the people in these areas use pit latrine for waste disposal considering the fact that these areas are almost encompassed
by the development that is taking place in Embu town and also need better sanitation facilities.
The following table shows the total population within the developed Embu Central Division covering 5.5km2, on which the
design of the sewerage system and sewage treatment plant is based. Part of the population of Embu town shall continue
using the existing sewage treatment works as the proposed new works is designed to cater for only an addition population
of 12,500 persons due to the unavailability of land as the available 5 acres can only accommodate a sewage treatment ponds
of capacity of 2,000m3 per day.
The sewer design is now based on the ultimate water demand as opposed to the land carrying capacity of the previous
design as carried out by Runji and Partners due to the change in land use in Embu town.
Table 4.5: Projected Total populations within Embu town

Year 1999 2009 2016 2018 2028 2038
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Population 52,446 61,140 68,091 70,218 81,893 95,909
4.11 Electrical Power

Electricity is readily available for any key developments within the town. The present situation is that electricity has been
extended to many areas outside the old Municipality boundaries. Power for industrial development is readily available
4.12 Communication and transport

Internet services are fully available in the town with many cyber cafes as well as connections through portable broad band
modems supplied by Airtel, Safaricom and Orange cellular phone companies. There are also courier services provided by
G4S, Wells Fargo and others as well as the Post Office services
The two main roads serving Embu Municipality are B7-Embu-Kiritiri-Garissa Road and B6 Embu Meru Road. Both roads
are tarmac with heavy vehicular flow. The approximate length of major roads in the Municipality is about 54.4Kms. Out
of this only about 18Kms (33%) are tarmacked. The roads within the study area need constant maintenance. A number of
roads are not motorable especially during the rainy seasons. There are no provisions for the non-mortised modes of
transport in the town.
4.13 Petroleum dispensing outlets

There are about 13 fuel stations within the town comprising of 7 petrol stations, 4 filling stations and 2 kerosene pumps.
These facilities are located along the B7 and B6 roads. Those along the B7 (Kiritiri) road are characterized by congestion
and vehicle/human conflict. Some petrol stations are used as parking spaces at night when the town is less busy. More are
coming up.
4.14 Public Transport System

Matatu services have improved for the last five years. It is estimated that there are about 200 Matatu vehicles operating the
following routes:Embu – Nairobi, Embu – Kiambere, Embu – Kathageri, Embu – Kitui, Embu – Mwingi, Embu-Meru.
Formal employment from the Matatu industry is estimated to be 450 people and an equal number-earning livelihood
through part time tout business, vehicles, vehicle washing and vehicle servicing.
4.15 Recreational Facilities

There are two major public recreational facilities in Embu, namely Embu Municipal Stadium and Njukiri ASK showground
having areas of 5.0 Ha and 33.0Ha respectively. These two facilities have remained underdeveloped hence limiting
sporting facilities. National and provincial sporting activities normally take place in Kangaru School and Kigari Teachers’
college playgrounds. This often interferes with learning programmes. The ownership of the stadium has also remained
unresolved.
4.16 Wetlands/Riparian Reserves

Embu has several pockets of wetlands scattered in the entire Municipality. These take the form of swamps and collection
basins. The riparian reserves are along the major rivers (Rupingazi and Kapingazi) as well as small streams. The reserve
varies from 6 – 30 meters depending on the river valley gradient.
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5 ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES
In considering the development options, three alternatives can be considered. These are:
i. The No Action Alternative
ii. The Proposed Development
iii. The Proposed Development with modifications
iv. Proposed Development in another location
v. The recommended alternative
5.1 The no action alternative

The selection of the “No Action” alternative would mean the discontinuation of project designs and result in the site being
retained in its existing form. There are physical, biological and socio-economic implications of this alternative. Physically,
the site is unlikely to undergo any major changes from its condition at present, with the exception of the potential for plot to
lie idle. Biologically, there is vegetation present on the site which is likely to be affected, other than the potential for growth
of weeds introduced by avifauna, wind or other means. If the vacant condition is maintained, this could result in future out
breaks of diseases due to poor sanitation for the urban residents hence perpetuating poverty due to increase on money spent
on hospital bills and drugs. The “No Action” Alternative is likely to have the greatest implications on the socio-economic
and health environment of the area and surrounding residential town community. Due to the proposed quality of the
development it is anticipated that it would provide a major opportunity for eradicating diseases spread due to poor
sanitation, and benefits associated with the employment among others. If this alternative were adopted, the proponent would
need to find an alternative site for the development or to implement it outside Embu Town
5.2 The proposed development

This alternative would see the construction of the sewer facility as proposed by the proponent, and as outlined in this EIA
document. This option has good support (based on results of stakeholder consultation) by the persons who would be most
affected by its implementation, i.e., residents within the environs and land owners as well as developers. Therefore,
residential community support is anticipated for the development. The proposed development is in tandem with town plans
hence is appropriate at the present proposed site.
Generally, it is believed that this alternative will provide positive benefits to the residential community and in improvement
of sanitation and ultimately reduction of disease prevalence in the town due to poor sewer waste disposal. This also includes
benefits such as employment opportunities, reduced cost of construction for land lords, increase in living standards et al. If
approved, construction at the facility is scheduled to last approximately 12 months, and is likely to provide employment for
an average of 10 individuals during pre-construction, 50 labourers during construction. Site work will be completed on a
single shift basis to minimize disturbance to residents in the area. Additionally, the multiplier effects to the construction and
support businesses like food during this period are likely to affect a much larger number of persons. The proposed
development is being designed and built to meet or exceed local and international standards and regulations. The proposed
construction technology and design is suitable for the project.
5.3 The proposed development with modifications

If there are issues concerning the project that may be enhanced, changed or modified to increase the acceptability of the
project, then these issues should be considered. At this time based on consultation with residents of the area, it appears that
there are several issues that once resolve satisfactorily whether through modification or compromise would further increase
support for the development. These include but are not limited to:
 The proponent should follow requisite laws when constructing
 Foul odours should be controlled
All these issues are easily resolvable through either modification or compromise and we do not foresee these issues
resulting in disapproval of the development by interested persons and regulatory agencies. The proponent has resolved to
work with the neighbours and residents to design, construct and operate a quality facility that will be the pride of all
involved or benefiting in its operation. This alternative retains the same positive benefits as with maintaining the proposed
development option.
5.4 The proposed development in another location

Other locations were considered in conjunction with the proposed location for implementation of this project.
Alternative 1
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The construction works will be implemented in two phases i.e. 1 and 2. Phase one was implemented with construction of a
concentric sewer system and two ponds of capacity to hold 5,000 M3 of effluents per day. This caters for areas which are
substantially developed and where waste water can flow easily by gravity. These areas are bounded by Kamiugu stream to
the east, Rupingazi River to the south and Kathita River to the North West and Kangaru Schools to the north. The existing
sewer plant is located near Embu town approximately 1 kilometre from town center near Dallas Estate. The treated waste is
discharged into Rupingazi River from Kamiugu stream. However, due to the elevation of this site, only the western parts of
the town are covered. Phase two involves construction of a treatment plant at a site off Embu – Kiritiri road and laying of an
8 kilometre trunk sewer line to the site.
Alternative 2
The works in this phase can be implemented in alternative phase 1 above, but another phase i.e. 1B could be incorporated to
service Majimbo area and other areas bordering Kamiugu stream to the west and Kapingazi River to the East. In Phase 1B,
the second sewerage system can be constructed in Majimbo and Kamiu areas and a second treatment plant is constructed at
the confluence of Kapingazi and Rupingazi Rivers. This second treatment plant site requires about 2 kilometres of an access
road on a difficult terrain. This is envisaged to have a capacity of holding 15,000 m3 of waste water per day.
As noted earlier, the Rupingazi and Kapingazi Rivers confluence site has been considered as the ideal site for the whole of
phase 1 by environmental and financial considerations. The site is however inadequate and hence the choice of Kamiugu
confluence site. Implementation of this phase will involve abandonment of both Kamiugu and Kapingazi confluence
treatment plants.
Alternative 3
This phase can be implemented as is recommended in the sewage master plan. The main features of this alternative is the
initial construction of a treatment plant at the site near the airstrip off Embu – Kiritiri road and an 8 kilometer long trunk
sewer line to the plant. This could be implemented in three parts:
Stage 1 of phase 1 involves construction of a part treatment plant near the airstrip off Embu – Kiritiri road, a trunk sewer for
the ultimate flow to the treatment plant and some selected primary and secondary sewers in the central commercial and
residential areas
Stage 2 aims to improve the sanitary conditions for the institutions in the Embu northern areas of the municipality, the
western part of the town center and areas east of kamiugu stream
Stage 3 aims to improve the sanitary conditions in kangaru and majimbo areas and others to the east and south of matakari
stream phase 2 of the works caters for the whole of the municipality including areas north of Kangaru Village and East of
Kapingazi River.
All the above 3 alternatives are not feasible because there are no funds available now or in the near future and would
require over Ksh. 500 million to implement.
5.5 Recommended alternative

No other location was able to offer the comprehensive package as indicated above. As a result, no location that was more
suitable or amenable than the present site was identified i.e. the Kamiugu and Rupingazi Rivers confluence site. The
recommended alternative is the “Proposed Alternative” because it recognizes the viability and need for the proposed
development, is designed to address environmental health issues and concerns, meets or exceeds all local regulatory
requirements and supports communication and close relations during all stages of the development between the proponent
and the surrounding residents. The area land owners have full support for the project also.
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6 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Section 17-1 of The Environmental-Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations, 2003 requires that an EIA should “seek the
views of any person who may be affected by the project”. Immediate neighbour’s comments were sought and the following
comments were presented:
The public participation was carried out using structured questionnaires. (See copy of filled questionnaires in the annexes).
Some of the residents refused to participate in filling the questionnaire for personal reasons. The following is therefore the
analysis of the questionnaire:
Questionnaire analysis for the construction of Embu town sewer system by EWASCO at blue valley and Dallas
areas
Question 1:
A 100% of all the respondents supported the proposed expansion of Embu sewer system by EWASCO for sewage
treatment.
Question 1a:
100% or all the respondents said that there will be positive aspects during implementation of the proposed project. The
respondents highlighted the following as the positive aspects of the proposed project;
 The project will encourage investors to develop high-rise buildings in the proposed areas as the management of
sanitation waste will be catered for.
 The new sewer system will help accommodate more people in the town as well as commercial and residential buildings
that are not currently connected to the already existing sewer system.
 Some respondents were of the view that they will be able to save a lot of money that they use to pay for services
rendered by exhauster companies that are always very expensive.
 The respondents noted that there would be better land use practices where land used for construction of soak pits will be
used for other gainful developments.
 The respondents acknowledged that the construction of a new sewer system will ease the congestion currently
experienced at the existing sewer plant which is very inadequate.
 The respondents said that the proposed project will create job opportunities for the town residents.
 The respondents noted that the proposed sewer system will enhance and improve the hygiene of Blue valley and Dallas
estates, as well as that of Embu town in general.
 The respondents noted that the sewer system will be able to curb the use of pit latrines in some low income areas hence
promoting hygienic practices.
 The respondents said that treated waste water can be reused for agricultural purposes.
 The respondents highlighted that a new sewer system will lead to the closure of the old sewer plant which has been
limiting the expansion of Embu town towards that direction. This in turn will lead to the growth and expansion of Embu
town.
 The new sewer plant will ease the treatment process that is currently burdening the existing sewer system.
 Cleanliness in plots currently using pit latrines will be greatly enhanced.
 The proposed project will reduce land pollution that is usually as a result of leakages in the existing sewer system as
well as sewer line bursts experienced in some parts of Embu town.
 There will be proper disposal and drainage of waste waters and this will improve the cleanliness of Dallas estate
especially during the rainy seasons.
 The respondents noted that the facility will be able to cater for the increasing number of Embu Town residents since the
town’s population is rising steadily.
Question 2:
The respondents highlighted the following as some of the negative impacts of the proposed project implementation;
 Foul odors will affect neighbors adjacent to the proposed facility as well as the areas’ residents.
 The site will become a breeding ground for mosquitoes hence increasing the cases of illnesses in the area.
 Improper treatment of waste water in the sewer plant may cause diseases.
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 Accumulation of waste substances in the facility may affect the adjacent lands making them unsuitable for agricultural
practices.
 Leakages of untreated water from the sewer plant may find its way into rivers hence leading to water pollution.
 Air pollution may occur.
Question 3:
All of the respondents did not find any sensitive sites of cultural, scientific or of their interests that would be interfered with
permanently or temporarily by the implementation of the proposed project.
Question 4:
The respondents gave the following as issues they would like to be addressed concerning the proposed project;
 The proponent (EWASCO) should ensure proper maintenance of the facility to avoid any leakages and run-offs.
 The proponent should ensure proper maintenance of sewer line pipes to avoid bursts that have been experienced
previously in some parts of Embu town.
 The sewer plant should be operated well to reduce bad odor associated with sewer facilities.
 The facility should be properly fenced to reduce chances of occurrence of any accidents around the place, for example,
cases of drowning of children.
 The current existing sewer plant should not be neglected and should be maintained regularly.
 Respondents from Embu College would like control measures taken to curb bursts that are experienced regularly in the
institution.
 The proponent should consider constructing decentralized waste water treatment facilities to cater for people who will
not be accommodated by the proposed facility.
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7 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IDENTIFICATION AND MITIGATION
An environmental impact is defined as any change to an existing condition of the environment.
To systematically identify the impacts associated with the proposed development, an impact matrix was made which
arrayed the main project activities against the relevant environmental factors and mitigation measures.
7.1 Site Preparation phase

Impact: Lack of ground cover
Site clearance and construction practices generally lead to the removal of existing vegetation. These practices remove
ground protective plant cover and expose the soil to erosive surface runoff during heavy rainfall events as well as wind
erosion. The inappropriate disposal of the cleared vegetation could lead to associated negative impacts on local air quality
due to dust generation. Approximately 3 acres of land will be cleared of all vegetation. As previously discussed, the
sections of the site proposed for construction are primarily lands populated with bushes and a few trees. As a result, there
are no significantly important floral species or vegetation communities that would be negatively impacted by site clearance
and construction activities.
Similarly, negative impacts on avifauna, associated with the loss of onsite vegetation/habitat, are expected to be minor. The
project site is not used for nesting or breeding by birds. There could also be a possibility of local river sedimentation
Mitigation:
Vegetation site clearance should be phased and the project site cleared as the need arises; as opposed to the practice of
clearing the entire site in a single major clearance exercise. This will help to minimise the amount of bare/exposed soil
present at the site, and thereby help reduce the risk of soil erosion during heavy rains and flash flooding. Areas of exposed
soil should be replanted with grass as soon as possible after construction; to help mitigate against flash flood erosion.
 The riparian area should be conserved and the area enhanced with suitable riparian vegetation
 Maintain the riparian reserve of twice the width of the river undeveloped
Impact: Noise Pollution

Site clearance and construction of the proposed project necessitates the use of equipment to carry out the job as well as
human labor. Transport vehicles have the potential to have a direct negative impact on the environment by noise
generation.
Mitigation:
 Use equipment that has low noise emissions as stated in the operations manual.
 Use equipment that is properly fitted with noise reduction devices such as mufflers.
 Operate noise-generating equipment during regular working hours (e.g. 8 am – 5 pm) so as to reduce the potential of
creating a noise nuisance during the night or early morning.
 Construction workers operating equipment that generates noise should be equipped with noise protection. A guide is a
worker operating equipment generating noise of  80 dBA (decibels) continuously for 8 hours or more should use ear
muffs. Workers experiencing prolonged noise levels 70 - 80 dBA should wear earplugs.
Impact: Water Quality

Removal of the vegetation can result in high suspended sediment concentrations from the runoff from the site, during
construction phase. Fortunately, the majority of the earth works are stable areas to gently sloping areas and hence the storm
water will be naturally drained in the area.
Mitigation:
Surface runoff will be controlled by temporarily dyking the outlet of the significant storm water features to provide some
detention behind the dykes.
Impact: Air Quality

Site preparation and construction has the potential to have a twofold direct negative impact on air quality. The first impact
is air pollution generated from the construction equipment and transportation. The second is from fugitive dust from site
and access roads, cleared areas and raw materials stored on site. Fugitive dust has the potential to affect the health of
construction workers, the resident population and the vegetation and nearby rivers.
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EIA Project Report
Mitigation:
 Site access road should be watered every 6 hours or within reasonable time to prevent a dust nuisance and on hotter
days, this frequency should be increased.
 The access roads (unpaved sections) through to the site should also be watered and the sections of the road monitored
so that any material falling on it as a result of the construction activities be removed.
 Minimize cleared areas to those that are needed to be used.
 Cover or wet construction materials such as soil for backfill to prevent a dust nuisance.
 Construction workers working in dusty areas should be provided and provided with respirators.
Impact: Employment
During this phase, an average of approximately 10 persons will be employed. This has the potential to be a significant
positive impact.
Mitigation
Not required.
Impact: Solid Waste Generation

During this construction phase of the proposed project, solid waste generation may occur mainly from two points:
 From the construction campsite
 From construction activities such as site clearance and excavation.
Mitigation:
 Waste bins should be strategically placed within the construction site.
 The waste bins at the construction site should be adequately designed and covered to prevent access by vermin and
minimise odour.
 The bins at the construction site should be adequately covered to prevent a dust nuisance.
 The bins at both the construction campsite and construction site should be emptied regularly to prevent overfilling.
 Disposal of the contents of the bins should be done at an approved disposal site. The Embu County dump site is
recommended. Appropriate permission should be sought (from the NEMA) as appropriate.
Impact: Wastewater Generation and Disposal

With every construction site comes the need to provide construction workers with showers and sanitary conveniences. The
disposal of the wastewater generated at the construction campsite has the potential to have a minor negative impact on
groundwater. No significant environmental impacts were identified from this activity since the scope of the project is
medium.
Mitigation:
Provide portable sanitary conveniences for the construction workers for disposal of sewage waste. A proposed ratio of
approximately 25 workers per toilet should be used.
Impact: Storage of Raw Material and Equipment

Raw materials, for example sand, gravel, used in the construction of the proposed development will be stored onsite. There
will be a potential for them to become air or waterborne. Stored fuels and the repair of construction equipment have the
potential to leak hydraulic fuels, oils et al.
Mitigation:
 Raw materials that generate dust should be covered or wetted frequently to prevent them from becoming air or
waterborne.
 Raw material should be placed on hard stands surrounded by barriers for containment.
 Equipment should be stored on impermeable hard stands surrounded by walls to contain any accidental surface runoff.
 No storage of fuels and oils should be done onsite
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EIA Project Report
Impact: interference with traffic flow and obstruction
Trucks will transport raw materials and equipment. This has the potential to directly impact traffic flow along the main
road and along the earth road to the site. Additional traffic will occur as a result of:
 Construction of the pipeline works
 Mobilizing and demobilizing of the equipment; and
 Construction of the sewer system.
The mobilizing of all of the equipment should be phased so as not to magnify impacts.
Mitigation:
 Adequate and appropriate road signs should be erected to warn road users of the construction activities i.e. reduced
speed near the entrance roads. This should be done in conjunction with the NTSA
 Raw materials such as sand, murram should be adequately covered within the trucks to prevent any escaping into the air
and along the roadway.
 The movement of equipment (trucks) during the construction of the facility should be limited to the working hours,
8:00 am - 5:00 pm per day.
 All equipment should be transported early morning (8 am – 12 pm) with proper care being taken to reduce
inconveniences to locals.
 The use of flagmen should be employed to regulate when trucks have access to the main roads.
 Vehicles entering the site should do so safely without causing obstruction
 Adequate notices should be placed the tarmac access road.
Impact: increase in accidents and injuries

Construction of the proposed development will involve approximately 50 construction workers. The possibility of
accidental injury is high. There may be minor or major accidents.
Mitigation:
 A lead person should be identified and appointed to be responsible for emergencies occurring on the site. This person
should be clearly identified to the construction workers.
 Make prior arrangements with health care facilities such as a Health Centre in proximity, a private doctor or the
Provincial Hospital to accommodate any eventualities.
 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be displayed onsite.
7.2 Operational Phase

Impact: Flooding
The construction of the facility could minimize the areas of natural detention of water and result in more peaked storm
water runoff flows. The potential for this impact from the project on the storm water flow regime of the catchment
involved was assessed.
The natural drainage on the site should be modified in the design in order to minimize flooding and protect the treatment
ponds. The flood plain investigation results indicated that the flood plains downstream would be reduced as a result of the
reduction of the effective catchment area. The flood plain upstream of the area is noted to be affected by implementation. It
can therefore be concluded that the implementation of the project with the drainage provisions considered will have a
positive impact on the flood plain characteristics of the catchments involved, by reduction of the likely flood plain area.
Mitigation:
Site drainage system should be made to recommended standards and maintained
Impact: Employment creation

During this phase, an average of approximately 10 staff may be needed for the proper operation of the project. This
represents an increase in the level of employment within the project area. This has the potential to be a positive impact.
Mitigation
Not required.
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EIA Project Report
Impact: Solid Waste Generation and Disposal
The operation of the development has the potential of significantly increasing the solid waste at the site. There will be a
need to remove the screenings and grit from the site on need basis. This material can be handled with the same care as
municipal solid waste and should be carried to the CGE dumpsite for proper disposal. The volume of solid waste is
anticipated to be medium; hence it must be well disposed. The removal of sludge from the system will require that sludge
be removed frequently on schedule. The material will be removed to the Embu County dump site or put to any other
appropriate and recommended use.
Mitigation:
 Sludge drying beds should be incorporated in the design
 Provision of solid waste storage bins.
 Provision of adequately designed bins to prevent access by vermin.
 Monitor exhauster trucks so that they do not become overfilled and spill waste enroute to the site.
 Ensure that the solid waste generated is disposed of in an approved dumpsite or landfill.
Impact: Transportation/Traffic
The project is expected to increase the traffic along the access roads marginally, as there will be approximately 2 septage
trucks driving to the site each day.
Mitigation:
 Limit sepatage delivery to the site between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm. This will limit the noise nuisance to residents
and possibly reduce the population exposed to potential accidents, as most persons would have already left their homes
to go to work and schools.
 Add adequate and appropriate signs including speed limits along the access roads.
Impact: Septage Disposal

The proposed development will be a receptacle for septage disposal. This activity has the potential to have two negative
impacts. The first being unscrupulous cesspool emptiers who carry septage from the source to the site. The other impact is
on the operations of the system, in that it has the potential to impact the final effluent quality.
Mitigation:
 Institute and maintain a ticketing system for cesspool emptier, where upon successful disposal, the site operator would
issue a receipt to the cesspool emptier.
 County Government and particularly NEMA, should put in place a system to monitor cesspool service providers and in
addition, have a public educational campaign to educate and inform the public about the system.
 Ensure that septage is only accepted at the site when there is enough capacity for treatment.
Impact: Emergency Response

The operation of the proposed project will involve workers who may become ill or have accidents. In addition, disasters
such as, floods and drowning are real possibilities.
Mitigation:
 Make prior arrangements with health care facilities such as a Health Centre in proximity.
 Design and implement an Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
 Coordinate with first aid organisations/agencies i.e. St. John’s Ambulance, Red Cross to prepare for any eventuality.
 Display telephone numbers of emergency response departments for all people accessing the site to clearly see
Impact: Water Pollution

The discharge of treated effluent from the treatment plant will be continuous and will meet the NEMA guidelines for both
irrigation and direct discharge.
Mitigation:
Follow the NEMA and WHO waste water quality guidelines strictly
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EIA Project Report
Impact: foul odours
Wastewater treatment facilities carry a risk of odour nuisance if proper buffers between the treatment units and existing
populations are not provided. A buffer area should be provided on all boundaries. Additionally, the perimeter of the
proposed site will be vegetated with trees and plants of varying heights thereby forming a windbreaker.
Mitigation:
 Monitor and ensure that influent sulphate levels are below 240 mg/l.
 Ensure that the system has adequate flow to reduce the potential of odour formation.
 Maintain the system regularly as per schedule
7.3 Environmental monitoring programme/waste management plan

7.3.1 Monitoring during site clearance and preparation of the proposed development
 Daily inspections to ensure that construction activities are not being conducted outside of regular working hours (e.g. 8
am – 5 pm). The project engineer / construction site supervisor should monitor the construction work hours. NEMA
should conduct spot checks to ensure that the hours are being followed. It is not anticipated that this exercise will incur
additional costs.
 Daily monitoring to ensure that the cleared areas and access roads are not creating a dust nuisance. The project engineer
/ construction site supervisor should monitor or nominate a named person to carry out this activity. NEMA should
conduct spot checks to ensure that this requirement is followed. It is not anticipated that this exercise will incur
additional costs.
 Undertake daily inspections of trucks carrying solid waste generated from site clearance activities to ensure that they
are not overloaded as this will damage the public roads and onsite soil compaction as well as spillages.
7.3.2 Monitoring during the construction phase of the proposed development

Daily inspection of site clearance activities to ensure that the proposed plans are followed and to ensure that site drainage is
being constructed as planned. NEMA, EWASCO and the county administration can provide checks and balances. Person(s)
appointed by the developer may perform this exercise.
No additional cost is anticipated for this exercise.
 Undertake monthly water quality monitoring to ensure that the construction works are not negatively impacting on the
river water quality. The parameters that should be monitored are as indicated i.e. dissolved oxygen, nitrates,
phosphates, turbidity and total Coliforms et al according to NEMA Water quality standards.
 NEMA approved labs with the capability to conduct monitoring of the listed parameters should be used to perform this
exercise i.e. the EWASCO laboratory or any other NEMA approved lab. It is recommended that a report should be
given to NEMA at the end of each monitoring exercise.
 This is estimated to cost approximately Ksh 20,000 per monitoring exercise.
 Daily inspections to ensure that construction activities are not being conducted outside of regular working hours (e.g. 8
am – 5 pm). In addition, a one off noise survey should be undertaken to determine workers exposure and construction
equipment noise emission.
 The project engineer / construction site supervisor should monitor the construction work hours. NEMA should conduct
spot checks to ensure that the hours are being followed. Any suitable qualified company or individual may conduct the
noise survey. The monitoring of the construction work hours is not expected to incur any costs.
 Daily monitoring to ensure that fugitive dust from cleared areas, access roads and raw materials are not being entrained
in the wind and creating a dust nuisance. The project engineer / construction site supervisor should monitor the
construction work hours. NEMA should conduct spot checks to ensure that this requirement is being followed. In
addition, the local community within the area can be used to provide additional surveillance.
It is not anticipated that this exercise will incur additional costs.
 Undertake daily inspections of trucks carrying raw material to ensure that they are not over laden as this will damage
the public access roads and onsite leading to soil compaction. Also to ensure that they are covered and not spilling
materials along the roadway.
Person(s) appointed by the developer may perform this exercise.
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EIA Project Report
 Conduct daily inspections to ensure that trucks carrying raw materials and heavy equipment are parked at the
designated area on the proposed site so as to prevent traffic congestion and accidents.
 Conduct daily inspections to ensure that flagmen are in place and that adequate signs are posted along the access road
as necessary. This is to ensure that traffic along the access roads have adequate warnings and direction.
Person(s) employed by developer may perform this exercise.
 Undertake daily assessment of the quantity of solid waste generated and keep records of its ultimate disposal.
Additionally, solid waste generation and disposal of the campsite should also be monitored.
 Weekly assessment to determine that there are adequate numbers of portable toilets and that they are in proper working
order. This will ensure that sewage disposal will be adequately catered for.
 Where possible, construction crews should be sourced from within the project area. This will ensure that the local
community will benefit from the investment.
7.3.3 Monitoring during the operational phase of the proposed development

The proponent should undertake quarterly water quality monitoring exercises yearly to ensure that the development is not
negatively impacting on the local river water quality. The parameters that should be monitored are PH, BOD, COD,
Suspended solids Ammonia, Total Dissolved solids, E. Coli and Total coliform as per NEMA waste water quality
guidelines.
It is recommended that both influent and effluent water quality be monitored on a weekly basis by EWASCO. This
recommendation is based on NEMA guidelines for the monitoring of wastewater treatment plants with discharges
especially those above 1,000 m3/day. It is further proposed that the flow rate be estimated from Parshall Flume
measurements. This information should be compiled and stored in a database by the facility manager and compared with
NEMA guidelines for compliance. Corrective action should be undertaken in the event of non-compliance. The
recommended list of parameters and the point of sampling is summarized on the table below.
Table: List of Parameters to be monitored at the facility

Parameter Guide value
PH 6.5 – 8.5
BOD 30 mg/l max
COD 50 mg/l max
Suspended solids 30 mg/l max
Ammonia 100 mg/l max
Total Dissolved solids 1200 mg/l max
E. Coli Nil/100ml
Total coliform 1000/100 ml
The proponent should undertake daily assessment of the quantity of solid waste generated and keep records of its ultimate
disposal. This is to ensure that the drying areas do not become overfilled.
 Person(s) appointed by the developer may perform this exercise.
 No additional cost is anticipated for this exercise.
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EIA Project Report
8 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1 Introduction
The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) involves risk management strategies that should be undertaken by the
proponent and all the stakeholders to ensure environmental sustainability of the project. They are approaches to monitor,
control, reclaim and restore the environment to an appropriate state. EMP for projects thus provide logical frameworks
within which the identified issues of environmental concern can be mitigated or monitored.
Environmental monitoring involves measurement of relevant parameters, at a level of details accurate enough, to
distinguish the anticipated changes. Monitoring aims at determining the effectiveness of actions to improve environmental
quality. The environmental management and monitoring plans have been developed and outlined to highlight key findings
of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); recommending necessary mitigation actions, defining roles, indicators that
can be monitored and the estimated cost.
The EMPs outlined in this report addresses the identified issues of concern (potential negative impacts) and mitigation
measures as well as roles, costs and indicators that can be monitored and can help to determine the effectiveness of actions
to enhance the quality of environment as regards the proposed project.
The contractor together with the proponent will incorporate mitigation measures highlighted in this chapter into the contract
documents. The project supervisor will ensure the mitigation measures highlighted in this Chapter of the report are
implemented. Once the project comes into operation, the health and safety issues as well as environmental considerations
will be handed over to the relevant staff committee of the project as well as the technical staff. They should be trained to
develop capacity to implement the project which can include issues on environmental considerations and issues affecting
the project, implementation of Environmental Management Plan, project management, health and safety risks and their
prevention.
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EIA Project Report
Table 8.1: Environmental Management Plan
Environmental Anticipated negative impact Management and mitigation Responsibility Performance Estimated
/ Social issue/ indicator cost (KES)
aspect/ activity
Site preparation phase
Establishment of Construction wastes  Landscape the area once construction is complete to Project Manager / Waste disposal 5,000 once
site office: generation. incorporate as many trees as possible; Supervising records.
 Develop a waste management plan and implement it. Consultant.
Earthworks,  Collection and stagnation  Excavation should be carried out such that drainage is Project Manager / Performance of 15,000 once
demolitions and of surface runoff; controlled, and water is not allowed to accumulate; Supervising erosion control
excavations:  Increase in susceptibility to  Establish controls for surface runoff during excavation; Consultant. measures.
soil erosion;  Control excavation activities to limit excavation to land Noise and dust
 Production of spoil from which is required for construction; generation
excavated ground;  Cordoning the site off using iron sheets or other General due
 Reduction in aesthetic appropriate materials to protect passersby and control diligence practised
value of the area; noise.
 Risk of contamination to  Control any likelihood of occurrence of risks
surface water;
 Control dust and noise
onsite
 Provide workers with
personal protective
equipment
Transportation Fuel consumption and  Maintenance of equipment for efficiency, minimising Project Manager /  Fuel 15,000 per
of debris: exhaust fumes; noise production, emissions, spills and consumption; Supervising consumption; month
Increase in traffic flow in the  Erect informative signs prior to commencing construction Consultant and  Frequency of
area. activities to warn residents; Contractor. equipment
 Avoid transporting during periods of peak traffic activity. replacement
and repair.
Levelling and Noise and dust.  Water sprinkling and use of screens to control dust; Project Manager /  Daily spot  2,000
laying of  Maintenance of equipment for efficiency, minimising Supervising checks; when
foundation: noise production, emissions and spills; Consultant and  Regular dusty
 Cordoning the site off. Contractor. servicing of conditio
equipment. ns set in
 10,000
for site
isolation
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EIA Project Report
Environmental Anticipated negative impact Management and mitigation Responsibility Performance Estimated
/ Social issue/ indicator cost (KES)
aspect/ activity
Occupational Health hazard;  Carefully plan for construction sanitary facilities Project Manager /  Regularly 3,000 per
health and Physical injury from slipping  Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate Supervising check on month
safety: falling and handling to working area for staff and visitors to the site; Consultant. performance
equipment.  Regular site reporting on health, safety and environment of provided
(HSE) issues by an appointed HSE representative; sanitary
 Develop a monitoring programme to assess noise facilities;
performance in accordance with the revised Noise  Have regular
Prevention and Control Rules (April 2005); and NEMA spot checks on
Noise Control Regulations, 2009 use and
 Assessment of HSE mitigation measures and recording of adequacy of
any matters arising as per Legal Notice No 40, The PPE provided
Factories (Building Operations and Works of Engineering  Conduct
Construction) Rules regular
internal
assessments
on
environmental
site
performance
and record
findings.
Production of Soil degradation and surface  Develop a solid waste management plan prior to project Project Manager / Report on all 10,000 once
waste: water pollution. commencing, identifying optimal waste re-use options and Supervising waste production
licensed disposal areas; Consultant. and handling
 Waste should not be burned on site or dumped in procedures.
undesignated waste disposal areas;
 Minimise waste production by utilising best available
techniques for site preparation;
 Re-use construction waste to the maximum extent
possible;
 Excavation activities and dumping of spoil should be
properly managed such that land which is not required for
the project is left undisturbed.
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EIA Project Report
Construction phase
Environmental Anticipated Management and mitigation Responsibility Performance Cost

/ Social issue/ negative impact indicator estimate
aspect/ activity (KES)
Vegetation Loss of  Areas with exposed soil should be replanted with grass as soon as Contractor  Spot checks 35,000 for
Clearance vegetation cover possible after construction; to help mitigate against flash flood caused EWASCO  Number of planting
Soil erosion soil erosion. trees planted trees and
 Waste generated during the site clearance/construction phases of the other
project must be disposed of at an approved disposal site (Embu suitable
County dump site). vegetation
 Suitable trees should be planted at the periphery of project site and
near the River bank
 No unnecessary removal of any vegetation shall be done
Loss of Water Pollution of  Runoff channels to be constructed to drain storm waters Contractor  Spot checks 20,000
Quality and nearby stream  Water quality tests at the river to be conducted quarterly WRMA  Water quarterly
interference and  Maintain the riparian reserve of 10 meters EWASCO quality tests
with riparian sedimentation  Replant the riparian zone with suitable trees  Number of
reserve trees planted
Air Quality Excessive  Site access roads should be dampened every 4-6 hours or within Contractor  Workers 3,000 on
generation of reasonable time to prevent a dust nuisance and on hotter days, this with demand
dust and other frequency should be increased. respirators,
particulate  The access roads (unpaved sections) through to the site should also be nose masks,
matter wetted and the sections of the road monitored so that any material ear plugs
falling on it as a result of the construction activities be removed.  Wetted roads
 Minimize cleared areas to those that are needed to be used.
 Cover or wet construction materials such as soil for backfill to prevent
a dust nuisance.
 Where unavoidable, construction workers working in dusty areas
should be provided and fitted with respirators
Storage of Raw Stored materials  Raw materials that generate dust should be covered or wetted Contractor  Impoundmen 30,000
Material and becoming air, frequently to prevent them from becoming air or waterborne. t walls once
Equipment water or soil  Raw material should be placed on hard stands surrounded by walls. constructed
borne  Equipment should be stored on impermeable hard stands surrounded  Labeling of
by walls to contain any accidental surface runoff. materials
 No storage of oils or fuels onsite
Wastewater  Pollution of Provide portable sanitary conveniences for the construction workers for Contractor Sanitary facilities 35,000
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EIA Project Report
Generation and ground control of sewage waste. A ratio of approximately 25 workers per toilet EWASCO provided
Disposal water should be used as a guide. Public Health
 Pollution of
local stream
Transportation Interference  Adequate and appropriate road signs should be erected to warn road Contractor Road signage 20,000
of Raw Material with traffic flow users of the construction activities. For example, reduced speed near erected
and Equipment including the entrance roads. This should be done in conjunction with the
pedestrians Ministry of Transport
 Raw materials such as sand, murram and cement should be adequately
covered within the trucks to prevent any escaping into the air and
along the route to the site.
 The movement of equipment (trucks) during the construction of the
system should be limited to the working hours, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm per
day.
 Equipment should be transported early morning (6 am – 7 am) with
proper care being taken.
 The use of flagmen should be employed to regulate when trucks have
access to the main roads.
Traffic Obstruction  The laying of sewer pipes across any access road should be done Contractor  Signage No extra
Obstruction caused by laying when traffic volumes are lowest, for example, early morning or on posted cost
of sewer lines to weekends (specifically on Saturdays and Sunday).  Flagmen
persons and  Adequate notices should be placed along the route. posted
vehicles  Adequate signs and flagmen should be put in place. appropriately
along the
route
Emergency Occurrence 0f  A lead person should be identified and appointed to be responsible for Contractor  Availability 30,000
Response plans accidental emergencies occurring on the site. This person should be clearly of MSDS on
injuries identified to the construction workers. site
 Make prior arrangements with health care facilities such as a Health  Lead person
Centre in proximity, a private doctor or the Provincial Hospital to to oversee
accommodate any eventualities. health and
 Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be store onsite. safety issues
appointed
Drainage Soil, surface and  Proper construction site drainage management i.e.: Control erosion Construction Daily auditing No
management ground water supervisor. and spot checks additional
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EIA Project Report
pollution, work  Avoid ponding water; Contractor. cost
area health and  Proper waste and material handling, and storage to avoid flushing of
safety wastes in to the neighbouring stream
 Follow designs made for the system
Waste Pollution,  Waste bins should be strategically placed within the construction site. Construction Daily auditing 20,000
management infestation by  The waste bins at the construction site should be adequately designed supervisor. and spot checks
vermins, work and covered to prevent access by vermin and minimize odour. Contractor.
area health and  The bins at the construction site should be adequately covered to
safety prevent a dust nuisance.
 The bins at the construction site should be emptied regularly to
prevent overfilling.
 Disposal of the contents of the bins should be done at an approved
disposal site. The Embu Town dump site is recommended.
Appropriate permission should be sought (from the NEMA) as
appropriate.
 Controlled use of materials on site;
 Waste minimization at the source
 Safe waste storage and handling on site
 Monitoring and reporting
 Erect warning signs against poor waste disposal
 Sensitization of workers on waste disposal methods
 Encourage and practice reuse and recycling
Soil erosion Soil loss and  Minimize vegetation disturbance; Construction  Daily spot 25,000
sedimentation of  Reinstate site immediately after construction supervisor. checks
the local stream  Put bunds to prevent soil and any material from getting to the local Contractor.  Workers
stream wearing
protective
gear
 Monitoring
of the stream
nearby
Noise / vibration Nuisance in the  Use equipment that has low noise emissions as stated by the Construction Daily spot checks 20,000
project area manufacturers. supervisor.
 Use equipment that is properly fitted with noise reduction devices Contractor.
such as mufflers. EWASCO
 Operate noise-generating equipment during regular working hours
(e.g. 8 am – 6 pm) so as to reduce the potential of creating a noise
nuisance during the night.
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EIA Project Report
 Construction workers operating equipment that generates noise should
be equipped with noise protection. A guide is a worker operating
equipment generating noise of  80 dBA (decibels) continuously for 8
hours or more should use ear muffs. Workers experiencing prolonged
noise levels 70 - 80 dBA should wear earplugs.
 The working hours shall be regulated i.e. from 8 AM to 6PM
 Workers shall wear earplugs during construction phase
 Implement noise minimization measures;
 Site screening;
 Manage vibration, where it occurs
 Monitoring, reporting and community liaison
Earthworks Wastes arising,  Noise, dust, vibration minimization measures should be put into place Construction Daily auditing 10,000
excavation safety, noise,  Minimize excavation and materials for disposal supervisor.
vibration,  Exclude water from excavation; Contractor.
surface  Properly support excavated areas as appropriate
contamination,  Manage any contaminated materials found
 Minimize risk of contaminating surface water
 Safe material storage and disposal at appropriate sites.
Materials for Destruction  Document and report on all material sources Construction Monthly No
construction caused by mines  Control wastage of block, brick and stone work et al; supervisor. reporting additional
and quarries,  Utilize damaged materials elsewhere. Contractor. cost
wastage.
Concrete works Dust, noise,  Controlled batching; Construction Daily, spot No extra
materials, oil  Control dust and noise supervisor. checks cost
contamination.  Use re-usable shuttering; Contractor.
Fire safety and Working  Compliance with OHS laws and health and safety committee rules; Construction  Regular fire 30,000
general conditions, fire  Provision of PPE (personal protective equipment) supervisor. audit
accidents related incidents  Secure / screen hazardous areas; Contractor.  Strict site
and accidents,  Provision of fire suppression equipment; community supervision
pollution.  “No smoking” signage Prominently displayed;  A register of
 Provision of First Aid box facilities; incidents and
 Training in fire response/ First Aid; accidents
 No burning of waste or material on site should be
 Fencing the site with strong wire mesh material kept
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EIA Project Report
Operation phase
Environmental Anticipated Management and mitigation measures Responsibility Performance Cost

Solid Waste Increase in solid  Provide sludge drying beds in the project  Waste bins EWASCO 30,000
Generation and waste on site  Provision of adequately designed bins to prevent access by vermin. onsite WRMA
Disposal  Monitor skips so that they do not become overfilled.  Disposal of NEMA
 Ensure that the solid waste collected is disposed of in an approved grit/sludge in
dumpsite licensed
dump sites
Transportation/ Increase in  Limit septage delivery to the site between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm.  Regulated EWASCO No extra
Traffic traffic along the This will limit the noise nuisance to residents and possibly reduce the transport cost
access road population exposed to potential accidents, as most persons would hours and
have already left their homes to go to work or and schools. times
 Add adequate and appropriate signs including speed limits along the  Noise levels
road in proximity to the access roads. generated
enroute by
vehicles
minimization
 Signs posted
enroute
Septage Poor depositing  Institute and maintain a ticketing system for cesspool emptiers, where Tickets issued by EWASCO No extra
Disposal of septage by upon successful disposal, the WWTP operator would issue a receipt to the EWASCO Cess pool cost
cess pool the cesspool emptier. operators
emptier  County Government and particularly NEMA, should put in place a NEMA
system to monitor cesspool service providers and in addition, have a
public educational campaign to educate and inform the public about
the system.
 Ensure that septage is only accepted at the site by authorization
Emergency Accidents  Install safety valves on gas conveyance system  Sickness and EWASCO 10,000
Response occurrence and  Reduce distances for conveying gas to neighbours Accident
sicknesses  Make prior arrangements with health care facilities such as a Health records
Centre in proximity.  Safety
 Design and implement an emergency response plan. valves on
 Coordinate with first aid organisations/agencies i.e. St. John’s gas
Ambulance, Red Cross to prepare for any eventuality. conveyance
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EIA Project Report
 Display telephone numbers of emergency response departments for all system
people accessing the site to clearly see installed
Wastewater Pollution of Follow the NEMA waste water quality guidelines strictly Periodic Water EWASCO 40,000
Disposal/Water local stream quality tests WRMA
Pollution
Foul Odours Generation of  Monitor and ensure that influent sulphate levels are below 240 mg/l.  Periodic EWASCO 6, 000 per
foul smell at the  Ensure that the pond series have adequate water flow to reduce the tests NEMA test
site potential of odour formation.  Presence of
foul smells
Future Any impact  Environmental monitoring procedures Documented EWASCO 80,000
environmental arising  Involve all stakeholders and let them play their roles in monitoring procedures
protection activities
Project  Leakage  Timely maintenance of sewer conveyance, distribution system;  Monthly EWASCO 6,000 per
maintenance /  Visual  Maintenance of access routes; reporting test
impacts on the impacts;  Manage solid wastes and dispose appropriately;  Once a year
local stream and  Health and  Monitor water quality, both in the river and in the conveyance system water quality
the safety; tests in an
neighbourhood  Water approved lab
quality
Decommissioning phase
Environmental Anticipated Management and mitigation measures Responsibility Performance Cost
Structures, Generation of  All buildings, machinery, equipment, structures, tools that cannot be Project Amount of 200,000
wastes and scrap material reused or recycled shall be removed from site contractor, generated waste
demolition and other waste  Where reuse is not possible, materials should be taken into approved proponent and and stockpiles
machinery debris on site dumping sites site manager
Rehabilitation of Clearing of  Fencing and warnings posted at the site restricting access Contractor Number of trees 380,000
project site vegetation, soil  Do re-vegetation of the site to restore the site to its original status EWASCO planted
erosion  During demolition, appropriate surface run-off controls will be Biomass volume
undertaken to minimize erosion rates present
 Constant monitoring and inspection of the demolition works to
prevent accidents
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EIA Project Report
Socio-economic Increased disease  Provide alternatives to connected plots/premises Project proponent once 150,000
and health incidents levels,  Offer advice on alternative income generating ventures to workers
impact lowering of  Redeploy workers.
quality of life  Consider redeveloping the project
 Prepare proposals to donors for a new sewer project
8.2 Decommissioning phase

Decommissioning is an important phase in the project cycle and comes as the last to wind up the operations/activities of a project. The main purpose of
decommissioning is to restore/rehabilitate the project site to acceptable standards. Rehabilitation is to occur after the close down of the project and when its no
longer economically viable to continue operating it. It will entail reestablishment of topographical elements once the ponds are no longer in use. The site could be
developed into a forested spot or redevelopment of the project.
The lifespan of the system is dependent on the ability of the EWASCO to maintain them. In this particular case, the proponent will design a desludging schedule
which if followed will enhance the lifespan of the project which is estimated at over 30 years. This gives the company the option of continuing to use the system and
therefore they take the responsibility of decommissioning when the time comes normally after viability of the project comes into question or when other
circumstances may prevail warranting decommissioning. It is therefore recommended that a closing Environmental Audit be conducted when the time for
decommissioning comes so that all aspects will be looked at against the prevailing conditions and requirements. However, the purpose of decommissioning is
mainly to rehabilitate the project site to an acceptable standard and all efforts should be geared towards making the site as close as possible to its original state before
the project was implemented. The decommissioning will in brief involve replanting the area with suitable trees and vegetation, demolition of the structures, removal
of debris and landscaping. The other social implications will involve the laying off workers who may have been employed. They will lose their income, as well as
issues of health and safety et al. In the reality of this case, decommissioning on part of the proponent will be to landscape the area and put it to any other appropriate
use. As such, the effects of the decommissioning will be minimal affecting mainly the area community which will lack effective sewer services. It will also affect
water quality in local stream.
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EIA Project Report
9 CONCLUSION AND RECCOMENDATIONS
This Project Report has been prepared to provide sufficient and relevant information on the proposed waste water treatment
system to enable NEMA to establish whether the activities of the project are likely to have significant adverse
environmental impacts.
Mitigation measures have been proposed for identified impacts in this Report and an Environmental Management Plan
(EMP) for the implementation of the proposed measures has been presented. The EMP presented in this Report is a tool to
be used by the Project Implementation Team and Proponent during the construction, hand-over and operation periods.
To ensure implementation, mitigation measures should be reflected in the Conditions of Contract. It is the responsibility of
the Project Manager to ensure these measures are incorporated into this document.
Overall, it is recommended that this Project can be approved pursuant to implementation of the proposed mitigation
measures and as per NEMA discretion.
49
EIA Project Report
10 REFERENCES
Craig R.F. (1983): Soil Mechanics (3rd edition). Van Nostrand Reinhold (UK) co. ltd
Design Manual for water supply in Kenya; Ministry of Land Reclamation, regional and water Development (1986)
Embu District Development Plan, Min. Finance and Planning (2002-2008)
Embu sewerage Project: Master Plan and preliminary design (Sewerage Master Plan), Cowisonsult (Kenya) consulting
Engineers and Planners ltd (1983)
Embu Sewerage Project; Updating of Master Plan and Preliminary Design Runji & Partners Consulting Engineers Ltd.
1993
Environmental Assessment Source book, Vol I, ii and iii, World Bank (1991)
Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit guide lines, National Cleaner Production Center
Environmental Management and Coordination Act (1999) Government Printer, Nairobi
Mara D.: Sewage treatment in Hot climates. John Wiley & sons, New York, 1976.
Sectorial Study and National programming for community and rural water supply, sewerage and water pollution
control: report No. 4; Design and Selection criteria for community Water supplies. World health organization (WHO),
Sectorial Study and National programming for community and rural water supply, Sewerage and water pollution
control: Report No. 9; selection and design criteria for sewerage projects. World Health organization (WHO),
Brazzaville, may 1973.
Project feasibility report (2016) Runji and Partners
50
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT REPORT

PROPOSED SEWERAGE TREATMENT PROJECT ON 32 UNCONSOLIDATED PLOTS BY EMBU

SITE GPS COORDINATES:

THIS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT REPORT IS SUBMITTED IN

PROPONENT: LEAD EXPERT:

EMBU WATER AND JOHN IRERI

EIA Environment Impact Assessment

EMCA Environment Management and Coordination Act

EMP Environmental Management Plan

EWASCO Embu Water and Sanitation Company

MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet

NEMA National Environment Management Authority

PCC Public Complaints Committee

TWSB Tana Water Services Board

WRMA Water Resources Management Authority

Table 1: Potential adverse environmental impacts and recommended mitigation measures

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.3 Terms of reference

Table2.1: Sewage Quantities from Households

Average class 150 1/p/d 80% 120 1/p/d

Table 2.2: Sewage quantities from Commercial and Institutional areas

Hospitals 200 l/b/d 80% 160 l/b/d

Embu Prison 75 1/p/d 85% 65 l/p/d

Boarding schools 50 l/p/d 80% 40 l/p/d

Day schools 25 l/p/d 85% 21 l/p/d

Hotel 200 l/p/d 80% 160 l/p/d

Average Factor 81%

2.2 Sewage quantities from Embu town area

Area Sewage Generated m3/d

2016 2018 2028 2038

Embu town 10,494 10,817 12,583 14,696

Dallas/Stadium, Kamiu 5,540 5,710 6,625 7,698

Table 2.4: Peak Factors

Between 315 and 600 mm 2

2.3 Quantity of sewage conveyed to the treatment plant.

2.4 Composition of sewage discharged into public sewer

2.4.1 Sewage from households (residential)

2.4.2 Sewage from schools, administration offices et al

2.4.3 Sewage from industries

2.4.4 BOD at the treatment plant for selected area

2.5 Groundwater infiltration and storm water in the sewer

2.5.1 Groundwater infiltration

2.6 Sewerage design criteria and costs

a) Concrete pipes available in Kenya

i) OGEE jointed pipes (rigid joints)

b) uPVC pipes available in Kenya

2.6.2 Comparison of characteristics of concrete and pVC sewers

2.6.3 Comparison of costs for laying of concrete and pvc pipes

2.6.4 Recommended pipes

2.7 Hydraulic design

2.7.1 Pipe flow

2.7.2 Self- cleansing velocity

2.7.3 Hydrogen sulphide in sewers

2.7.4 Laying of pipes

2.8 Property drains

2.10 Sewage treatment system

2.10.1 Sewage treatment plant alternatives

Table: Ponds Size alternatives

Facultative Ponds 1.5 183 94 25,803 9.5 2