Final EIA Project Report For Exploratory Drilling in Block 13t

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
PROJECT REPORT
FOR
PROPOSED EXPLORATORY OIL AND NATURAL GAS WELLS DRILLING
PROGRAMME IN BLOCK 13T, TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA, BY TULLOW
KENYA B.V.
Prepared by
Earthview Geoconsultants Limited
P.O. BOX 10366-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: 254-20-2496208
Email: earthview@geologist.com
AUGUST 2012
PROJECT REPORT
FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED
EXPLORATORY OIL AND GAS WELLS DRILLING PROGRAMME IN
BLOCK 13T, TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA, BY TULLOW KENYA B.V.
AUGUST 2012
Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project report presents baseline biophysical
and socio-economic information, project mitigation measures, and an environmental
management and monitoring plan for the proposed exploratory oil and natural gas wells
drilling programme of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK, 1987) in parts of
exploration Block 13T in Turkana County. This project report has been prepared for the
project proponent, Tullow Kenya B.V. (TKBV) by Earthview Geoconsultants Limited in
accordance with the requirements of Kenyas Environmental Management and Coordination
Act of 1999 and subsidiary legislation, and in fulfilment of the more general requirement that
projects maintain a clean, sustained and healthy environment. This EIA project report has
aimed at establishing and mitigating any potential impacts of the proposed oil and natural
gas exploration wells drilling operations at the identified sites in the project area.
Following the discovery of oil by Tullow Oil and Heritage Oil in Uganda and more recently
the Ngamia-1 oil discovery in Lokichar, Kenya, by Tullow Oil and Africa Oil companies,
several companies have intensified oil exploration in the Mesozoic and Early Tertiary rift
basins and other sedimentary basins, viz; Anza, Mandera and Lamu of Kenya, with the view
of meeting the local and global energy demand. The discovery of oil in Kenya followed the
acquisition of high quality data due to deployment of advanced data acquisition technologies
such as two dimensional (2D) seismic and Full Tensor Gravity (FTG) which have since
increased chances of oil and gas discoveries in the country. Recently the Ministry of Energy
announced that it had licensed all the 46 oil and gas exploration blocks in Kenya to foreign
O&G (Oil and Gas) prospecting companies save for one, which NOCK is licensed to explore.
According to the Ministry, plans are underway to drill an additional five oil wells in five
Blocks; two onshore and three offshore between June 2012 and December 2013.
The purpose of this project is to determine whether or not there are economically viable oil
deposits in Block 13T, following the oil discovery at Ngamia-1 well in Lokichar, by drilling
more exploratory wells. Usually, following the success of the exploratory drilling, this leads to
drilling of more appraisal oil wells and subsequent production of the same. If the appraisal
wells yield economically viable oil deposits, this will have a significant positive impact in
Kenyas energy sector; it will boost the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and per capita
income, and commercial production of the oil, which shall lead to an improvement of the
socio-economic well-being of the Turkana County and the country in general.
The envisaged exploration drilling project follows the analysis, identification and delineation
of potential hydrocarbon traps based on the seismic data that was acquired during the
recently completed seismic survey programme. Exploration drilling is designed to confirm the
presence of viable quantifiable hydrocarbons in a prospective formation after the location
and extent of a possible hydrocarbon-bearing geological formation has been identified, from
seismic and associated surveys like FTG. Following the acquisition of technically high quality
data and analysis of the same, TKBV intends to drill exploratory wells within the project area,
the first one being the identified Twiga-1 drilling site. Further seismic studies to augment
existing information are being carried out to identify the other exploratory drilling sites. The
exploratory well at Twiga-1 site will be drilled to a depth of 4500m over a period of up to 120
days, once a licence is granted by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
The project is in line with the National Energy Policy (improving access to affordable energy
services, enhancing security of supply, promoting development of indigenous energy
resources; promoting energy efficiency and conservation; and promoting prudent
environmental, health and safety practices), the Economic Recovery for Wealth and
Employment Creation Strategy (expanding and improving infrastructure, developing arid and
semi-arid lands, and safeguarding environment and natural resources), and Kenya Vision
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Block 13T Drilling EIA Project Report for TKBV
2030 (enhanced equity and wealth creation for the poor in semi-arid and arid districts, must
generate more energy at a lower cost and increase efficiency in energy consumption).
A detailed environmental impact assessment field study was preceded by extensive desktop
studies, and was undertaken from 23rd June to 4th July, 2012.The desktop study was
conducted to review the available reports, and to design plans and maps in order to compile
relevant biophysical and socio-economic information of the project area. The field study
(detailed environmental impact assessment, community sensitization, public consultations
and social impact assessment, and development of mitigation measures and environmental
management plan) was undertaken during this period. Biophysical studies covered
environmental aspects such as physiography, climate, hydrology, drainage, soils,
geology/hydrogeology, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic environment. The socio-economic
environmental study covered information on issues such as demography, literacy, social
amenities (healthcare and schools), land use, land tenure, the social dimensions of wellbeing and income levels, water supply, sanitation levels and security, along with other
pertinent issues. Extensive public consultations created knowledge and awareness about
the proposed programme, and also allowed for exchange of views, information and concerns
between the communities, the EIA team and the project proponent. The field study also
enabled cross-checking of the data compiled during the desktop study. The legislative and
regulatory framework has also been extensively explored in this report.
The potential environmental and social impacts, and for which clear, achievable, and
effective mitigation measures have been suggested in this report, include:
Noise and vibrations from vehicles, equipment and machinery;

Disturbance to soil, vegetation and fauna due to construction of the campsites and
access roads;
Dust generation and exhaust emissions by vehicles and equipment;
Waste generation at campsites and drilling rig areas;
Pollution of soil and water (surface and groundwater) from waste streams generated
at the campsites and drilling areas; and
Workforce influx and associated social and economic issues.
Both the field survey and documentation reveal the following active natural processes that
have major and visible impact on the environment: periodic flooding of River Turkwel and
ponding of the floodplain and piedmont plain adjacent to the river; high dust loading in the air
due to strong winds in the floodplains and the northern part of the block, low vegetation
cover and loose surface soils that seal in wet conditions; wind and water erosion; and higher
frequency and intensity of droughts and floods due to climate change. Anthropogenic
pressures include: high demand for water for domestic and livestock use; land degradation
and soil compaction by grazing animals; and pollution of rivers, water pans and shallow
groundwater in luggas from humans and livestock. The communities lack adequate provision
of basic services such as education, health care, affordable energy, potable water and
security. While the communities are fairly stable, their security situation is compromised by
sporadic but often deadly cattle rustling. Conflicts also occur from time to time in relation to
access to natural resources such as water and grazing lands.
The exploratory oil and gas wells drilling operations are regarded, from an industry
standpoint, as being of a small scale in both effort and the time taken to complete them. In
addition the majority of operations will be conducted significant distances away from any
habitation, town or residential areas so that the inhabitants will be largely insulated. The
ii
short-term duration (3-6 months) of the exploratory drilling programme and its small scale
relative to natural processes acting on the environment in the area as well as previous
actions undertaken, indicate that the impacts would by and large be temporary and/or
transient, rather than long-term and/or permanent. So far, more than 30 exploratory wells
have been drilled in Kenya since the 1970s with no adverse impacts reported, and year-byyear industry standards relating to environmental protection for projects of this nature are
continually being raised. The measures proposed to mitigate these environmental and social
impacts detailed in the Environmental Management Plan within this report are considered
more than adequate and effective in safeguarding the environmental and social fabric of the
area, and should be strictly adhered to.
The community members and leaders who attended the various public meetings and
participated in the questionnaire survey welcomed the proposed project, but appealed for
adherence to environmental safeguards and labour legislation. TKBV (as outlined in its EHS
[Environmental, Health and Safety] and CSR [Corporate Social Responsibility] Policies) is
committed to environmental protection at the highest level, continual engagement of local
stakeholders throughout the duration of the project, and to being sensitive to local culture
and customs, and would want to be seen as a valued part of the communities in the project
area.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...............................................................................................................................I
TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................. IV
LIST OF FIGURES .......................................................................................................................................IX
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .......................................................................................................................XII
LIST OF TABLES...................................................................................................................................... XIV
CHAPTER 1 ...................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 INTRODUCTION .....................................................................................................................................1
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT ............................................................................................................. 1
1.3 DEVELOPER IDENTIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 1
1.4 BRIEF SITE DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................................... 3
1.5 PROJECT BACKGROUND, OVERVIEW, JUSTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES ........................... 4
1.5.1 Project Background ...................................................................................................................... 4
1.5.2 Overview of the Project ................................................................................................................ 4
1.5.3 Project Justification....................................................................................................................... 6
1.6 PURPOSE OF THE EIA ...................................................................................................................... 6
1.6.1 Administrative and Legal Framework .......................................................................................... 6
1.6.2 The Mandate of NEMA................................................................................................................. 7
1.6.3 Requirements and Scope of Work for the EIA ........................................................................... 7
1.6.4 The EIA Review and Approval Process ...................................................................................... 8
1.7 THE EIA TEAM .................................................................................................................................... 9
1.8 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA PROJECT REPORT .............................................................................. 9
1.9 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) ..................................................................................................... 10
1.10 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT .................................................................................................... 10
CHAPTER 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 12
PROJECT DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................... 12
2.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................... 12
2.2 PROJECT LOCATION ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF DESIGN .............................................................................................. 12
2.4 OVERVIEW OF EXPLORATORY DRILLING PROGRAMME ........................................................ 12
2.4.1 Site Preparation .......................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.2 Drill rig specifications and crew facilities ................................................................................... 17
2.4.3 Rigging-up ................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.4 Drilling Techniques ..................................................................................................................... 17
2.4.5 Casing Operation ........................................................................................................................ 21
2.4.6 Well Logging ............................................................................................................................... 21
2.4.7 Well Testing ................................................................................................................................ 21
2.4.8 Flaring.......................................................................................................................................... 22
2.4.9 Well completion or well suspension .......................................................................................... 22
2.4.10 Well suspension or abandonment ........................................................................................... 22
2.5 DRILLING MUD SYSTEM ................................................................................................................. 23
2.6
WATER SUPPLY.......................................................................................................................... 25
2.7
EMISSION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT ................................................................................. 26
2.7.1 Emissions .................................................................................................................................... 26
2.7.2 Wastes......................................................................................................................................... 27
2.8 DECOMMISSIONING/ABANDONMENT ......................................................................................... 31
2.8.1 General activities ........................................................................................................................ 31
2.8.2 Demolition and site clean-up ..................................................................................................... 31
2.9
OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANNING ..................................................................................... 31
2.10 SUPPORT OPERATIONS .............................................................................................................. 32
iv
CHAPTER 3:................................................................................................................................................ 33
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY ........................................................... 33
3.1 APPROACH TAKEN FOR THE EIA ................................................................................................. 33
3.2 WORK EVALUATION FOR THE EIA................................................................................................ 33
3.3 TOPICS ADDRESSED AND ISSUES CONSIDERED .................................................................... 33
3.4 COLLECTION OF BASELINE DATA................................................................................................ 38
3.4.1 Overview of Methods.................................................................................................................. 38
3.4.3 Soils ............................................................................................................................................. 39
3.4.4 Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 39
3.4.5 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 39
3.4.6 Surface and Groundwater Resources....................................................................................... 39
3.4.7 Terrestrial Environment .............................................................................................................. 39
3.4.8 Aquatic Environment .................................................................................................................. 40
3.4.9 Land Resources.......................................................................................................................... 40
3.4.10 Visual Aesthetics ...................................................................................................................... 40
3.4.11 Noise and Vibrations ................................................................................................................ 40
3.4.12 Solid and Liquid Wastes........................................................................................................... 40
3.4.13 Public Consultations and Socio-Economics ........................................................................... 41
3.4.14 Health and Public Safety.......................................................................................................... 41
3.4.15 Key Informant Interviews ......................................................................................................... 42
3.5 DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) ............................. 42
3.5.1 The Five- Step Process.............................................................................................................. 42
3.5.2 Assigning Significance Ratings ................................................................................................. 43
CHAPTER 4 ................................................................................................................................................. 44
POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ......................................................................... 44
4.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA, 2010 ......................................................................................... 44
4.2 THE POLICY FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................................ 44
4.2.1 Environment and Development Policy ...................................................................................... 44
4.2.2 National Policy on Water Resources Management and Development (Sessional Paper No.1
of 1999) ................................................................................................................................................. 46
4.2.3 Energy Policy (Sessional Paper No.4 of 2004) ........................................................................ 46
4.2.4
Land Policy (Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009) ..................................................................... 47
4.2.5 Mining Policy ............................................................................................................................... 47
4.2.6 Health Policy ............................................................................................................................... 47
4.2.7 Economic Recovery for Wealth and Employment Creation Strategy ..................................... 48
4.2.8 Kenya Vision 2030...................................................................................................................... 48
4.3 KENYA LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS ................................................................................. 50
4.3.1 The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Cap. 308 ................................................... 50
4.3.2
The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Regulations................................................. 50
4.3.3 The Explosives Act, Cap. 115.................................................................................................... 50
4.3.4
The Energy Act, No. 12 of 2006 .......................................................................................... 51
4.3.5
The Radiation Protection Act, Cap. 243 .............................................................................. 51
4.3.6
The Public Health Act, Cap. 242.......................................................................................... 52
4.3.7
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 15 of 2007 ................................................. 52
4.3.8
The Water Act, Cap. 372 ...................................................................................................... 52
4.3.9 The Water Resources Management Rules, 2007 .................................................................... 53
4.3.10 The Local Government Act, Cap. 265..................................................................................... 53
4.3.11 The Physical Planning Act, Cap. 286 .................................................................................. 53
4.3.12 The Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap. 376 ........................................... 54
4.3.13 The National Museums and Heritage Act, Cap. 216 .......................................................... 54
4.3.14 The Land Act, 2012 .................................................................................................................. 54
4.3.15 The Penal Code, Cap. 63 ..................................................................................................... 55
4.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY - ACT AND REGULATIONS........... 55
4.4.1 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999 .............................................. 55
v
4.4.2 The EIA Guidelines and Administrative Procedures ................................................................ 56

4.4.3 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Water Quality) Regulations, 2006 ..... 56
4.4.4The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 ................................. 57
4.4.5 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Conservation of Biological Diversity
and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing) Regulations, 2006 .............. 57
4.4.6The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Wetland, Riverbank, Lakeshore and
Seashore Management) Regulations, 2009....................................................................................... 57
4.4.7 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration
Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009................................................................................................ 58
4.4.8 The Environmental Management Co-ordination (Fossil Fuel Emission Control) Regulations,
2006 ...................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.4.9
The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Waste Management) Regulations,
2006
59
4.5 INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES, STANDARDS AND CONVENTIONS ......................................... 59
4.5.1
International Best Practices ................................................................................................. 59
4.5.2
International Conventions..................................................................................................... 61
4.6 TULLOW OIL PLC POLICIES ........................................................................................................... 63
CHAPTER 5:................................................................................................................................................ 65
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PARAMETERS ............................................................. 65
5.1.1 Project Location and Layout of the Chapter ............................................................................. 65
5.1.2 Geographical Aspects and Boundaries..................................................................................... 66
5.1.3 Administrative Structure ............................................................................................................. 66
5.1.4 Communications and Transport ................................................................................................ 67
5.1.5 Government, Non-Governmental and Community-Based Organizations .............................. 68
5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE SURVEY ........................................................................................ 69
5.2.1 Physiography and Geology ........................................................................................................ 69
5.2.2 Soils ............................................................................................................................................. 74
5.2.3 Climate ........................................................................................................................................ 80
5.2.4 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................... 82
5.2.5 Surface and Groundwater Resources....................................................................................... 82
5.2.6 Water Quality .............................................................................................................................. 84
5.2.7 Terrestrial Environment .............................................................................................................. 86
5.2.8 Land Resources and National Parks......................................................................................... 92
5.2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites ............................................................................ 93
5.2.11 Noise and Vibrations ................................................................................................................ 93
5.2.12 Solid and Liquid Wastes........................................................................................................... 93
5.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE SURVEY ...................................................................................... 94
5.3.1 Social Characteristics ................................................................................................................. 94
5.3.2 Economic Setting ...................................................................................................................... 100
5.3.3 Health Setting ........................................................................................................................... 103
5.3.4 Security and Public Safety ....................................................................................................... 103
5.3.5 Community Views and Concerns ............................................................................................ 104
5.3.6 Corporate Social Responsibility............................................................................................... 105
CHAPTER 6 ............................................................................................................................................... 106
ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES .......................................................................................... 106
6.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 106
6.2 PROJECT SITE ALTERNATIVES .................................................................................................. 106
6.2.1 No action alternative .............................................................................................................. 106
6.2.2 Drilling alternative ................................................................................................................... 107
CHAPTER 7 ............................................................................................................................................... 111
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT......................................................................................... 111
vi
7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 111

7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS AND IMPACT IDENTIFICATION FOR TEST WELL
DRILLING OPERATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 111
7.3 IMPACTS ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION ............................................................................... 113
7.3.1 Physiography and Geology ...................................................................................................... 113
7.3.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................... 114
7.3.3 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................. 115
7.3.4 Surface and Ground Water Resources ................................................................................... 116
7.3.5 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................ 117
7.3.6 Terrestrial Environment (Habitats, Flora, and Fauna) ........................................................... 118
7.3.7 Land Resources and National Reserves ................................................................................ 119
7.3.8 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites .......................................................................... 119
7.3.10 Noise and Vibrations .............................................................................................................. 121
7.3.11 Solid and Liquid Wastes......................................................................................................... 121
7.3.12 Social Characteristics............................................................................................................. 122
7.3.13 Economic Characteristics ...................................................................................................... 123
7.3.14 Occupational Health and Safety ............................................................................................ 125
7.3.15 Security and Public Safety ..................................................................................................... 126
7.3.16 Construction of the Campsite ................................................................................................ 126
7.3.17 Fuelling Station ....................................................................................................................... 127
7.3.18 Camp clinic.............................................................................................................................. 127
7.3.19 Water Borehole drilling ........................................................................................................... 128
7.4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS ................................................................................................................ 130
7.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS........................................................................................................ 131
CHAPTER 8:.............................................................................................................................................. 139
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN ........................................................................................... 139
8.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 139
8.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE EMP ........................................................................................................... 139
8.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 139
8.4 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS..................................................................... 140
8.5 TULLOW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES .................................................................................... 140
8.6 ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND TRAINING ............................................................................. 140
8.7 COMMUNICATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM ....................... 141
8.8 AUDITING ........................................................................................................................................ 141
8.9 THE ENVIRONMENTAL (AND SOCIAL) MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) FOR THE DRILLING OF
EXPLORATORY WELLS ...................................................................................................................... 142
8.9.1 Physiography and Geology ...................................................................................................... 143
8.9.2 Soils ........................................................................................................................................... 144
8.9.3 Air Quality .................................................................................................................................. 145
8.9.4 Surface and Groundwater Resources..................................................................................... 146
8.9.5 Water Quality ............................................................................................................................ 147
8.9.6 Terrestrial Environment (Habitats, Flora, and Fauna) ........................................................... 148
8.9.7 Land Resources and National Reserve .................................................................................. 149
8.9.8 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites .......................................................................... 150
8.9.10 Noise and Vibrations .............................................................................................................. 152
8.9.11 Solid and Liquid Wastes......................................................................................................... 153
8.9.12 Social Characteristics............................................................................................................. 154
8.9.13 Economic Characteristics ...................................................................................................... 155
8.9.14 Occupational Health and Safety ............................................................................................ 156
8.9.15 Security and Public Safety ..................................................................................................... 157
8.9.16 Construction of the Campsite ................................................................................................ 158
8.9.17 Fuelling Station ....................................................................................................................... 159
8.9.18 Camp Clinic ............................................................................................................................. 160
vii
8.9.19 Water Borehole Drilling .......................................................................................................... 160

8.10 OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING ISSUES .............................................. 162
8.10.1 Occupational Health and Safety Plan ................................................................................... 162
8.10.2 Vehicle Traffic Plan................................................................................................................. 162
8.10.3 Materials Management........................................................................................................... 162
8.10.4 Pollution Control Plan ............................................................................................................. 162
8.10.5 Emergency Response Plan ................................................................................................... 163
8.10.6 Decommissioning or Well Abandonment .............................................................................. 163
8.11 COST OF THE EMP AND TIMEFRAME FOR THE ACTIVITY ................................................... 163
CHAPTER 9 ............................................................................................................................................... 165
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...................................................................................... 165
9.1 SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS .......................................................................... 165
9.2 RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................................................... 165
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................................................... 167
APPENDICES: .......................................................................................................................................... 169
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure1.1: Location of the project area ....................................................................................................... 2
Figure 1.2: Location of the proposed Twiga 1 test well drilling site .......................................................... 5
Figure 2.2: Schematic structure of the proposed casing design of exploration wells ............................ 16
Figure2.3: illustrates various waste separation stages based on particle sizes (Adapted from Neff, J M
2005)............................................................................................................................................................ 25
Figure 5.1: Location of the project area. ................................................................................................... 65
Figure 5.2: Administrative boundaries in the project area: Block 13T .................................................... 67
Figure 5.3: Physiography of the project area. ......................................................................................... 69
Figure 5.4: Geology of the project area .................................................................................................... 72
Figure 5.5: Soil map of the project area showing the exploratory drilling sites. ..................................... 75
Figure 5.6: Vegetation types in the proposed project area...................................................................... 86
Figure 5.7: Age bracket data showing average household children numbers ....................................... 96
Figure 5.8: Marital status data in the project area .................................................................................... 96
Figure 5.9: Population distribution trends in the project area (latest population figures (2009 census)
are provided in Tables 5.5 to 5.7).............................................................................................................. 97
Figure 5.10: Education levels attained ..................................................................................................... 98
Figure 5.11: Source of Income data in the proposed project area.........................................................100
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LIST OF PLATES
Plate 2.1: Shows on-going works at one of the proposed drilling sites a) Installation of septic systems
and b) grease traps ......................................................................................................................... 32
Plate 5.1(a & b): (a) Flash floods in the area can render roads impassable and (b) Lokichar Air strip 68
Plate 5.2: showing Turkwel River floodplain at Katilu Irrigation Scheme in Katilu (southern part of the
block). ............................................................................................................................................. 70
Plate 5.3: Physiography of the project area: a) Floodplain of the Turkwel River, photo taken from Sigir
Hills; and b) Turkana Plain in the northern part of the block, photo taken from Kunyupat Hill,
Lorugumu area. ............................................................................................................................... 70
Plate 5.4: a) Kasuroi Hill(red arrow), Kasuroi area; b) Lokosimekori Hill, photo taken south of Ngamia
camp; c) Kohu Hills in the background - note the gully erosion in the foreground and plain in the
middle ground; and d) Kobroich inselberg Hill, Logogo area ............................................................. 71
Plate 5.5: Gully erosion on the higher ground, Marich area. ............................................................. 71
Plate 5.6: Rugged terrain near Lochwa where cutline 44 has been excavated .................................. 73
Plate 5.7(a & b): (a) Quartzo-feldspathic gneiss Lochwa area and (b) Biotite schist Kasuroi area .... 74
Plate 5.8(a & b): (a) Feldspar-pegmatite vein in Kasuroi area and (b) Basaltic plug on the southeast of
Lochwaa.......................................................................................................................................... 74
Plate 5.9 (1-5): (1) Piedmont plain showing dunes meso relief stabilized by dwarf shrubs (2) Same
unit that is gently undulating and bisected by common narrow rills that support vegetation and with
sandy sealing soils (3) Y10 unit supports livestock grazing (4) profile pit in the unit showing soil
th
horizons and (5) soil structure of the profile, the 5 horizon (Bw2) showing prismatic structure
connotative of Natric B (diagnostic horizon) and soil texture matrix for the profile pit......................... 76
Plate 5.10: (1) Ps28 unit showing typical lugga flowing NE/SW direction in the unit--that support
vegetation (yellow arrow) and gulley forming (red arrow) and (2) The unit showing undulating mesorelief stabilized by Indigofera spinosa, (3) Surface Ponding in Ps28 line 37 &40 junction, that occurred
after some flash floods earlier and (4) profile pit showing soil horizons and (5) profile pit soil texture
and soil structure representing all the horizons sampled. The texture in each horizon respectively is
as follows: A-Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay Loam, Bw1- Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay Loam, Bw2- Sandy
Loam to Sand, C1-Sandy Loam to Sand and C2-Sandy Loam to Sand. The structure in each horizon
respectively is as follows: A-granular and sub-angular blocky, Bw1-angular blocky and prismatic, Bw2granular and angular blocky, C1-prismatic and C2- angular blocky................................................... 77
Plate 5.11(1-4): (1) Ux10 unit showing lugga-cut profile horizons, the background being quartzfeldspar gneiss vein, (2) The shallow (in places moderately deep) soils support poorly anchored
Acacia Senegal vegetation (3) Soil structure showing A-horizon: prismatic and platy structure, C1horizon: fine granular and sub-angular blocky structure, in C2- horizon: granular and sub-angular
structure and (4) profile soil texture: A-horizon: gravely Sandy Clay Loam to Sandy Clay, C1-horizon:
gravelly Sandy Clay Loam, C2-horizon: gravelly Sandy Clay. ........................................................... 78
Plate 5.12 (a & b): (a)Maping unit A8 showing River Turkwel flooplain under irrigation at Katilu and (b)
stratified fluvisol topsoil at the riverbank. .......................................................................................... 79
Plate 5.13(a & b): (a) Dry climate affects soils moisture holding characteristics and the loose and
often pulverized soil is easily windblown and (b) Flash floods that can occur suddenly
characterizes the study area ............................................................................................................ 81
Plate 5.14 (a & b) :( a) Turkwel River in Katilu area. Note the people crossing at a shallow place (b)
Earth dam being excavated south of Ngamia camp.......................................................................... 82
Plate 5.15(a & b):(a) A hand pump operated shallow water well that is used by the local communities
and their livestock at Kasuroi, ( b) Nakukulas borehole donated to the local community by TKBV used
by local communities and their livestock........................................................................................... 83
Plate 5.16(a & b):(a) A hand pump operated shallow water well at Katilu centre adjacent to the
Turkwel River floodplain and (b) a hand pump operated shallow water well at Kanaodon. ................ 83
Plate 5.17: Dwarf shrubland on the southeastern part of line 36 ....................................................... 87
Plate 5.18: A riverine forest on the northwestern part of cut-line 40 .................................................. 88
Plate 5.19: An Acacia seyal dominated shrubland. Lomokamar Hills are in the background (red
arrows) along the northwestern part of line 39.................................................................................. 88
Plate 5.20: Shrubland dominated by Acacia spp, Indigofera spinosa and Calotropis procera around
the proposedTwiga 1 drilling site. ..................................................................................................... 88
Plate 5.21: Grassed shrubland along the Lokichar- Loperot road ..................................................... 89
Plate 5.22: Grassed shrubland on the southern part of line 10.......................................................... 89
x
Plate 5.23: Near barren habitat along cut line 44. Notice the high concentration of plants along the
interfluves and bare ground in between the interfluves. .................................................................... 90
Plate 5.24(a & b): (a) a white bellied Go-away bird and (b) a Red billed hornbill along the Turkwel
riverine forest................................................................................................................................... 91
Plate 5.25(a, b & c): an Abyssinia Roller encountered along cut line 44, (b) a boomslang up a tree
along cutline 10 (southeastern part) and (c) Some of the many termite hills dotting the study area. .. 91
Plate 5.26: Scenic land features in the project area.......................................................................... 92
Plate 5.27(a & b): (a)Facilities such as desks is a challenge in most schools in the area; (b)Locheremoit Primary School....................................................................................................................... 98
Plate 5.28: A temporary homestead at Lochwaa .............................................................................. 99
Plate 5.29: Bags of charcoal for sale near Lokapel........................................................................... 99
Plate 5.30 Use of solar power to provide energy at Kanaodon Dispensary ....................................... 99
Plate 5.31: Livestock keeping within the project area ..................................................................... 101
Plate 5.32: Subsistence maize farming along River Turkwel in Katilu area ..................................... 102
Plate 5.33: A Banana Tissue demonstration farm at Katilu ............................................................. 102
xi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ALRMP
Arid Lands Resource Management Programme
ASAL
Arid and Semi-Arid Lands
BOD
Biological Oxygen Demand
CFC
Chlorofluorocarbon
CLO
Community Liaison Officer
COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand
CSG
County Steering Group
CSR
Corporate Social Responsibility
DHMBS
District Health Management Boards
EA
Environmental Audit
EHS
Environmental Health and Safety
EIA
Environmental Impact Assessment
EMCA
Environmental Management and Coordination Act
EMP
Environmental Management Plan
E&P
Exploration and Production
ERP
Emergency Response Plan
ERS
Economic Recovery Strategy
EPR
Exclusive Prospecting Rights
FTSE 100
Financial Times Stock Exchange 100
FTG
Full Tensor Gravity
GDP
Gross Domestic Product
HDPE
High Density Polyethylene
HSE
Health Safety and Environment
IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency
LPG
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
KPR
Kenya Police Reserves
KREMU
Kenya Rangeland Ecological Monitoring Unit
KWS
Kenya Wildlife Service
MSDS
Material Safety Data Sheet
NADM
Non-Aqueous Drilling Mud
NEMA
National Environment management Authority
NGOs
Non-Governmental Organisations
NHSSP
National Health Sector Strategic Plan
NOCK
National Oil Corporation of Kenya
OBM
Oil Based Mud

xii
OCPD
Officer Commanding Police Department
OGP
Oil and Gas Producers
OHS
Occupational Health and Safety
PE
Potential Evaporation
PPE
Personal Protective Equipment
PRSP
Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper
PSC
Production Sharing Contract
SCE
Solids Control Equipment
TKBV
Tullow Kenya B.V.
TOR
Terms of Reference
UNEP
United Nations Environment Programme
VOC
Volatile Organic Compounds
WBM
Water Based Mud
WDI
Weatherford Drilling International
xiii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1.1: The EIA team composition ................................................................................................ 9
Table 1.2 Structure of the EIA Project Report................................................................................... 10
Table 2.1: Table of drill rig parts....................................................................................................... 14
Table2.2: Well depths for proposed wells ......................................................................................... 15
Table2.3: Shows various drilling techniques ..................................................................................... 18
Table2.4: Shows the functional categories of materials used in WBM, their functions, and examples
of typical chemicals in each category. .............................................................................................. 23
Table2.5: Summarises the environmental impacts of different atmospheric releases: ....................... 26
Table 2.6: Shows the common wastes and their environmentally significant constituents. ................ 28
Table 2.7: Waste management approaches ..................................................................................... 30
Table 3.1: Topics addressed and issues considered ........................................................................ 33
Table 3.2 Order of meetings held in Block 13T................................................................................. 41
Table 3.3 Impact assessment criteria and rating scales.................................................................... 42
Table 4.1: International conventions that Kenya has ratified ............................................................. 62
Table 5.2: Rock types observed during the field surveys that are significant for project logistics and
EMP. ............................................................................................................................................... 73
Table 5.3: Soil description within specified soil mapping units observed during the field surveys that
are significant for project logistics and EMP. .................................................................................... 79
Table 5.4: Water quality in the project area (SW Shallow Well; BH Borehole). WHO limits are for
drinking water quality: grey shaded boxes show the limits are exceeded. ......................................... 85
Table 5.5: Demographic data by district ........................................................................................... 94
Table 5.6: Demographic data by division.......................................................................................... 95
Table 5.7: Demographic data by location ......................................................................................... 95
Table 5.8: Demographic data by sub-location .................................................................................. 95
Table 7.1: Project impact sources and prediction of impacts on environmental and social structure and
characteristics of the project land area. .......................................................................................... 111
Table7.2: Summary of impact evaluation and analysis from the proposed exploratory oil and natural
gas drilling operations (pre, during and post project) on environmental and social factors in the project
area (see Chapter 3, section 3.5.2 for impact assessment criteria and rating). Note: Project
Operations includes - site preparation, construction, exploratory drilling, decommissioning and
rehabilitation. ................................................................................................................................. 132
xiv
CHAPTER 1
1.1 INTRODUCTION
This Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) project report presents baseline biophysical
and socio-economic information, project mitigation measures, and an environmental
management and monitoring plan for the proposed exploratory oil and natural gas wells
drilling programme in the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK, 1987) exploration Block
13T, which straddles four administrative districts, namely, Central Pokot, Turkana Central,
Loima and parts of Turkana South Districts (latitudes ca. 1.3 to 3N and longitudes ca. 35
to 35.7E) (Figure 1.1). This follows the analysis, identification and delineation of potential
hydrocarbon traps based on seismic data that was acquired during the recent seismic survey
exploration phase. This project report has been prepared for the project proponent, Tullow
Kenya B.V. (TKBV) by Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. in accordance with the requirements
of Kenyas Environmental Management and Coordination Act of 1999 and subsidiary
legislation, and in fulfilment of the more general requirement that projects maintain a clean,
sustained and healthy environment. This EIA project report has aimed at establishing and
mitigating any potential impacts of the proposed oil and natural gas exploration wells drilling
operations at the identified site in the project area.
1.2 PURPOSE OF THE REPORT

An EIA project report is a systematic process that predicts and evaluates the potential
impacts that the proposed project may have on the biophysical, socio-economic and human
environment, and develops mitigation measures that, when incorporated into the project, can
eliminate, reduce or minimise the potential effects and where practicable, enhance the
benefits that such a project may bring to the communities living within the project area and
the government in general if the proposed activities turn out to be successful.
1.3 DEVELOPER IDENTIFICATION

Tullow Oil PLC is one of the worlds largest independent oil and gas exploration companies,
and is an FTSE100 company. The Group has over 100 licences in more than 22 countries,
with operations in Africa, Europe, South Asia and South America. Tullow has been
successfully operating in Africa since 1986 where it is already a dominant player following
exploration success in Ghana and Uganda.
This EIA was carried out for Tullow Kenya B.V. (Pin P051340553U), a subsidiary company
of Tullow Oil PLC, with respect to the proposed exploratory oil and gas wells drilling in the
project area.
Offices In Kenya:
Ground Floor, Acacia
House,
Westlands Office Park,
Waiyaki Way.
Contact:
Mr. Martin Mbogo,
General Manager,
Tullow Kenya B.V.
P.O. Box, 63298-00619,
Nairobi, Kenya.
1
TKBV and its development partner, Africa Oil, will engage an internationally experienced oil
and gas well drilling contractor to carry out the drilling operations.
Figure 1.1: Location of the project area
2
1.4 BRIEF SITE DESCRIPTION

Block 13T is located in Northern Kenya. The block straddles four administrative districts,
namely, Central Pokot, Turkana Central, Loima and parts of Turkana South Districts as
shown in Figure 1.1.
Geologically, the project area can be divided into three parts (southern, central and
northern), moving latitudinally from south to north. The thin southern strip (1.3 to 2N) is
dominated by: metamorphosed sediments of the Basement System; Tertiary rocks
represented by plugs and dykes of nephelinites or alkali basalt; and Quaternary rocks that
consist of soils, alluvium, scree and ironstone cappings (McCall, 1964). In the central
section (2 to 230N), there are mainly superficial deposits of Pleistocene to Recent age that
occupy the Turkwel plain, while to the west occur a metamorphic and igneous complex of
Pre-Cambrian rocks containing recrystallised sediments and volcanics (Walsh, 1966). The
rocks in the northern part (230 to 3N) are folded gneisses, schists, granulites and
limestones of the basement system that are cut by acid pegmatites and basic intrusions
(Fairburn and Matheson, 1970). In the northwest, the basement system rocks are covered
by a thick series of basalt, andesites and rhyolitic ignimbrites. The main river is the Turkwel,
and its important tributaries within the project area are the Wei Wei River in the south,
Kateruk River in the central part and Nakaton River in the north.
The area, which is arid to semi-arid, receives an average annual rainfall of between 200 and
400mm and temperatures range from 24 to 38C (Republic of Kenya, 2002). The long rains
occur between April and August, while the short rains occur in October and November. The
annual rainfall amount ranges between 200 and 400mm (Nicholson, 1980), but is erratic and
unreliable (Republic of Kenya, 2002). The area belongs to the Somali-Masai floristic zone
(White, 1983). It comprises of semi-arid grassland and thorny shrubland in the lowlands,
grading into wooded grassland and bushland as altitude increases, and also towards the
south. Along the rivers are riverine forests that are dominated by Acacia tortillis, Balanites
aegyptiaca, Salvadora persica, and Hyphaenea compressa. Calotropis procera and Prosopis
juliflora are common in disturbed areas.
The population growth in Kenya is estimated to have increased from 2.9% during the last
census in 1999 to 3% on the 2009 census (Kenya Population and Housing Census, 2009).
The project area is, however, sparsely populated with higher population in the urban centres,
which attract higher settlement due to better communication services and availability of
schools, health centres, and water. Pastoralism is the predominant economic activity in the
lowlands, and agriculture in the highlands. Animals reared are camels, cattle, goats, sheep,
donkeys and poultry. In Loima District, crop irrigation is done along River Turkwel, and
includes cultivation of sorghum, maize, cowpeas, and green grams. The low and erratic
rainfall, high temperatures, prolonged droughts, and El Nio-related floods in the project
area have, however, contributed to the high poverty levels through: crop and livestock
diseases, collapse of irrigation schemes and harvest failures, as well as livestock deaths
(Republic of Kenya, 2002).
The earth roads comprise mainly of a sandy substrate, and are best traversed using fourwheel drive vehicles. Five light aircraft airstrips serve the area and are located at Lokichar,
3
Lorugumu, Kaputir, Katilu and Kalemyang. The area is covered by both mobile and land line
telephone services.
1.5 PROJECT BACKGROUND, OVERVIEW, JUSTIFICATION AND OBJECTIVES

1.5.1 Project Background
The initial Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Government of Kenya was awarded
to Africa Oil B.V. with the aim of exploring in detail, the assigned project area of 8429 km2, in
accordance with its contractual obligations under the PSC, in order to: (a) delineate potential
hydrocarbon prospects, (b) carry out exploratory drilling within the identified potential
prospect areas, and (c) carry out well appraisal and production of oil and/or gas if the
prospects turn out to be economically viable.
TKBV has since become the operator in the project area and is working in collaboration with
its partner, Africa Oil Corporation. TKBV is committed to ensuring that the activities that will
be carried out to achieve the stated objectives will be done in a manner that is not
detrimental to the natural environment or to the local communities.
1.5.2 Overview of the Project

Exploration drilling is designed to confirm the presence of viable quantities of hydrocarbons
in a prospective formation, after the location and extent of a possible hydrocarbon-bearing
geological formation has been identified from seismic and associated (e.g. magnetic)
surveys. TKBV, having successfully acquired and processed new seismic survey data of a
good technical standard in Block 13T, intends to drill a number of exploration wells of various
depths within the Project Area of Interest (see Figure 1.2 showing area of interest in Block
13T) once a licence is granted by NEMA. The Project Area of Interest reflects the area
where the seismic data was acquired.
Generally, the depth of a well being drilled dictates the size of the drilling rig required, the
number of employees, and the duration of the drilling operation (in essence, the drilling
duration exponentially increases with well depth). The rig will serve as the drilling platform. A
separate camp, located adjacent to the rig, will provide accommodation, kitchen facilities,
sewage processing, power generation and storage areas (for fuel oil, bulk mud and cement,
fresh/potable water, liquid mud, dry process materials, drilling water and pipe rack storage).
It will also provide medical and emergency response facilities and secondary operations
such as: welding, painting and machining that will be integral to the rig site.
The total programme will comprise of a number of wells of various depths. The specific
project activities will include:
Site and road preparation;

Water borehole drilling if necessary;
Setting up of the camping site near the proposed well site;
Mobilisation (movement and transport of equipment, personnel and materials);
Rigging up/positioning the rig;
4
Drilling;
Well and reservoir testing (if necessary);
Demobilisation;
Maintenance of wellhead; and
Decommissioning and abandonment (dependent on the success of the well).
Figure 1.2: Location of the project area of interest (dashed red outline) in Block 13T
The workforce will reside in a base camp that will be constructed by a professional civil and
building contractor with experience in setting up such camps. Issues such as camp security,
provision of basic services (e.g. accommodation, water, sanitation, lighting, and healthcare),
waste management, materials storage areas, etc., shall be incorporated in the camp design.
The camp will be sited away from existing settlements, and its location will be determined in
consultation with the local community leaders and would normally be located adjacent to the
drilling rig. The health and safety of the crew and the general public at large will be ensured
by the company complying both with the relevant national legislation, and its own in-house
5
environmental health and safety (EHS) policies, which embrace the international best
practices for such activities. An emergency response plan will be put in place in case of any
accidents or incidents. A close working relationship will be fostered with the local
communities, and as far as is practicable, unskilled and semi-skilled workers are to be
recruited locally.
1.5.3 Project Justification

Following the recent discovery of hydrocarbon deposits in the adjacent block (Block 10BB)
by Tullow Oil, exploration efforts have been intensified in the related Mesozoic and Early
Tertiary rift basins of Kenya with a view to meeting the global, regional and local demand for
energy.
Energy is an important factor in socio-economic development (GVEP Kenya, 2006). The
project is in line with the objectives of the National Energy Policy (improving access to
affordable energy services, enhancing security of supply, promoting development of
indigenous energy resources, promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and promoting
prudent environmental, health and safety practices), the Economic Recovery for Wealth and
Employment Creation Strategy (expanding and improving infrastructures, developing arid
and semi-arid lands, and safeguarding environment and natural resources), and Kenya
Vision 2030 (enhanced equity and wealth creation for the poor in semi-arid and arid districts,
must generate more energy at a lower cost and increase efficiency in energy consumption).
1.6 PURPOSE OF THE EIA

In Kenya, the primary authority that regulates the environment with relation to oil and gas
exploration activities is the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). Other key
national players and regulators in the oil and gas industry are: the Ministry of Environment
and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Energy, and the National Oil Corporation of Kenya.
The country is also a signatory to a number of international treaties and conventions related
to environmental protection and conservation. The EIA is aimed at providing information that
will help the authorities make an informed decision when awarding the licence to TKBV.
1.6.1 Administrative and Legal Framework

Execution of the exploration well drilling in the project area will conform to existing local,
national and international standards for environmental protection and management with
particular reference to hydrocarbon exploration activities.
These legislative requirements provide for the assessment of the environmental, social and
health impacts of the project, establish effects of the proposed activities before any decision
is taken, recommend mitigation measures prior to project approval and implementation,
promote the implementation of appropriate policies at all levels consistent with all laws and
decision-making processes through which sustainable development can be achieved, and
encourage the development of procedures/processes for information exchange, notification
and consultation amongst stakeholders.
6
There are several regulations, guidelines and laws that govern the implementation of such
projects. These laws are outlined in Chapter 4 of this EIA project report. The country is also
a signatory to several treaties and conventions relevant to environmental protection. In
Kenya the body mandated with the regulation of the environment and its sustainability is the
National Environment Management Authority (NEMA).
1.6.2 The Mandate of NEMA

The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) is the institution that has been
established under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999 in
order to deal with matters pertaining to the environment, with the object and purpose of
exercising general supervision and co-ordination over all matters relating to the environment,
and to act as the principal instrument of government in the implementation of all policies
relating to the environment. Some of its mandates that are relevant to EIAs are to:
Co-ordinate the various environmental management activities being undertaken by
the lead agencies and promote the integration of environmental considerations into
development policies, plans, programmes and projects with a view to ensuring the
proper management and rational utilisation of environmental resources on a
sustainable yield basis for the improvement of the quality of human life in Kenya;
Carry out surveys which will assist in the proper management and conservation of
the environment;
Undertake and co-ordinate research, investigation and surveys in the field of
environment and collect, collate and disseminate information about the findings of
such research investigation or survey;
Identify projects and programmes or types of projects and programmes, plans and
policies for which environmental audit or environmental monitoring must be
conducted under the Act;
Monitor and assess activities, including activities being carried out by relevant lead
agencies in order to ensure that the environment is not degraded by such activities,
environmental management objectives are adhered to and adequate early warning
on impending environmental emergencies is given;
Undertake, in co-operation with relevant lead agencies, programmes intended to
enhance environmental education and public awareness about the need for sound
environmental management as well as for enlisting public support and encouraging
the effort made by other entities in that regard;
Publish and disseminate manuals, codes or guidelines relating to environmental
management and prevention or abatement of environmental degradation;
Render advice and technical support, where possible, to entities engaged in natural
resources management and environmental protection so as to enable them carry out
their responsibility satisfactorily.
1.6.3 Requirements and Scope of Work for the EIA

A project report is defined, in the preliminary section of the EMCA (1999) and the
interpretation section of the Environmental (Impact and Audit) Regulations (2003), as a
7
summarized statement of the likely environmental effects of a proposed development

referred to in section 58 of the EMCA, 1999. Section 58 requires that a proponent intending
to carry out any undertaking listed in the Second Schedule to the Act must submit a project
report to the National Environment Management Authority (the Authority) in the prescribed
form accompanied by the prescribed fee. The exploration drilling of oil and gas falls under
Schedule 2, at 6(j) exploration for the production of petroleum in any form, of the EMCA
1999.
Regulation No.7 of the Environmental (Impact and Audit) Regulations, 2003 lays down the
specific issues that the project report must address, which in summary are: the nature,
location, activities, and design of the project; the materials that are to be used; the potential
environmental, economic and socio-cultural impacts and mitigation measures; plans for the
prevention and management of accidents and for ensuring the health and safety of workers
and neighbouring communities; and the project budget. These issues are to further address,
as outlined in the Second Schedule of the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit)
Regulations (2003): ecological considerations; sustainable use; ecosystem maintenance;
social considerations; landscape and land uses; and water. Within this framework, the
collection of relevant baseline data, and consultations with stakeholders and the public are
important, and ought also to be included in the report.
The scope of this EIA project report can be summarised as:
Stakeholder engagement;
Review of relevant data and ground-truthing;
Utilising existing baseline data (biophysical, social and health) for the description of
the project area;
Prediction and evaluation of potential impacts;
Determination of appropriate mitigation measures that can eliminate,
reduce/minimise the impacts;
Development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP); and
Report preparation.
1.6.4 The EIA Review and Approval Process

Where the Authority finds that the project report conforms to the requirements of Regulation
7 (1), it must within seven days of receiving the report, submit a copy to each of the relevant
lead agencies, the relevant District Environment Committee, and where it involves more than
one district, to the relevant Provincial Environment Committee. Each of these lead agencies
and Committees must then submit their written comments to the Authority within twenty-one
days from the date on which they received the project report from the Authority or within any
other period that the Authority may prescribe (Regulation 9). Once the Authority comes to a
decision, it must communicate that decision, together with the reasons for it, to the
proponent within forty-five working days from the date on which the project report was
submitted to it (Regulation 10(1)). Where the Authority is satisfied that the project will have
no significant impact on the environment, or that the project report discloses sufficient
mitigation measures, it may issue a licence (Regulation 10(2)). If, however, it finds that the
project will have a significant impact on the environment, and the project report discloses no
8
sufficient mitigation measures, the Authority will require that the proponent undertake an
environmental impact assessment study in accordance with the Regulations.
1.7 THE EIA TEAM

Earthview Geoconsultants (K) Ltd. was appointed by TKBV on 29th May 2012 to undertake
the EIA for the proposed exploratory oil and gas wells drilling programme in the project
area. Earthview is a well-established consultancy firm based in Nairobi with good capacity
in environmental and social impact assessments and audits, geological and
hydrogeological studies, geographic information systems, natural resource surveys, and
project planning, implementation and management. Earthview is officially registered with
the National Environment Management Authority as an Environmental Consultancy Firm.
The firm comprises of individuals with many years experience and knowledge in these and
other areas. The firm is conversant with national legislation and regulations that relate to
the sectors in which it carries out its activities, including NEMA requirements for
environmental and social impact assessments and audits, as well as applicable
international best practices and standards.
Table 1.1: The EIA team composition
Name
Role
Prof. Norbert OpiyoAkech

Dr. Daniel Olago
Overall coordination/Geological issues
Mr. Joseph Nganga

Mr. Adams Gakuo
Ms. Sheena Adongo
Ogutu
Ms. Grace Njeri Murage
Mr. Edwin India Omori
Mr. Peter Kibe
Mr. Nicholas Aketch
Ms. Emily Atieno
Qualifica
tions
PhD
Experience
(years)
30
Coordination/Biophysical and Socio-economic

issues
Soil and Waste Management
Ecology and waste management
Biophysical and Socio-economic issues
PhD
20
BSc
MSc
BSc
20
6
3
Socio-economics, Health and Socio-cultural

issues
Socio-economics, Health and Socio-cultural
issues
GIS Expert
Logistics/Administration
Policy/Legislation/Regulations
BSc
MSc
10
MSc
BSc
LLB
20
8
25
1.8 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA PROJECT REPORT

In carrying out the project, and considering the national legislative and regulatory
requirements for EIAs, TKBV shall seek to:
a) Identify, evaluate and propose suggested mitigation measures for potential
environmental impacts of the proposed project on the various biophysical and socioeconomic structures of the area;
b) Assess and analyse the environmental costs and benefits associated with the
proposed project;
c) Outline environmental management plans and monitoring mechanisms during the
project execution phase;
9
d) Ensure that concerns and aspirations of the local community are addressed in all
stages of the project cycle;
e) Ensure that the project activities do not in any way interfere with the environmental
sustainability of the area. This is ensured by giving due consideration to:
Rare, endangered and endemic flora and fauna and the ecosystems
in and around the project area;
Local communities and land tenure systems;
Sensitive historical, archaeological and cultural sites.
f) Put in place mitigation and monitoring measures that will ensure that any potential
negative impacts arising from activities of the project are eliminated or reduced at the
earliest opportunity to obviate any harmful effect to the environment;
g) Boost the economy by providing jobs and trading opportunities to the local
community in the region.
1.9 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

The following are the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the EIA:
To hold meetings with the project proponent to establish the procedures, define
requirements, responsibilities and a time frame for the proposed project;
To carry out a systematic environmental and social impact assessment of the proposed
exploratory oil and gas well drilling programme within the project area, following the
National Environment Management Authority legislative and regulatory requirements and
best international practice for an activity of this nature;
To provide a description of the proposed activities throughout the entire implementation
process of the proposed project with special focus on potential impacts to the
surrounding environment and the socio-economic fabric of the local communities;
To produce an Environmental Impact Assessment Project Report that contains the
details of potential negative impacts, together with recommendations for their mitigation
and/or prevention, as well as positive impacts and recommendations for enhancing
and/or encouraging them;
To develop an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan for the proposed
project.
1.10 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT

The structure of the report is based on that proposed in the NEMA EIA Guidelines (2002),
and is indicated in Table 1.1 below.
Table 1.2: Structure of the EIA Project Report
Chapter
1
Title
Introduction
Contents
Introduction to the project area; identification and activities of
the project proponent in other regions; project background,
objectives and justification; purpose of the EIA and objectives
of the report; the EIA team; TOR for the report.
10
Project Description
The technology and processes to be used in the

implementation of the project; workforce requirements; the
materials to be used in the construction and implementation of
the project; the products, by-products and waste generated by
the project.
Methodology
Legal and Regulatory

Framework
Methods used in carrying out the assessment; identification of

gaps in knowledge and uncertainties, which were encountered
in compiling the information.
A concise description of the national environmental, legislative
and regulatory framework, and international best practices.
Baseline Environmental
Parameters of the Project Area
Description of the potentially affected environment within the

framework of the proposed EIA; assessment of existing (preproject) impacts and potential (project and residual) impacts.
Analysis of Project Alternatives
Alternative technologies, processes available, and reasons for

preferring the chosen technology and processes.
Environmental Impact
Assessment
Environmental effects of the project including the social,

economic and cultural effects and the direct, indirect,
cumulative irreversible, short-term and long-term effects
anticipated.
Environmental
Plan
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
Environmental management plan proposing the measures for

eliminating, minimizing or mitigating adverse impacts on the
environment, including the 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 course 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.
Summary of the conclusions and key recommendations from
the EIA.
List of references and websites referred to in the text.
Referenc
es
Appendi
ces
Management
and
1.
Minutes of meetings
2.
Copies
results
3.
Certificates
4.
Pin Number and VAT

certificate
5.
Other relevant documents
of
laboratory
Minutes of meetings held with communities, community

leaders and other stakeholders in the project area.
Laboratory results for samples collected in the field (water
quality, soil chemistry)
Certificates of the consultants and the company doing the EIA
project report.
Pin number and VAT certificates of the proponent
Relevant copies of the PSC contract with the Government of

Kenya and certificate of registration.
11
CHAPTER 2
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
2.1 INTRODUCTION
TKBV is planning to undertake an exploratory drilling project comprising a number of
exploratory wells to verify presence of oil and natural gas in the project area of interest,
which lies within Block 13T. The Block covers Central Pokot, Turkana Central, Loima and
parts of Turkana South districts.
The objective of the project is to check for the presence of hydrocarbons based on the
delineation of potential hydrocarbons traps considered present due to analysis of recently
acquired seismic data. Details provided in this report are on project activities, personnel and
support requirements. Information on various discharges, emissions and waste likely to be
produced from project activities are described as well as management policies put in place
to mitigate any impacts that may arise from them.
2.2 PROJECT LOCATION

The project area of interest lies in parts of Central Pokot, Turkana South, Loima and Turkana
Central districts (Figure 1.2).
The area has poorly maintained murram and earth roads which are impassable during rainy
seasons because they are criss-crossed by luggas or traverse through luggas and river flood
plains.
2.3 QUALITY ASSURANCE OF DESIGN

In surface and sub-surface development with large spatial structural variability, such as in
the project, certain basic parameters must be reasonably and accurately defined in the
overall project specification, and adhered to, to ensure full realisation of the project
objectives. TKBV will therefore plan to meet the following quality objectives:
Compliance with statutory requirements, both locally and internationally;
The systems must meet the performance requirements;
Production availability;
Environmental and safety considerations;
Operability and maintainability;
Extendibility; and
Use of innovative technology.
2.4 OVERVIEW OF EXPLORATORY DRILLING PROGRAMME

Exploratory drilling is undertaken to verify if geological formations have accumulations of
hydrocarbons, and if the site can produce enough oil and gas to make it economically viable
to proceed with further development. Exploratory drilling is a temporary and short duration
activity, taking between 90 to 120 days under normal conditions. Exploratory drilling
operations are conducted from a drilling rig.
12
The depth of the well determines:
the size of the drilling rig,

the number of employees, and
the duration of the drilling operation
The proposed drilling sites, which will measure 450m x 250m, will incorporate: the drilling rig
pad, working area, accommodation facilities, waste management facilities, water reservoir
(120mx130m), kitchen facilities, power generation facilities, a lay-down area for storage of
bulk mud and cement, dry process materials, pipe rack, machinery, and secondary
operations such as welding, painting and machining. The site will also include medical and
emergency response facilities and security personnel quarters.
13
Table 2.1: Table of drill rig parts

PART
Crown block
Derrick
Travelling
block
Swivel
Standpipe
Kelly
Rotary drive
Draw works
Blowout
prevention
equipment
Mud pump
Engines
Mud pit
Drill pipe
Casing
Cement
Drill bit
Figure 2.1: Drilling rig showing key components.

(Source:http://www.consrv.ca.gov/dog/picture_a_well/Pages/qh_drill_rig.aspx)
FUNCTION
An assembly of sheaves or pulleys mounted on beams at the top of the derrick. The drilling
line is run over the sheaves down to the draw works.
A large load-bearing structure, usually bolted construction of metal beams. In drilling, the
standard derrick has four legs standing at the corners of the substructure and reaching to the
crown block. The substructure is an assembly of heavy beams used to elevate the derrick and
provide space underneath to install the blowout preventer, casing head, and other equipment.
An arrangement of pulleys or sheaves which moves up or down in the derrick through which
the drilling cable is strung to the rotary drive
A mechanical device that suspends the weight of the drill pipe, provides for the rotation of the
drill pipe beneath it while keeping the upper portion stationary, and permits the flow of drilling
mud from the standpipe without leaking
A rigid metal conduit that provides the pathway for drilling mud to travel about one-third of the
way up the derrick, where it connects to a flexible hose (kelly` hose), which then connects to
the swivel
The heavy square or hexagonal steel member suspended from the swivel through the rotary
table and connected to the topmost section of drill pipe to turn the drill pipe as the rotary table
turns
The machine used to impart rotational power to the drill string while permitting vertical
movement of the pipe for drilling. Modern rotary machines have a special component, the
rotary or master bushing, to turn the kelly bushing, which permits up and down movement of
the kelly while the drill pipe is turning
The hoisting mechanism on a drilling rig. It is a large winch that spools off or takes in the
drilling cable or line, which raises or lowers the drill pipe and drill bit
The assembly of well control equipment including preventers, spools, valves, and nipples
connected to the top of the wellhead to prevent the uncontrolled escape of oil or gas during
drilling operations.
A large, high-pressure reciprocating pump used to circulate the mud on a drilling rig
Any of various types of power units such as a hydraulic, internal combustion, air, or electric
motor that develops energy or imparts rotary motion that can be used to power other machines
Originally, an open pit dug in the ground to hold drilling mud or waste materials such as well
bore cuttings or mud sediments.
The heavy seamless steel tubing used to rotate the drill bit and circulate the drilling mud. Each
section of drill pipe is about 30 feet long and is fastened together by means of threaded tool
joints
Heavy steel pipe that lines the walls of the hole to prevent the wall of the hole from caving in,
to prevent movement of fluids from one formation to another, and to aid in well control
Used to fill the space between the wall of the hole and the casing. Together with the casing,
this prevents caving of the hole, prevents movement of fluids (water, oil, or gas) between rock
layers, confines production to the well bore, and provides a means to control pressure
The cutting or boring element used in drilling oil and gas wells. Most bits used in rotary drilling
are roller-cone bits. The bit consists of the cutting elements and the circulating element. The
circulating element permits the passage of drilling fluid and uses the hydraulic force of the
drilling mud to improve drilling rates
14
The drilling process generally uses drilling bits of different sizes to drill a series of concentric
holes from the surface to the planned well depth. A drilling fluid (drilling mud) is circulated
within the drill string to the bit. The mud that will be used is water based. The primary
function of the drilling mud system is the removal of cuttings from the well and the control of
formation pressures. Other functions of the mud system include sealing permeable
formation; maintaining well bore stability; cooling, lubricating and supporting the drill bit and
assembly; and transmitting hydraulic energy to tools and bit. The drilling fluid is prepared by
on site mixing of mud additives and chemicals to the desired concentrations in water. A well
is drilled in sections, with the diameter of each section decreasing with increasing depth, as
shown in Table 2.2 and Figure 2.2.
Drilling of a well is spudded with a 36" surface hole drilled using water mixed with bentonite,
which is pumped at a very high rate down the drill string to force drill cuttings up the annulus
and out onto the surface. Once drilled, a 30" conductor is cemented into place to ensure
structural integrity of the well. The subsequent sections of the hole are then drilled in a
similar manner before cementing in place a further casing strings. This allows installation of
a wellhead and the necessary equipment.
Once the wellhead and necessary equipment are installed, the subsequent well sections are
drilled with circulating drilling mud and the cuttings returned to the rig for separation of the
mud prior to discharge.
As each section is drilled, a casing is run and cemented into place ready for drilling the next
smaller diameter section. The drill cuttings are returned to the rig with the circulating mud
and passed through a solids control package for separation of the mud from the cuttings.
Table 2.2: Well depths for proposed wells
Hole size (in)
Average depth (m)
Casing Size (in)
Proposed mud system
36
26
17
12
7
140
140 to 5000
500 to 1290
1290 to 2200
2200 to 3000
30
20
131/2
9 5/8
7
Water with bentonite

Water with bentonite
Water based mud
Water based mud
Water based mud
15
Figure 2.2: Schematic structure of the proposed casing design of exploration wells
16
The activities undertaken during exploratory oil and gas well drilling are as follows:
2.4.1 Site Preparation

Site preparation activities would consist of clearing the existing access route/cut line and
minimal vegetation clearing within the existing Right of Way. A series of civil works will take
place during the site preparation stage. A chain-link perimeter fence measuring 1.5 km per
site will be erected followed by an earth berm around the drill sites measuring about 1.5
metres in height. Other works will include excavations of the drilling water reservoirs with a
capacity of 6,500 M3 per site and lining of the pits with HDPE lining material. Further works
will include excavation of drill cut pits measuring 130m long x 2.4m depth (the bottom
sections of the pits will measure 8 m x 13 m) per site; the drilling area foundation that will
entail removal of topsoil and murram core placement before damp proofing with a HDP-DPM
at 300mm, followed by overlaying murram and compaction. The drill pad will be constructed
to specifications using reinforced concrete, around the conductor pipe, accommodation and
office facilities, and water reservoir among others. An access road will be built from the
existing road to the proposed site.
2.4.2 Drill rig specifications and crew facilities

TKBV has contracted the services of Weatherford Drilling International (WDI) for the duration
of the project. They are a reputable service provider in the industry with many years of global
experience. WDI will provide the 804 Rig, a medium-duty 1,500 hp rig of the IDM Quicksilver
design that can drill to 5,000m. A one-page specification sheet is included for further details
about the rig to be used (section 6.2.2). The rig, commissioned in 2008, has been equipped
with the latest, modern drilling technology.
Working areas/ offices and accommodation facilities will be sited adjacent to the rig to
facilitate operations and accommodation of the personnel working at the drilling site.
2.4.3 Rigging-up
The process involves assembling and erecting the drilling tower (derrick/ mast) and
associated equipment. The tower is known as a mast (if tower is part of a tractor-trailer and
is jacked up as a unit) or a derrick (if the tower is constructed on site). The towers,
constructed of structural steel, sit on a flat steel surface called the drill or derrick floor.
Equipment involved is designed for rapid assembly and economy of labour. For this project,
equipment will be transported to the site via trucks and offloaded by winch and skid
techniques by using cranes. Before the rig is assembled, spudding-in of the starter hole will
have been augered.
2.4.4 Drilling Techniques

There are a number of techniques used in oil and gas drilling. Several methods used are as
shown in the table below. The bore trajectory could be straight hole/vertical, directional/
horizontal. A well bore is typically drilled in a series of progressively smaller-diameter
intervals with the well bore exhibiting the largest diameter at the surface and smallest
diameter at the end of the bore (see section 2.4: Overview of Exploratory Drilling
Programme).
17
Table 2.3: Shows various drilling techniques

DRILLING
TECHNIQUE
Cable Tool Drilling
Auger Drilling
Rotary Drilling
It is the simplest
way to drill and it
creates
shallow
wells in soft beds of
rock. A bit held to a
long steel cable by
an iron rod called a
stem is raised and
dropped repetitively.
The force of the
drop drives the bit
deeper and deeper
into the ground. The
jagged bit crushes
soil and rock and
the drillers must
occasionally pull it
out to pour water in
the opening to flush
it out. The bailer, a
long pipe, takes out
the water and loose
rocks and soil
-Method uses a
helical screw, which
is driven into the
ground with rotation;
the earth is lifted up
the borehole by the
blade of the screw.
-Method commonly
used environmental
drilling, geotechnical
drilling,
soil
engineering
and
geochemistry
reconnaissance
work in exploration
for mineral deposits.
Rotary drilling uses
a sharp, rotating drill
bit to dig down
through the earth's
crust. The basic
rotary drilling system
consists of
four
groups
of
components.
The
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
-Low
capital
investment
-Low maintenance
and
operational
costs
-Minimal
crosscontamination
-Water is the only
media required for
cuttings removal
-Large
diameter
holes
can
be
drilled.
-Drilling is slow in hard

formations
-Boulders are difficult to
drive casing through,
often requiring the use
of dynamite
-Casing
penetration
rates decrease with
depth
in
a
given
formation
-Casing retrieval is slow
-Noise and vibration can
be significant and of
special concern when
drilling in populated
areas or near sensitive
structures, and can have
longer term negative
impact
on
operator
hearing
-Shortage
of
experienced cable tool
drillers
-Drilling is restricted to
generally
soft
unconsolidated material
or weak weathered rock
-It is cheap and

fast. Requires low
operating costs
-Has
fast
penetration rates in
suitable formations
and
no
contamination
of
samples by fluids
18
a. Compressed air
drilling
b. Rotary Drilling
with Mud
prime
movers,
hoisting equipment,
rotating equipment,
and
circulating
equipment
all
combine to make
rotary
drilling
possible.
Compressed
air
drilling employs a
rotary drilling rig that
uses air rather than
drilling
mud
to
remove drill cuttings.
The drilling rig and
operations
are
identical to those of
a rotary drilling rig,
except that there is
no
drilling
mud
circulating system.
Instead of mud, air
is pumped down the
drill string and out
the drill bit, forcing
cuttings up and out
of the well bore.
Compressed
air
drilling is typically
used
in
low
permeability
and
porosity
reservoir
intervals where oil or
water
is
not
expected
to
be
encountered during
drilling. If (or when)
natural
gas
is
encountered during
drilling, the gas may
be safely combusted
at the drill site using
a flaring device over
a waste containment
pit.
Bentonite
and
synthetic stabilizers
are mixed with water
and circulated in the
borehole.
The
resultant
fluid
commonly referred
-Faster
rate
of
penetration (R.O.P)
(2-5 times faster
than on Mud)
-Improved deviation
control (light WOB)
-Minimal formation
damage
in
Production section
-Effective Pressure
Control
through
Lost
Circulation
Zones
-Detection of Low
Pressure Zones
-Faster return of
drilled
cuttings
(formation
evaluation)
-Overall Lower Cost
per Foot
-High Annular Velocity is

required
to
carry
cuttings up the hole
-Formation
Pressure
Control is minimal
-Cannot drill when H2S
zones are present
-Danger of down-hole
fires limited
-Applications: geological
regions with mature,
stable and relatively dry
formations (water influx
limitations)
-Hole penetration is
very fast in some
clay, sand and
shale formations
-No
temporary
casing is required
-Fluid pressure in
Requires mud mixing

equipment and dug pits
or metal tanks for
circulation
Requires significant
amounts of water on
location to mix initially
19
to as mud or drilling
mud, is used to cake
and stabilize the
borehole wall. The
mass of the fluid
also
provides
pressure in the hole,
which helps to keep
it open.
the hole can help

control
heaving
sands
-Low horsepower
requirement
and maintain circulation
Requires
a
fundamental knowledge
of
bentonite
and
additives needed to
achieve
adequate
penetration rates and
stabilize formations
-More difficult to identify
water bearing zones,
especially in low flow
formations
-Loss
of
circulation
zones can cause aquifer
contamination
and
dramatically
increase
bentonite costs
-Mud may plug the
aquifer
and
cause
decreased production
-Driller still bears the risk
of hole collapse or swell,
resulting in possible loss
of drill string or jamming
of
casing
during
installation
-Disposal of mud after
hole is completed can
be inconvenient and
costly
-Freezing temperatures
make working with mud
more difficult
-Foam
has
excellent cuttings
carrying capacity.
-During
connections (break
in circulation) the
cuttings will remain
suspended in the
annulus.
-Holding
Back
Pressure
on
Annulus can help
reduce water influx
and/or
maintain
hole-wall stability.
-Surface requirements
(pits) for Foam can
become a problem.
-Large pits have to be
built to contain the Foam
and allow time for
settling.
-Chemical cost to break
down Foam can become
expensive.
-Large influx of Fluids
can break down Foam
and thus reduce hole
cleaning
The drilling fluid is

circulated down the
hole through the drill
pipe, where it exits
through ports in the
bit. The drilling mud
flushes the cuttings
away from the face
of the bit and carries
them up the annulus
to
the
surface.
Reverse circulation
with mud is also
possible. In either
case, once the mud
reaches the surface,
it feeds into a
settling tank where
the cuttings are
separated from the
mud before it is
circulated down the
hole again.
c. Foam /Polymer
Drilling
Foam
drilling is
similar to air drilling
but
mixes
detergents with the
air and a small
volume of water to
form foam that is
better at removing
cuttings and water
from the well.
20
The rotary drilling with mud method will be used for the project. The well will be straight hole
/ vertical since the selected project sites are sparsely populated and are not built up which
would call for the use of directional/slant/ horizontal drilling. It is also the most efficient and
cost-effective manner in which to reach the sub-surface targets.
2.4.5 Casing Operation

Casing or lining of the well is undertaken to ensure the integrity of the wellbore throughout
the drilling and production operation stages. Casing consists of a stacked series of metal
pipes installed into the new well in order to strengthen the walls of the well hole, to prevent
fluids and gases from seeping out of the well as it is brought to the surface, and to prevent
other fluids or gases from entering the rock formations through which the well was drilled. A
well casing extends from the surface to the bottom of the well and consists typically of a
steel pipe. Casing with a diameter slightly smaller than that of the well hole is inserted into
the well, and wet cement slurry is pumped between the casing and the sides of the well.
Casing is installed as the well is progressively drilled deeper. The top interval of the well,
extending from the surface to a depth below the lowermost drinking water zone, is the first to
be completed, being cemented from the surface to below the drinking water zone. Next, a
smaller diameter hole is drilled to a lower depth, and then that segment is completed. This
process may be repeated several times until the final drilling depth is reached.
2.4.6 Well Logging

Logging is a process that deals with performing tests during or after the drilling process to
allow geologists and drill operators to conduct the following:
Monitor drilling process progress in order to gain a clearer picture of subsurface

formations;
Identify specific rock layers, in particular those that represent target zones for further
exploration;
Ensure that the correct drilling equipment, materials, and supplies (such as drilling
mud), are being used; and
Ensure that drilling is not continued if unfavorable surface or subsurface conditions
develop.
There are two commonly used types of logging, which are: sample and wireline. Sample
logging consists of examining and recording the physical aspects of the rock penetrated by a
well by analysing the cuttings returned to the surface by the circulating system. Wireline
logging consists of lowering a device used to measure the electrical, acoustic, or radiological
properties of the rock layers into the down-hole portion of the well to provide an estimate of
the fluid content and characteristics of the various rock layers through which the well passes.
2.4.7 Well Testing

If the results of logging indicate a potential for hydrocarbon-bearing formations the well may
be tested. During well tests, formation fluids will be brought to the surface where pressure,
temperature and flow rate measurements will be made to evaluate the characteristics of well
performance.
Once the required drilling depth is achieved, the following processes may be undertaken:
Well completion, well suspension or abandonment.
21
The well testing objectives will include: establishing productivity of the identified reservoir
unit(s); production interference test to assess connectivity of the formations; calibration of
sub-surface static and dynamic models; determination of flow barriers/discontinuities, if any;
determination of near well-bore properties such as permeability and skin; collection of
representative dead oil samples for flow assurance and assay studies; and evaluation of
ESP performance. Where well-testing is to occur this will generally not exceed 5 days; welltest fluids will be flared. Produced water will be cleaned to the required standard and
discharged offsite.
2.4.8 Flaring
Flaring is the controlled burning of hydrocarbons during a well test. This burning occurs at
the end of a flare stack. Flaring disposes of the gas and oil and releases greenhouse gases
in to the atmosphere. Flare systems are used throughout the petroleum industry around the
world during well testing.
After testing, which includes separating the oil and gas (see section 2.4.7), the hydrocarbons
will be sent to the burner boom for disposal by flaring, as this is the only practical handling
option for these hydrocarbons. Flaring may be initiated using diesel to ignite the mixture and
to give a clean burn. It is intended to use a high efficiency burner to flare the oil during well
testing and minimise as far as practical the release of un-burnt hydrocarbons.
A flare is normally visible and generates both noise and heat. During flaring, the burned gas
and oil generates mainly water vapour and carbon dioxide. Efficient combustion of the flame
depends on achieving good mixing between oil and compressed air from a compressor. The
gas will give a clean burn because the heavy-ends will be in the oil phase due to separation
in the separator.
2.4.9 Well completion or well suspension

Once the well has been tested and verified to be commercially viable, it can be completed or
suspended to allow future production.
2.4.10 Well suspension or abandonment

If little / no hydrocarbons are detected, the well will be plugged and abandoned. Once the
wells have been plugged (with cement), the casing will be cut below the ground level and a
plate, made of steel, welded to the top of the casing. The top-hole section will be back-filled
and a place marker installed on the surface indicating the position of the abandoned well.
If sufficient hydrocarbons are detected and tested, the well will be suspended. During
suspension of the wells, bridge-plugs and cement plugs will be placed and tested across any
open (perforated) hydrocarbon-bearing formations. This will be accomplished by pumping
cement slurry to the desired location within the wellbore. A kill string can be run on with a
tubing hanger before a plug is set in the wellhead. (This will allow the contents of the
wellbore to circulate out at time of possible future re-entry). The wellhead equipment will
remain in place and will be fitted with a purpose-designed flange and pressure gauge
assembly that will allow the build-up of any pressure to be monitored.
22
2.5 DRILLING MUD SYSTEM

Drilling fluids/mud is used extensively in the upstream oil and gas industry, and is critical to
ensuring a safe and productive oil or gas well. There are two primary types of drilling
fluids/mud used during the drilling process. These are: water based drilling mud (WBM), and
non-aqueous drilling mud (NADM) (Neff et al., 2000; OGP, 2003). WBMs have either fresh
water or salt water as the primary fluid phase, while NADMs have either refined oil or
synthetic materials as the primary fluid phase. Drilling mud is circulated through the inside of
the drill string out the bit nozzles, and all the way up from the borehole back to the active
mud system for recirculation.
Functions of the drilling mud include:
Counteracting formation pressure,
Preventing formation fluids from flooding the well-bore
Removing cuttings from the borehole
Cooling and lubricating the drill string and bit.
Protecting, supporting, and stabilizing the borehole wall.
Protecting permeable zones from damage
The drilling fluid to be used for this project will be Water Based Mud (WBM) prepared by
mixing mud additives and chemicals on site to the desired concentrations in fresh water. The
mud will consist of fresh water, weighting agent (barite: BaSO4), bentonite, and various
inorganic salts, inert solids, and organic additives to modify the physical properties of the
mud so that it functions optimally.
WBM ingredients can be divided into the functional categories shown in the table below:
Table 2.4: Shows the functional categories of materials used in WBM, their functions, and
examples of typical chemicals in each category.
Functional Category
Weighting material
Viscosifiers
Thinners, dispersants, and

temperature stability agents
Flocculants
Filtrate reducers
Function
Increase density (weight) of
mud, balancing formation
pressure, preventing a
blowout
Increase viscosity of mud to
suspend cuttings and
weighting agent in mud
Deflocculate clays to optimize
viscosity and gel strength of
mud
Increase viscosity and gel
strength of clays or clarify or
de-water low solids mud.
Decrease fluid loss to the
formation through the filter
Typical Chemicals
Barite, hematite, calcite, ilmenite
Bentonite or attapulgite clay,

carboxymethyl cellulose and other
polymers
Tannins, polyphosphates, lignite,
lignosulfonates
Inorganic salts, hydrated lime,
gypsum, sodium carbonate and
bicarbonate, sodium tetraphosphate,
acrylamide based polymers
Bentonite clay, lignite, Nacarboxymethyl cellulose,
23
Alkalinity, pH control
additives
Lost circulation materials
Lubricants
Shale control materials
Emulsifiers and surfactants
Bactericides
Defoamers
Pipe-freeing agents
Calcium reducers
Corrosion inhibitors
Temperature stability agents
cake on the wellbore wall

Optimize pH and alkalinity of
mud, controlling mud
properties
Plug leaks in the wellbore
wall, preventing loss of whole
drilling mud to the formation
Reduce torque and drag on
the drill sting
Control hydration of shale that
causes swelling and
dispersion of shale, collapsing
wellbore wall
Facilitate formation of stable
dispersion of insoluble liquids
in water phase mud
Prevent biodegradation of
organic additives
Reduce mud foaming
Prevent pipe from sticking to

wellbore wall or free stuck
pipe
Counteract effects of calcium
from seawater, cement,
formation anhydrites, and
gypsum and mud properties
Prevent corrosion of drill string
by formation acids and acid
gases
Increase stability of mud
dispersions, emulsions and
rheological properties at high
temperatures
polyacrylate, pregelatinized starch

Lime (CaO), caustic soda (NaOH),
soda ash (Na2CO3), sodium
bicarbonate (NaHCO3), and other
acids and bases
Nut shells, natural fibrous materials,
inorganic solids, and other inert
insoluble solids
Oils, synthetic liquids, graphite,
surfactants, glycols, glycerine
Soluble calcium and potassium salts
other inorganic salts and organics
such as glycols
Anionic, cationic, or non-ionic
detergents, soaps, organic acids, and
water-based detergents
Glutaraldehyde and other aldehydes
Alcohols, silicones, aluminium
stearate ( C54H105AlO6), alkyl
phosphates
Detergents, soaps, oils, surfactants
Sodium carbonate and bicarbonate

(Na2CO3& NaHCO3), sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), polyphosphates
Amines, phosphates, specialty
mixtures
Acrylic or sulfonated polymers or
copolymers, lignite, lignosulfonate,
tannins
WBM is pumped from the mud tanks on the pad down the hollow drill pipe and exits the drill
string through holes in the drill bit. It sweeps cuttings from the drill bit up the space between
the drill string and the wall of the well (the annulus) to the platform deck. The mud/cuttings
mixture is passed through separation equipment that separates the cuttings from the drilling
mud, which is returned to the mud tanks for recirculation down-hole.
When drill cuttings and drilling mud reach the surface during drilling, they are separated by
means of Solids Control Equipment (SCE), whose function is to recover useful mud, so it
can be re-circulated into the hole. There are several technologies used to remove the solids
from the drilling mud.
The separation of WBM and cuttings is mainly based on particle size and relies on shale
shakers, hydrocyclones, and a decanting centrifuge.
24
Figure 2.3: illustrates various waste separation stages based on particle sizes (Adapted from
Neff, J. M. 2005)
Most cuttings are sand/gravel-sized and are easily recovered on the shale shaker, while siltand clay- sized cuttings are separated from the barite and bentonite of WBM by use of
hydrocyclones and centrifuges due to their sizes. Proper disposal of cuttings and waste
fluids has been discussed under waste management.
2.6
WATER SUPPLY
The project area of interest lacks a quality assured water supply network and the water
available is sourced from shallow wells, shallow to deep boreholes (at Katilu and Kasuroi),
rivers (Turkwel) and luggas. Low and unpredictable rainfall has resulted in scarcity of water
in the area. Water will be required for potable use, domestic use and drilling use. TKBV
constructed a borehole in Nakukulas area for use in Ngamia 1 drilling operations and it has
been proposed that the borehole will supply water to Twiga 1, one of the proposed well sites,
that is not far from the area. Drilling will require a lot of water; therefore, TKBV will drill water
boreholes at/close to the drilling sites to be the main source of water for the drilling
operations. Quality levels for the water will not be critical so long as water is not too saline.
Any unforeseen water shortages can be met by having a contingency plan to truck in from
other sources water that can be stored on site and used when required.
25
2.7
EMISSION AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
Drilling of exploratory wells is the only sure way of confirming the presence of hydrocarbons
in an identified promising geological structure. During the drilling program, huge quantities of
solid (mainly crushed rocks) and liquid (sludge) waste are generated in addition to noise and
air emissions. Therefore, the proposed exploratory drilling operation will likely result in the
generation of solid waste, liquid waste, noise and air emissions.
2.7.1 Emissions
a) Air Emissions
Air emissions will arise from both direct and indirect sources: Direct emission sources will
include rig power generation, vehicles and machinery, and flaring (burning of crude and gas)
during well testing (if undertaken). Indirect emissions will include fugitive emissions such as
chemical leaks, increased vehicle traffic, manufacturing emissions (necessary mud,
chemicals, machinery, etc.).
The principal atmospheric emissions from these sources normally include carbon dioxide
(CO2), methane (CH4), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide
(CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). CO2 and CH4 are classified as two of the
principal greenhouse gases (GHGs) (see table below).
Table 2.5: Summarises the environmental impacts of different atmospheric releases:
Type of emission
Environmental Impact
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
A GHG that is believed to contribute to climate

change
Methane (CH4)
Enhances low level ozone production, indirectly
contributing to climate change
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Enhances low level ozone production, indirectly
contributing to climate change
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)
Contributes to acid deposition/acid rain and toxic
gas
Volatile
organic Hydrocarbons
may
promote
formation of
compounds (VOCs)
photochemical oxidants. These are also known to
be or suspected to be carcinogenic
Flaring emission from possible well test operations will likely produce the greatest levels of
non-methane VOCs, as well as CH4, SOX, NOX and CO. The hydrocarbons burned during
potential well tests are likely to result in a significant contribution to atmospheric emissions
from the operations, although each well test event would be relatively short-lived.
Fugitive (indirect) emissions could arise from loading and unloading, chemical use, spills,
leaks from seals and flanges, poor housekeeping practices (for example containers left
unsealed) and from small-scale engineering and maintenance operations such as welding.
These emissions will be of small volumes and short-lived. They can be minimised by good
26
maintenance practices, by following operational controls for the loading and unloading of
materials and by maintaining good housekeeping on the rig.
To minimise unnecessary emission generation, the proponent will ensure that there is
extensive pre-planning to ensure that the required equipment, materials and personnel are
available at the right location and at the correct time.
b) Noise emissions
The drilling rig will produce low-frequency noise which will originate from the top drive, drawworks, shale shakers, mud pumps, generators, trucks, forklifts, pipe handling, among others.
2.7.2 Wastes
In Oil and Gas Exploration and Production, the term waste can be defined as any
unavoidable material resulting from an up-stream operation for which there is no economic
demand and which must be disposed of (Bashat, 2003).
a) Types of wastes
During the exploratory well drilling, several types of wastes will be generated, namely:
domestic waste from offices and accommodation area; special waste which is hazardous to
health and/or the environment; and industrial waste generated during petroleum activities
and which is neither domestic nor special. The waste can be categorised into two main
groups, i.e., operational wastes and domestic wastes. Table 2.6 shows the common wastes
and their environmentally significant constituents.
27
Table 2.6: Shows the common wastes and their environmentally significant constituents.
CATEGORY
TYPE OF WASTE
Domestic sewage
Domestic
Domestic refuse
Drainage
Process water
Gases
MAIN WASTE
COMPONENT
Biodegradable organic
matter
Packing materials, cleaning
materials, garbage, garden
leftovers, kitchen waste
Rain water
Engine cooling water, brake
cooling water, wash water
POSSIBLE
ENVIRONMENTALLY
SIGNIFACNT
CONSITITUENTS
BOD, solids, detergents,
coliform bacteria
Plastics, glass, organic waste
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons, Detergents
Vent gases
H2S, CO2, hydrocarbons
Flare gases
NOX, SO2, COX, carbon

particulate
Blow down from bulk

chemicals
Dust, well fluids
Vapours
Hydrocarbons
Fugitive gases
Volatile organic compounds

(VOC)
particulate
Inorganic salts, biocides,
hydrocarbons, solids/cutting,
BOD, organics
Cement slurries
Exhaust gases from

engines
Natural clays, natural
polymers (starches,
carboxyl methyl cellulose)
Powders of sodium
bicarbonate, potassium
bicarbonate, and/or
monoammonium phosphate
Lube oil, grease
Mineral oils, detergents,
surfactants
Weighting materials
Cement mix
Salts, thinner, viscosifiers
Spent / contaminated
water-based mud
Whole mud, mineral oil,

biodegradable matter
Spent bulk chemicals
Cement, bentonite, barite,

viscosifiers, thinner, fluid
loss reducers
Heavy metals, hydrocarbons,

organics, solids
Spent specialty
products
H2S Scavengers
Zinc carbonates, iron oxides
Defoamers
Hydrocarbons, silicon oils,

Potassium salts, radioactive
materials
Heavy metals, metals,
plastics
Acid, heavy metals, PCB,
Drilling waste (from

drilling mud)
Fire-fighting agents
Operational
Waste lubricants
Spacers
Tracers
Industrial refuse
Energy sources
Scrap, cleaning materials,

packing material
Batteries/generators
Fine dust, CFCs

Heavy metal organics
Hydrocarbon, alcohol,
aromatics
Heavy metals
Heavy metals
Heavy metals, inorganic salts,
biocides, hydrocarbons,
solids/cutting, BOD, organics
28
Refrigerants
CFCs
Clean-up process
equipment
Formation fines, oils,

sludges, biodegradable
organic matter
Industrial refuse
Used steel and plastic

pipes, scrap iron wires

particulate
CFCs
Inorganic salts, heavy metals,
solids, organics, BOD,
sulphides, corrosion,
inhibitors, demulsifiers, wax
inhibitors, scale inhibitors,
detergents, PCB,
hydrocarbons, phenols, PAH
Metals, plastics
b) Waste Management and Disposal Methods

Waste (liquid and solid) associated with the exploratory drilling operations includes wastes
derived from actual drilling activities (well cuttings, drilling mud, formation water, cement
slurry residue, oil cushions etc.), those derived from maintenance of machines and
equipment and the wastes derived from life at the rig site.
Management and disposal methods for drilling waste are largely dependent on the waste
characteristics and regulatory requirements. Methodologies in use are typically limited by
ecological, technical or economic factors. Responsible waste management can be
accomplished through a hierarchical application of the practices of source reduction, reuse,
recycling, recovery, treatment and responsible disposal (E&P Forum, 1993).
All wastes should be sorted, compacted where practical and stored according to type and
disposal route. Hazardous or special waste should be stored in appropriate containers
separately from non-hazardous wastes. Any transfer of waste from the rig should be
adequately documented.
c) Drilling Waste Management
Where drilling waste treatment processes are undertaken, the process is usually aimed at
reducing waste's toxicity and/or hazardous properties through chemical, physical, thermal or
biological processes. Several methods exist under each of the mentioned broader treatment
methods. Table 2.7 illustrates some of the approaches used for waste treatment.
29
Table 2.7: Waste management approaches

METHOD
DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION
Surface discharge
Used for low toxicity aqueous waste streams
Injection
Involves pumping of waste fluids or slurries down a

well into suitable underground formations for
disposal. Wastes disposed of using this method
include: produced water, process water, blowdown
liquids, cooling water, and waste drilling fluids.
Injection methods include mainly annular injection
and downhole injection
Biotreatment methods
Involves the use of indigenous and/or enhanced

bacteria for the remediation/breakdown of
contaminants, and applies mostly to organic
compounds. Biotreatment methods include land
farming, land spreading, compositing, biological
treatment in tanks
Thermal treatment methods
Available options include incineration, used as

Alternative Fuels and Raw Materials (AFR) in
cement kilns, open burning and thermal desorption
systems
Involves the mixing of the drilling waste with a
cement-based mixture to achieve the immobilisation
of the contaminants and/or
the
chemical
stabilisation of the mixture
Designed to accommodate burial of large volumes of
waste
Use of earthen or lined pits for onsite management
of drilling solids, evaporation and storage of
produced water, workover/ completion fluids and
emergency containment of produced fluids
Once the operation concludes, pits are used to
dispose of stabilised wastes from drilling and
production processes.
Use of solvents (CO2, propane, hexane,
triethylamine, methylene chloride, among others) to
extract oil from oily solids or sludges
Solidification,
Encapsulation
stabilisation
and
Landfills
Pits, and burial
Solvent extraction
The method of choice for drilling waste management will be physical separation via screens/
shale shakers to remove large particles, and passing through a rotary bowl-decanting
centrifuge to remove fine solid particles. Cleaned cuttings will be combined with subsoil and
placed in trenches beneath the topsoil layer. Drilling mud cleaned of cuttings will be pumped
back into the mud tanks for recirculation and reuse. Due to the scarcity of water in the
project area and compliance with environmental/ resource sustainability, water utilized in the
drilling process will be treated and recycled.
30
2.8 DECOMMISSIONING/ABANDONMENT
2.8.1 General activities
The proposed exploratory drilling programme will run for a short duration (approximately 120
days). Upon completion of the drilling and testing, the rig will be decommissioned and
mobilised to another well site, then site decommissioning and restoration will be undertaken.
The following are some of the activities involved in decommissioning:
Removal and site clean-up;

Well casing and disposal of waste according to laid-down guidelines on waste
management and disposal
2.8.2 Demolition and site clean-up

If a hydrocarbon-bearing formation is not found or if the structure is not commercially viable,
the well may be plugged and abandoned. The well is plugged with mechanical and/or
cement plugs, which effectively seal the wellbore. The wellhead equipment will be removed
and the drilling rig stripped down for transportation.
As far as abandoning the well site, this will entail removing of all foreign material such as
hardcore, plastic liner, piping, fencing, and thereafter the land will be re-instated to its asfound state (re-vegetated). All clean-up activities are to be done in accordance with the
agreement signed between the government and the proposer. The removal exercise shall be
carried out with skill and diligence to avoid spillage of hazardous substances and damage to
the environment.
If evaluation and testing shows that the reservoir is capable of commercial exploitation, the
well will be temporarily abandoned with a completion string and wellhead in place, allowing
later re-entry ready to be linked into the production and export facilities at a future point in
time.
2.9
OIL SPILL CONTINGENCY PLANNING
A TKBV Oil Spill Contingency Plan shall be applied to the proposed drilling project. The
contingency plan shall be based on the location and volume of potential spill and shall
address the possibilities of well blowouts in the drilling emergency plan. The spill
contingency plan shall clearly identify the actions necessary in the event of an oil spill,
including communication network, the individual responsible for key personnel and the
procedure for reporting to the authorities and arranging the logistics of extra labour needed
for the clean-up exercise. Finally, the plan should also address the disposal procedure of
contaminated wastes generated by a spill.
31
2.10 SUPPORT OPERATIONS

The drilling rig facility will need support in terms of food, water, fuel, equipment, and material
supplies. The supply of these will be coordinated by the drilling contractor. Drilling operations
will be coordinated by TKBV from its offices in Nairobi, assisted by their offices in London
and Cape Town. Day-to-day drilling activities will be managed at the drilling location by a
drilling supervisor based on site. There will be proper segregation of waste: wet food,
general waste and metallic wastes derived from operation within the drilling sites. Each
waste will be placed in properly labelled and covered containers or in colour-coded
containers. The biodegradable waste from the kitchen will be placed in a waste pit covered
with a protective net to restrict access by animals. Treatment of the waste will involve the
application of lime to aid in degradation before covering the waste with soil.
There will be a clear mechanism for the separation and channelling of grey and black water
from the washrooms facilities at the site. Soak pits will be established to cater for grey water
from the bathrooms, kitchen and laundry facilities. The site will be fitted with septic tank
systems that will collect black water. The septic tank will be emptied, by an approved
external contractor, on regular basis and waste removed to an approved site.
A
Plate 2.1: Shows on-going works at one of the proposed drilling sites a) Installation of septic
systems and b) grease traps.
Grease traps will be installed along the drains leading away from the kitchen area. The
grease will be collected and stored in drums for disposal in accordance with the waste
management plan.
In addition, there will be a BIOBOX type system, an onsite total waste recycling kit / system,
to recycle a mix of grey water from showers, kitchens and laundry and black water from
toilets to produce clear odourless and environmentally safe water.
Appropriate medical and transport facilities will be on site in the event of a medical
emergency that would require immediate evacuation of personnel and a Medivac procedure
will be in place.
32
CHAPTER 3:
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
3.1 APPROACH TAKEN FOR THE EIA
The approach taken for the EIA with respect to the proposed exploratory oil and gas wells
drilling included the following:
1. Scaling and work evaluation (determination of geographical and other boundaries;
preliminary assessment);
2. Detailed assessment based on: project design and technologies vis--vis environment,
social, cultural and economic considerations of the project area; evaluation of preexisting environmental, social, cultural and economic conditions, pressures and impacts;
identification and evaluation of potential environmental, social, cultural and economic
impacts that may arise from the proposed project; public consultations to explain what
the proposed project is all about and to receive their views, perceptions, concerns and
local expert knowledge and advice with respect to the proposed project;
3. Determination/evaluation of the significance of the potential project impacts and
recommendation of mitigation measures;
4. Development of an Environmental Management Plan and Monitoring Programme; and
decommissioning of the project; and
5. Preparation of the EIA Project Report.
3.2 WORK EVALUATION FOR THE EIA

The work evaluation for the EIA was based on the NEMA requirements (section 1.6.2) and
customised for the project to be undertaken (outlined in Chapter 2), as per the objectives
and terms of reference outlined sections 1.8 and 1.9.
3.3 TOPICS ADDRESSED AND ISSUES CONSIDERED

Table 3.1: Topics addressed and issues considered
Topic or
Context
Issues Considered
Rationale
Spatial Scope
Project Design,
Technologies,
Scale and
Extent
Project
components
Equipment and
machinery used
Personnel required
Facilities required
Management of
fluid and solid
wastes
Occupational and
public health and
safety
Supplies
Decommissioning
Project components
equipment/ machinery
used, and facilities will
have a number of
environmental impacts
related to construction,
operations and
decommissioning
Identification and
prioritisation of factors
requiring mitigation
Personnel and public
safety during operations
needs to be ensured
Proposed
drilling sites
Access roads
Selected camp
sites, storage,
repair and
waste disposal
and facilities
Legislative and
Regulatory
Framework
Legislation and
regulations
applicable to
project design,
execution, affected
Need to ensure that all

applicable laws are
followed during project
execution
National
legislation and
regulations and
authorities
responsible
Limitations of
Methodology and
Consequences
for the Study
Outcomes
None
None
33
parties, and
environmental
protection
Geographical
Aspects and
Boundaries
Administrative
set-up
Description of the
setting of the
project area
Identification of key
features
Key administrative
units and their
roles in the project
area
Communication
and Transport
Road infrastructure
Air transport
network
Land, radio and
mobile
communications
network
Governmental,
NonGovernmental
and
CommunityBased
Organisations
Physiography
and Geology
Activities and
projects carried out
in the area
Soils
Physiography and
geology
Assessment of
terrain ruggedness
Assessment of
susceptibility to
landslides,
earthquakes,
subsidence and
floods
Active surface
processes
Soil condition
Areas subject to
wind and water
erosion
Soil texture and
drainage
characteristics
Soil chemical
quality
Assessment of
rehabilitation
Need to be conversant with

the authorizations required
for the regulatory approval
of the project
Some legislation,
regulations and guidelines
have embedded
mitigations relevant to the
proposed exploratory oil
and gas well drilling
Determination of the
context within which the
work is to be done
Assessment of the scale
and extent of the work
Establishment of
jurisdictions
administrative contacts
Role in emergency
situations (e.g. security
threats) and response
International
best practices
in Oil and Gas
industry
Company
EHS, CSR and
Code of
Conduct
Project area
None
Project area
None
These will determine the

ease with which the project
will be carried out
Identification of areas
difficult to access
Inform on types of
equipment/ machinery that
will be required for the
project
Assist in development of
contingency/ emergency
plans
Identification of potential
local partners particularly
with respect to CSR
Project area
None
Project area
None
Establishment of baseline
conditions
Identification of potentially
difficult areas to work in
terrain and accessibility by
vehicles
Identification of areas
requiring extra safety
precautions
Identification of hazardprone areas
Project area
Samples
collected are
representative of
project area
Drilling rig and campsites

construction considerations
Disposal of domestic
effluents, drilling mud and
drill cuts
Identification and
requiring mitigation.
Project area
Mapping unit A8
was observed
and field
information
collected but not
sampled since
sufficient data
exists in
literature and as
reported in
previous EIA
document. All
34
potential
Climate
Temperature
Winds
Precipitation
Climate change
Air Quality
Ambient air quality

Generation of dust,
smoke, odorous
fumes, and other
toxic gaseous
emissions
Release of gases
which contribute to
the greenhouse
effect or ozone
damage
Identification of
project
components that
can lower air
quality
Surface and
Groundwater
Resources
other areas,
within the project
mandate, had
representative
samples
collected and
assessed.
No data
available for
trend analysis.
conditions
Information useful for
project elements such as
cooling of temperaturesensitive equipment and
installations
Personnel safety from
adverse weather and
related conditions e.g.
flooding
conditions
Assessment of project
impacts on air quality
Identification and
Access roads
Selected camp
sites and rig
and facilities
Ground and
surface water
sources
Ground and
surface water use
Planned water use
Changes in
quantity
Identification of
project
components that
can affect water
use
conditions
Potentially high demand for
water by project group in a
water scarce region
Planned water uses that
affect water quantity may
be blamed on the project
proponent
Identification and
Selected camp
sites and
exploratory
well drilling
sites and
facilities
Water Quality
Current ground
and surface water
quantity
Current point and
non-point sources
of water pollution
Identification of
project
components that
can potentially
alter water quality
conditions
impacts (e.g. effluent
disposal and accidental
spills) on water quality
Domestic effluent
discharges
Identification and
Selected camp
sites and
exploratory
well drilling
sites and
facilities
Representative
water samples
were taken.
Terrestrial
Vegetation cover
Project area
Old data, but the
Access roads
Selected camp
sites and rig
facilities
Lack of air
quality data on
particulate
loading, SOx and
NOx or any other
gaseous
compounds in
the area. Area is,
however, rural
and undeveloped
so air quality can
be assumed to
be good and
varies mainly
due to variations
in wind speeds
(natural
particulate
loading).
Inaccessibility of
some areas due
lack of roads
and security
concerns
35
Environment
(Habitats, Flora
and Fauna)
and classes
Habitat conditions
Floral and faunal
communities which
are uncommon,
threatened or
endangered
Environmentally
sensitive localities
Wildlife corridors
Pastoral areas
Assessment of
ecosystem state
Land
Resources and
National Parks
Land use and

designation
Existing activities
in the area
Currently known
and exploited
mineral resources
Resource
inventory
Archaeological,
Historical and
Cultural Sites
Identification of
archaeological,
historical, cultural
sites
Visual
Aesthetics
Noise and
Vibrations
Solid and
Liquid Wastes
Social
Characteristics
conditions
Physical disturbance of
terrestrial environment
during operations, such as
pit excavations, campsite
construction and drilling rig
operation
Determination of preproject endangered
communities
Assessment of areas
requiring special
precautions
Avoidance of humanhuman and human-wildlife
conflicts
Identification and
The land resources are
critical resources
supporting livelihoods in
the area.
Consideration of competing
resources
ecosystem
structures are
resilient to the
effects of land
degradation and
deforestation.
Land cover, for
example, has
become patchier,
but the species
diversity within
the various
ecotones remain
the same.
Project area
None
Establishment of currently
known sites
Avoidance of such sites
during the drilling operation
Project area
None
Aesthetic or high
scenic value
conditions
impacts such as vegetation
clearance along cut lines
and at campsites
Proposed
drilling sites
Access roads
Selected camp
site and rig
facilities
None
Ambient noise and

vibration levels in
the area
Potential sources
of noise and
vibrations
produced by
project operations
Noise impacts on
terrestrial fauna
Disposal of sewage
or domestic wastes
Damage to
environment
through accidental
spills of oil, fuel,
cargo, waste or
sewage
conditions
Noise and vibrations
impacts on the project
workforce and the
neighbouring public
Impacts on nearby
structures and facilities
Proposed
drilling sites
Access roads
Selected camp
site and rig
facilities
Lack of studies
on noise and
vibration impacts
on fauna
conditions
Campsites will require to
install waste discharge
systems
Campsites
Working areas
None
Level of services
available
Social support
information
Quality of life baseline.

Ability to absorb change
Project area
Language barrier
in some places
Reluctance to
adopt new social
practises
36
Economic
Setting
Health Setting
Security and
Public Safety
Public
Consultations
Corporate
Social
Responsibility
Mitigation
Measures
Environmental
Management
Plan
community needs
Area targeted for
growth
Labour and
employment
Status of health
facilities
Access to health
services
Occupational
health and safety
hazards
Hazards due to the
use, storage,
disposal or
transportation of
flammable,
explosive or toxic,
substances
Emission of
electromagnetic or
other radiation
which may
adversely affect
electronic
equipment or
human health
Traffic hazards
Public risks
Crime
Conflicts over
resources
Fires
Awareness
creation on the
project
Environmental
pressures in the
area
Expert and
indigenous
knowledge of the
area
Community
prioritisation of
areas/projects for
possible CSR
assistance
Mitigation hierarchy
Effective
mitigations
specified for the
topics addressed
Costs
Responsibility
Management
Quality of life baseline

Development level
baseline
Willingness to adopt new
economic activities
Determination of the
available health facilities in
the area
Availability of officials in the
available health facilities
Emergency preparedness
Project area
Unwillingness by
locals to adopt
new economic
opportunities
Project area
and the
surrounding
environment
Inaccessibility of
some areas
Need to enhance security

in the project area
Emergency preparedness
Project area
and the
surroundings
Involvement of all
stakeholders
Information gathering on
environmental issues and
concerns in the project
area
Acceptability of the project
Project area
and
surrounding
environment
Some areas are

considered as
high risk areas in
terms of security
(inter-tribe
conflicts-Turkana
vs. Pokot)
Language barrier
These were stated during

the public consultations
Project area
High and
sometimes
unrealistic
expectations
Avoiding or reducing at
source
Abating on-site
Abating off-site
Repair or remedy
Compensate for loss or
damage
Least possible interference
with the environment
Compliance with principles,
policies and legislation
relating to conservation of
environment
Decommissioning of
Proposed
drilling site
Access roads
Selected camp
sites and
facilities
None
Proposed
drilling site
Access roads
Selected camp
sites and
facilities
None
37
Environmental
Monitoring Plan
Relevant legislation
and regulations
Decommissioning
Parameters to be
monitored
Personnel required
Training needs
campsites
Ease of monitoring
Effectiveness of monitoring
method
Cost of monitoring
Frequency
Proposed
drilling site
Access roads
Selected camp
sites and
facilities
None
3.4 COLLECTION OF BASELINE DATA

3.4.1 Overview of Methods
The general framework of the baseline data collection was as follows:
Scoping (determination of geographical and other boundaries; preliminary assessment).
Review of existing regulatory framework and Institutional arrangement.
Detailed environmental assessment and community sensitization.
Impact identification and development of mitigation measures.
Development of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) including costs estimates
and responsibility assignment.
Prior to the field study, a desktop study was conducted to review the available reports, and
to design plans and maps in order to compile relevant biophysical and socio-economic
information of the project area. The field study (detailed environmental impact assessment,
community sensitization and social impact assessment, and development of mitigation
measures and environmental management plan) was carried out from 23 June 2012 to 4
July 2012. Biophysical studies covered environmental aspects such as physiography,
climate, hydrology, drainage, soils, geology/hydrogeology, vegetation, wildlife, and aquatic
environment. The socio-economic environmental study covered information on issues such
as population, literacy, social amenities (healthcare and schools), land use, land tenure, the
social dimensions of well-being and income levels, water supply, sanitation levels and
security, along with other pertinent issues. The field study also enabled cross-checking of
the data compiled during the desktop study.
38
3.4.2 Physiography and Geology

A literature review and field verification of the physiography, regional geology and geological
setting of the project area was undertaken and the potential of related hazards such as
subsidence, landslides, earthquakes, soil erosion, etc., were assessed in relation to the
proposed exploratory oil and gas wells drilling to be done in the area.
3.4.3 Soils
Primary soil data was obtained using the exploratory soil and agro-climatic zone map and
report of Kenya (Sombroek et al 1982) and the National Oil Corporation of Kenya oil blocks
map for boundary delineation. TKBV provided the geographical locations of the study area
which were superimposed in existing base maps. The scale used for maps in this report was
1:50,000. Field data was collected through visual observation of soil units and profile pits
descriptions. Profile pits descriptions assisted in classification of the soil units. Parameters
assessed included soil texture, colour, structure, porosity, root distribution, drainage and soil
depth. Surface conditions like stones and rock outcrops, meso-relief like presence of dunes,
and micro-relief like presence of rills were also assessed. The surface physical
characteristics were described to determine wind and soil-water erosion hazards, flooding,
ponding and water-logging potential and accessibility of the units by equipment and vehicles.
Also assessed was the rehabilitation potential of some units due to presence of salts.
Surface-water infiltration tests were carried out using the double ring infiltration method. A
GPS was used to geo-reference the sampling points. Soil samples were collected for survey,
fertility, and soil moisture characteristics laboratory determination. Desktop work included
soil map compilation and correlation to assign soil boundaries and harmonize the soil
legend.
3.4.4 Climate
Wind and precipitation data was obtained from published literature and reports. In addition,
wind data was supplemented by visual observations in the field.
3.4.5 Air Quality

Determination of the ambient air quality in this rural and sparsely populated setting was
assessed qualitatively.
3.4.6 Surface and Groundwater Resources

Baseline data for water potential and quality was assessed through literature review and
analysis of water samples from boreholes and shallow wells, during the EIA fieldwork. The
locations of all sampling points were determined and recorded using a GPS receiver.
3.4.7 Terrestrial Environment

Collection of baseline information for the terrestrial environment including floral and faunal
components in the project area was based on field observations and supported by literature
review. Considerations included inventories of habitat types and species (including local
names, where provided); vegetation cover, classes, and dominance levels; presence of rare
and endangered species; presence of ecological reserves, and any critical ecosystem
components; assessment of existing habitat or biodiversity decline; and the potential impacts
39
of the exploratory oil and gas wells drilling project on the existing ecosystems, flora, and
fauna. Field guidebooks were used in helping to confirm identified species. Habitats and
animal encounters of interest were recorded, and photographs of species of mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods present at the time of observation were taken.
3.4.8 Aquatic Environment

Assessment of the riverine environments (along the perennial River Turkwel) included fieldbased identification of floral and faunal components and sampling, supported by literature
review. River habitat types and species (common, rare, endemic and endangered) were
noted.
3.4.9 Land Resources

A detailed desktop literature review was undertaken followed by visits to the proposed
project area for primary field observations. Specifically the issues of concern were land use
patterns in the area as well as available natural resources and heritage sites (including
cultural and archaeological). Also considered was the potential impact of the exploratory well
drilling and its infrastructure, particularly paving of access road in the area on land use
patterns and their sustainability.
3.4.10 Visual Aesthetics

An assessment of visual aesthetics was done through field observations. The following
issues were considered: Scenery;
Geomorphology and landscapes;
Pristine natural environments;
Potential impacts of the exploratory well drilling and associated operations on the
visual aesthetics of the area.
3.4.11 Noise and Vibrations

The prevailing noise levels at Ngamia 1, which is the first test well drilling site in the
proposed exploratory drilling programme, as well as the camp site and the surrounding
areas, were measured using a dosimeter. The potential disturbance caused by noise levels
during the exploratory well drilling and associated operation within the study area was taken
into consideration during the fieldwork period. The mitigation of noise and vibrations arising
from operations at the rig site, and occupational health and safety issues associated with
exposure to noise and vibrations were addressed.
3.4.12 Solid and Liquid Wastes

Potential solid and liquid wastes that would be generated, and their possible impact as a
result of the operations of the proposed project and the associated support facilities like
residential areas and increased use of motor vehicles in the area were assessed, and
mitigation measures suggested. An assessment of methods to be employed in solid waste
and effluent management in the proposed project was made and implementation
suggestions recorded. The current methods of waste management in the project area were
also noted.
40
3.4.13 Public Consultations and Socio-Economics

Extensive public consultations were carried out in diverse parts of the project area (Table
3.2) with the following aims:
To inform the local people and their leaders about the proposed drilling of
exploratory wells and the objectives of the proposed project.
To gather the concerns and views of the local people and their leaders on the
proposed project.
To establish if the local people foresee any positive and/or negative impacts
associated with the proposed exploratory wells drilling project, and suggest
possible ways of mitigating negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts
arising from it.
To identify and document the diverse socio-cultural and economic set-ups in the
project area that could be potentially impacted by the project activities.
Table 3.2: Order of meetings held in Block 13T
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
DAYS & DATES

SATURDAY
23/06/012
SUNDAY
24/06/2012
MONDAY
25/06/2012
MONDAY
25/06/2012
TUESDAY
26/06/2012
WEDNESDAY
27/06/2012
ORDER OF KEY MEETINGS HELD IN BLOCK 13T

TIME (Start/End)
AREAS COVERED
9.00 A.M
Lochwaa Location, Lokichar
1.00 P.M
Division
1:00 P.M
Locher-emoit Village, Lochwaa
3:00 P.M
Location, Lokichar Division
10.00AM
Lokapel Sub-Location, Katilu
12.45 P.M
Location, Katilu Division
1:00 P.M
Kanaodon Sub-Location, Katilu
2:30 P.M
Location, Katilu Division
10:00 P.M
Kalemngorok Sub location,
1:00 P.M
Kaputir Location, Kainuk Division
9:00 A.M
Lokichar Location, Lokichar
12:35 P.M
Division
DISTRICTS
TURKANA
SOUTH
TURKANA
SOUTH
TURKANA
SOUTH
TURKANA
SOUTH
TURKANA
SOUTH
TURKANA
SOUTH
Other social and economic aspects relating to the project area, including livelihoods and
cultures, education and health, among others, were also assessed. The methodologies
employed include review of available literature, public meetings and consultation with local
residents and their leaders as well as and administration of formal questionnaires and
interviews with interested parties and at household level.
3.4.14 Health and Public Safety

This assessment was carried out by way of literature review of the available health data in
the area. It also consisted of a site-walk survey using a checklist of environmental health
issues such as general level of sanitation, waste disposal practices, water supply and
availability of health facilities.
The main issues assessed included:
Sources of water;
Types of sewage disposal/facilities;
Types and quality of housing;
Refuse disposal;
The general cleanliness of the environment;
Availability of health facilities;
Interaction between environment and health; and
41
Potential health impacts related to the project.
3.4.15 Key Informant Interviews

Some administrative, social, economic, cultural and health issues were captured through
interviews with key informants such as district administration officers, opinion leaders,
councillors, community elders, chiefs, teachers, health workers and spiritual leaders, among
others. Some of the information elicited during such interviews included:
Cultural practises;
Religion and belief systems;
Social amenities and infrastructure;
Health facilities available within the communities in the project area;
Common diseases in the community;
Community health concerns relating to the project;
Health expectations from the project;
View on employment of locals for the project; and
Security issues.
3.5 DEVELOPMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP)

3.5.1 The Five- Step Process
The general methodology utilized for impact assessment is a five-step process starting with
identification of project activities (Chapter 2 and Table 3.3 below) that may interact with the
environment. This is followed by identification of environmental (physical and biological
aspects) and social (human aspects) parameters and existing pressures from the
environmental baseline study (Chapter 5). The third step involves identification and
prediction of any potential positive or negative impact that may result from the defined
project activities during its life cycle, based on the impact assessment criteria and rating
scales outlined below. In the fourth step, the predicted impacts are then evaluated using the
objective significance ranking process. In the fifth step, the cumulative impacts are
assessed. This data is then used to develop the Environmental Management Plan.
Table 3.3: Impact assessment criteria and rating scales
CRITERIA
Intensity
(expected size or
magnitude of impact)
Extent
(predicted scale of
impact)
Duration
(predicted lifetime of
impact)
RATING SCALES
Negligible
Low - where the impact affects the environment in such a way that natural,
cultural and social functions and processes are minimally affected
Medium - where the affected environment is altered but natural, cultural and
social functions and processes continue albeit in a modified way; and valued,
important, sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are negatively
affected
High - where natural, cultural or social functions and processes are altered to
the extent that it will temporarily or permanently cease; and valued, important,
sensitive or vulnerable systems or communities are substantially affected.
Site-specific
Local (immediate surrounding areas)
Regional
National
Short-term - 0 to 5 years
Medium term - 6 to 15 years
Long term - 16 to 30 years - where the impact will cease after the operational
life of the activity either because of natural processes or by human
intervention
42
CRITERIA
Probability
(likelihood of impact
occurring)
Status of impact
Degree of
confidence
(specialists level of
confidence in
predictions +/or
information on which
it is based)
RATING SCALES
Permanent - where mitigation either by natural process or human intervention
will not occur in such a way or in such a time span that the impact can be
considered transient.
Improbable where the possibility of the impact materialising is very low.
Probable where there is a good possibility (<50% chance) that the impact
will occur.
Highly probable where it is most likely (50-90% chance) that the impact will
occur.
Definite where the impact will occur regardless of any prevention measures
(>90% chance of occurring).
Positive - a benefit
Negative - a cost
Neutral
Low
Medium
High
3.5.2 Assigning Significance Ratings

The application of all the above criteria to determine the significance of potential impacts
uses a balanced combination of duration, extent and intensity, modified by probability,
cumulative effects and confidence.
Significance is described as follows:
Low: Where the impact will have a negligible influence on the environment and no
modifications or mitigations are necessary for the given programme description. This
would be allocated to impacts of any severity/magnitude, if at a local scale and of
temporary duration.
Medium: Where the impact could have an influence on the environment, which will
require modification of the programme design and/or alternative mitigation. This would be
allocated to impacts of moderate severity/magnitude, locally to regionally, and in the shortterm.
High: Where the impact could have a significant influence on the environment and, in the
event of a negative impact the activities causing it, should not be permitted (i.e. there
could be a no-go implication for the programme, regardless of any possible mitigation).
This would be allocated to impacts of high magnitude, locally for longer than a month,
and/or of high magnitude regionally and beyond.
The relationship between the significance ratings and decision-making can be broadly
defined as follows:
Low: Will not have an influence on the decision to proceed with the proposed programme,
provided that recommended measures to mitigate impacts are implemented;
Medium: Should not influence the decision to proceed with the proposed programme,
provided that recommended measures to mitigate impacts are implemented; and
High: Would strongly influence the decision to proceed with the proposed programme.
43
CHAPTER 4
POLICY, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
4.1 THE CONSTITUTION OF KENYA, 2010
The Constitution provides that every person has the right to a clean and healthy environment
(Article 42). The State is obliged to ensure that the environment and natural resources are
conserved and genetic resources and biological diversity are protected. In that regard it must
eliminate any processes or activities that would be likely to endanger the environment.
Everyone is expected to cooperate with the State organs and other people to protect and
conserve the environment and ensure that the use and development of the natural resources
are ecologically sustainable (Article 69). These environmental rights are enforceable in a
court of law (Article 70). Land must be used in a sustainable manner, and in accordance with
the principles of sound conservation and protection of ecologically sensitive areas. The State
may regulate the use of any land or right over any land in the interest of land use planning
(Article 66).
The Constitution of Kenya gives recognition to public, community and private land. Land use
regulation goes beyond exploitation merely for economic purposes, and lays emphasis on
conservation. It is required that wildlife conservation promotes sustainable development
which includes both environmental conservation and economic development. Parliament has
five years from the date of promulgation to enact legislation to give full effect to the
provisions relating to the environment. Community land vests in communities identified on
the basis of ethnicity, culture, or other similar common interest. Apart from land registered or
transferred, it consists of land that is lawfully held, managed or used by specific communities
as grazing areas or shrines, and ancestral lands (Articles 60 72). The State is generally
mandated to regulate the use of any land in the public interest. Public land is described as
including: all minerals and mineral oils; specified government forests; government game
reserves; water catchment areas; national parks; government animal sanctuaries; specially
protected areas; and all rivers, lakes and other water bodies as defined by law. However,
land on which mineral and mineral oils exist is held by the national government in trust for
the Kenyan people (Article 62).
4.2 THE POLICY FRAMEWORK

4.2.1 Environment and Development Policy
The Environment and Development Policy is outlined in the draft Sessional Paper No.6 of
1999. It covers the following environment and development issues: biological diversity; land
and land based resources; water resources; fisheries and marine resources; energy
resources; atmospheric resources; waste management; management of toxic and
dangerous chemicals; radiation management; environmental health and occupational safety;
human settlements; disaster management; implementation strategies; priorities for action;
human resources development; environmental planning; environmental laws; environmental
impact assessment; environment and land use practices; environment, industry and
economic development; environment, research and technology coordination and
participation; regional and international cooperation; and environmental management
44
authority.
It outlines the following principles, goals and objectives:
Principles
a) Environmental protection is an integral part of sustainable development.
b) The environment and its natural resources can meet the needs of present as well as
those of future generations if used sustainably.
c) All the people have the right to benefit equally from the use of natural resources as well
as an equal entitlement to a clean and healthy environment.
d) Poverty reduction is an indispensable requirement for sustainable development.
e) Sustainable development and a higher quality of life can be achieved by reducing or
eliminating unsustainable practices of production and consumption, and by promoting
appropriate demographic policies.
f) Endogenous capacity building is essential for development, adaptation, diffusion, and
transfer of technologies for sustainable development.
g) Indigenous/traditional knowledge and skills are vital in environmental management and
sustainable development.
h) Effective public participation is enhanced by access to information concerning the
environment and the opportunity to participate in decision-making processes.
i) Public participation including women and youth is essential in proper environmental
management.
j) For sustainable management, the polluter pays principle should apply.
k) Access to judicial and administrative proceedings, including redress and remedy, is
essential to environmental conservation and management.
l) Private sector participation in environmental management is essential for sustainable
development.
m) Effective measures should be taken to prevent any threats of damage to the
environment, notwithstanding lack of full scientific certainty.
n) Peace, security, development, and environmental protection are interdependent and
indivisible.
o) International co-operation and collaboration is essential in the management of
environmental resources shared by two or more states.
Overall Goal
The overall goal is to integrate environmental concerns into the national planning and
management processes and provide guidelines for environmentally sustainable
development.
Specific Goals
a) To incorporate environmental management and economic development as integral
aspects of the process of sustainable development.
b) To promote maintenance of a quality environment that permits a life of dignity and
well- being for all.
c) To encourage sustainable use of resources and ecosystems for the benefit of the
present generations, while ensuring their potential to meet the needs of future
generations.
d) To promote maintenance of ecosystems and ecological processes essential for the
functioning of the biosphere.
e) To promote the preservation of genetic resources, biological diversity, their cultural
values and their natural heritage.
f) To incorporate indigenous knowledge, skills, and interests for effective participation
45
of local communities in environmental management and sustainable development.

Objectives
a) To conserve and manage the natural resources of Kenya including air, water, land, flora,
and fauna.
b) To promote environmental conservation with regard to soil fertility, soil conservation,
biodiversity, and to foster afforestation activities;
c) To protect water catchment areas;
d) To enhance public awareness and appreciation of the essential linkages between
development and environment;
e) To initiate and encourage well-coordinated programmes of environmental education and
training at all levels of society;
f) To involve NGOs, private sector, and local communities in the management of natural
resources and their living environment;
g) To support a coordinated approach to policy formulation on environmental matters;
h) To ensure development policies, programmes, and projects take environmental
considerations into account;
i) To ensure that an acceptable environmental impact assessment report is undertaken for
all public and private projects and programmes;
j) To develop and enforce environmental standards;
k) To enhance, review regularly, harmonize, implement, and enforce laws for the
management, sustainable utilization, and conservation of the natural resources;
l) To provide economic and financial incentives for sustainable utilisation, conservation,
and management of natural resources;
m) To apply market forces, taxation, and other economic instruments including incentives
and sanctions to protect the environment and influence attitudes and behaviour towards
the environment;
n) To ensure adherence to the polluter pays principle; and
o) To develop adequate national laws regarding liability and compensation for the victims
of pollution and other environmental damage.
4.2.2 National Policy on Water Resources Management and Development

(Sessional Paper No.1 of 1999)
The management of water resources in Kenya is guided by four specific policy objectives,
namely:
a) Preserve, conserve and protect available water resources and allocate it in a
sustainable, rational and economic way.
b) Supply water of good quality in sufficient quantities to meet the various water needs,
including poverty alleviation, while ensuring the safe disposal of wastewater and
environmental protection.
c) Establish an efficient and effective institutional framework to achieve a systematic
development and management of the water sector.
d) Develop a sound and sustainable financing system for effective water resources
management, water supply and sanitation development.
4.2.3 Energy Policy (Sessional Paper No.4 of 2004)

The broad objective of the national energy policy is to ensure adequate, quality, costeffective and affordable supply of energy to meet development needs, while protecting and
conserving the environment. The specific objectives are to:
46
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
Provide sustainable quality energy services for development;

Utilise energy as a tool to accelerate economic empowerment for urban and rural
development;
Improve access to affordable energy services;
Provide an enabling environment for the provision of energy services;
Enhance security of supply;
Promote development of indigenous energy resources; and
Promote energy efficiency and conservation as well as prudent environmental,
health and safety practices.
4.2.4 Land Policy (Sessional Paper No. 3 of 2009)

The overall objective of the National Land Policy is to secure land rights and provide for
sustainable growth, investment and the reduction of poverty in line with the Governments
overall development objectives. Specifically, it seeks to develop a framework of policies and
laws designed to ensure the maintenance of a system of land administration and
management that will provide all citizens with:
a) The opportunity to access and beneficially occupy and use land;
b) An economically, socially equitable and environmentally sustainable allocation and
use of land;
c) Effective and economical operation of the land market;
d) Efficient use of land and land-based resources; and
e) Efficient and transparent land dispute resolution mechanisms.
4.2.5 Mining Policy

The National Mineral Resources and Mining Policy is currently at an advanced stage of
being adopted. In tandem with this process, the Government has developed new
mining legislation (currently The Mining and Minerals Bill, 2011) to replace the Mining
Act, Cap.306 of 1940, which is both antiquated and ineffective. Under the new mining
legislation, rights and interests in minerals of all kinds, including commonly found
minerals, will be regulated. The proposed new mining legislation has been harmonised
with existing environmental legislation. In particular, mining companies will be required
to comply with the requirements of the Environmental Management and Co-ordination
Act and other applicable environmental legislation and, the new legislation will provide
that mining licences may not be granted unless the applicant has obtained an
Environmental Impact Assessment ('EIA') Licence.
4.2.6 Health Policy

The Kenya Health Policy Framework (1994) sets out the policy agenda for the health sector
up to the year 2010, so this is likely to be reviewed in the near future. The policy includes
strengthening of the central public policy role of the Ministry of Health (MoH), adoption of an
explicit strategy to reduce the burden of disease, and definition of an essential cost-effective
47
healthcare package. To operationalise this Health Policy Framework Paper, the National
Health Sector Strategic Plan (NHSSP, 1999-2004) was developed in 1994. The strategic
plan emphasized the decentralisation of healthcare delivery through redistribution of health
services to rural areas. The plan is currently being revised to reflect the Poverty Reduction
Strategy Paper (2001-2004) agenda. The new plan focuses on the essential key priority
packages based on the burden of disease and the required support systems to deliver these
services to the Kenyans. The ensuing NHSSP II (2005 2010) was intended to keep people
well and to promote the involvement of communities in their own healthcare. Major players in
the health sector include the government represented by the Ministry of Health and the Local
Government, private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). The organisation
of Kenyas healthcare delivery system revolves around three levels, namely the MoH
headquarters, the provinces and the districts. The headquarter sets policies, coordinates the
activities of NGOs and manages, monitors and evaluates policy formulation and
implementation. The provincial tier acts as an intermediary between the central ministry and
the districts. It oversees the implementation of health policy at the district level, maintains
quality standards and coordinates and controls all district health activities. In addition, it
monitors and supervises district health management boards (DHMBS), which supervise the
operations of health activities at the district level.
4.2.7 Economic Recovery for Wealth and Employment Creation Strategy

The overall goal of the Strategy is to ensure clear improvements in the social and economic
well-being of all Kenyans, thereby giving Kenyans a better deal in their lives and in their
struggle to build a modern and prosperous nation (GVEP Kenya, 2006). The key areas
covered in the Strategy are:
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
Expanding and improving infrastructures;

Reforms in Trade and Industry;
Reforms in forestry;
Affordable shelter and housing;
Developing arid and semi-arid lands; and
Safeguarding environment and natural resources.
The Strategy, which has commanded a great deal of attention in recent years, essentially
subsumes the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP).
4.2.8 Kenya Vision 2030

Kenya Vision 2030 was launched on October 30, 2006, and is the countrys new
development plan for the period 2008 to 2030. It seeks to transform Kenya into an
industrialized middle-income country providing a high quality of life to its citizens by the year
2030.
Vision 2030 is based on three pillars: the economic, the social and the political. The
adoption of the Vision follows the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery
Strategy for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERS) launched in 2002. The Vision is to be
implemented in successive five-year medium-term plans, with the first such plan covering
the period 2008-2012.
The economic, social and political pillars of Kenya Vision 2030 are anchored on
macroeconomic stability, continuity in government reforms, enhanced equity and wealth48
creation opportunities for the poor, infrastructure, energy, science, technology and
innovation, land reform, human resources development, security, as well as public sector
reforms.
The foundations for the Vision are:
a) Macroeconomic Stability for Long-term Development: The Vision places the highest
premium on Kenyas current stable macroeconomic environment which works in favour
of the poor, and expects it to continue in the future as a matter of policy. The projects
proposed under Vision 2030 will be subjected to the parameters set under the
macroeconomic stability framework.
b) Continuity in Governance Reforms: These will be accelerated in order to create a
more conducive environment for doing business, and also to enable Kenyans to fully
enjoy their individual rights under the Constitution. Towards this end, the government will
intensify the anti-corruption programme through more efficient investigation and
prosecution; eliminating bribery in the public service and increasing public education and
judicial and legal reform. The government will also fully support the people of Kenya,
parliament, civil society and the press, recognising that they are the ultimate defence
against abuse of office.
c) Infrastructure: The Vision aspires for a country firmly interconnected through a network
of roads, railways, ports, airports, water and sanitation facilities and telecommunications.
This is a high priority issue.
d) Enhanced Equity and Wealth-Creation Opportunities for the Poor: The
Vision
includes equity as a recurrent principle in economic, social and political programmes.
Special attention has been given to arid and semi-arid districts, communities with high
incidence of poverty, the unemployed youth, women, and all vulnerable groups.
e) Science, Technology and Innovation (STI): The government will intensify the
application of STI to increase productivity and efficiency levels across all three pillars. It
recognises the critical role played by research and development in accelerating
development in the emerging nations. The government will create and implement an STI
policy framework to support Vision 2030.
f) Land Reform: Land is a vital resource for the socio-economic and political developments
set out in the Vision. It is recognized that respect for property rights to land, whether
owned by individuals, communities or companies, is key to rapid economic growth (A
national land use policy has now been created to enable this growth) (section 4.2.4).
g) Human Resources Development: Kenya will create a globally competitive and adaptive
human resource base to meet the needs of a rapidly industrializing economy through
training and education, raising labour productivity to international levels, creating a
human resource database to facilitate better planning, and establish more training
institutions.
h) Security: The government will increase security in order to lower the cost of doing
business and provide Kenyans with a more secure environment to live and work in. The
strategies will include improving community policing, reducing the police-to-population
ratio, and adopting information and communication technology in crime detection and
prevention. These measures will be supported by judicial reforms.
i)
Energy: Since development projects recommended under Vision 2030 will increase
demand on Kenyas energy supply, she must generate more energy at a lower cost and
increase efficiency in energy consumption. The government is committed to continued
institutional reforms in the energy sector, including a strong, regulatory framework, and
will encourage more power generation by the private sector. New sources of energy will
49
be found through the exploitation of geothermal power, coal, and renewable energy
sources.
j) The Public Sector: An efficient, motivated and well-trained public service is expected to
be one of the major foundations of the Vision. Kenya intends to build a public service that
is more citizen-focused and results-oriented. The government will intensify efforts to
bring about an attitudinal change in public service that value transparency and
accountability to the citizens of Kenya.
4.3 KENYA LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS

4.3.1 The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Cap. 308
The purpose of this legislation is to regulate the Governments negotiation of petroleum
agreements relating to oil exploration, among other things. The Act, its regulations, and the
terms and conditions of the petroleum contract, together govern oil operations. The Minister
has the power to make regulations for the conservation of petroleum resources, the safety
measures to be taken on site, environmental protection and the prevention of pollution,
waste and accidents. The contractor 1is expected to take necessary measures to conserve
petroleum and other resources, as well as protect the environment and human life. Should
the rights of the owner or occupier be infringed in the course of the petroleum operations, the
contractor must pay a fair and reasonable compensation (Sections 4, 6, 9, 10). In our view,
precedent cases of compensation under similar conditions, where they exist, should be
considered as guidelines to the level of compensation.
4.3.2 The Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Regulations

The existence of a petroleum agreement or the issue of a permit under the parent Act does
not authorize the contractor or the grantee to occupy or exercise any rights in a) any burial
land in the locality of any church, mosque or other places of worship; b) any area within fifty
metres of any building in use, or any reservoir or dam; c) any public road; d) any area within
a municipality or township; d) any land within one thousand metres of the boundaries of any
aerodrome; e) any land within a thousand metres of the boundary of any aerodrome under
the Civil Aviation Act (Cap. 376) and f) any land declared to be a national park or national
reserve under the Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act. However, directional drilling
into the subsurface from land adjacent to the mentioned areas is permitted with the consent
of the competent authority (Regulation 6).
It relates to interference with sensitive cultural, natural heritage sites, exhaust emissions
from vehicles, machines and equipment such as generators, etc., fossil fuel emissions from
nuclear power sources, and disturbance of flora and fauna.
4.3.3 The Explosives Act, Cap. 115

There are restrictions on storage and possession of explosives. A permit is required to
purchase and use blasting materials as well as to convey explosives within Kenya. An
inspector of explosives may prohibit, or restrict the use of explosives in places where
1
Contractor here means the individual(s) or company undertaking the work or project.
50
blasting may endanger life or property. The use or transport of explosives, in the working of
a mine, quarry, excavation or other project is forbidden, unless an explosives manager has
been appointed and the inspector notified in writing. The explosives manager is responsible
for the safety and security of all explosives used, transported or stored, until they are handed
to the blaster for use. He is also responsible for the safety of every person who may be
employed on the project, whether under his direct supervision or not (sections 6, 7, 11, 13).
This statute relates to the safety of the project workers in the workplace and the security of
property, and covers developmental activities that may result in adverse effects on the
environment.
4.3.4 The Energy Act, No. 12 of 2006

Anyone in the petroleum business must comply with the Kenya Standard or other approved
standard on environment, health and safety and in conformity with the relevant laws in that
regard. A person transporting petroleum by inland waters, pipeline or any other mode must
institute measures to ensure that the mode of transportation is safe. Anyone engaged in any
licensed undertaking must notify the Energy Commission of any accident or incident causing
loss of life, personal injury, explosion, oil spill, fire or any other accident or incident causing
significant harm or damage to property or to the environment (Sections 95, 98, 117). All
petroleum equipment must conform to the relevant Kenya Standard, and where that does
not exist, the relevant international standards approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards
shall apply.
It relates to the health and safety of the project crew and the environment. TKBV will need to
conform to the relevant local and/or international standards and comply with the applicable
statutes on environmental, health and safety standards.
4.3.5 The Radiation Protection Act, Cap. 243

This is the only legislation in Kenya remotely dealing with nuclear resources. It provides for
the protection of the public and radiation workers from the dangers arising from the use of
devices or material capable of producing ionizing radiation. Irradiating devices or radioactive
material may not be imported without a licence (Section 8). Kenya is a member of the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and is signatory to a number of international
agreements pertaining to the code of conduct in the use of nuclear technology, including the
Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (2002), the Joint Convention on
Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management,
and the Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources. Under the
Constitution of Kenya these form part of the law of Kenya. NEMA has the mandate to
establish the standards for the setting of acceptable levels of ionising and other radiation in
the environment (Section 104, EMCA). The Radiation Safety Bill, 2009, once enacted into
law, will incorporate the IAEAs Basic Safety Standards.
This Act relates to the nuclear source that will be used to power the well-logging equipment
when drilling the well(s).
51
4.3.6 The Public Health Act, Cap. 242

This legislation focuses on securing and maintaining health. It is the duty of every local
authority to take measures to prevent any pollution dangerous to the health of any supply of
water which the public uses for domestic purposes. They must purify the water supply
should it become polluted, and take appropriate action against any person polluting any such
water supply or any stream so as to cause a nuisance or danger to health (Section 129).
They are also obligated to take measures to maintain the locality in clean and sanitary
condition and to prevent or remedy any nuisance that may cause injury to health (Section
116). The Minister may make rules (a) as to the standard or standards of purity of any liquid
which may be discharged as effluent after treatment, (b) to establish or prohibit trade
premises or factories likely to cause offensive smells, or (c) to discharge liquid or other
material prone to cause such smells, or to pollute streams, or are likely in any way to be a
nuisance or dangerous to health (Section 126).
This statute relates to the waste generated at the camp and worksite(s) and its safe
discharge.
4.3.7 The Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 15 of 2007

This legislation applies to all workplaces. Every occupier must ensure the health, safety and
welfare at work of all the people working in his workplace as well as protect other people
from risks to safety and health occasioned by the activities of his workers. The occupiers
duty to ensure the safety, health and welfare of all persons at work in his premises includes
providing a working environment and work procedures that are safe. The likely emission of
poisonous, harmful, or offensive substances into the atmosphere should be prevented, and
where such incidents occur, they must be rendered harmless and inoffensive. Machinery,
protective gear, and tools used in all workplaces have to comply with the prescribed safety
and health standards. Dust, fumes or impurity must not be allowed to enter the atmosphere
without appropriate treatment to prevent air pollution or harm of any kind to life and property.
Highly inflammable substances must be kept in a safe place outside any occupied building.
Where dangerous fumes are liable to be present, there must be a means of exit and suitable
breathing apparatus made available. Means for extinguishing fire must be available and
easily accessible, and evacuation procedures tested regularly (Sections 6, 21, 47, 55, 64,
78, 79, 81, and 82).
This covers activities that may be a hazard to the health and safety of the project workers
due to accidents caused by, for instance, vehicle collisions, collisions with animals, injury
involving equipment, as well as emissions from vehicles and equipment.
4.3.8 The Water Act, Cap. 372

The Minister is mandated to prescribe a system for classifying water resources in order to
determine resource quality objectives of each water resource. It is an offence to wilfully
obstruct, interfere with, divert or obstruct water from any watercourse or water resource, or
to negligently allow such acts, or to throw any dirt, effluent, trade waste or other offensive or
52
unwholesome matter or thing into or near any water resource in such a way as to cause or
be likely to cause pollution of the water resource (Sections 12, 44 and 94).
This relates to waste generation solids, effluents and oils at camp and work areas and its
safe discharge.
4.3.9 The Water Resources Management Rules, 2007

No one may discharge any toxic or obstructing matter, radioactive waste or other pollutants
into any water resource unless the discharge has been treated to permissible levels.
Discharge of effluent into a water resource requires a valid discharge permit issued by
NEMA. The wilful and deliberate spilling into any water source or onto land where such
spillage may contaminate any surface or groundwater is not permitted. Any threat of
contamination must swiftly be dealt with (Regulations 81, 82, 88). NEMA may identify a
catchment area or part of a catchment area or water resource to be identified as protected
areas or designated as groundwater conservation areas if it is satisfied that it is necessary to
protect the water resource and its multiple uses (Regulation 123).
This applies to the safe discharge of waste emanating from camp and worksites.
4.3.10 The Local Government Act, Cap. 265

This Act gives local authorities the power to control or ban businesses, factories and
workshops which may emit smoke, fumes, chemicals, gases, dust, smell, noise or vibration,
and in so doing become a danger or annoyance to the vicinity. The local authority may
therefore lay down conditions under which such enterprises may carry on business (Section
163). A local authority may refuse to grant or renew a licence, or cancel it on various
grounds, some of which are (a) that it would cause nuisance or annoyance to the residents;
and (b) that the method adopted or proposed to prevent noxious or offensive vapours, gases
or smells arising from the trade are not efficient (Section 165). However, the Local
Government Bill, 2009, is intended to repeal and replace this statute and will provide for
various classes of local authorities. It is worth noting that the Bill provides that a municipality
will be granted city status and a city metropolitan status only if they demonstrate an effective
programme of environmental conservation and the ability to render environmental
conservation services within their areas respectively. The Bill went through the second
reading in Parliament in June 2010 and is yet to proceed to the third reading.
This relates to the projects compliance with the laws and regulations regarding the
protection of the environment from forms of pollution that may occur as a result of waste
discharge and disposal, as well as exhaust emissions from vehicles, machines and
equipment.
4.3.11 The Physical Planning Act, Cap. 286

The statute establishes Physical Planning Liaison Committees to determine development
applications relating to industrial location, dumping sites or sewerage treatment, which may
have adverse impact on the environment. If a local authority is of the opinion that a proposed
53
development, dump site, sewerage treatment plant, quarry or other development activity will
impact on the environment adversely, it will require the applicant to submit an environmental
impact assessment report for consideration (Section 36).
This covers all development activities that may result in adverse effects on the environment,
particularly the generation of waste and the method of its discharge.
4.3.12 The Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap. 376

Where the Minister is satisfied that in order to secure the safety of the flora and fauna or to
preserve the habitat and ecology within a national park, reserve or sanctuary, it is necessary
to restrict or forbid any activity in the adjacent area, he may declare it a protected area and
prohibit those activities. The Wildlife Director or his agent or any authorized officer of the
Service may close a portion of a national park or any road or part of a road within the park to
the public or any class of people, for a period for the protection of animal or plant life, or for
the safety of the public, or for the protection of a road, or for climatic reasons, or for any
other reason (Regulation 4). The Minister may declare that any provision of the Act shall
apply to non-game animals, or to any trophy or meat of any such animal, and on publication
of the notice the animal concerned will be deemed to be a game animal or game bird
(Section 15).
This statute relates to the disturbance of, and interference with, sensitive cultural, natural
heritage and archaeological sites.
4.3.13 The National Museums and Heritage Act, Cap. 216

The Minister may prohibit or restrict access or any development, which in his/her opinion is
liable to damage a monument or object of archaeological or palaeontological interest there.
A protected area means a site which has been and remains so declared by the Minister
under section 25 (1). These include (a) an open space, (b) a specified site on which a buried
monument or object of archaeological or palaeontological interest exists, including the
adjacent area, or (c) a geo-park. The protected area may be placed under the control of the
National Museums of Kenya. Where private land is included in a protected area, the owner
of the land is entitled to compensation. All antiquities lying in or under the ground, or on the
surface of any land protected under the law as a monument, or being objects of
archaeological, palaeontological and cultural interest are the property of the Government
(Sections 25, 34, 35, 46).
This statute relates to the disturbance of, and interference with, sensitive cultural, natural
heritage and archaeological sites.
4.3.14 The Land Act, 2012

The National Land Commission (established under the National Land Commission Act,
2012) is mandated to take appropriate action to maintain land that has endangered or
endemic species of flora and fauna, critical habitats or protected areas. The Commission is
required (in consultation with existing conservation bodies) to identify ecologically sensitive
54
areas that are within public lands, and demarcate or take any action on those areas to
prevent environmental degradation and climate change. The Commission may make rules
and regulations for sustainably conserving land-based natural resources. These may
include: measures to protect critical ecosystems and habitats; incentives for communities
and individuals to invest in natural resource conservation programmes that generate income;
measures to facilitate the access, use and co-management of forests, water and other
resources by communities who hold customary rights to them; procedures on involving
stakeholders in managing and utilizing land-based natural resources; and measures to
ensure benefit-sharing for the affected communities. Disputes arising from matters provided
for under this law may be referred to the Land and Environment Court, which has exclusive
jurisdiction to handle them under this statute (Sections 11, 19, 128, 150).
This relates to the projects compliance with the laws and regulations regarding the
protection of the environment generally.
4.3.15 The Penal Code, Cap. 63

The following acts constitute offences under section 191 to 193 of the Penal code:
a) Voluntarily fouling the water of any public spring or reservoir, thereby making it less fit for
its normal purpose.
b) Corrupting the atmosphere in any place, so as to make it noxious to the health of people
in the vicinity.
c) For trade or other purposes, making loud noises or offensive smells in circumstances
causing annoyance to others.
This relates to compliance with the law as regards air and water pollution from site activities.
4.4 NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY - ACT AND

REGULATIONS
4.4.1 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999
The Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999, provides for the
establishment of an appropriate legal and institutional framework for the purpose of
managing the environment and matters connected with it. The National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA) is established under section 7 of the Act. Its mandate is to
monitor the operations of industries, projects or activities to determine their immediate and
long-term effects on the environment. TKBV, being a project whose activities fall within the
ambit of the Act, is therefore subject to its provisions. The Act (Part VIII) lays down
provisions pertaining to environmental quality standards. It establishes a Standards and
Enforcement Review Committee whose broad functions are to (a) advise NEMA on how to
establish criteria and procedures to measure water and air quality and (b) issue standards
and guidelines for the safe and proper disposal of waste (Sections 70, 71, 78, 86). Where
Kenya is a party to an international convention, treaty or agreement on the management of
the environment, NEMA must initiate legislative proposals to give effect to them (Section
55
124).The law does not permit anyone to deposit any substance in a lake, river or wetland or
in, on or under its bed, if that substance is likely to cause adverse environmental effects.
NEMA may prescribe measures to ensure that the biological resources in place are
preserved, issue guidelines to promote the conservation of the various terrestrial and aquatic
systems, and protect species, ecosystems and habitats threatened with extinction. Any area
of land, lake or river may be declared a protected natural environment in order to promote
and preserve specific ecological processes, natural environment systems or species of
indigenous wildlife. It is an offence to discharge pollutants into the aquatic environment. No
one is permitted to discharge any hazardous substance, chemical, oil or mixture containing
any oil into any waters or any other parts of the environment. Noise must not be emitted in
excess of the laid-down standards (Sections 42, 43, 51, 54, 71, 72, 93, 102, 108).
This statute regulates all the activities of projects that may have adverse environmental
impacts.
4.4.2 The EIA Guidelines and Administrative Procedures

The Environment Impact Assessment and Administrative Procedures arose from the policy
framework and the legislative and regulatory (the Environmental Management and Coordination Act, 1999, and its regulations) procedures in order to assist in the integration of
environmental concerns in economic development so as to foster sustainable development.
The document sets out guidelines for carrying out Environmental Impact Assessment,
Environmental Audit and Monitoring, Strategic Environmental Assessment and dealing with
issues of transboundary, regional and international conventions, treaties and agreements. It
sets out the procedure in EIA studies and Environmental Audits as well as the contents and
format of the reports to be submitted to NEMA for consideration. The EIA study review
process and decision-making are also explained. The guidelines are mainly intended to
assist project proponents, EIA practitioners, lead agencies and members of the public to
understand the process and the basis on which decisions are made.
4.4.3 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Water Quality)

Regulations, 2006
Everyone is required to refrain from any act which directly or indirectly causes water
pollution, and no one may throw or cause to flow into or near a water resource any liquid,
solid or gaseous substance or deposit any such material in or near it so as to cause
pollution. No one is permitted to carry out any activity near lakes, streams, springs and wells
that is likely to have an adverse impact on the quality of the water without an environmental
impact assessment licence. It is an offence to discharge or apply any poison, toxic or
obstructing matter, radioactive wastes or other pollutants or permit the dumping or discharge
of any such matter into water meant for fisheries and wildlife (Regulations 4-8, 12 and 24).
This applies to solid or liquid waste generated from the campsite or from the project site(s)
and other work areas, and the manner of disposal of such waste in, or close to, the named
water sources.
56
4.4.4The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003

Any project that is likely to have a negative impact on the environment must be submitted to
an environmental impact assessment process. The terms of reference must include matters
considered germane in the environmental impact assessment process as set out in the
Second Schedule to the Regulations. In addition, the study must take into account
environmental, social, cultural, economic, and legal considerations. The report must state: a)
the proposed location of the project and a description of the environment likely to be
affected; b) the products, by-products and waste generated by the project; c) the projects
environmental effects, including the socio-cultural consequences and the anticipated direct,
indirect, cumulative, irreversible, short-term and long-term impacts; d) an environmental
management plan proposing the measures for eliminating or mitigating adverse impacts on
the environment; e) an action plan to prevent and manage foreseeable accidents and
dangerous activities in the course of carrying out the project; and f) the measures to prevent
health hazards and to ensure security in the workplace for the employees (Regulations 4, 7,
11, 16 and 18). It applies to the requirements of the environmental impact assessment
process.
4.4.5 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Conservation of

Biological Diversity and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and BenefitSharing) Regulations, 2006
Regulation 4 provides that no person shall engage in any activity that may have an adverse
impact on any ecosystem or lead to the unsustainable use of natural resources. The
conservation of biological diversity applies to any area of land, lake or river which the
Minister has declared to be a protected natural environment system for purposes of
promoting and preserving biological diversity in accordance with section 54 of the parent Act
(Regulation 8).
This relates to disturbance of flora and fauna, vegetation disturbance and removal, and the
disturbance of soil, surface and groundwater.
4.4.6The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Wetland, Riverbank,

Lakeshore and Seashore Management) Regulations, 2009
These Regulations aim to ensure the sustainable use of wetlands for ecological and
aesthetic purposes and in addition seek to prevent and control pollution and siltation as well
as other activities that may degrade the environment. All wetland resources must be used in
a sustainable manner compatible with the continued presence of wetlands and their
hydrological, ecological, social and economic functions and services. Some permitted uses
of wetlands include cultivation, fishing (subject to the Fisheries Act), small-scale fish farming,
domestic consumption, grazing, and hunting (subject to the Wildlife (Conservation and
Management) Act). Areas that have national significance may be declared to be protected
wetlands due to their biological diversity, ecological importance, natural heritage, aesthetic
value or landscape. Environmental Restoration orders may be given to allow a wetland,
riverbank or lakeshore that has been degraded to regenerate. Local authorities are
mandated to make byelaws to manage solid waste and wastewaters on lakeshores and
57
riverbanks in accordance with the Public Health Act, Cap. 342 (Regulations 4, 5, 8, 11, 16,
17, 22, 24).
This relates to interference with oases and their ecological structure and function, grazing
and other economic activities close to the project area, as well as visual aesthetics and
interference with the natural heritage.
4.4.7 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Noise and Excessive

Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations, 2009
The Regulations prohibit the making of loud, unreasonable, unnecessary or unusual noise or
excessive vibrations which annoy, disturb, injure or endanger the comfort, repose, health or
safety of other people and the environment. There are laid-down permissible noise levels
which no one may exceed unless the noise is reasonably necessary to preserve life, health,
safety or property. Any person intending to engage in any commercial or industrial activity
likely to emit noise or excessive vibrations must carry out that activity within the prescribed
levels (Regulations 3-5, 11, 20).
These regulations relate to noise and vibrations from the use of vehicles, machines and
equipment such as generators, etc.
4.4.8 The Environmental Management Co-ordination (Fossil Fuel Emission

Control) Regulations, 2006
Every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean and healthy environment and is obligated to
safeguard and enhance that environment. Internal combustion engines are subject to
inspection and must pass tests to show that they comply with the standards and
requirements for the control of air pollution or contamination. It is an offence to operate an
internal combustion engine which emits smoke or other pollutant in excess of the emission
standards. Fossil fuel emissions are defined in the Regulations as those that cause air
pollution from the use of any fossil fuel where the constituent properties are not properly
combusted in an internal combustion engine and are emitted out as toxic carbon gases and
particulates matter. NEMA may approve any substance to be used as a fuel catalyst if it
improves fuel economy, enhances combustion and reduces harmful emissions that
adversely affect human, animal and plant health and degrade the environment. The cost of
clearing the pollution through fuel emission is borne by the polluter (Regulations 4, 7, 12).
This relates to vehicular exhaust emissions that could be potentially harmful to the project
crew as well as to other persons in the vicinity. It includes all other equipment that emits
fumes. These regulations do not apply to flaring during well testing. Currently Kenya has no
legislation or regulations on flare pit construction specifications. TKBV will need to take the
best course available to minimize harmful toxic emissions to the environment. This may
involve the application of international standards in this regard, as well as consideration of all
relevant legislative and regulatory provisions on environmental protection and prevention of
pollution - more particularly the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act and Regulations,
the Energy Act and the Radiation Protection Act.
58
4.4.9 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Waste Management)

Regulations, 2006
Anyone generating waste must minimize it by adopting cleaner production methods. This
may be done by improving the production process through conserving raw materials and
energy, eliminating the use of toxic raw materials and reducing toxic emissions and wastes.
Other methods would be to monitor the product cycle by identifying and eliminating the
products potential negative impacts, recovering and reusing the product where possible,
and reclaiming and recycling it. Incorporating environmental concerns in the design and
disposal of the product can also minimize waste. Every industrial undertaking must mitigate
pollution by installing at its premises anti-pollution equipment for treating the waste it
generates. Discharge or disposal of any waste in any form into the environment is not
permitted without prior treatment. An Environmental Impact Assessment licence must be
obtained by anyone intending to engage in any activity likely to generate hazardous waste.
Anyone generating toxic or hazardous waste must have it treated according to the laid-down
guidelines (Regulations 14, 15, 17).
This applies to waste generation at camp and the work site(s), and its disposal in a way that
does not endanger human health and the environment.
4.5 INTERNATIONAL PRACTICES, STANDARDS AND CONVENTIONS

4.5.1 International Best Practices
The International Association of Oil & Gas producers (OGP) is a unique global forum in
which members identify and share best practices to achieve improvements in every aspect
of health, safety, the environment, security, social responsibility, engineering and operations.
Industry guidelines, based on information from OGP, International Association of Drilling
Contractors, and ISO14001, have become widely accepted as providing a strong basis for
preparing regulations, policies and programmes to minimize the impact that these operations
have on the environment. The E&P Forum (Oil Industry International Exploration and
Production Forum), jointly with UNEP, published a document on the best approaches to
achieving high environmental performance and standards worldwide. Within the framework
provided, various technical reviews and guidelines already available from other relevant
sources can be applied. It developed a common management system to deal with health,
safety and environmental (HSE) issues. Its key elements are as follows:
1.
Leadership and commitment
It is vital to have a senior management committed to ensuring that the management system
is developed and maintained, and that the companys policy and strategic objectives are
achieved. Management should ensure that the policy requirements are adhered to during
operations and support local initiatives to protect health, safety and the environment.
Management commitment will involve delegating responsibility, providing resources and
motivation, and ensuring participation and open communication.
59
2.
Policy and strategic objectives
The HSE management system requires that the companys policies and strategic objectives
are well defined and documented. The policies must be relevant and consistent and should
be on a par with other company policies and objectives. Here also, commitment to carrying
out the companys policies towards protecting peoples health and safety as well as the
environment, is vital, as are responses to community concerns. Partnerships with
stakeholders are just as essential. Where relevant legislation and regulations do not exist,
the company must commit to apply responsible standards.
3.
Organization, resources and documentation
Organization of personnel, resources and documentation make for a sound HSE

management system. Roles must be clearly defined from the beginning to the end of the
project. Appropriate periodic training and review will enhance competence and effective
performance.
4.
Evaluation and risk management
Procedures must be in place to identify on a regular basis the dangers and effects of the
undertaking. This identification should apply to all the activities from the start to the
decommissioning of the project. Environmental impact assessment study becomes a
suitable criterion to gauge what is acceptable, particularly in the absence of appropriate
legislative control.
5.
Planning
Environmental planning and compliance programmes should include ways and means of
preventing or minimizing adverse impacts, as well as enhancing the beneficial impacts that
may accrue. It is also imperative that internal standards and targets are set for compliance.
A detailed decommissioning plan should be considered in the initial planning of the project,
and a plan to restore the environment should be developed before the end of the project.
6.
Implementation and monitoring
The purpose of monitoring is to ensure that the results forecast at the planning stage are
being achieved, and where the contrary is the case, to identify the cause and take action to
correct the situation. Managers must strictly adhere to legal and statutory requirements and
controls as well as the companys own commitment to responsible management of the
environment. Monitoring will indicate whether or not commitments and compliance with legal
and corporate requirements are being met. It also provides the basis for audit.
7.
Audit and review
This management tool enables the senior management to regularly assess its performance,
effectiveness and suitability. It also provides an opportunity to obtain feedback on the
effectiveness of the organization and its environmental performance. In addition, it is useful
60
in verifying compliance with monitoring programmes and ensuring that plans, procedures
and standards are working effectively.
Other renowned national and international standards for best practice, particularly the ISO
9000 and 14000 series, also offer management systems models that can be used by
companies to enhance their environmental performance.
4.5.2 International Conventions

The Kenya Constitution provides that the general rules of international law shall form part of
the laws of Kenya, as shall any treaty or convention that she ratifies (Article 2). Kenya has
ratified or subscribed to a number of international conventions that relate to the environment
within her borders (Table 4.1).
61
Table 4.1: International conventions that Kenya has ratified

Convention
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
African Convention for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources,

Algiers, 1968
Parties must conserve their natural resources soil, water, flora and fauna
ensuring that they are used and scientifically developed in a manner that will
benefit their people.
African Convention on the Conservation of Natural Resources (Revised Version)
Maputo, 2003
Parties must ensure that developmental and environmental needs are met in a
sustainable, fair and equitable manner.
Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl
Habitat, Ramsar, 1971
It provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the
conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural
Heritage, Paris, 1972
It establishes a system of collective protection of cultural and natural heritage of
outstanding universal value.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora, Washington, 1973
It aims at ensuring that international trade in specimens of wild animals and
plants does not threaten their survival.
Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, Bonn,
1979
It aims to protect those species of wild animals that migrate across or outside of
national boundaries. Parties must protect them, conserve and restore their
habitat, mitigate obstacles to migration and control other factors that might
endanger them.
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous
Wastes and their Disposal, Basel, 1989
It aims at protecting human health and the environment against the adverse
effects resulting from the generation, management, transboundary movements
and disposal of hazardous wastes.
Amendments to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, Geneva, 1995
The amendment prohibits exports of hazardous wastes destined for final disposal
or recycling purposes from Annex VII countries to non-Annex VII countries
(Annex VII not yet in force).
United Nations Framework Convention on Climatic Change, New York, 1992
It sets an overall framework for intergovernmental efforts to tackle the challenge
posed by climatic change, recognizing that the climate system can be affected by
industrial and other emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change,
Kyoto, 1997
It sets binding targets for 37 industrialized countries and the European
Community as well as for countries undergoing the process of transition to a
market economy in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Convention on Biological Diversity, Rio de Janeiro, 1992
It aims at granting the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of
its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of
the use of genetic resources.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Stockholm, 2001
It protects human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact
in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically
and accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife. It requires Parties to
take measures to eliminate or reduce the release of persistent organic pollutants
into the environment.
Bamako Convention on the Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of
Transboundary Movement and Management of Hazardous Wastes within Africa,
Bamako, 1991
It binds Parties to take appropriate legal, administrative and other measures
within the area under their jurisdiction to prohibit the import of all hazardous
wastes, for any reason, into Africa from non-Contracting Parties.
Entry into
force
16 June,
1969
Date of
ratification
12 May,
1969
(accession)
11 July,
2003
17
December,
2003
(signature)
5 October,
1990
21
December,
1975
17
December,
1975
1 July, 1983
1 July,
1975
13 March,
1979
1
November,
1983
5 May ,
1992
2000
(accession)
5 May,
1992
9 September,
2009
(acceptance)
21 March,
1994
30 August,
1994
16
February,
2005
2005
(accession)
29
December,
1993
27 June,
1994
17 May,
2001
24
September,
2004
22 April,
1998
17
December,
2003
(signature)
62
4.6 TULLOW OIL PLC POLICIES
63
64
CHAPTER 5:
BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL PARAMETERS
5.1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter provides a description of the current environmental and socio-economic
situation in the project area (Figure 5.1) against which the potential impacts of the proposed
exploratory wells drilling programme in the project area can be assessed, and any future
changes monitored and rectified if necessary. It provides details of the desktop studies, field
survey, and results from laboratory analyses of samples collected in the field which are
based on the methods applied as outlined in Chapter 3, in relation to the possible
exploratory well sites and the surrounding areas which may be directly or indirectly impacted
upon by the proposed project and the associated activities.
5.1.1 Project Location and Layout of the Chapter

Block 13T is located in Northern Kenya and straddles four administrative districts, namely,
Central Pokot, Turkana Central, Loima and parts of Turkana South Districts. A detailed
description of the project location is provided in Chapter 1, Section 1.4.
Figure 5.1: Location of the project area.
65
The baseline draws from both primary and secondary data sources. Primary data sources
involved the visit to the project area and undertaking a baseline survey (Table 5.1), while
secondary sources of data include various research papers and published literature
including social and economic data from Government reports. It should be noted that some
of the information in this chapter might be limited due to lack of previous published research
on the biophysical and socio-economic aspects of the project area.
Table 5.1: Chapter layout
Major Sections in this Chapter
Introduction
Issues Addressed
Project Location and Layout of the Chapter
Geographical Aspects and Boundaries
Administrative Set-up
Communications and Transport
Government,
Non-Governmental
and
Organisations
Environmental Baseline Survey
Physiography and Geology

Soils
Climate
Air Quality
Surface and Groundwater Resources
Water Quality
Terrestrial Environment
Aquatic Environment
Land Resources and Parks
Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites
Visual Aesthetics
Noise and Vibrations
Solid and Liquid Wastes
Environment-related Social and

Economic Baseline
Demography
Education
Housing
Energy Sources
Land Tenure Systems
Labour Force
Livestock and Crop Production
Trade, Commerce and Industry
Health Settings
Security and Public Safety
Community Views and Concerns
Corporate Social Responsibility
Community-Based
5.1.2 Geographical Aspects and Boundaries

The project area lies in the north-western part of Kenya (Figure 5.1), with its most prominent
features being the Turkwel River that runs south to north, dissecting the project area into two
halves, and the associated hills and ranges that run parallel to the river on either side,
marking the western and eastern boundaries of the watershed of the Turkwel River, as well
as those of the project area to the west.
5.1.3 Administrative Structure

The proposed exploratory wells drilling sites in Block 13T will be undertaken largely in
Turkana South District and areas in east of Turkwel River in Turkana County. Counties are
the newly created second tier of governance after the national government. The Counties
will be fully operational after the next general election scheduled for March 2013. The
66
proposed project sites are within Turkana South Constituency and falls in the local
government authority of Turkana County Council.
Figure 5.2: Administrative boundaries in the project area: Block 13T
5.1.4 Communications and Transport

The proposed exploratory wells project area can be accessed from Nairobi by road as well
as air transport. The main road leading to the project area is a class A road (NairobiKitale-Lodwar-Juba highway). Parts of the road from Kapenguria town are in a sorry state
of disrepair and need urgent fixing. The exploratory well drilling sites can be accessed by
use of internal earth roads. The proponent has undertaken to gravel some of the access
earth roads leading to the project sites to murram standard. Most of the terrain in the
project area comprises of soft sand and pass through riverbeds, and for this reason, the
commonly used mode of transport are four-wheel drive vehicles. During rainy season the
67
internal roads may be rendered impassable. The project area has several airstrips and the
nearest to the project area is the Lokichar Airstrip. Postal and telecommunication services
through mobile telephony and Internet cover the area.
A
Plate 5.1(a & b): (a) Flash floods in the area can render roads impassable, and (b) Lokichar air
strip
5.1.5 Government, Non-Governmental and Community-Based Organizations

The project area is an ASAL region and has several non-governmental organizations
(NGOs) and government agencies, with different mandates, operating from bases in
Lokichar and Lodwar towns. The overall objective of most of these NGOs is to assist the
communities minimize the adverse impacts of climatic shocks and to provide relief efforts
and social welfare. One of the key governmental agencies in the area is the Arid Lands
Resources Management Programme (ALRMP) that coordinates ASAL development
initiatives at district level. Their focal points are the drought management officers, who are
members of the County Steering Group (CSG) in-charge of coordinating inter-sectoral ASAL
initiatives. NGOs include World Vision, World Food Program, Merlin and Christian Childrens
Fund. The NGOs work largely in association with the many CBOs and local women and
youth groups that the communities have established.
68
5.2 ENVIRONMENTAL BASELINE SURVEY

5.2.1.1 Physiography
The southern tip of the block is bordered by the foot slopes of Mount Elgon to the southwest
and the Cherangani Hills to the southeast (Figure 5.1) in the Block 13T. The Turkwel River,
which has its source in Mount Elgon, enters the block in the south-western area and then
runs south to north, dissecting the block into two almost equal halves, and is the major
drainage system (Figure 5.2). Its three major tributaries are the Wei Wei River in the south,
Kateruk River in the central part and the Nakaton River in the north-western part of the
block.
Figure 5.3: Physiography of the project area.
From 2 to 3N the watershed of the Turkwel River basin is bounded by the Nariwomoru,
Kasuroi, Kamatak and Kimaguru hills to the east (these hills are fully within the project area),
and the Karapokot, Loropokot, Kobaroch and Moruangiliok hills to the west (with their peaks
just outside the western border of the project area) (Figure 5.3). Numerous small and
69
ephemeral streams arise from the hills and are oriented east-west, flowing into the Turkwel
River (Figure 5.3). Those arising from the Nariwomoru, Kasuroi, Kamatak and Kimaguru hills
also flow eastwards from the east-facing slopes into the Kerio River (which lies outside the
project area to the east) and eventually to Lake Turkana.
The Turkwel River is as much as a kilometre wide in places and is bordered along most of its
length by a belt of alluvium which in some places is over 2 kilometres wide (Plate 5.2). The
Turkana Plain, which covers an expansive part of the northern section of the project area, is
well-smoothed, dipping gently at about 3 metres per kilometre from the foot of the
escarpment on the western part of the region (Uganda escarpment) at about 900 metres
above sea level, to Lake Turkana which lies at about 375m above sea level (Figure 5.3)
(Fairburn and Matheson, 1970).
Plate 5.2: showing Turkwel River floodplain at Katilu Irrigation Scheme in Katilu (southern part
of the block).
A
Plate 5.3: Physiography of the project area: a) Floodplain of the Turkwel River, photo taken
from Sigir Hills; and b) Turkana Plain in the northern part of the block, photo taken from
Kunyupat Hill, Lorugumu area.
The Sigir Hills and Kunyupat Hills comprise mainly of Basement System rocks, becoming
smaller in stature and extent northwards, eventually forming only horsts. The Basement
System hills in the western part of the area form steep fault and erosional scarps with deep
gullies (Plate 5.4).
70
Plate 5.4: a) Kasuroi Hill(red arrow), Kasuroi area; b) Lokosimekori Hill, photo taken south of
Ngamia camp; c) Kohu Hills in the background - note the gully erosion in the foreground and
plain in the middle ground; and d) Kobroich inselberg hill, Logogo area.
A distinctive feature in the project area is the large number of dry lugga channels that flow
for only a few hours or days following heavy rains. Often, gullies with high banks occur in
grounds that are slightly more elevated than their immediate surroundings (Plates 5.4 and
5.5).
Plate 5.5: Gully erosion on the higher ground, Marich area.
71
5.2.1.2 Geology
5.2.1.2.1 Geological Setting
Geologically, the project area can be divided into three parts (southern, central and
northern), moving latitudinally from south to north. The thin southern strip (1.3 to 2N) is
dominated by: metamorphosed sediments of the Basement System; Tertiary rocks
represented by plugs and dykes of nephelinites or alkali basalt; and Quaternary rocks that
consist of soils, alluvium, scree and ironstone cappings (Figure 5.4) (McCall, 1964). In the
central section (2 to 230N), there are mainly superficial deposits of Pleistocene to Recent
age that occupy the Turkwel plain, while to the west occur a metamorphic and igneous
complex of Pre-Cambrian rocks containing recrystallised sediments and volcanics (Walsh,
1966). The rocks in the northern part (230 to 3N) are folded gneisses, schists, granulites
and limestones of the basement system that are cut by acid pegmatites and basic intrusions
(Figure 5.4) (Fairburn and Matheson, 1970). In the northwest, the basement system rocks
are covered by a thick series of basalt, andesites and rhyolitic ignimbrites (Figure 5.4).
Figure 5.4: Geology of the project area
72
5.2.1.2.2 Surface Geology

This section describes the geology of the area that was observed in the field (Table 5.2),
focusing on those rock-types and geological processes and hazards that are of significance
or relevant with respect to the proposed test wells drilling programme in the project area,
based on field evaluations. The main rock exposures are quartzo-feldspathic gneisses, as
well as biotite schists and metamorphosed basalts (Figure 5.4) that are to be found around
Lochwa and Kaaroge parts of the study area. Other minor rock units include: amphibolites
schists that occur within the gneisses around Lochwaa, recrystallized sedimentary unit with
quartz and feldspar (felsic) veins; and feldspar pegmatite veins near Kasuroi Hill and south
west of cutline 44 (Figure 5.4) in the project area.
Plate 5.6: Rugged terrain near Lochwaa where cutline 44 has been excavated
Table 5.2: Rock types observed during the field surveys that are significant for project
logistics and EMP.
Basaltic plugs
Quartzofeldspathic
gneiss
Type of
Rock
Locality
Brief Description
Covers areas
such as Lokichar,
Lochwaa and
Kaaroge.
The exposures comprising of a

succession of conglomerates,
arkoses, quartzites and
sandstones form steep-sided
ridges and rugged land surfaces
in the area; there are loose
boulders on the surface (Plate
5.7).
Have highly rugged topography.
with some loose boulders on the
surface (Plate 5.9)
Covers areas
such Lokichar ,
Lokapel and
Lochwa
Natural
Hazards
Potential
rock falls or
topples
Potential
rock falls or
topples
Implications for the

Project and EMP
Cut lines and accessways have left longlasting residual impacts
Rugged terrain with
interfluves and gulleys
Occupational safety
relating to rock falls and
topples
Cut lines and accessways have left lasting
residual impact
Rugged
terrain
a
challenge for access
roads and cut lines.
Occupational safety
relating to rock falls and
topples
73
Plate 5.7(a & b): (a) Quartzo-feldspathic gneiss in Lochwaa area and (b) Biotite schist in the
Kasuroi area
A
Plate 5.8(a & b): (a) Feldspar-pegmatite vein in Kasuroi area and (b) Basaltic plug on the
southeast of Lochwaa
5.2.2 Soils
5.2.2.1 Soil Mapping Units
The test well drilling sites are found in piedmont plains (Mapping unit Y10), Uplands (Ux10)
and sedimentary plains (Ps28). The sites are yet to be named though one soil mapping unit
(Y10) hosts the Ngamia-1 test well drilling site where drilling has been completed and the
new Twiga-1 test well drilling site (Figure 5.5). The mapping units within the test drilling sites
project area are summarised below. The soil classification process follows the FAOUNESCO legend that accommodates the worlds soils in order to overcome gaps in national
classification systems and to provide a common basis for soil correlation. The identification
of soils is based on the presence of diagnostic horizons and diagnostic properties which are
defined by measurable morphological, physical and chemical criteria related to soil
characteristics that are the result of soil formation. There are 26 soil units recognized by the
FAO- UNESCO legend of which Kenya has 23. The soil mapping unit description refers
mainly to the characteristics of the subsoil usually B horizon, to a depth of 100cm (less if
impenetrable material such as bedrock occurs at a shallower depth). Among the parameters
described is: drainage condition, effective soil depth, colour (moist condition), mottling (if
present), consistence (moist condition), calcareousness (if present), salinity, sodicity (if
present), rockiness (if present), stoniness (if present), cracking (if present), texture,
additional information on special topsoil or subsoil features, landform, geology, inclusions of
other soils, etc (Sombroek et al., 1982). For mapping units the first letter represents the
landform while the second letter represents the geology of the unit. Details on the physicochemical parameters and infiltration tests on the soils are outlined in Appendix 3.
74
Figure 5.5: Soil map of the project area showing the exploratory drilling sites.
Mapping unit Y10

This unit is found to the eastern part of Block 13T from the northern border at Loturerei,
traversing southwards to Katamanak Hills and along the River Turkwel floodplain from
Kangalita in the north, traversing southwards past Kaputir. Y10 unit also covers the
exploratory drill site of Ngamia-1 and the proposed Twiga-1 site. The profile pit for soil
classification was excavated about 80m from Twiga-1 test well drilling site based in Kapese
Location, Lokichar Division Turkana South (Figure 5.5, Plate 5.9). Its geology is alluvium
from undifferentiated basement system rocks, mainly gneisses. The landform/topography is
piedmont plain, consisting of nearly level to gently undulating slopes (0-3%) that are
dissected by narrow rills tending south-north direction. The meso-relief consists of common
small dunes (<1m) that are stabilized by Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrubs and Grass spp.
The soils are moderately well drained, deep, dark yellowish brown to dark brown, sandy
75
loam to gravely clay, moderately saline and strongly sodic. The surface consists of sealed
and crusted sandy clay loam to sandy clay textured soils with low soil organic matter
content, overlain by quartzite surface pebbles. The soils classify as mollic Solonetz. The
vegetation of the area is a moderately dense Acacia shrubland dominated by Acacia tortilis.
There are also shrubs of Luqata sigmama and Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrubs. The noxious
invader shrub Juliflora procera is also present. The area serves as grazing grounds with
goats being predominant. Trampling by grazing animals abets the degraded soils condition
making the soil-mapping unit where the exploratory well is sited, fragile.
5
4
A
Soil structure
of A, AB,
Bw1, Bw2 &
C Horizons
AB
Bw1
Bw2
Sandy Clay
Loam
Sandy
loam
Clay
Gravely Sandy
Clay Loam
Gravely Sandy
Clay
Sandy
Clay
Loam/Sandy
Loam
Plate 5.9 (1-5): (1) Piedmont plain showing dunes, meso-relief stabilized by dwarf shrubs (2)
Same unit that is gently undulating and bisected by common narrow rills that support
vegetation and with sandy sealing soils (3) Y10 unit supports livestock grazing (4) profile pit in
th
the unit showing soil horizons and (5) soil structure of the profile, the 5 horizon (Bw2)
showing prismatic structure connotative of Natric B (diagnostic horizon) and soil texture
matrix for the profile pit.
Mapping unit Ps28

This mapping unit is found to the north west of Kasuroi and West of Lochwaa. It is also found
east of the Turkwel River floodplain to the northeast of Block 13T. The profile pit for soil
classification was excavated between Kasuroi and Kaaroge townships in Kasuroi Location
Turkana South (Figure 5.5, Plate 5.10). Its geology is cover sands. The landform/topography
76
is sedimentary plain that is nearly level to gently undulating slopes (0-4%). The plain is
dissected by narrow (<2m wide) and shallow luggas tending northeast to southwest
direction. There are rills and potential gullies forming in the unit where the luggas cross the
land sloping perpendicularly to the drainage pattern. The meso relief consists of elevated
surface (<1m) that is gently undulating due to erosion processes. The soils are well-drained,
very deep, strong brown, friable, moderately calcareous, moderately sodic sandy loam to
sandy clay loam. The surface exhibits sheet wash and rill erosion that has resulted in a
rugged surface with undulations and depressions. The subsoils are compact and though the
surface soils are porous, they exhibit some sealing in places and thin crusts with sandy loam
to sandy clay loam texture. The topsoils are also low in soil organic matter and due to the
sealing; there is increased soil erosion as runoff is abetted with flow movement from upper to
low-lying land. The soils classify as ferralic Cambisols. The vegetation of the area is an open
grassed shrubland dominated by Acacia tortilis, A. reficiens and Indigofera spinosa dwarf
shrubs and grass spp forming the undergrowth. The area serves also as grazing grounds
with goats and camels being predominant. Trampling by grazing animals abets the
degrading soils condition making the soil-mapping unit tending to be fragile.
Horizon structure
4
A
Texture
gr & sb
Bw1
ab & pr
Bw2
gr & ab
C1
pr
C2
ab
SL/SCL
Bw1
SL/SCL
Bw
SL/S
C1
C2
SL/S
SL/S
Plate 5.10: (1) Ps28 unit showing typical lugga flowing NE/SW direction in the unit--that
support vegetation (yellow arrow) and gulley forming (red arrow) and (2) The unit showing
undulating meso-relief stabilized by Indigofera spinosa, (3) Surface Ponding in Ps28 line 37
&40 junction, that occurred after some flash floods earlier and (4) profile pit showing soil
horizons and (5) profile pit soil texture and soil structure representing all the horizons
sampled. The texture in each horizon respectively is as follows: A-Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay
Loam, Bw1- Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay Loam, Bw2- Sandy Loam to Sand, C1-Sandy Loam to
Sand and C2-Sandy Loam to Sand. The structure in each horizon respectively is as follows: Agranular and sub-angular blocky, Bw1-angular blocky and prismatic, Bw2-granular and
angular blocky, C1-prismatic and C2- angular blocky.
77
Mapping unit Ux10

This mapping unit is extensive and covers nearly half of Block 13T. It is found to the northern
border of Block 13T and to the west of River Turkwel floodplain, stretching to Nasolot in the
southern end of the block. The same unit is found East of River Turkwel floodplain south of
mapping unit Ps28 and stretching southwards to Nasolot (Figure 5.5, Plate 5.11). The unit
was described about 3 km northeast of Kaaroge Township, Turkana South. The geology of
the area is undifferentiated basement systems, rocks predominantly gneisses. The
physiographic unit is uplands at differentiated levels consisting of rolling topography and
base level variables. At the sampling site, the unit is intensely dissected with narrow and
moderately deep interfluves and the macro relief is rolling uplands. The soils are welldrained, shallow, yellowish brown, friable, strongly calcareous, moderately to strongly sodic
and saline, gravely, sandy clay with a gravel surface. There are surface stones and rock
outcrops in the unit. The unit also has common quartz-feldspar-gneiss veins. The soils
classify as Calcaric Regosols. This soil-mapping unit supports an open and scattered Acacia
reficiens, A. tortils, A. Senegal, Balanities aegyptiaca and Delonix elata vegetation. The
undergrowth is sparse Indigofera spinosa. The plant life is found in the interfluves where
there is water.
2
1
Structure
Texture
3
4
A
A
C1
C1
C2
C2
Plate 5.11(1-4): (1) Ux10 unit showing lugga-cut profile horizons, the background being quartzfeldspar gneiss vein, (2) The shallow (in places moderately deep) soils support poorly
anchored Acacia Senegal vegetation (3) Soil structure showing A-horizon: prismatic and platy
structure, C1-horizon: fine granular and sub-angular blocky structure, in C2- horizon: granular
and sub-angular structure and (4) profile soil texture: A-horizon: gravely Sandy Clay Loam to
Sandy Clay, C1-horizon: gravelly Sandy Clay Loam, C2-horizon: gravelly Sandy Clay.
78
Plate 5.12 (a & b): (a) Mapping unit A8 showing River Turkwel floodplain under irrigation at
Katilu and (b) stratified fluvisol topsoil at the riverbank.
Table 5.3: Soil description within specified soil mapping units observed during the field
surveys that are significant for project logistics and EMP.
Sedimentary plain (Mapping unit Ps28)
Piedmont Plain
Y10
Unit
Locality
Brief Description
Found to the
eastern part of
Block 13T from
the northern
border at
Loturerei,
traversing
southwards to
Katamanak Hills
and along the
River Turkwel
floodplain from
Kangalita in the
north traversing
southwards past
Kaputir.
The soils are moderately welldrained, deep, dark yellowish

brown to dark brown, sandy
loam to gravely clay,
moderately saline and
strongly sodic. They classify
as mollic Solonetz,
[Sombroek et al. (1982)]
This mapping unit

is found to the
northwest of
Kasuroi and west
of Lochwar. It is
also found east of
the Turkwel River
floodplain to the
northeast of Block
13T
The soils are well-drained,

very deep, strong brown,
friable,
moderately
calcareous, moderately sodic
sandy loam to sandy clay
loam. (The soil classifies as
ferralic Cambisols (Sombroek
et al., 1982).
(*)Natural
Hazards
Sealing
and
crusting soils
Wind erosion
common bare
patches/denud
e of vegetation
Surface runoff
and ponding
Compact-B soil
horizon
Sealing and
crusting soils
Sheet wash
and rill erosion
Surface runoff
and ponding on
depressions
and roadways
Compact B-soil
horizon
Implications
for
the
Project and EMP
Mechanical excavation of
soil may expose the soil
and encourage wind
erosion and further
degrade the unit
Ponding potential may
impede certain activities
to be carried out during
the rains
Campsites may be placed
on bare patches without
disrupting vegetation
Compact subsurface
layer may require
hardened
tools/equipment or
blasting with dynamite if
pits are to be excavated
and encourage gulley
erosion especially where
access
ways
cross
luggas
and
further
degrade the unit.
Runoff and ponding
potential may impede
certain activities to be
carried out during the
rains.
Common elevated ground
may require
levelling/removal if
campsites are to be
established where
applicable.
Compact subsurface
layer may require
hardened
tools/equipment if pits are
to be excavated.
79
Floodplains (Mapping
unit A8)
Uplands (Mapping unit Ux10)
Found to the
northern border of
Block 13T and to
the west of River
Turkwel floodplain
stretching to
Nasolot in the
southern end of
the block. The
same unit is found
east of River
Turkwel
floodplain, south
of mapping unit
Ps28 and
stretching
southwards to
Nasolot
This unit bisects

Block 13T into two
from the north at
Turkwel town to
the south at
Nasolot.
The soils are well-drained,

shallow, yellowish brown,
friable, strongly calcareous,
moderately to strongly sodic
and saline, gravely, sandy
clay (The soil classifies as
Calcaric Regosols
(Sombroek et al., 1982).
The soils are well-drained, to

imperfectly drained , very
deep, dark brown to yellowish
brown , stratified , micaceous,
strongly calcareous,
predominantly loamy soils
(The soil classifies as
Calcaric Fluvisols
(Sombroek et al., 1982).
Potential
landslips/
rock fall due to
topography and
surface
stones/boulders
and
rockoutcrops
Potential
vegetation-fall
due to poor
anchorage of
plants caused
by shallow and
sodic soils
Sparse
vegetation
found
in
interfluves
Movement/vibration of
machinery/equipment
may trigger rock falls
and encourage
windblown erosion
Movement of machinery
and equipment may be
hindered due to
topography unless
access-ways are opened
up
Shallow soil and
presence of near surface
parent material would
require hardened
tools/equipment or
blasting with dynamite if
pits are to be excavated
Further surface disruption
may denude the existing
scanty and sparse
vegetation
Seasonal
flooding
and
ponding
Windblown dust
Vehicles and equipment

movement would be
impeded during wet
seasons.
Compaction by vehicles
and equipment
Windblown dust may
affect equipment
Occupational safety
relating to dust
generation during dry
seasons
5.2.3 Climate
The proposed project area, which is arid to semi-arid, receives an average annual rainfall of
between 200 and 400mm and average temperatures range from 24 to 38C (Republic of
Kenya, 2002). During the dry seasons, which are between August-February, temperatures
vary between 26 and 40C, while in the rainy seasons between March-July, the range is
from 20 to 25C. The lowest temperatures are experienced in the months of November and
December, and the highest in the months of January, March and August, and may exceed
37C especially in the afternoons. The long rains occur between April and August, while the
short rains occur in October and November. The annual rainfall amount is between 200 and
400mm (Nicholson, 1980), and is erratic and unreliable (Republic of Kenya, 2002). Rainfall is
distributed on an east-west gradient with more rainfall in the western parts and other areas
of higher elevation (Republic of Kenya, 2002), and is higher in the southern sector than in
the northern sector of the project area. Rain falls in brief violent storms resulting in flash
floods, particularly in the northern sector. The high temperatures and low rainfall causes high
rates of evapo-transpiration that result in deposition of salt in the soil and capping on the
surface (Republic of Kenya, 2002).
80
Plate 5.13(a & b): (a) Dry climate affects soils moisture holding characteristics and the loose
and often pulverized soil is easily windblown and (b) Flash floods that can occur suddenly
characterize the study area
Relationship to Project and EMP

The climate characteristics have the following implications for the project team:
Due to the high temperatures, the project team should have adequate water supplies,
and shaded rest areas when establishing access-ways in the field and working at the
drilling sites;
Erratic, unpredictable and torrential rains that result in flash floods can pose a danger
to crew especially at lugga crossings (where even huge trucks have been washed
downstream in the past), and when working close to steeply inclined areas where
there is risk of landslip or rock topples and falls. Transportation in the field can also
be bogged down as a result of flooded and ponded areas, with the risk of crews
being cut off for a number of hours or even days;
Strong winds occasionally whip up dust storms that can reduce visibility and pose
problems to sensitive electronic equipment, e.g. jamming of cameras which the EIA
team experienced in the field.
The project operations will not affect any climate parameter.
81
5.2.4 Air Quality

The project area is rural, sparsely populated, undeveloped and reasonably removed from
major towns, cities, agricultural and industrial centres that are the major contributors to air
pollution. In the arid to semi-arid northern sector of the project area, strong winds often
generate dust storms. This is the significant contributor of natural particulate air pollution in
the area. Minimal and transient air pollution occurs as a result of vehicles traversing the area
and raising dust, as well as releasing exhaust fumes. Herds of grazing animals also
cumulatively contribute to dust pollution in the course of movement from one area to
another.

The ambient air quality in the region is good, but frequent dust storms (particularly in the lowlying northern sector) and generally high levels of dust resulting from the strong winds may
affect the working conditions. Care is, therefore, needed to shield the workers and sensitive
equipment from dust effects. The project operations are only likely to affect air quality locally
in work areas, during transportation of the workforce and equipment from one area to
another, and during operation of machinery. An assessment of this impact is presented in
Chapter 7 and mitigations recommended in Chapter 8.

5.2.5.1 Surface Water Resources
The surface water potential is extremely low in the project area. The local communities are
adapted to this situation, but persistently long droughts or successive seasonal droughts
sometimes put at risk their lives and livelihoods, including frequent loss of livestock. The
Turkwel is the main surface water body in the area. The perennial Wei Wei River, a tributary
of the Turkwel River, is important in the southern part of the project area. Other sources of
surface water are seasonal rivers (luggas) and water pans. There are very few water pans
and earth dams in the project area. The construction of some of the existing water pans was
sponsored by the World Vision Kenya, particularly in the eastern part of the project area. The
pans found during the study area were unable to hold water throughout an entire dry season.
A
Plate 5.14 (a & b) :( a) Turkwel River in Katilu area, Note the people crossing at a shallow place
(b) Earth dam being excavated south of Ngamia camp.
The Turkwel River has been dammed for hydroelectric power generation at Turkwel Gorge,
and this dam contributes about 40% of the total power consumed in Kenya and is the third
82
largest dam in the country (Plate 5.14). The rivers contribution to the improved agricultural
activities in the area through providing water for irrigation schemes has been the most
paramount and pronounced benefit to the local community. Some of the irrigation schemes
that use water from the Turkwel River are: Kaputiro Irrigation Scheme in Loyapat area
(funded by World Vision); Arumoru Irrigation Scheme in Kanaodon area (supported by the
Turkana Rehabilitation Programme); Turkwel Irrigation Scheme in Turkwel area and Katilu
irrigation scheme in Katilu (supported by the Government of Kenya). The waters of this river
are highly turbid and not suitable for domestic and/or industrial uses.
5.2.5.2 Groundwater Resources

The numerous dry (ephemeral/seasonal) sandy river beds, locally known as luggas, are
sources of shallow and potable groundwater. The shallow hand-dug wells may, in a few
cases, be equipped with hand pumps. There are also some deep boreholes. Groundwater is
the major source of potable water supply for both humans and livestock in the project area
(Plate: 5.15). The water quality is variable, ranging from clean and potable to turbid.
A
Plate 5.15 (a & b): (a) A hand pump operated shallow water well that is used by the local
communities and their livestock at Kasuroi, (b) Nakukulas borehole donated to the local
community by TKBV used by local communities and their livestock.
A
Plate 5.16(a & b):(a) A hand pump operated at a shallow water well at Katilu Centre adjacent to
the Turkwel River floodplain and (b) a hand pump operated at a shallow water well at
Kanaodon.
Some boreholes have dried up due to lack of recharge (e.g. at Lokichar and Loturerei area).
Efforts by TKBV to drill water boreholes have yielded no water near Twiga. Others have
slightly saline water, particularly those that are located far from the luggas, such as the
borehole in Kalemungorok centre.
83

Due to the scarcity of water resources, TKBV would have to find its own water supply (e.g.
drill boreholes) for the personnel that would be residing in the camp and working within the
project area, rather than share an already existing resource with the neighbouring
community as this can cause problems particularly if the water is in short supply. Such
boreholes could be handed over to the neighbouring communities at the end of the project.
5.2.6 Water Quality

Potential ground and surface water pollution will need to be considered in the context of
drilling fluid waste, sanitation and domestic waste discharge facilities and systems that will
be installed at the drilling rig sites (see Chapter 2) as well as unplanned leakages of oils
and/or chemicals at the drilling rig sites. Baseline water samples were collected for physicochemical analysis (Table 5.4) at the locality indicated. Microbiological analysis of the water
samples was not undertaken due to technical logistics relating to sample preservation time
(only six hours maximum before they are analysed from collection) and lack of analytical
water laboratories in the project area; therefore, only physico-chemical analysis was carried
out.
84
Table 5.4: Water quality in the project area (SW Shallow Well; BH Borehole). WHO limits are for drinking water quality: grey shaded boxes show
the limits are exceeded.
PARAMETERS
Lab Sample Nos.
Water sample from previous EIA for seismic acquisition of

project area
2562
2559
2558
2561
pH
Turkwel
Lokichar
Katilu
River
SW
SW
8.14
8.26
8.5
8.66
Colour (mgPt/l)
60
Turbidity (NTU)
102
PV (mgO2/l)
7.9
0.79
0.79
Conductivity (25C)
(S/l)
Fe (mg/l)
208
634
0.91
Mn (mg/l)
< 0.01
Ca (mg/l)
Mg (mg/l)
Water samples collected during the EIA for test well drilling
0066
0064
0065
Lokichar Nakukulas
Kasuroi
Katilu
Kanaodon
8.17
8.37
8.24
8.03
8.11
6.5-8.5
<5
<5
<5
<5
<5
15
Nil
0.0
0.1
0.3
0.5
0.2
< 0.4
<100
11801
1303
632
1159
1240
2600
887
0.01
0.91
< 0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
0.3
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
<0.01
0.1
22.4
31.2
23.2
6.4
37.6
20.8
76
45.6
<100
6.82
18.97
25.3
28
37.45
8.37
38.4
80.22
35.5
Na (mg/l)
8.8
73.4
195.9
238
28
240
182
356
77.6
200
K (mg/l)
0.4
0.4
0.6
1.2
3.9
1.9
9.6
1.6
10.1
<10
Total Hardness
(mgCaCO3/l)
Total Alkalinity
(mgCaCO3/l)
Cl (mg/l)
84
1.56
162
132
248
56
210
520
260
500
98
288
412
574
270
500
392
760
356
<500
100
25
26
40
325
35
250
F (mg/l)
0.35
2.2
1.0
1.17
1.34
4.17
1.66
0.95
1.5
Nitrate (mg/l)
0.23
0.22
0.45
0.54
0.97
7.14
8.18
12.72
2.72
10
Nitrite (mg/l)
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
< 0.01
<0.01
0.05
0.06
0.09
<0.01
Sulphate (mg/l)
26.7
14.6
127.1
28.5
28.7
40
Nil
36
76
66
12.9
67
35.71
391.8
718.6
768.8
1612
Free Carbon Dioxide (mg/l)

Total Dissolved Solids < 0.3
(mg/l)
Kalemungorok
SW
0062
0063
WHO
limits
400
1000
The ground water in the area is suitable for human consumption except for water obtained from Kasuroi borehole due to presence of fluoride in
higher concentration than the recommended level of 1.5mg/l.
85
5.2.7 Terrestrial Environment

According to the Kenya Rangeland Ecological Monitoring Unit (KREMU), the countrys
rangelands can be divided into 44 eco-units based factors such as soil types, rainfall, soil
moisture, vegetation types and land use types. Based on the above, the study area is
classified as the Lokichar Eco-Unit, which encompasses arid and semi arid areas of the
lower parts of Turkana area.
Arid and semi-arid lands are marginal areas with climates that are largely unsuitable for rainfed agriculture (Pratt and Gwynne, 1977). Semi-arid lands are primarily dry thorn shrublands,
while the very arid lands consist of dwarf shrubs interspersed with grassland in certain sites.
Temperatures are continuously warm to hot and little variation occurs throughout the year
with Potential Evapotranspiration (PE) rates being in excess of 2,500mm/yr. Rainfall is
bimodal with rainfall averaging from less than 150mm to 400mm or more at higher
elevations. Long rainfall peaks occur in April and May while the short rains that occur
between November and December are extremely minimal because of the prevailing wind
that blows from Lake Turkana to the western border from August through December.
Under the Lokichar Eco-Unit, several heterogeneous and highly variable habitat conditions
exist, namely (Figure 5.6): Dwarf shrubland; Riverine forest; Shrubland; Grassed shrubland;
and Near barren.
Figure 5.6: Vegetation types in the proposed project area

86
Dwarf Shrubland
Pockets of this habitat type were encountered along cut line 44. Dwarf shrubland is a habitat
type dominated by woody plants that are not more than 1m in height. Development of this
habitat type is linked to the shallow soil conditions on site. Species encountered included
Acacia reficiens, Indigofera spinosa and Cadaba farinosa. These species are a key source
of browse for goats and sheep.
Plate 5.17: Dwarf shrubland on the southeastern part of line 36
Riverine Forest
Several hills exist within the study area. The common hills are Lomokamar, Natudao and
Kasoroi. The foot ridges and slopes of these hills are dissected with interfluves of varying
degrees of width and depths. Due to the presence of water and silt, vegetation establishment
and growth is highly pronounced (with trees above 8 meters in height) with Acacia tortilis
dominating the riverine forests. Other species present include Acacia reficiens, Salvadora
persica, Ziziphus mucronata, Delonix elata and Calotropis procera.
87
Plate 5.18: A riverine forest on the northwestern part of cutline 40
Shrubland
This is the most dominant habitat type in the project area. It was encountered along cut lines
10, 36, 37, 39, 40, and 44. Shrublands habitats comprises of woody plants that are less than
8 meters in height and usually with many stems arising at or near the base. This particular
habitat types develops in areas with moderately well developed soils. There are several
variants of this habitat type depending primarily on the amount of crown cover. Dominant
species includes Acacia refciens, Acacia tortilis, Calotropis procera and single stands of
Boscia spp.
Plate 5.19: An Acacia seyal dominated shrubland. Lomokamar Hills are in the background (red
arrows) along the northwestern part of line 39
Plate 5.20: Shrubland dominated by Acacia spp, Indigofera spinosa and Calotropis procera
around the proposed Twiga 1 drilling site
Grassed Shrubland
This habitat type was encountered along cut line 40. Shrub-grassland is an ecotype between
grassland and bush shrub grassland. Grasses are the dominant vegetal cover while
88
herbaceous and woody cover is usually around 6 - 20%. Common grass species include
Eragrostis cilianensis, E. racemosa and Chloris virgata. Acacia reficiens, Cadaba farinosa
and Indigofera spinosa dominate woody species. Grassed shrublands are a key source of
forage for goats and sheep.
Plate 5.21: Grassed shrubland along the Lokichar- Loperot road
Plate 5.22: Grassed shrubland on the southern part of line 10
Near Barren
This habitat type was encountered on the northwestern part of lines 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43
and 44 within the Ux10 mapping unit. A near- barren habitat is described as one where
woody vegetation contributes less than 2% of ground cover (Pratt and Gwynne, 1977). The
89
dominant species are Acacia Senegal, Acacia reficiens and Balanites aegyptica. Sites with
interfluves have a high concentration of plant growth due to the presence of water and silt.
Plate 5.23: Near barren habitat along cut line 44. Notice the high concentration of plants along
the interfluves and bare ground in between the interfluves.

The identified drilling sites within 13T are located in areas of relatively less dense
vegetation, with a majority of the vegetation being not more than 5m in height. This
vegetation supports both domestic as well as wild animals and therefore TKBV should avoid
clearing vegetation unnecessarily. Sites for construction of camps and any other facilities
should be carefully sited, preferably on bare patches to minimize vegetation clearance.
The activities of TKBV are not expected to significantly alter the flora of the region and the
impacts are expected to be short to medium-term. The area has sound ecosystem integrity,
and species diversity, and is capable of regenerating itself once drilling activities are
complete. Where impacts are likely to be severe, it is recommended that TKBV reclaims the
Fauna
land by levelling it and re-planting indigenous trees.
Fauna
The study area has a very low mammal count, with only the presence of the following
species being observed: Ground squirrel, Dwarf mongoose, Black-backed jackal, Cape hare,
and Dik-dik. However, the study area has a very rich avian diversity. Species identified
include: Chestnut bellied sand grouse, Red billed hornbill, White browed sparrow weaver,
Black headed Plover, Black bellied go-away bird, Crested hoopoe, Eastern pale chanting
goshawk, White headed Buffalo weaver, Superb starling, Fork tailed drongo, Brown necked
raven, red and Yellow barbet, Abyssinian roller, White throated bee-eater, among others.
The presence of a varied diversity of insect-eating birds indicates that there is a very high
diversity of ants. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are also present.
90
Plate 5.24 (a & b): (a) a white bellied Go-away bird and (b) a Red-billed hornbill along the
Turkwel riverine forest
A
Plate 5.25(a, b & c): an Abyssinia Roller encountered along cut line 44, (b) a boomslang up a
tree along cutline 10 (south-eastern part) and (c) Some of the many termite hills dotting the
study area.
91

Though mammal diversity is low, the identified drilling sites are within an area with a high
diversity of birdlife. TKBV needs to carry out its activity with the mitigations outlined in the
EMP in Chapter 8 to avoid polluting and modifying the range conditions.
5.2.8 Land Resources and National Parks

The project area is an ASAL region characterised by vast tracts of land with sparse
vegetation, seasonal rivers to permanent water resources like Turkwel River. Vegetation
includes Acacia spp., Balanites aegyptiaca, Commiphora africanas, Cadaba farinosa and
Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrubs that are useful browse for livestock. The main form of
livelihood for majority of residents in the area is nomadic livestock husbandry. Livestock in
the area include camel, cattle, sheep, donkeys and goats. Within the immediate
neighbourhood of the project there are no gazetted or protected areas.
Plate 5.26: Scenic land features in the project area

Though the extent of area to be utilised by the proposed project is small, there may be
instances where loss of vegetation during clearing of the camp site as well as during paving
of the access road may be experienced. This may however be localised and the impact to
the general land resource base of the project area will be minimal.
92
5.2.9 Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites

The project site falls within a region with rich history and culture. However, there are no
gazetted archaeological sites in the project area. Community cultural sites are dispersed
within the region but tend to have very small area of coverage, e.g. meeting places, shrines
and burial areas. There are some traditional sites where community elders perform their
rituals - locally known as Akiriket/Arimo. These sites are mainly found in the interior parts of
the project area especially in Loima District.

The proposed project will not interfere with any of the community cultural sites. The project
proponent should however liaise with the community elders in case of any off site activities
within the project area.

Vast parts of the project area are still natural, characterised by pristine and rugged scenic
beauty with hills, shrub-lands, extensive plains and several sand rivers (luggas).

The proposed project shall have minimal impact on the visual aesthetics of the area.

The project site is set in a rural area with no industrial, manufacturing or any significant traffic
movement, thus the ambient noise in the project area is of low level.

The proposed exploratory well project sites shall be set away from residential
neighbourhood. Machineries and other equipment that may be a source of noise pollution at
the drilling site should have their noise levels reduced at source (e.g. purchasing of
equipment with noise reduction mechanisms, fitting equipment with noise abatement
devices, minimising number of vehicles and traffic to the level required to carry out the work
efficiently, and regular servicing of equipment. Personnel assigned to work at the rig site
should use personal protective equipment such as earmuffs. Working areas within the site
that have excessive noise levels should be clearly marked and permit to work issued.

There is minimal solid waste generation in the project area largely limited to town centres
like Lokichar, Lochwaa, Kalemungorok and Lokapel among others. Liquid waste is managed
through use of pit latrines.
93

The proponent will employ environmentally sound solid and liquid waste management plans
at the proposed project site, both at the rig site and at the residential camps. A waste
management plan must entail waste minimisation, separation at source and appropriate
storage in designated containers and areas. TKBV will contract the services of NEMA
registered waste handling firms for final disposal of the waste in accordance with national
legislation, regulations, and international best practices in order to minimise or eliminate their
potential environmental impacts. Waste tracking should be incorporated in the waste
management plan.
5.3 SOCIO-ECONOMIC BASELINE SURVEY

This section provides information on key socio-economic issues and activities relevant to the
project. It includes an overview of social characteristics, economic settings, health,
education, and demography. The EIA team confined its study within Turkana South District
where the proposed drilling sites fall. Key town centres and villages visited include Lochwaa,
Locher-emoit, Lokapel, Lokichar, Kalemungorok and Kanaodon.
5.3.1 Social Characteristics

5.3.1.1 Demography
Block 13T traverses four districts, namely; Central Pokot, Turkana Central, Loima and parts
of Turkana South Districts. The major communities within the project area are the Pokot and
the Turkana although there are minorities like the Somalis found mainly in the major centres.
The project area is sparsely populated with clustered settlements within the major centres.
The population density is generally very low (Tables 5.5 to 5.8). According to the Kenya
National Bureau of Statistics, Turkana South District had a population of 226,379 and a
population density of 12 persons in 2009. Turkana Central had a population of 254,606 and
a population density of 17 persons with Pokot Central District having 175,616 and 61
persons in total population and population density respectively.
Table 5.5: Demographic data by district
NO.
Districts
Male
1
2
Female
Total
population
254,606
LOIMA
TURKANA
126, 539
128, 067
CENTRAL
3
TURKANA
121,022
105,357
226,379
SOUTH
4
CENTRAL
87,199
88,417
175,616
POKOT
Source: 2009 Kenya population and housing census, KNBS.
Total
household
41, 120
Area in
sq. Km.
14, 590.7
Density
28,437
18,670.8
12
32,548
2,898.7
61
17
94
Table 5.6: Demographic data by division

NO.
Divisions
Male
Female
Total
population
1
LOIMA
21,003
19,901
40,904
2
TURKWEL
39,077
39,951
79,028
3
LORENGIPPI
4,110
3,511
7,621
4
LOKICHAR
35,756
31,986
67,742
5
KATILU
22,365
19,559
41,924
6
KAINUK
14,470
11,777
26,247
7
SIGOR
43,113
42,091
85,204
Total
household
5,288
12,151
974
8,175
5,414
3,684
16,091
Area in
sq. Km.
3,429.0
5,485.8
617.7
4,536.6
1,143.1
1,684.1
1,582.8
Density
Total
household
4,437
299
1,602
2,314
2,346
Area in
sq. Km.
1,612.5
209.4
333.3
688.4
1,674.3
Density
3,308
5,414
2,272
1,412
1,722
878.0
1,143.1
682.0
1,002.1
185.6
27
37
22
11
48
Total
household
1,250
914
1,644
1,142
493
1,636
Area in
sq. Km.
450.2
582.6
187.8
225.3
199.2
1,071.6
Density
875
964
1,241
234
900
93.4
229.6
453.7
366.4
186.5
88
33
19
48
38
12
14
12
15
37
16
54
Table 5.7: Demographic data by location

NO.
Locations
Male
Female
1
2
3
4
5
Total
population
26,671
2,459
8,139
17,834
20,781
LORUGUMU
13,152
13,519
LORENGIPPI
1,393
1,066
TURKWEL
3,871
4,268
KOTARUK
9,246
8,588
LOCHWAANGIK 11,137
9,644
AMATAK
6
LOKICHAR
12,240
11,212
23,452
7
KATILU
22,365
19,559
41,924
8
KAPUTIR
8,227
6,892
15,119
9
KAINUK
6,243
4,885
11,128
10
WEI WEI
4,487
4,354
8,841
17
12
24
26
12
Table 5.8: Demographic data by sub-location

NO.
Sub Locations
Male
Female
1
2
3
4
5
6
Total
population
8,666
4,737
10,820
9,878
3,606
14,561
KALEMUNYANG
4,400
4,266
LORUGUMU
2,172
2,565
LOKICHAR
5,630
5,190
KOTARUK
5,304
4,574
NAIPA
1,860
1,746
LOCHWAANGIKA
7,915
6,646
MATAK
7
KANAODON
4,627
3,605
8,232
8
LOKAPEL
4,163
3,312
7,475
9
KALEMUNGOROK 4,455
4,076
8,531
10
KATILU
9,120
8,566
17,686
11
KAINUK
3,936
3,215
7,151
19
8
58
44
18
14
5.3.1.2 Population distribution by age

In spite of the harsh climatic realities coupled with poor distribution of health facilities,
population growth is on an upward trend just like most parts of the country. The project area
has a population density 12 people per Km2. During the EIA it was noted that most parents
in the age bracket of 37 40 and those above 41 have an average of between 6 and 7
children respectively as indicated in the figure below.
95
Number of Respondents
Age Bracket Data

20
15
NUMBERS
10
5
0
AVERAGE NO OF
CHILDREN
17 - 21 22 - 26 27 - 31 32 - 36 37 - 41 OVER
41
Age Bracket
Figure 5.7: Age bracket data showing average household children numbers
5.3.1.3 Marital status

The residents of the project area are traditional and still hold their culture closely. Family
values have been upheld in spite of the changing socio-economic situation. During the field
study the EIA team sought to understand the marital status in the area. As indicated in the
figure below majority of the residents still consider marriage as an important unit of the
society.
Marital Status
SINGLE
MARRIED
SEPARATED
WIDOWED
4% 1%
17%
78%
Figure 5.8: Marital status data in the project area
96
Figure 5.9: Population distribution trends in the project area (latest population figures (2009
census) are provided in Tables 5.5 to 5.7).
5.3.1.4 Education
The education sector within the area covered by Block 13T, just like any other ASAL region
in Kenya faces numerous challenges. Among the key challenges are: low enrolment levels;
nomadic livestock husbandry; lack of teaching aids and facilities; low transitional rates from
primary to secondary schools and early marriages leading to increased school dropout.
These problems are also experienced in Turkana South District where the current proposed
exploratory oil and gas wells drilling project shall be located. During the study, the EIA team
did a random sampling to establish education levels in the area. As shown in the education
distribution figure below, approximately 24% of the respondents did not go to school and for
those who reached primary level; only 10% proceed to secondary school.
97
EDUCATION DISTRIBUTION
DID NOT ATTEND
Number
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
VOCATIONAL
TERTIARY
Level Attained
Figure 5.10: Education levels attained
During the study across the proposed project area, it was noted that there is now more
emphasis on early childhood education. This initiative is spearheaded by the government in
collaboration with NGOs. Provision of lunch for the pupils is used to encourage high
enrolment at the ECD centres and primary schools.
A
Plate 5.27(a & b): (a)Facilities such as desks are a challenge in most schools in the area; and
(b)Locher-emoit Primary School.
5.3.1.5 Housing
Residents living in the project area traditionally lead a nomadic type of life that involves
moving with livestock in search of pastures and erecting temporary shelters commonly
referred to as manyatta. However, with the changing socio-economic situation and dwindling
pasturelands, most residents are opting for sedentary lifestyle. The government in
collaboration with some NGOs in the area are encouraging this new form of life through
provision of social amenities and infrastructure construction. Water points, shopping centres,
schools, religious sanctuaries and dispensaries, among others, have encouraged the
development of permanent to semi-permanent residential structures. In spite of these efforts,
temporary structures and manyattas also dot the project area. This could partly be explained
by the fact the area has few job opportunities and thus local residents have low income.
98
Plate 5.28: A temporary homestead at Lochwaa
5.3.1.6 Energy Sources

Lokichar is the major town that is close to the proposed Twiga 1 site - the first exploratory
well drilling site in the proposed test well drilling programme. The town is not yet connected
to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) national grid power supply network.
Solar power is the main source of energy for businesses and offices in the town. Residents
in other small centres and the rural folks also rely on solar power, diesel generators,
kerosene, charcoal and firewood for energy supply. The proponent proposes to use diesel
generators to supply energy to the rig sites and the base camps, and LPG gas and
charcoal for domestic purposes.
Plate 5.29: Bags of charcoal for sale near Lokapel
Plate 5.30 Use of solar power to provide energy at Kanaodon Dispensary

99
5.3.1.7 Land Tenure System

The land tenure system in the project area is communal. Thus, land is collectively owned by
the residents and managed, on behalf of the community, by the Turkana County Council as
trustees. Land adjudication is yet to take root in the area, thus pasture and settlement lands
have no legal land ownership documents.
5.3.2 Economic Setting

Majority of the residents in the area are today involved in small scale business as a source
of livelihood. Business activities are concentrated in shopping centres like Lochwaa,
Lokichar, Locher-emoit among others. Other sources of income include casual labour, civil
service, teaching and farming. It was noted that livestock husbandry as an occupation is
gradually dwindling in the area largely due to changing socio-economic realities, climatic
shocks, loss of pastureland and livestock rustling. Income levels are, however, low and
range between 0 5,000 (shillings) monthly for farmers, pastoralists and small scale traders.
On average it is only civil servants and teachers who earn an average income above Ksh.10,
000 to 20,000 monthly in the area.
NUMBERS,
NONE, 7, 9%
NUMBERS,
LIVESTOCK
HERDING, 12,
15%
NUMBERS,
RETIRED, 1,
1%
NUMBERS,
FARMING, 14,
18%
NUMBERS,
CIVIL SERVANT,
2, 3%
NUMBERS,
TEACHING, 5,
6%
NUMBERS,
CASUAL
WORKER, 12,
15%
LIVELIHOOD DATA
NUMBERS,
BUSINESS, 26,
33%
Figure 5.11: Source of Income data in the proposed project area
100
5.3.2.1 Labour Force

There is a readily available pool of semi-skilled and unskilled labour in the project area due
to lack of major economic activities, except for livestock rearing. Many of the young
unemployed school leavers are available for work, since there are limited job opportunities at
the few urban centres in the area.
5.3.2.2 Livestock and Crop Production

In spite of a sedentary lifestyle taking root in the project area, nomadic livestock husbandry
is still an important economic feature in the entire region. The residents rear cattle, sheep,
donkeys, goats and camels. The livestock industry in the area is frequently faced with
various challenges including climatic shocks, cattle rustling and diseases among others.
Cattle rustling among the various communities is the major set-back for livestock keeping,
and this is further compounded by drought that can lead to resource conflicts. The project
area has no investment in abattoirs, thus there is no ready market for livestock products.
Plate 5.31: Livestock-keeping within the project area
Agriculture plays an important role in the economic welfare of the area. Agricultural
activities are carried out mainly along the Turkwel River. This includes irrigation and rainfed farming. There are several irrigation schemes in the area run by the National Irrigation
Board, such as in Katilu and Koputiro areas. Rain-fed agriculture is undertaken on a very
small scale, and the rains are often unreliable. Food crops grown along the river include
maize, beans, millet, sorghum, and cassava. Horticultural produce grown across the region
ranges from kales, cabbages, tomatoes to bananas. All these crops grown along the rivers,
which are a source of food for almost the entire Turkana region, are supplemented with
supplies from Kitale area.
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Plate 5.32: Subsistence maize farming along River Turkwel in Katilu area
Plate 5.33: A Banana Tissue demonstration farm at Katilu
5.3.2.3 Industry
There are no industrial or manufacturing plants in the proposed project area.
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5.3.2.4 Trade and Commerce

As noted earlier, the majority of residents living in the town centres engage in small-scale
businesses. The businesses range from Jua Kali (artisanship), retail, wholesale, catering,
distribution, and commercial rental housing. Others are kiosks, hardware, bars, private
clinics and chemists, entertainment establishments (pool games and videos), carpentry and
tailoring workshops, among others.
5.3.2.5 Tourism
There are no gazetted conservation areas in the immediate project site neighbourhood.
However, the region, especially the lower part of Block 13T along Turkwel River, is home to
many wild animals. South Turkana and Nasalot National reserves are found within the
block to the south. The local people are hospitable and have a rich cultural background,
unique flora and fauna, and the scenic landscape, which includes sand dunes and
mountain vistas, place the region in a strategic position to benefit from ecotourism as well
as the tourism industry. With the emerging fortunes of Turkana County coupled with
determination by the government to boost the economy of the area through the Lamu
South Sudan Ethiopia Transport (LAPPSET) corridor project, the regions tourism
potential is looking north and more players in the sub-sector should be encouraged to
invest in the area.
5.3.3 Health Setting

The health sector in the area is largely run by the government in collaboration with NGOs.
Private health clinics are not well established in the area. The main health facility in the
project area is the Reformed Church health centre in Lokichar. The health centre is
supported by UNICEF, Merlin (a health-related NGO), Christian Association of Kenya, World
Vision and the government of Kenya. Dispensaries also dot key town centres like Kanaodon,
Lochwaa, Locher-emoit and Kalemungorok. Key challenges facing the health sector in the
area include:
Lack of adequate personnel

Lack of facilities e.g. operating theatre, emergency facilities like oxygen, ambulances,
laboratories and medicine
Inadequate physical facilities like wards and beds
Lack of finances to organise medical outreach programmes to the villages most
patients are unable to reach the health facilities due to poor means of transport
According to the clinical officer in charge of the Reformed Church health centre Malaria
leads in the prevalence of common diseases and conditions in the area. Other prevalent
diseases and conditions include diarrhoea, pneumonia, snake bites, typhoid, respiratory tract
infections and fever.
5.3.4 Security and Public Safety

Security remains a major priority for the residents of the project. At the village levels security
for homesteads and livestock is provided by heads of households. Village elders in
collaboration with location chiefs often resolve domestic disputes, and their decisions are
respected by the residents. All the villages have Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) recruited
and trained by the Kenya Police Service. The district has a total of 250 KPRs spread across
the villages. At the district level Turkana South have a fully-fledged police division headed by
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the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD). Administration police camps are in the
area and are located at the location levels. The main security-related issues in the area
revolve around cattle rustling, highway banditry and common criminal activities.

Over the past few years oil and gas exploration activities have intensified in Northern Kenya.
These activities have had an impact on the social, cultural, health, and the economic
situation of the host communities. Of great interest today is the realisation by local residents
that projects coming into their area should in the minimum change their socio-economic
situation. This is the reality that TKBV will deal with as they commence the proposed project.
Issues that will be critical to the communities include water supply and use, employment
opportunities, goods and services supply, security, as well as health and education matters.
The prevailing economic lifeline of the local people, particularly those in the villages, is
nomadic livestock husbandry which relies heavily on large pastureland. The proposed
project is to a great extend localised and will have minimal impact on pastureland. Thus it
will not influence this form of livelihood in any way. The company should work closely with
local provincial administration, community leaders, local NGOs and the government to
initiate short, medium and long-term interventions that can improve the communities socioeconomic well-being. This in effect will make the communities identify with and appreciate
the project and own it, thus leading to its successful implementation.
5.3.5 Community Views and Concerns

The community members who attended the public meetings did welcome the proposed
project but appealed for adherence to environmental safeguards and labour legislation. The
community, having already seen the benefit of the seismic survey and the drilling of Ngamia
1 oil drilling site that was undertaken by the same company, is optimistic that more benefit
will be realized in the area. However, while in some areas the communities favoured the
notion that TKBV works with them through Community Committee Liaison Officers, others
did not support this view but rather preferred that job opportunities be subjected to open
advertisement through the provincial administration structures. Some of the communitys
perceptions regarding the proposed project at the time of the public consultations included:
Community perceptions:
The proposed project could have adverse impacts on the health of community
members if toxic gases are released into the atmosphere.
That there was a rumour doing the rounds that establishment of the first proposed
exploratory test well drilling site would require community members of Kapese to be
displaced from their land- a radius of 50Km. This rumour has however not been
substantiated.
If the test well drilling commences and oil is found, the country might get into war with
neighbouring countries.
However, it is important to note that the community mentioned some of the positive and
negative impacts they thought would be associated with the proposed project. They
included:
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Positive impacts
Employment opportunities for both skilled and non-skilled labour from the community
Provision of social amenities through CSR projects such as building classrooms and
sanitary facilities for schools, and drilling of boreholes in the area;
Creation of access roads in the area and thus improvement of the infrastructure in
the area;
Increased business opportunities and market creation for the local goods such as
charcoal for use within the proponents camps;
Technological transfers from the skilled labourers to the unskilled labourers;
Improved livelihoods of the community members who get job opportunities with
Tullow Kenya B.V.;
Improved levels of literacy in the community as a result of the bursaries and
sponsorship programmes offered by the proponent;
Urbanisation as a result of influx of people in the area in search of employment
opportunities.
Negative impacts
Favouritism and nepotism during the recruitment process through the use of CLOs
and local administration to recruit youth.
Increased vehicular traffic in the area would result in disturbance of livestock in their
grazing areas.
Loosening of soil and compaction in some area as a result of movement of heavy
trucks in the project area
Interference with pastures which the community highly value due to their pastoralist
nature.
Felling of trees to pave way for access roads and the proposed test well drilling site
will destroy the already fragile ecosystem.
Transportation and use of heavy machinery to the proposed test well drilling site will
lead to compaction of soil.
Air pollution from exhaust emissions and dust generated by vehicle traffic.
The EIA team mentioned that an Environmental Management Plan, addressing the potential
negative impacts associated with the proposed project, which the proponent would have to
adhere to strictly would be part of the EIA report.
5.3.6 Corporate Social Responsibility

The EIA team made extensive field visits in the project area and held public meetings with
the local people and also administered questionnaires to households. While the community
members are aware that TKBV cannot provide all their needs, they requested the company
to consider a number of projects, which will be beneficial to the communities as part of their
CSR.
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CHAPTER 6
ANALYSIS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
6.1 INTRODUCTION
A necessary part of the EIA process is the consideration of alternatives to the proposed
activity.
The many complex factors controlling the location of oil wells (e.g. surface and subsurface
geology, topography, communications) usually means that there are only a few viable
alternatives that can be genuinely considered. The final two alternatives may simply be
whether to proceed (drill option) or not proceed (do-nothing option). Processed and
interpreted seismic data are used to indicate possible areas where hydrocarbons could be
trapped in oil or gas-filled geological structures. Without exploratory drilling, however,
seismic data is unable to show whether hydrocarbons are present, what their quantities are,
and whether the hydrocarbons can be commercially extracted. Exploratory drilling is a
necessary step in the development of commercial hydrocarbon production and is a
requirement under the terms of the PSC awarded to TKBV.
6.2 PROJECT SITE ALTERNATIVES

The proposed project entails the drilling of exploratory wells to a depth of approximately
2,500 m in Block 13T at the potential locations identified from seismic data. NEMA E.I.A.
regulations require an analysis of alternatives. This report therefore compares the following 2
alternatives:
i.
No action alternative; and
ii.
Undertake drilling alternative, which includes a consideration of the project location
and project technology (rig and drilling fluids) alternatives.
6.2.1 No action alternative

The no action alternative involves the rejection of the proposed project and all future
potential field-level development alternatives. Should the no action alternative be chosen,
the potential financial and social benefits of oil and gas production will not be realised. In
addition, this alternative would effectively prohibit development of onshore hydrocarbon
resources in this instance, with the consequent impacts to businesses, future revenue and
living standards. The country will continue to heavily rely on imported petroleum products.
This option is not recommended for the following reasons:
Contractual reasons
The initial Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with the Government of Kenya was
awarded to Africa Oil B.V. with the aim of exploring in detail the assigned project area
of 8429 km2, in accordance with its contractual obligations under the PSC. TKBV has
since become the operator in the project area and is working in collaboration with its
partner, Africa Oil Corporation. Therefore, rejection of the proposed project would be
in breach of the PSC contractual agreement;
The PSC contract between the Government of Kenya and the proponent obliges the
proponent to prospect for petroleum resources in the block.
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Environmental and socio-economic reasons
Similar projects in the country (CNOOC Africa Ltd. in Block 9, Merti, Africa Oil and
TKBV in Block 10BB Turkana South and Turkana Central respectively) have shown
that impacts are localized and can be mitigated;
The proposed project will be vital in opening up the North Eastern Frontier areas of
the country. The potential direct benefits to the region and the country at large are
financial income and local business opportunities. Secondary indirect benefits are a
potentially increased standard of living and better education, social services and
amenities (for example, improved access roads);
Kenya needs investments that can stimulate its economic development in order to
achieve Vision 2030 and also be able to provide adequate, quality and affordable
energy services;
The project could be a source of revenue (adding to the Gross National Product) and
foreign exchange earnings;
The project has the possibility for long-term technology and knowledge transfer,
bringing economic development and improving the quality of life; and
No irreversible negative impacts that would render the project unfeasible have been
found because of the environmental analysis conducted for the proposed drilling
project.
The only positive impact of choosing the No Action alternative is that there will be no short
duration impacts on the environment.
6.2.2 Drilling alternative

a) Project location
The project location is Block 13T as per the petroleum prospecting blocks demarcation by
the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK). The Government of Kenya signed a PSC
with the proponent granting them a licence to explore/prospect for oil and gas deposits within
this block. Sites proposed for drilling within the block are identified after detailed geological
studies, with the well location being determined by a probability of existence of reserves at a
specific site based on available seismic data.
b) Project technologies
The following project technologies are considered for the proposed project due to their
importance.
i.
Drilling Techniques: vertical vs. directional drilling
Vertical drilling is undertaken when a wellbore is drilled with minimum deviation directly
towards the reservoir. On penetrating the reservoir, drilling is stopped and the drill string
removed. At this point, a string of steel casing is cemented in to preserve the integrity of the
well. Drilling continues into the reservoir for a distance sufficiently long enough to allow
proper well testing and evaluation to take place. A production pipe that is later perforated is
run in to the bottom to allow the hydrocarbons to flow in once the well has been completed.
Directional (including horizontal) drilling has proven technically and economically feasible in
a broad range of geologic settings, including tight gas, heavy oil, and coal-bed methane.
This drilling method is proven to substantially increase production hydrocarbons by
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connecting vertical fractures. Because the increased productivity more than compensates for
additional costs, directional drilling can be a commercially attractive development alternative.
This approach minimizes the surface area required for drilling, and simplifies the work
involved to move the rig and equipment from well to well. However, directional drilling does
not necessarily reduce the environmental impacts of oil/gas exploration and development
(such as chemical spills and air pollution), and clustering operations can lead to an
intensification of EHS impacts in the drilling area. Directional drilling is much more costly
than vertical drilling, and is generally not used for exploration purposes, where the benefits
are not fully realised. Directional drilling is more suited to development of hydrocarbon
reserves than for exploration well drilling.
The proposed wells will be drilled vertically to a target depth of approximately 2,500 m. For
this project, a standard medium duty land drilling rig which is already within Block 10BB
(Ngamia 1 site) will be used as per rig specifications below.
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109
ii.
Drilling Fluids Selection
There are two basic types of drilling fluids: water-based muds (WBMs) and non-aqueous
drilling fluids or Non-aqueous muds (NAFs or NAMs). WBMs have either fresh water or salt
water as the primary fluid phase, while NAMs have either refined oil or synthetic materials as
the primary fluid phase. For many wells, drilling conditions (e.g. deviated or horizontal wells,
active shale) often require the use of NAMs instead of WBMs for efficient, cost-effective
operations.
WBM is the most commonly used medium in drilling operations, one of the reasons being
that drilled cuttings from WBM are much less damaging to the environment when disposed
of compared with oil or synthetic oil-based fluids. However, water-based systems are not
always as effective as oil- or synthetic-based fluids but NAF systems are generally only
commercially attractive in operations with high day-rate costs such as offshore drilling. OBM
shows improvements over standard water mud in the areas of increased drilling rate and bit
life, reduction in drill-hole problems and torque, less sticking of pipe, and less holeenlargement, but can be toxic to plants and animals, so its use is tightly controlled, and it can
also be prohibitively expensive. SBMs are a relatively new class of drilling mud. They were
developed to combine the technical advantages of OBMs with the low persistence and
toxicity of WBMs. Again, these can be prohibitively expensive and are as a result not the
mud-system of choice.
The drilling fluid to be used for this project will be Water Based Muds (WBM) prepared by
mixing mud additives and chemicals on site to the desired concentrations in fresh water (See
section 2.5).
iii.
Camp site Design
Campsites will be built and equipped in such a manner that they will comfortably
accommodate up to 150 personnel on site at any one time. They shall be sited (without
compromising oil target) and constructed with advice from professional security personnel
and local community leaders. Campsites shall be located at a reasonable distance away
from any village, and be fenced off with controlled access only.
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CHAPTER 7
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
7.1 INTRODUCTION
The baseline biophysical and social environmental parameters established in Chapter 5 are
critically examined in this section in relation to the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the proposed exploratory oil and gas wells drilling programme. In
addition to adhering to the mitigations below, the proponent needs to comply with the
requisite national legislation and regulations that are outlined in Chapter 4 of this report.
It should be noted that exploratory oil and gas drilling programme activities are of short
duration, typically about 120 days. This is supported by the fact that a suite of exploratory oil
and gas well drilling programmes have already been conducted in the onshore (Merti, Isiolo
and Loperot, Turkana and currently Ngamia, Lokichar) areas of Kenya, and no adverse or
long-lasting impacts have been reported from these activities. All EIA project reports that
have previously been submitted to NEMA on such exploratory oil and gas drilling
programmes have been approved.
This Chapter identifies the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed
project, based on the components of the proposed survey mentioned in Chapter 2, in the
context of the baseline conditions that have been established in Chapter 5, and with due
regard to applicable legislation described in Chapter 4. The predicted impacts are then
assessed using the methodology outlined in Chapter 3, and appropriate mitigation measures
are determined.
7.2 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS AND IMPACT IDENTIFICATION

FOR TEST WELL DRILLING OPERATIONS
The components of exploratory wells drilling programme and related activities that have
been outlined in Chapter 2 and that could result in environmental and social impacts are
indicated in Table 7.1 below:
Table 7.1: Project impact sources and prediction of impacts on environmental and social
structure and characteristics of the project land area.
1.
Environmental
or
Social Parameter
Physiography
and
Geology
Impact Source
Predicted Impacts
Clearing of access roads using

bulldozers
Development of well sites
Access roads to the site leave

long-lasting residual impacts
(tracks
and/or scarring on
surface rocks)
Transfer of geological materials
(cuttings) from the sub-surface to
the surface
Construction of access roads using

bulldozers and associated equipment
Construction of drill well pad and rig
Construction
of
campsites
and
associated facilities
Vehicular movement during project
operations
Compaction of soils in the

working area and access ways
changing percolation rates and
drainage patterns
Disturbance of soil through
construction and excavations
Possibility of enhanced gullying
2.
Soils
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Oil or chemical leaks from vehicles

and machinery, garage and storage
areas
Effluent leaks and/or contamination
from waste pits
Development of well site
3.
Air Quality
4.
Water Quality
5.
and erosion (wind and water) in

constructed area and access
roads
Rutting in loose soils
Contamination of soils
Possible caving in of soil in well
pad
design
(near
surface
competence that bear on load
capacity) and drill cuts and waste
pits due to soil stability factors
Mixing of cleaned cuttings in soil
environment
Power generators and associated

machinery
Vehicles
Sanitary systems
Waste disposal points
Flaring
Liquid effluent discharges from
sanitation systems at the campsite
Oil or chemical leaks from garage and
storage areas, vehicles and machinery
Subsurface circulation of drilling mud
Inappropriate waste pit design and
waste disposal protocols
Accidental discharge of solid and liquid
wastes on soil
Casing and cementing of the well
Pollution from exhaust emissions

Fugitive dust generation from
traffic
Offensive odours
Health risks
Greenhouse gases
Contamination of water supply
source for the camp
Contamination of underlying
aquifers
Contamination of surface water
Terrestrial
Environment
(Habitats, Flora, and
Fauna)
Clearing of vegetation for construction

of campsites, well pad, access roads
and other facilities
Noise
from
drilling
operations,
generators,
vehicles
and
other
machinery
Presence of the workforce
Exotic weed and pest contamination of
vehicles and equipment used outside
the region and then imported to the
project area
Development of well site
Reduced vegetation cover

Disturbance of wildlife (physical
presence and noise)
Introduced weeds and pests
6.
Manmade structures may lower

aesthetic value of landscape
Disturbance of animals and flora
7.
Archaeological,
Historical
Cultural Sites
8.
Visual Aesthetics
Campsite design
Access ways
Rig site assembly
Poor campsite design and rig site

assembly may lead to visual
obstruction and does not blend in
the environment
9.
Noise
Vibrations
Drilling rig and operations

Generators
Support vehicles
Disturbance to humans, animals

and livestock
Disturbance to workers
Health risks
Land Resources
and
and
Drill rig and ancillary equipment

Campsites
Vehicles
Presence of humans
Drill rig and ancillary equipment
Campsites
Vehicles
Presence of humans
Access road construction
Compaction by heavy vehicles

and machinery may damage
cultural sites
Tension with local communities.
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10.
Solid and
Wastes
11.
Social
Characteristics
Liquid
Drilling rig sites, campsites

Workplaces in the field
Workforce influx.
Activities at the proposed project site
Pollution of surface and ground

water
Offensive odours
Health risks
Contamination of soil
Litter
Possible increase in crime rate
and other social decadences
Erosion of culture and social
values as a result of intermingling
with workers
Conflict between community and
immigrants
Possible increase in school dropout by individuals searching for
jobs
Increased pollution: waste and air
May interfere with grazing lands
Improved security surveillance
12.
Economic
Characteristics
Employment opportunities
Tenders and supplies
Training opportunities
13.
Occupational Health
and Safety
Drilling rig site and

environment
Chemical material stores
Vehicles
14.
Security and Public

Safety
Workforce influx
fieldwork
Improved livelihood
Improved short-term business
opportunities for the locals
Opening up of local economy to
more development
Injuries to workers, visitors and
area residents arising from
project operations
Fire hazard
Other health risks such as
respiratory diseases due to dust
Motor accidents
Petty crimes
Improvement in security due to
security enhancement for project
activities
7.3 IMPACTS ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION

During the mobilisation (and demobilisation) period, including transportation of materials to
(and from) the site, accidental spillage of fuel, lubricants, chemicals, etc., may occur. The
mitigation of the potential impacts of these activities is addressed in the Plans (Transport
Management, Hazardous Materials Management, Spill Prevention and Response, and
Emergency Response) that are outlined in the EMP in Chapter 8. Here, the mitigations
relate to the activities that will be undertaken within the project area and that directly relate to
the objectives and foreseen outcomes of the project.

The sites that are being considered for exploratory well drilling are relatively small in area
compared to the total land mass of the Block 13T (8429.33 km2) and the access roads that
will be constructed will utilise existing routes to the extent possible, hence there will be very
minimal impact on physiography and geology. The risk of subsidence due to passage of
heavy vehicles is negligible due to the geology, but localised compaction of surface
materials may occur in some places underlain with sedimentary materials or relatively thick
soils. This is most probably so in the Turkwel River floodplain and some low-lying parts of
the piedmont plain (Y10 unit) and sedimentary plain (Ps28 unit) especially during the wet
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seasons (March to May; October to December) due to flooding and/or ponding. The area is
generally aseismic so earthquake risk is very low.
Mitigation:
Use existing access roads to the proposed drilling sites to the extent possible;
Pre-survey possible access routes, and use the selected route(s) rather than
accessing the work site through free-range driving across the open country;
Movement of the crews and the vehicles should be restricted to existing roads and
within the operation site to avoid creating unnecessary tracks and trampling of
pasture around the drilling site;
Avoid making roads on steep slopes susceptible to rock fall (see Table 5.2); and
Avoid the Turkwel River riparian area by 30m. Circumvent the area to avoid
compaction of soils that are usually used for crop growing and shallow sand aquifers
that are a source of water for the local communities and livestock during the dry
season.
The potential residual impacts would be rock scarring and displaced sediments (sand
dunes), gravel and boulders, related to construction of new access roads to the drilling sites.
There will be no residual impacts at the drilling site except the drilling hole, which will be
plugged and abandoned if dry.
7.3.2 Soils
In the areas where the surface soils have high sand content, especially in the
undifferentiated levels, sedimentary plains (Ps28 unit) west of Lochwaa and upper fringes of
Y10 units bordering the uplands (Ux10 unit) adjacent to Loturerei, Nagetei, Lochwaa and
Kaaroge, and the whole of Ux10 unit (Figure: 5.5) respectively, compaction by vehicles and
machinery will be slight. However, soils of the River Turkwel floodplain [(A8 unit) (Figure:
5.5)] and soils of the piedmont plains (Y10 unit) bordering A8 unit near Kangalita, Kanaodon,
Nakaton, Katilu, and Kalemngorok are more susceptible to compaction and hence
degradation due to their higher clay content and presence of salts. However, if these soils
are adequately dry (soil moisture content below the plastic limit) when activities occur and
vehicles and machinery minimize the number of times they drive across these soils (save for
soils in mapping unit A8), compaction should be moderate and soil productivity, excepting
other growth factors (as measured by a plants ability to grow) should not be noticeably
affected. Further, for activity targeting A8 unit, movement of machinery/vehicles should be
restricted to the adjacent and bordering soil-mapping units where practicable.
The drainage characteristics of soils with a higher sand content in Ps28 and Ux10 units are
well-drained soils and surface discharge of re-circulated/treated and decontaminated
wastewater should not affect the soil drainage characteristics adversely, if done in phases to
allow percolation into the soil. However, the Y10 and A8 soils are moderately to imperfectly
drained and the fact that surface discharge of water may not be appropriate, as ponding for
long periods is normal in such soils. The soils are susceptible to erosion by wind and water.
Evidence of erosion over-wash and ponding (Ps28 unit) and rills (Ux10) has been observed
on access ways and cut lines in the area.
All the soil units save for A8 unit are sodic in nature at various thresholds (see Appendix 3)
and since sodium is a dispersion agent in soil, near surface competence of the soil material
vis vis surface loading, may be breached. This will affect mechanical surface trenching and
pit establishment and contact of surface water with the soils. The results may be near
surface caving in or subsidence of soil material. The exception to this is soil unit Ux10,
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where soils are very shallow (0-25 cm depth), overlying parent material. This unit is very
shallow to moderately deep. Though it has soils that are strongly sodic, where the surface
soil is shallow, the soils can be skimmed off and subsurface development like pits can be
constructed albeit with the necessary precaution of lining the walls. The soils may also be
contaminated by (mostly) accidental spillages of liquid effluents, oils, fuels, and chemicals.
Mitigation:
Mitigations in section 7.3.1 above apply;

Access roads must be furnished with flow-diverters (cross-drains) at appropriate
spacing according to slope to reduce sediment movement and erosion. Vehicles
should steer away from natural drains and waterways as is practicable, and a buffer
zone of 20m should be maintained except at crossing points;
Minimize vegetation clearance as much as possible when clearing the area for well
pad and campsite construction;
Topsoil that is stripped and removed for construction should be preserved for
rehabilitation of the constructed (campsite/drill rig) area at the end of the project;
The establishment of drill cuttings pits and wastewater pits should be confined to
Ux10 and Ps28 units whose drainage characteristics and soil texture allow for pit
establishment. These pits should be lined with suitable Polyurethane high-density
membranes since the soils are sodic and may erode easily on contact with water.
The Ux10 unit has rock outcrops, boulders and stones. This unit may require use of
hardened tools and competent machinery to excavate. Further, where the walls of
the pits may be irregular and rugged due to occurrence of stones and rocks on the
walling, an alternative to lining with HDP membrane may be the use of bricks. The
A8 and Y10 units soils are very deep and are moderately to imperfectly drained.
Further, the units exhibit surface sealing and crusting thus inhibiting surface water
percolation until the seal/crust is broken by water pressure in a heavy downpour
(kinetic energy of raindrops) or ponded water (potential energy of the water body).
Thus, drill cuts, mud and waste pits could easily overflow, pond and contaminate the
surface soils and shallow groundwater table. The use of steel tanks instead of pits for
these particular units is recommended;
Pits for containment of drill cuttings, spent drilling fluids, domestic and sanitary
effluents, should be sited and designed by a competent and licensed contractor and
based on consideration of the geological and soil characteristics of the area to avoid
soil contamination;
Ensure that all vehicles and machinery do not have any oil leaks that could
contaminate the soils and that any in-field refuelling or maintenance is performed
while using a drip tray with a spill-kit available;
All fuels and other non-aqueous fluids should be stored in suitable bunded
enclosures;
Ensure that all drivers and technicians are familiar with drip-tray and spill-kit use
through tool-box talks; and
Installation and proper management of camp sanitation facilities.
The potential residual impacts would be contaminated soils and enhanced ponding, gullying
and erosion due to altered runoff and drainage patterns at local scales.
7.3.3 Air Quality

On meso- to micro-scales, air quality variation relates primarily to changes in the wind
speeds in the area and the associated particulate dust that the wind transports from one
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place to another. The winds can raise substantial quantities of dust. The disturbance of finegrained (fine silt to clay sized particles) soils by vehicles traversing the area will lead to small
quantities of transient airborne dust being generated, especially during windy conditions, but
will be far less than the naturally generated particulate air loading in the area.
Project operations will affect air quality on a micro-scale, and in a transient manner, through
exhaust emissions from vehicles and machinery as well as fugitive emissions (such as from
leaking pipes and tubing, valves, connections, pump seals, compressor seals, pressure relief
valves, tanks or open pits / containments, hydrocarbon loading and unloading operations,
and poorly managed waste disposal and sanitary facilities).
Diesel generator sets at the test well drilling sites will be in operation 24 hours a day to
power the drilling rig. Emissions from the generators will consist mainly of CO2 and water,
and contain traces of NO2, SO2 and suspended particles. The concentration of SO2 in the
emitted gas will depend on the fuel source. Emissions are expected during temporary well
flaring in the event that hydrocarbons are discovered. Such emissions will include volatile
organic compounds (VOCs) such as methane and ethane, benzene, ethyl benzene, toluene,
and xylenes (BTEX); glycols, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Mitigation:
Limit traffic speed and restrict movement of vehicles as is reasonable to minimize

dust generation;
Field vehicles, trucks and any other machinery should be switched off when not in
use;
Regular servicing of all trucks, service vehicles, and any other machinery should be
carried out to ensure efficient combustion and minimisation of exhaust emissions;
Use low sulphur fuels if available and where suitable;
Employees working in dusty conditions must use appropriate PPE;
If litter is to be burned, it should be done at a time of low wind movement, and
preferably in areas shielded from wind by vegetation;
Installation and proper management of camp sanitation facilities should be ensured;
An efficient test flare burner head equipped with an appropriate combustion
enhancement system should be selected to minimize incomplete combustion, black
smoke, and hydrocarbon fallout;
Flaring should adhere to the Global Gas Flaring and Venting Reduction Voluntary
Standard (part of the World Bank Groups Global Gas Flaring Reduction PublicPrivate Partnership (GGFR program) or equivalent industry standard; and
Fuel usage and hydrocarbons flared will be recorded and monitored.
There shall not be any residual impacts.
7.3.4 Surface and Ground Water Resources

This section deals with mitigation of impacts on water resources in terms of quantity and
availability. Mitigation of impacts on water quality is addressed in section 7.5.5 below.
Water supplies will be accessed as outlined in Chapter 2, section 2.6. There are shallow
groundwater aquifers that supply the springs and shallow wells with water, which is used for
domestic purposes and livestock watering. Such aquifers could potentially be compacted by
heavy vehicles and/or equipment, thereby reducing yields.
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Mitigation:
The company should drill its own water supply boreholes;

An efficient water-use policy shall be adopted by the project proponent at the camp
base and drilling sites and other work areas (section 4.2.2);
An efficient sanitation system should be put in place in the base camp and drilling
operation site to handle effluents (sections.4.3.8, 4.4.9);
Ensure proper spill control and management for machinery and vehicles at site and
in the field;
Use proper engineering techniques during the drilling, cementing and casing of the
exploratory wells;
All chemical and fuel storage areas will have proper bunds so that contaminated runoff cannot meet the storm-water drainage system;
Hazardous and toxic waste material should be managed according to international
protocols and practices (the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, 1989) and must comply with
the Environment Management and Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations;
The storm water system will be efficiently designed and maintained;
TKBV will carry out proper designing of on-site storage disposal for processing
wastes in accordance with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines and
with proper liner systems; and
Heavy vehicle and equipment movement to and from the campsite/drilling areas
should detour known groundwater supply points (e.g. wells and springs) by at least
500m and cross luggas at road crossings to avoid contamination particularly during
rainy seasons.
Residual impacts on surface and groundwater resources in terms of quantity and availability
are not expected if the mitigations outlined above are effected.
7.3.5 Water Quality

There are several potential point and non-point sources of pollutants that can be generated
during the life cycle of the project and that can lead to contamination of surface and ground
water at site-specific and local scales. During construction of the access roads, campsite
and drill pad areas, fluid leakages (e.g. accidental spillage of fuel, and lubricants from
vehicles and other machinery being used in the construction process) may occur, and could
eventually contaminate surface and groundwater. During the operational phase, poor site
drainage and sanitary system design, accidental spillages of fuel, lubricants and liquid or
liquid-soluble solid chemicals from the drill rig area and storage areas, drilling waste disposal
pits, vehicles, and machinery may occur, if they are not properly designed or maintained.
Groundwater aquifers that may be encountered during the drilling operations may also be
susceptible to contamination from drilling fluids if proper well control, construction and
management are not instituted and monitored. Depending on the nature of the contaminant,
its source, the location at which it is released into the environment, the nature of the
environment into which it is released (e.g. flowing or ponded surface water, shallow or deep
aquifer), and the response time and method used to contain the pollutant, the pollution may
be site-specific or local in extent, and of short to long-term duration.
Mitigation:
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An efficient sanitation system should be put in place for camp workers to eliminate or
minimise the levels of potential water pollutants from domestic effluents;
Pits must be lined with an impermeable liner such as HDPE; for containment of drill
cuttings, spent drilling fluids, domestic and sanitary effluents, should be sited by a
competent and licensed contractor and based on consideration of the geological and
soil characteristics of the area to avoid contamination of nearby surface and ground
water systems;
All chemical and fuel storage areas should be bunded, with spill kits readily available
and operatives trained in their use. The bunds must be a minimum of 110% of the
capacity of the largest vessel to be bunded;
The company should use proper engineering techniques during the drilling,
cementing and casing of the exploratory well;
Fuelling will take place in a designated area;
protocols and best practices and in compliance with Kenyan legislation, specifically
Ensure that all vehicles and machinery operating in the field and at drilling operation
sites do not have any oil leaks(section 4.3.10);
All refuelling operations to be carefully overseen and managed;
Ensure that all drivers and technicians are familiar with drip-tray and spill-kit use
through toolbox talks.
Residual impacts on water quality are not expected if the mitigations outlined above are
effected.
7.3.6 Terrestrial Environment (Habitats, Flora, and Fauna)

Within Block 13T, several habitats exist, namely: dwarf shrublands, shrublands, and riverine
forests and near barren habitats. Potential impacts to biodiversity could arise due to the
physical disturbance during the construction and operation (drilling) phases of the project,
contamination of the environment due to chemical/ oil spillage or leakage and inappropriate
liquid and solid waste disposal mechanisms. Removal of vegetation and topsoil during the
development of well pads, access roads and other ancillary facilities will lead to impacts
such as a loss of wildlife habitat, reduction in plant diversity, potential for increased erosion,
and potential for the introduction of invasive flora species. Indirect impacts to vegetation
would include increased deposition of dust, spread of invasive and noxious species, and the
increased potential for wildfires. Dust settling on vegetation may alter or limit plants abilities
to photosynthesize and/or reproduce. These processes may lead to the reduction in habitat,
food and nutrient supplies and breeding areas.
Mitigation:
The mitigations related to soils (See 7.3.2 ) apply;

Trees with trunk diameter greater than 20cm should not be cut;
Ensure that equipment is in perfect working order and cause less noise/ vibration/air
pollution nuisance to fauna;
Hunting, trapping and gathering of food resources by workers, when on and off duty
should be strictly prohibited. This prohibition should extend to the purchase of these
items from the indigenous population by workers;
A material safety data sheet should be maintained for all potentially hazardous
materials, as well as supporting documentation for the transport, use and disposal of
such materials;
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Used motor oil and filters from vehicles and generators should be removed from the
area for proper disposal. Used motor oil should not be used from dust suppression
on access roads. Disposal of chemicals and motor oil should be documented,
including quantities involved, and disposal locations;
A plan should be prepared to prevent and contain accidental oil discharges or fuel
spillages. All equipment should be fitted with drip trays and stationary fuel storage
facilities should have secondary containment;
Pre-planning siting of wells and access roads; and
Restoration.
The residual impact will be reduced vegetation cover around the drilling rig site; however,
this will recover in a few years. Given the small scale of vegetal matter removal, this impact
is not considered significant.
7.3.7 Land Resources and National Reserves

Pasture and browse are the major land resources in the area and support the pastoral
lifestyle of the local community. The drilling operations within the block may impact on
livestock pasture and browse area. The Nasolot and Turkana South National Reserves are
tourist attraction sites within the area.
Mitigation:
Mitigations in sections 7.3.1 (Physiography and Geology), 7.3.2 (soils), 7.3.4

(Surface and ground water) and 7.3.6 (Terrestrial Environment) apply;
Before the commencement of the drilling activities, the proponent should liaise with
the community to identify any cultural or revered sites in the area;
Extensive consultations should be made with community leaders to ensure that the
proposed drilling projects do not interfere with the communitys valued land
resources; and
In as much as possible, the exploration process and the associated activities should
avoid sensitive ecological systems and cultural sites.

The project area has no known archaeological sites but cultural sites like meeting points and
graves are present in the residential neighbourhoods. The proposed project site locations
shall avoid cultural sites.
Mitigation:
Consultations should be undertaken with local elders to help in identifying and

avoiding any sensitive cultural sites prior to the construction of proposed exploratory
drilling pads and construction of associated auxiliary infrastructure like access roads
in order to prevent conflict with the community; and
All project field workers must be informed, before commencement of operations, that
any disturbance to, defacement of, or removal of archaeological, historical, or sacred
material will not be permitted.
No residual impacts are expected.

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It is anticipated that there will be minimal impacts on the aesthetics of the pristine
environment. Construction of campsites and drill rigs will have some minor impact on the
outlook of the project area. The proposed drilling project has a limited time frame and is
transient in nature, thus the visual intrusion shall be negligible.
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Mitigation:
Drill rig and campsite design should take into consideration the aesthetics of the
selected areas.

During drilling, there will be noise emissions from the drill rig, power generators, support
vehicles, and other machinery. Noise emissions from the proposed development would be
localised, and thus would have minimal effect.
Mitigation:
Ensure that equipment such as generators, drilling rig components, and other
machinery have working silencers to muffle noise and effect a noise mitigation policy
for all operations in accordance with the Environmental Management and
Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations;
Provide full personal protective gear to workers as appropriate (e.g. helmets and ear
muffs/plugs) and as specified in the Occupational Safety and Health Act;
Workers should be sensitized on noise-related and other hazards likely to be
encountered in such a work environment, and trained accordingly;
Engage local leaders in sensitising the communities near the drilling area about the
project and its possible noise impacts;
All machineries such as generators and drilling rig components should be fitted with
noise abatement devices like silencers to muffle noise;
Use generators with minimal noise levels (silent pack enclosures) at the residential
campsites and effect a noise mitigation policy for all operations in accordance with
the Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration
Pollution) (Control) Regulations; and
Segregate the drilling area from the residential area and construct a fence and/or
berm; and living quarters nearest to the boundary should be made of containers
which are reasonably sound-proofed.
No residual impacts are expected if the mitigations outlined above are enforced.

Solid and liquid wastes will be generated by a number of operational streams during the
course of implementation of the project. These include: papers, plastics, drill cuttings, drilling
fluids, domestic waste and sewage, waste oils, and others. These wastes will need to be
properly managed in order not to undermine the environmental integrity of the project site.
Disposal options include: incineration, compaction and removal from site, and burial
(especially for biodegradable material and drill cuttings), or a combination of these activities.
These options have been outlined in Chapter 2, section 2.7.2 for the various waste stream
components.
Mitigation:
Mitigations relating to section 7.3.5 apply;

A waste management plan (based on the principles of the Waste Management
Hierarchy [section 2.7.2]) documenting the waste strategy, storage (including
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facilities and locations), handling procedures, and means of disposal should be

developed and should include a clear waste-tracking mechanism to track waste
consignments from the originating location to the final waste treatment and disposal
location in compliance with the Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste
Management) Regulations (section 4.4.9);
Systems for treating drill cuttings, and solid and liquid wastes generated in the course
of rolling out the project, should be properly selected, installed, managed and
decommissioned according to national legislation, regulations, the Tullow Drill Fluids
and Cuttings Disposal Standard and associated Guidelines, and international best
practices in order to minimise or eliminate their potential environmental impacts;
Waste materials should be segregated into non-hazardous and hazardous waste,
and consideration given to re-use, recycling, or disposal (section 4.4.1) as
appropriate. This should be done by an authorised waste handler licensed under the
Waste Management Regulations, 2006;
A materials/chemical management plan will be developed, and a safety data sheet
should be maintained for all potentially hazardous materials, as well as supporting
documentation for the transport, use and disposal of such materials;
The structural integrity of containment pits for drill cuttings, drilling fluids, mud pits
and water storage reservoirs should be ensured such pits should be appropriately
lined and / or bunded;
A plan should be prepared to prevent and contain accidental drilling fluid, oil
discharges or fuel spillages. All equipment should be fitted with drip trays and
stationary fuel storage facilities should have secondary containment;
Hygienic sanitation and disposal of grey and black water will be covered in the waste
management plan in order to protect the general health of the workers and the
general public;
The EHS department to document any accidental releases as to cause, corrective
actions taken, and resulting environmental or health and safety impacts; and
The EHS officer shall consult with the local authorities in Lokichar and Lodwar to
determine where and how the different types of wastes that will be generated during
the project can be disposed of.

The people in the project area are from the Turkana community. The locals are conservative
with respect to their culture and may appear to outsiders as resistant to change. The unique
characteristic of the communities is their traditional system of nomadic pastoralism. From the
field visit and interactions with members of the local community, it is apparent that the
people value their livestock as their most valued possession and this goes hand in hand with
their land and vegetation, which provide pastures. The area is also associated with high
poverty levels and over-reliance on relief food. The youth in particular complain about lack of
employment opportunities in the area. Due to the poverty levels in the area, illiteracy levels
are also high. The proposed project is expected to have positive impacts on the area through
supported social projects. These include building of classrooms and latrines for schools,
drilling of boreholes, increased levels of security, employment opportunities and provision of
bursaries for needy students. However, the community expressed their views in relation to
the potential negative impacts that could be experienced as a result of the proposed project.
They included:
Their culture might be compromised due to influx of outsiders into the area in search
of job opportunities;
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Loss of their grazing lands /pastures during the construction of drilling sites and base
camps;
Displacement of people from their land;
Increased school dropouts as students seek to earn income to support their families;
Moral decay due to the arrival of people of different cultures and values into the area;
Misinformation of community on the nature of the proposed test well drilling project;
and
Reduced security personnel guarding the community due to employment
opportunities at the test well drilling sites.
Mitigation:
Ensure that the project does not offer job opportunities to school going children;
Sensitize workers to respect the community cultural beliefs and values;
Proponent to maintain good relations with community;
Sensitisation of the community on the activities to be carried out in the proposed
project, and the scheduling of such activities and their potential impacts, should be
done periodically and continually. Community Liaison Officers shall be employed by
the proponent to perform such duties;
The proponent should liaise with Administration Police to ensure the area is safe;
Provision to be made to compensate local property and landowners for any loss or
damage caused by the operations culminating the proposed project;
The proponent should ensure that its employees and contractors relate well with the
community. This can be achieved through enlightenment of the workers on the
communitys culture and traditions;
The proponent should liaise with the local police departments to ensure that the
communitys security is ensured at all times. This can be achieved through
employment of security personnel on a rotational basis; and
Grievance process developed to deal with any complaints.
7.3.13 Economic Characteristics

Livestock are central to the Turkana culture and all aspects of their social and economic life
revolve around the livestock. Cattle, sheep, goats, camels and donkeys are vital to the
people and are the primary source of food. Livestock also play an important role in payment
of bride price, compensation for crimes, fines for fathering illegitimate children, and as gifts
on social occasions. The community, especially along the riverine areas, has also embraced
fishing and agriculture. The proposed project is expected to offer limited, short-term,
unskilled and semi-skilled employment opportunities to the locals. This may result in influx of
people from other areas, and could lead to recruitment-related conflicts if not properly
handled. Due to the poor infrastructure in the project area, the community could also benefit
from the access roads that will be created by the proponent at the time of preparation and
construction of the exploratory well drilling sites.
Some of the issues raised by the community likely to occur due to the proposed project
include:
Transfer of skills for the locals;

Employment opportunities to the locals;
Increased short-term business opportunities for the locals;
Unequal distribution of employment opportunities in the area, with some parts of the
Block benefitting more than others;
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Lack of transparency and discrimination in the allocation of employment; and

Age limits in the provision of employment opportunities.
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Mitigation:
A portion of skilled and semi-skilled labour should be sourced from the local
community;
Gender and age should be factored in when offering employment opportunities;
Liaise with community leaders during the recruitment process;
Ensure that the recruitment process is representative of all the areas in the Block;
and
Sustained public awareness and sensitization about the proposed project should be
continued throughout the project lifespan.
The residual impacts in this instance would mostly be positive, including short-term
employment opportunities and infrastructure improvements if access roads are designed in
such a manner that they would be useful to the community post-project.
7.3.14 Occupational Health and Safety

The proposed project will involve around the clock operations at the rig sites. This may
expose workers to occupational and health hazards from falling objects, malfunctioned
machineries, well blowouts and H2S gas pollution.
Mitigation:
Conduct a safety assessment to describe potential safety issues (rig sites access,
work practices, hazardous materials, security, entry into confined spaces,
transportation and installation of heavy equipment, traffic management, emergency
response procedures and fire control and management, among others) and
measures to mitigate them;
Develop and continuously review as need may arise and implement a health and
safety program for all workers and visitors to the drilling sites, addressing all of the
safety issues identified in the assessment and all applicable safety standards;
All operations will be conducted in compliance with Tullows EHS and driving policy,
Tullow Safety Rules, international best practices and Kenya Government
requirements (as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Public
Health Act, Energy Act, Physical Planning Act and NEMA Regulations); see also
section 4.2.6 of this report);
Appropriate and well-stocked first aid kits and fire fighting equipment should be
available to all crew, and specific crew members should be trained on first aid
administration and handling of fire fighting equipment (section 4.3.7);
At all times, crews should put on job-specific personal protective equipment, regular
drills, training and tool kit talks should be conducted, and their use made mandatory
in designated areas (section 4.3.7);
A Base Camp Clinic is to be provided, manned by suitably qualified field medical
staff, licensed as appropriate to operate in-country, equipped with equipment and
medication as appropriate, including ambulance vehicle(s);
Adequate warning or cautionary signage will be posted as required;
All electrical equipment shall be properly installed, earthed and regularly inspected,
and where practicable, will comply with IEE 17th edition regulations;
Only properly trained and authorised employees shall operate equipment or
machinery; and
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Provision of an Emergency Response Plan, Evacuation Plan, Medivac Plan, Malaria

Management Plan and a communicable diseases education programme.
No residual impacts are expected in this case.

The proposed project will draw a workforce from the project area as well as staff from other
areas. The staff will need to be assured of their security and safety. Similarly, equipment and
facilities to be used at the project site will be required at the site and during transportation.
Transportation of staff members to and from the project site is also paramount and their
security while on transit must be assured. The security situation in the project area can be
described as shaky. There is threat posed by cattle rustlers who are normally armed as well
as threat from highway bandits. Tribal tensions and conflicts between the local Turkana
community and the neighbouring Pokot community also heighten insecurity in the area.
However, it should be noted that there is a police station at Lokichar and KPR officers
deployed in the area.
Mitigation:
Access to the project site must be controlled and all workers/ visitors be identified by
use of tracking cards;
Adequate security measures should be provided, e.g. construction of reinforced
perimeter fencing, construction of earth berms, provision of safe havens and security
manning around the project site on a 24 hour basis;
The company should liaise with the Provincial Administration, the Kenya Police,
Kenya Police Reservists and other agencies to provide adequate security at the
proposed test well drilling sites and while on transit;
Barriers and guards will be installed as necessary to protect employees and visitors
from physical hazards and criminal activity;
Camp population will be restricted and will not be allowed to interact with the local
populace while at the project site;
Camp will be located at a significant distance from any local communities;
Journey management policy and monitoring to be enforced; and
Vehicle speed will not exceed 40 km/h, with all vehicles fitted with vehicle tracking
and monitoring systems.
Engaging KPRs and use of Provincial Administration to coordinate security issues will
enhance the security situation in the project area.
7.3.16 Construction of the Campsite

TKBV and subcontractors staff will reside in a base camp that will be constructed by a
professional civil and building contractor with experience in setting up such camps. Issues
such as camp security, provision of basic services (e.g. accommodation, water, sanitation,
lighting, and health care), waste management, materials storage areas, etc., shall be
incorporated in the camp design.
Mitigation
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Mitigations in sections 7.3.1 (Physiography and Geology), 7.3.2 (soils), 7.3.4 (Surface and
ground water) and 7.3.6 (Terrestrial Environment), 7.3.10 (Noise and vibrations) 7.3.14
(occupational health and safety) and 7.3.15 (security and public safety) apply;
Excavated soil should be used in landscape design of the campsite rather than stockpiling;
Campsite will be erected by a qualified and licensed civil and building contractor with
workers who are qualified to carry out assigned tasks;
Construction workers shall use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment;
Adequate temporary housing and sanitation facilities shall be provided for the construction
workers;
Construction equipment and vehicles shall be well maintained, checked and promptly
repaired to ensure no spillage of oils and fuels and to minimise gaseous emissions;
Construction of the campsite shall be undertaken during daylight hours only;
The campsite should be set up away from populated areas and location shall be
determined in consultation with the local community leaders;
Company employees shall comply both with the relevant national legislation, and its own
in-house environmental health and safety (EHS) policies
Adequate warning signs and fire extinguisher equipment will be visibly and appropriately
posted;
7.3.17 Fuelling Station

A parking bay for vehicles will be demarcated within the campsite area, and it will have a
fuelling station.
Mitigation
Fuelling station will be underlain with a spill-containing liner;
The fuel storage area will be set at one end of the parking bay area, and will be bunded.
The bunds should have the capacity to contain all the fuel stored inside the fuel bladder in
case of leakage;
The fuel storage floor shall be concrete-based, and canvas-lined to capture minor
spillages, with a structure measuring at least 12m x 8m x 0.05m;
The bladder will be charged with fuel ferried by tankers, and will be conveyed to the pump
via an outlet hose;
Clearly marked spill kits will be placed adjacent to the refuelling area, and all staff involved
in vehicle maintenance and refuelling will be trained in their use;
Clear no smoking signage shall be posted in this area;
Fire-fighting equipment will be placed at strategic places within the fuelling station and in
other areas of the campsite;
All workers will be trained in the use of the installed fire-fighting equipment;
The fuel storage area will have a tarpaulin covering to protect it from the weather, and
should be well aerated.
7.3.18 Camp clinic

There will be a fully equipped and staffed clinic that will be located in the base camp. It will
be supported by a properly equipped and manned ambulance that will be on standby in case
of accidents or emergencies. There will also be an on-call helicopter for crew movement and
emergency evacuations.
Mitigation
Wastes will be handled as per NEMA Waste Management Regulations 2006;
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The wastes will be segregated, and disposed of in the waste disposal facility as provided
for by the relevant Local Authority
Biomedical waste will not be stored above 0C for more than seven days without the
written approval of the relevant lead agency, provided that untreated pathological waste
shall be disposed of within 48 hours.
7.3.19 Water Borehole drilling

The groundwater in the project area is exploited mainly through boreholes and shallow wells
excavated in luggas, and tend to have widely variable quality, from human-potable through
livestock-potable to saline and non-potable. Borehole water quality is generally good for use
as drinking water, and is the cleanest source of potable water in the area, but in some
existing water the sulphates and/or fluoride levels may be high. TKBV will drill a water
borehole to meet its water needs.
Before the borehole drilling, a hydrogeological survey will need to be carried out and will
involve: study of the geology of the area (no environmental impact), and resistivity sounding
and profiling using a Terrameter with connecting cables, stainless steel non-polarising
current electrodes and copper potential electrodes (minimal clearing of low-level vegetation
along a transect about 30cm wide and a maximum of 800m long) to identify the waterbearing stratum. The resistivity sounding is a passive technique with no environmental
impact. The hydrogeological report will be submitted to the Water Resources Management
Authority as a pre-condition for obtaining a drilling permit. Boreholes may be drilled with
either percussion (cable-tool) or rotary plant.
Mitigation
Minimise soil disturbance and vegetation clearance as is practicable ;
Well development must be done with the Airlift method for at least 30 minutes or until the
water is clear of drilling cuttings;
Great care should be taken that the water quality of the different aquifers is accurately
determined. Upon the first strike, drilling fluids should be effectively flushed, and after
sufficient time, a water sample should be taken of the air-blown (rotary) or bailed
(percussion) yield;
On-site analysis using an EC meter, and preferably a portable laboratory, is
recommended;
Screen-off non-targeted aquifer(s);
The Drilling Contractor should engage the services of an experienced hydrogeologist
during the drilling, design, installation, and testing of the borehole;
Drill cuttings from the borehole should be buried in clay or other suitably lined pit in the
event that the borehole is successful but if not successful, the drill hole should be refilled
with the drill cuttings;
Drilling should be carried out at a diameter of not less than 6, using either a rotary type or
percussion machine, to allow for casing, gravel packing and pump installation.
The borehole should be cased to the bottom using suitable non-polluting material, with
screens at the aquifer position and plain casings at non-aquifer position;
The borehole should be bottom plugged in loose formations;
The annular space must be gravel packed at the screen and aquifer position with durable
and suitably sized material with respect to the size of the aquifer materials;
Grouting should be done by placing a concrete mixture up to 6m depth from ground
surface;
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Any drilling additives to be used (e.g. foam or polymer) must be non-toxic and biodegradable. Bentonic additives should not be acceptable, as they may plug the aquifer
zones and are extremely difficult to remove during development.
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7.4 CUMULATIVE IMPACTS

Cumulative impacts are the impacts, which result from the incremental impact of the action
when added to other past, present, and reasonably foreseeable future actions regardless of
what agency or person undertakes such other actions.
The proposed project areas soils and vegetation have been under pressure from the huge
herds of livestock that are the main livelihood sources of the largely pastoralist communities.
This is an activity that has been going on for centuries, but it is clear now that due to the
rapid increase in human population in recent decades and concomitant increase in livestock
populations, the carrying capacity of the land is steadily reducing due to the impacts of the
pastoralist way of life. The small land area which will be temporarily modified in this project
(<9ha) and the associated access roads that will need to be constructed, are insignificant in
relation to the local to regional scale of habitat and land use related changes that have taken
place. There will be no impact to fauna due to the small spatial scale and short temporal
duration of the project, in relation to the present human and environmental pressures that
they are exposed to. No threatened species of flora was identified in the area during the field
surveys, and the faunal species that were observed are highly motile avian and chiropteran
species whose home range is significantly large. In the context of the seismic survey that
has already been carried out in recent times over a much larger spatial area and with no
reported significant environmental impacts, the proposed exploratory wells drilling project
would register a very small impact. Thus, the cumulative impacts on the soils, vegetation,
habitat and biodiversity of the area are considered insignificant.
The water situation, in terms of quantity and quality, has always been dire in this region. It is
one resource over which sporadic conflicts may occur due to its scarcity. There have been a
number of governmental and NGO efforts to increase the water supply situation in the area
through various water projects. World Vision has been known to initiate water pan
construction in the area, but these still fall far short of the human and livestock water
requirement for enhanced quality of life. The flora and fauna cope with the climate-driven
changes in the hydrological balance, and there is currently no evidence that humans and
livestock demand for water is competing with environmental demands for the same. Two
boreholes drilled recently by the project proponent in Nakukulas have improved on this
situation at least for this settlement. Implementation of the project will increase demand for
water, which will be sourced from deep aquifers that are generally not utilised in the area
and that do not interact hydrologically with flora and fauna. Thus, no cumulative impacts are
foreseen in relation to deep groundwater abstraction.
Due to the small and spatially restricted scale of the project, any inadvertent pollution arising
from the operations would be localised and mostly site-specific, but it is expected that such
incidents will not arise on the basis of the proposed mitigations. The scale of fugitive
particulate material and the generation gaseous emissions and their impacts on the
surrounding environment will be negligible on account of the scale of the operation, its
temporary nature, the strong dust-laden winds that characterise parts of the project area,
and the mitigations that have been proposed. The scope for cumulative negative impacts on
items or sites on cultural heritage of significance remain absent from the proposed activity
areas. Consultation with available heritage databases indicates that no known sites of
significance will be impacted by the proposed activity.
130
7.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACTS

The exploratory oil and gas wells drilling will utilise standard oilfield equipment and work will
be conducted using good oilfield practice in line with the Petroleum (Onshore) Act (1991)
and Regulations, the Schedule of Onshore Exploration and Production Safety
Requirements and the APPEA Code. The operations are regarded, from an industry
standpoint, as being of a small scale in both effort and the time taken to complete them. In
addition, the majority of operations will be conducted a long distance away from any
habitation, town or workplace so that the inhabitants will be largely insulated.
The short-term duration of the exploratory drilling programme and its small scale impacts
relative to natural processes acting on the environment in the area, and previous actions
undertaken, indicate that there would not be any impacts significant enough to contribute
measurably to increase cumulative impacts following cessation and decommissioning of the
programme.
131
Table7.2: Summary of impact evaluation and analysis from the proposed exploratory oil and natural gas drilling operations (pre, during and post
project) on environmental and social factors in the project area (see Chapter 3, section 3.5.2 for impact assessment criteria and rating). Note:
Project Operations includes - site preparation, construction, exploratory drilling, decommissioning and rehabilitation.
Parameter
assessed
Pressures/Impacts
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
Regional
Permanent
Definite
Neutral
High
Low
Low
Low
Sitespecific
Long-term
Highly
probable
Negative
High
Low
Low
Low
Sitespecific
Short-term
Definite
Negative
High
Low
Low
Medium
Regional
Permanent
Definite
Negative
Medium
Low
Low
Intensity
- Periodic flooding of
the Turkwel
floodplain
- Active sand dune
building and
Baseline
Medium
degradation
(Pre-project)
- Periodic ponding of
the piedmont plain
adjacent the Turkwel
floodplain and in low
lying areas
Physiography
and Geology
Project
Operations
- Access roads to the

sites leave longlasting residual
impacts (tracks
and/or scarring on
surface rocks)
- Transfer of
geological materials
(cuttings) from the
sub-surface to the
surface
Climate
- Climate change
leading to higher
Baseline
frequency and
(Pre-project)
intensity of droughts
and floods
132
Parameter
assessed
Pressures/Impacts
Project
Operations
Surface and
Groundwater
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
Medium
Local
Short-term
Definite
Negative
Low
Low
Low
Medium
Local
Short-term
Definite
Negative
Medium
Medium
Low
High
Regional
Permanent
Highly
probable
Negative
Medium
Low
Low
- None
- Dust generated by
wind and enhanced
by low vegetation
cover
- Natural wind and
Baseline
water erosion
(Pre-project)
- Offensive odours
from point sources
e.g. pit latrines and
garbage dumps
Air quality
Intensity
- Dust generated and

enhanced by
machinery and
vehicular movement
- Offensive odours
Project
from point sources
Operations
e.g. pit latrines and
garbage dumps
- Air pollution from
exhaust fumes all
lowering the air
quality
- Freshwater shortage
- Uneven distribution
Baseline
of resource
(Pre-project) - High demand for
water resources
133
Parameter
assessed
Soils
Terrestrial
Environment
Pressures/Impacts
- Compaction of nearsurface aquifers
such as springs,
Project
reducing yield
Operations
- Downward draining
of groundwater
through well drilling
- Contamination of
water supply source
for the camp
- Soil particulates
erosion and
deposition generated
by wind and
enhanced by low
Baseline
vegetation cover
(Pre-project)
- Water ponding and
erosion via runoff
- Soil compaction by
grazing animals and
livestock
- Dust generated by
vehicles/machinery
movement
Project
- Soil compaction by
Operations
vehicles/machinery
- Soil erosion via wind
and water through
runoff
- Land degradation
from overgrazing
Baseline
- Desertification
(Pre-project) - Local extinction
threat of species
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
Sitespecific to
local
Short-term
Improbable
Negative
Medium
Medium
Low
Medium
Regional
Long term
Highly
probable
Negative
High
Medium
Low
Medium
Local
Medium
probable
Negative
High
Medium
Low
Low
Local
Permanent
Probable
Negative
Low
Low
Low
Intensity
Low
134
Parameter
assessed
Project
Operations
Water Quality
Pressures/Impacts
Intensity
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
- Clearing of
vegetation, thereby
modifying habitats
Medium
Local
Long-term
Probable
Negative
Medium
Medium
Low
Low
Sitespecific to
local
Permanent
Probable
Negative
Medium
Low
Low
Low
Sitespecific to
local
Short-term
Probable
Negative
Medium
Low
Low
High
Regional/
Local
Long-term
Negative
Medium
High
High
Medium
Local
Short-term
Probable
Negative
High
Medium
Low
Medium
Local
Short-term
Probable
Negative
Low
Medium
Low
- High sediment loads

in rivers
Baseline
- Point-source
(Pre-project)
pollution of springs
and wells from stock
and locals
Project
Operations
- Contamination of
water supply source
for the camps
Baseline
- Overgrazing
(Pre-project)
High
Land Resources
Project
Operations
Archaeological,
Historical and
Cultural Sites
Visual
Aesthetics
- Disturbance of
pasture area
Baseline
- None
(Pre-project)
Project
Operations
- None
Baseline
- Land degradation
(Pre-project) - Loss of vegetation
135
Parameter
assessed
Project
Operations
Noise and
Vibrations
Intensity
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
- Visual intrusion
- Land degradation
Medium
Local
Short-term
Probable
Negative
Low
Low
Low
Medium
Regional/
Local
Permanent
Definite
Negative
Low
Medium
Medium
Medium
Local
Short-term
Definite
Negative
Low
High
Low
- Minimal waste
generated and poorly
Low
managed in town
centres like Lokichar
Local
Mediumterm
Probable
Negative
Low
Low
Low
- Poor solid waste

management at the
Medium
drill rig and campsite.
Local
Short-term
Probable
Negative
Low
Medium
Low
Local
Long-term
Definite
Negative
High
Medium
Medium
- Natural strong winds

- Anthropogenic (but
Baseline
not excessive) noise
(Pre-project)
localised in small
towns and centres
Project
Operations
Baseline
(Pre-project)
Liquid and Solid
Wastes
Project
Operations
Social
Characteristics
Pressures/Impacts
- Noise from
machineries at the
rig site
- Vehicular noise
- Low education levels

- Low literacy levels
Baseline
- Poorly equipped
Medium
(Pre-project)
health facilities
- Poor housing
Project
- No facilities will be
Operations
provided by the
None
proponent
136
Parameter
assessed
Economic
Factors
Pressures/Impacts
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
Local
Long-term
Definite
Negative
Low
High
High
Local
Mediumterm
Probable
Positive
Low
High
Low
Medium
Local
Short- term
Probable
Negative
Medium
High
Low
High
Regional
Long-term
Definite
Negative
High
High
Medium
Intensity
- Few job
opportunities
- Poor access to
markets
Baseline
- Slow economic
High
(Pre-project)
growth rate
- Emerging
investment
opportunities
- Creation of job
opportunities
Project
- Poor access to
Operations
markets
Medium
- Slow economic
growth rate
- Emerging investment
opportunities
Baseline
- None
(Pre-project)
Occupational
Health and
Safety
Security and
Public Safety
Project
Operations
- Accidents at the
work place
- Health related
incidences
- Frequent cattle
rustling
- Proliferation of small
Baseline
arms
(Pre-project) - Conflict over
pastures and water
resources
137
Parameter
assessed
Pressures/Impacts
Project
Operations
- Resource conflicts
Intensity
Extent
Duration
Probability
Status
Degree of
confidence
Significance
without
mitigation
Significance
with
mitigation
Medium
Regional/
local
Mediumterm
Low
probability
Negative
Medium
High
Low
138
CHAPTER 8:
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
8.1 INTRODUCTION
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a management tool used to ensure that undue or
reasonably avoidable adverse impacts of the construction, operation and decommissioning
of a project are prevented, and that the positive benefits of the projects are enhanced.
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) involves the protection, conservation and
sustainable use of the various social and environmental elements or components. The EMP
for the proposed project provides all the details of project activities, potential impacts,
suggested mitigation measures, desired outcomes, objective indicators, responsibilities and
commitments proposed to minimize environmental impacts of activities, including, monitoring
and evaluation during the implementation and decommissioning phases of the project.
The tool for achieving this is the incorporation of an Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
into the EIA to ensure adherence and future compliance with legislation, good environmental
performance, and integration of environmental issues into the project decision. The EMP
provides the means of assessing the accuracy of the predicted project impacts and the
monitoring of the effectiveness of the proposed mitigation measures contained in the EIA
study report. The EMP should therefore indicate how the environmental concerns highlighted
in the EIA would be managed. The EMP shall be incorporated in to project operating
procedures to ensure compliance.
8.2 OBJECTIVES OF THE EMP

The objectives of the EMP are to:
Address and adhere to necessary legal frameworks and other requirements;

Promote environmental management and communicate the aims and goals of the
project EMP to all stakeholders;
Incorporate environmental management into project design and operating
procedures;
Ensure all workers, contractors, sub-contractors and others involved in the project
meet all legal and institutional requirements with regard to environmental
management;
Provide a framework for implementing commitments of the project (i.e. mitigation
measures identified in the EIA);
Prepare and maintain records of project environmental performance (i.e. monitoring,
audits and compliance rating);
Prepare an environmental monitoring plan whose aim is to ensure that the negative
environmental impacts identified in Chapter 7 of this EIA report are effectively
mitigated by way of design, construction, operational and decommissioning stages of
the project;
Respond to unforeseen events; and
Provide feedback for continual improvement in environmental performance.
8.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

139
The proponent, TKBV, is proposing to undertake drilling of exploratory wells in Block 13T in
Turkana County. The objective of the project is to check for hydrocarbons presence based
on the delineation of potential hydrocarbons traps considered present due to analysis of
recently acquired seismic data. The proposed drilling sites, which will measure 450m x
250m, will incorporate: the drilling rig pad, working area, accommodation facilities, waste
management facilities, water reservoir (120mx130m), kitchen facilities, power generation
facilities, a laydown area for storage of bulk mud and cement, dry process materials, pipe
rack, machinery, and secondary operations such as welding, painting, and machining. The
site will also include medical and emergency response facilities and security personnel
quarters (see Chapter 2).
8.4 APPLICABLE LEGISLATION AND REGULATIONS

The spectrum of legislation and regulations that apply to the exploratory oil and natural gas
wells drilling programme has been detailed in Chapter 4. Some of the key legislation that
relate to the activity are the:
Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999 and associated regulations

and guidelines;
Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, Cap. 308;
Energy Act, No. 12 of 2006;
Explosives Act, Cap. 115;
Wildlife (Conservation and Management) Act, Cap. 376;
National Museums and Heritage Act, Cap. 216;
Water Act, Cap. 372;
Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 15 of 2007
8.5 TULLOW POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Tullow has two key policies that relate to this activity, namely, the Environmental, Health and
Safety (EHS) Policy, and the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR). Through its EHS
policy, Tullow commits to strict high standards of environmental, health and safety, and aims
to conduct its business operations to the best industry standards. The policy is also aimed at
managing high risk activities that have the potential to adversely affect personnel at the
project site, the environment and the surrounding communities.
The Tullow Oil Environmental Standards (TOES) were rolled out across Tullow in March
2012. The revised toes documentation specifies the minimum Environmental Standards
Tullow Business Units must meet in the following four key areas: Biodiversity, Greenhouse
Gases, and Resource Management. In addition, TOES provides a Toolbox to support
delivery of these standards. TOES are designed to deliver consistent environmental
management throughout our operations.
8.6 ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND TRAINING

TKBV will be responsible for the overall implementation, monitoring and quality
assurance/quality control of this EMP. It will be responsible for ensuring that the policies,
management plans and actions to be implemented to avoid, reduce, mitigate, or compensate
for adverse environmental and social impacts are adhered to. TKBV shall develop a clear
command chain framework for employee responsibilities, reporting and incident
management, and shall ensure that all employees understand it.
140
TKBV will sub-contract certain aspects of the project. In such a case, the contractor will be
responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the EMP in their related work contract
activity (and this condition should be built into the terms of reference for tendered work and
the contract document. The contractor will also be responsible for the occupational health
and safety of the workers and others who may be carrying out both related and un-related
activities within and around the work sites. TKBV will be responsible for oversight
compliance monitoring and periodic environmental inspections of the work and camp sites in
general. The contractors will also be responsible for implementing corrective actions that
may be required by TKBV as a result of these inspections.
TKBV will train its work force in order to equip them to carry out their duties under the scope
of the EMP. Contractors will likewise be required to do the same for their employees and in
relation to the work component that they have been given to carry out (see the EMP). The
workers shall be regularly informed on, and assessed for, their understanding of the various
policies and plans that relate to their work environment. TKBV will constitute a competent
and effective workforce, taking into account the skills required for each work component, and
giving priority to local workers for employment opportunities in the semi-skilled and unskilled
work categories. Suitable training and skill transfer will be provided, where required.
Specific training requirements are mentioned under the relevant sections of the EMP in this
chapter.
8.7 COMMUNICATION WITH STAKEHOLDERS AND GRIEVANCE MECHANISM

TKBV will develop and maintain a formal procedure for communication with various
stakeholders to inform on the various stages of project activities, as well as to receive their
views and concerns, if any. TKBV should maintain a written register of its interactions and
discussions with the various stakeholders so that issues that require to be followed up are
clear and well-understood, and the outputs can be assessed.
TKBV will also establish a grievance mechanism to handle complaints from the
stakeholders/residents of the area, as well as for its own and contracted workers. This
mechanism will also include procedures for assessing any project-related damages to
persons and properties and levels of compensation. Such a mechanism will be best
established in consultation with officials from Government (Ministry of Energy, Community
Leaders, and Stakeholder Group Representatives).
8.8 AUDITING
It is a requirement by law that any project activity being undertaken be audited after every
year of operation until closure. The proposed exploratory wells drilling programme will take a
shorter time and will therefore be audited upon completion of the project. The auditing to be
undertaken at the end of the project is to ensure that the project adhered to the EMP as
outlined in this project report and that corrective measures were put in place in cases where
impacts were identified. If the audit findings indicate that there are impacts that were not
corrected, then the proponent will be required by NEMA to undertake such corrective
measures before the Authority signs off the project.
Besides the regulatory framework, TKBV will conduct regular internal audits covering all
aspects of the EMP during the course of the project operations. The audits shall be
performed by qualified staff and communicated to TKBVs relevant departments.
141
8.9 THE ENVIRONMENTAL (AND SOCIAL) MANAGEMENT PLAN (EMP) FOR

THE DRILLING OF EXPLORATORY WELLS
The EMP for the drilling of exploratory wells addresses the following environmental and
social issues:
Physiography and Geology
Soils
Air Quality
Surface and Groundwater Resources
Water Quality
Terrestrial Environment (Habitats, Flora, and Fauna)
Land Resources and National Parks
Archaeological, Historical and Cultural Sites
Visual Aesthetics
Noise and Vibrations
Solid and Liquid Wastes
Social Characteristics
Economic Characteristics
Occupational Health and Safety
Security and Public Safety
The structure of the Environmental Management Plan adopted for each of the environmental
and social components addressed in it (below) is as follows:
1. Potential Impacts and Mitigations These outline the impacts and mitigations that
have been identified and that are peculiar to the project area (see Chapter 7);
2. Identification of Desired Outcomes, Objective Indicators, and Monitoring The
Desired Outcomes reflect what the project proponent and stakeholders would like to
see once the operation has been completed;
3. The Objective Indicators indicate how the Desired Outcomes can be measured, and
their success determined (either qualitatively, quantitatively, or both);
4. The Monitoring aspect is based on assessment of project operations vis vis the
Objective Indicators and the Desired Outcome, Responsibilities and Management.
142

The impact sources from the project operations will include the mobilization of vehicles,
machineries and drilling-associated equipment to the drilling operation sites.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Access roads to the sites leave

long-lasting
residual
impacts
(tracks and/or scarring on surface
rocks)
Transfer of geological materials
(cuttings) and gravel (road paving)
from the sub-surface to the
surface
Use existing access roads to the drilling sites to the extent

possible;
Pre-survey possible access routes, in uncharted areas and use the

selected route(s) rather than accessing the work sites through
free-range driving across the open country;
Movement of the crews and the vehicles should be restricted to the
existing roads and within the operation sites to avoid creating
unnecessary tracks and trampling of pasture around the drilling
sites;
Avoid making roads on steep slopes susceptible to rock fall (see
Table 5.2);
Avoid the Turkwel River riparian area by 30m. Circumvent the area
to avoid compaction of soils that are usually used for crop growing
and shallow sand aquifers that are a source of water for the local
communities and livestock during the dry season.
Desired Outcomes, Objective Indicators and Monitoring
Desired Outcomes
Objective Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility
Management
and
Impacts of new
access
roads
minimized to the
extent possible
Landslips,
rock
topples
from
excavated
material do not
occur
in
the
course of
the
drilling operation
100% pre-survey of
existing access roads
on the ground
Actions
taken
to
minimise new access
roads
impacts
are
recorded
No
project-related
landslips,
or
rock
topples recorded
Number of site specific
excavation
pits
for
construction
material
inventoried
and
monitored
Continuous,
daily.
One-time
assessment
and
site
selection
Desired
rehabilitation
plan put in
place
The field operations

supervisors will be
responsible for the
day-to-day
monitoring and
management, and
will report to the Drillsite supervisor on a
weekly basis, or
immediately, in case
of an incident
occurring
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
or Low)
Low
143
8.9.2 Soils
The impact sources from the project operations will include drilling rig and associated
equipment, transport vehicles, bulldozer and other civil works equipment. Other sources will
be oil or chemical leaks from vehicles, machinery, storage areas and the garage.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Compaction of soils in the

working area and access
ways changing percolation
rates and drainage patterns
Disturbance of soil through
construction
and
excavations
Possibility of enhanced
gullying and erosion (wind
and water) in constructed
areas and access roads
Rutting in loose soils
Contamination of soils
Possible caving in of soil in
well pad design (near
surface competence that
bear on load capacity) and
drill cuts and waste pits due
to soil stability factors
Disposal of cuttings in soil
environment
Mitigations in section 8.9.1 (Physiography and geology) apply

Access roads must be furnished with flow-diverters (cross-drains) at
appropriate spacing according to slope to reduce sediment movement
and erosion. Vehicles should steer away from natural drains and
waterways as is practicable, and a buffer zone of 20m should be
maintained except at crossing points;
Minimize vegetation clearance as much as possible when clearing the
area for well pads and campsites construction;
Topsoil that is stripped and removed for construction should be
preserved for rehabilitation of the constructed (campsite/drill rig) areas at
the end of the project;
The establishment of drill cuttings pits and wastewater pits should be
confined to Ps28 and Ux10 units whose drainage characteristics and soil
texture allow for pit establishment. These pits for the two units should be
lined with suitable HDP geo-membranes and bricks respectively, since
the soils are sodic and may erode easily on contact with water. The Y10
(lower areas) and A8 units though with deep soils, have impeded
drainage. Drill cuts, mud and waste pits could easily overflow and pond
and contaminate the surface soils and shallow groundwater table. The
use of steel tanks in A8 unit instead of pits for this particular unit is
recommended; brick lined pits or use of steel tanks for Y10 unit is
recommended.
Pits for containment of drill cuttings, spent drilling fluids, domestic and
sanitary effluents should be sited and designed by a competent and
licensed contractor and based on consideration of the geological and soil
characteristics of the area to avoid soil contamination;
Ensure that all vehicles and machinery do not have any oil leaks that
could contaminate the soils and that any in-field refuelling or
maintenance is performed while using a drip tray with a spill-kit available;
All fuels and other non-aqueous fluids to be stored in suitable bunded
enclosures;
Ensure that all drivers and technicians are familiar with drip-tray and
spill-kit use through tool-box talks; and
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility
and Management
Minimal, (if any) ,

compaction
of
soils
where
applicable
Minimal
disturbance
of
soils especially on
waterways
and
natural drains
Protection
of
surface soil from
100%
of
existing routes
and
possible
alternatives
pre-surveyed
on the ground
Appropriate
campsites
surveyed and
selected
Continuous, duration of
pre-survey route checking,
adjusting and opening
bypasses
where
appropriate
Pre-survey checking and
actual exploratory wells
site ground truthing
One-time assessment and
site selection of basecamps and pit sites
TKBV EHS field

representatives
will
be
responsible for
the day-to-day
monitoring and
management,
and will report to
EHS
TKBV
Manager on a
weekly basis, or
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
or Low)
Low
144
Continuous
monitoring
and
safeguard
mechanisms established
to check spillage
subsidence
Zero spillage of
chemicals
and
hazardous
material on soils
immediately in
case
of
an
incident
occurring.
8.9.3 Air Quality

The impact sources from the project operations will include vehicles and machinery, sanitary
systems and waste disposal points.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Pollution from exhaust

emissions
Fugitive dust generation
from vehicular traffic
Offensive odours
Health risks
Green House Gases
(GHG)
Limit traffic speed and restrict movement of vehicles as is reasonable to

minimize dust generation;
Field vehicles, trucks and any other machinery should be switched off when
not in use;
Regular servicing of all trucks, service vehicles, and any other machinery
should be carried out to ensure efficient combustion and minimisation of
exhaust emissions;
Use low sulphur fuels if available and where suitable;
Employees working in dusty conditions must use appropriate PPE;
If litter is to be burned, it should be done at a time of low wind movement, and
preferably in areas shielded from wind by vegetation;
An efficient test flare burner head equipped with an appropriate combustion
enhancement system should be used to minimize incomplete combustion,
black smoke, and hydrocarbon fallout; and
Flaring should adhere to the Global Gas Flaring and Venting Reduction
Voluntary Standard (part of the World Bank Groups Global Gas Flaring
Reduction Public-Private Partnership (GGFR program) or equivalent industry
standard.
Fuel usage and hydrocarbons flared will be recorded and monitored.
Desired
Outcomes
Monitoring
Minimal
pollution
from
exhaust
emissions
Minimal
dust
generation
from traffic
No
offensive
odours
No health
risks
Number of equipment
with low emissions
Use of low sulphur
versus other fuels
Adherence
to
equipment
maintenance
schedule
Set speed limits are
not exceeded (record
exceeded incidents)
No offensive odours
recorded
No violation of OHS
requirements for dust
impact
mitigation
(violations recorded).
Malfunctioning
equipment
removed
immediately
from
operations for repair
Compliance with use
of low sulphur fuel
(fuel supply tenders)
Daily inspection of
sanitary facilities and
waste disposal points
Continuous monitoring
of EHS compliance
Responsibility and
Management

supervisors will be
responsible for the dayto-day monitoring and
management of air
quality issues in the
field, while the camp
supervisors will be
responsible
for
monitoring
the
air
quality at and around
the campsite. The field
operations supervisors
and
the
camp
supervisors will report
to the EHS Manager on
a weekly basis, and will
immediately report on
health risk incidents.
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
Low)
Low
145

The impact sources from the project operations will include water supply sources for the
base camps, heavy vehicles and machinery, and drilling mud preparation.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Conflict with neighbouring

communities if water source
is shared
Compaction of near-surface
aquifers hence reducing
yield
Downward
draining
of
groundwater
through
exploratory well drilling
Liquid effluent discharges
from sanitation systems at
the campsite
Oil or chemical leaks from
garage and storage areas,
vehicles and machinery
Unorganized disposal of
drilling waste and mud in a
disposal facility
The company should drill its own water supply boreholes.

An efficient water-use policy shall be adopted by the project proponent at
the camp base and drilling sites and other work areas (section 4.2.2)
An efficient sanitation system should be put in place in the base camp
and drilling operation site to handle effluents (sections.4.3.8, 4.4.9)
Ensure proper spill control and management for machinery and vehicles
at site and in the field.
Use proper engineering techniques during the drilling, cementing and
casing of the exploratory wells
All chemical and fuel storage areas will have proper bunds so that
contaminated run-off cannot meet the storm-water drainage system
Hazardous and toxic waste material should be managed according to
international protocols and practices (the Basel Convention on the
Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal, 1989) and must comply with the Environment Management and
Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations.
The storm water system will be efficiently designed and maintained.
TKBV will carry out proper designing of on-site storage disposal for
processing wastes in accordance with Central Pollution Control Board
(CPCB) guidelines and with proper liner systems.
Heavy vehicle and equipment movement to and from the
campsite/drilling areas should detour known groundwater supply points
(e.g. wells and springs) by at least 500m and cross luggas at road
crossings to avoid contamination particularly during rainy seasons..
Desired Outcomes
No conflict over
water use with
neighbouring
communities
No compaction of
near
surface
aquifers
No
unorganized
disposal of drilling
waste
No waste and mud
in a disposal facility
No oil or chemical
leaks from garage
and storage areas,
vehicles
and
machineries.
No
downward
draining
of
groundwater
through drill holes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
TKBV has its own

water boreholes or
other independent
water source
Identification
of
nearby
surface
and groundwater
resources
No violation of
buffer zone limits
around
groundwater
sources
Water yields do
not decrease
Inventory of drill
well is maintained
Continuous,
during
drilling
Compliance with
buffer
zone
requirements
Weekly
monitoring
of
yields
Compliance with
buffer
zone
requirements
Weekly
monitoring
of
yields
for
a
period
of
4
weeks
Responsibility
Management
and

supervisors will be
responsible for the
day-to-day
monitoring
and
management
of
surface
and
groundwater
resources in the
field, while the base
camp supervisors
will be responsible
for
water
monitoring at and
around
the
campsite. The field
operations
supervisors and the
camp supervisors
will report to the
Operations
Manager
on
a
weekly basis, and
will
immediately
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium, or
Low)
Low
146
report on incidents
of concern.
8.9.5 Water Quality

The impact sources from the project operations will include: liquid effluent discharges from
sanitation systems at the base camp and drilling site, oil or chemical leaks from garage and
storage areas, vehicles and machinery operating in the camp and field.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Contamination of water supply

source for the camp
Contamination of underlying
aquifers
Contamination of surface water
An efficient sanitation system should be put in place for camp

workers to eliminate or minimise the levels of potential water
pollutants from domestic effluents (sections 4.4.3, 4.4.9);
Pits must be lined with an impermeable liner such as HDPE; for
containment of drill cuttings, spent drilling fluids, domestic and
sanitary effluents, should be sited by a competent and licensed
contractor and based on consideration of the geological and soil
characteristics of the area to avoid contamination of nearby surface
and groundwater systems;
All chemical and fuel storage areas should be bunded, with spill
kits readily available and operatives trained in their use. The bunds
must be a minimum of 110% of the capacity of the largest vessel to
be bunded;
The company should use proper engineering techniques during the
drilling, cementing and casing of the exploratory wells;
Fuelling will take place in a designated area;
Hazardous and toxic waste material should be managed according

to international protocols and best practices and in compliance with
Kenyan legislation, specifically the Environment Management and
Coordination (Waste Management) Regulations;
Ensure that all vehicles and machinery operating in the field and at
drilling operation sites do not have any oil leaks (section 4.3.10);
;
All refuelling operations to be carefully overseen and managed;
Ensure that all drivers and technicians are familiar with drip-tray
and spill-kit use through tool-box talks.
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
No contamination
of water supply
source for the
camp
No contamination
of
underlying
aquifers in the
project area
Camp
water
supply source is fit
for
human
consumption
Camp
water
supply source is
protected
Zero spillage of
chemicals
and
hazardous
material on soils
that may lead to
surface/groundwat
Physico-chemical
and microbiological
testing, weekly
Casing
and
cementing
of
borehole
and
wellhead area
Protocols for and
conditions of oils
and
chemicals
storage
at
the
camp are adhered
to
Responsibility and
Management

supervisors will be
responsible for the
day-to-day monitoring
and management of
actions
to
protect
water quality in the
field, while the camp
supervisors will be
responsible for such
actions at and around
the campsites. The
field
operations
supervisors and the
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
Low)
Low
147
er pollution
Waste pits and
landfills
are
professionally
sited
Buffer zones are
observed
Professionals
recruited for the
work
Compliance
with
buffer
zone
requirements
camp supervisors will

report
to
the
Operations Manager
on a weekly basis, and
will immediately report
on
incidents
of
concern.
8.9.6 Terrestrial Environment (Habitats, Flora, and Fauna)

The impact sources from the project operations will include: drilling rig and ancillary,
transport vehicles, and physical presence of the workforce.
Potential Impacts
Cutting of vegetation
during the
construction of
campsites and
drilling assembly.
Disturbance of
wildlife (physical
presence)
Introduced weeds
and pests
Contamination of the
environment (solid
and liquid wastes)
Land take
Erosion
Mitigation
The mitigations related to soils (See 8.9.2 ) apply

Trees with trunk diameter greater than 20cm should not be cut;
Ensure that equipment is in good working condition and cause less
noise/ vibration/air pollution nuisance to fauna
Hunting, trapping and gathering of food resources by workers, when on
and off duty should be strictly prohibited. This prohibition should extend
to the purchase of these items from the indigenous population by
workers
A material safety data sheet should be maintained for all potentially
hazardous materials, as well as supporting documentation for the
transport, use and disposal of such materials;
Used motor oil and filters from vehicles and generators should be
removed from the area for proper disposal. Used motor oil should not
be used from dust suppression on access roads. Disposal of chemicals
and motor oil should be documented, including quantities involved, and
disposal locations; and
A plan should be prepared to prevent and contain accidental oil
discharges or fuel spillages. All equipment should be fitted with drip
trays and stationary fuel storage facilities should have secondary
containment.
Pre-planning siting of wells and access roads
Restoration
148
Desired Outcomes
Minimal
cutting of
vegetation
for
construction
purposes
Minimal
disturbance
of wildlife
No weeds
or pests
introduced
into the
area
Minimal
contaminati
on of the
environmen
t
Construction of
support camp and
derrick assembly
installation where
minimal or no
vegetation clearance
is required
A material safety
data sheet should be
maintained for all
potentially hazardous
materials, as well as
supporting
documentation for
the transport, use
and disposal of such
materials
Monitoring
Responsibility
and Management
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
or Low)
An
ecologist
may
be
designated to
be in charge of
the
management
and monitoring
of the terrestrial
environment,
and would liaise
closely with and
advise the field
operations
supervisor on a
day-to-day
basis.
During premobilisation
site-specific
assessment
MSDS
sheets will
be held by
the drilling
manager
Low
8.9.7 Land Resources and National Reserve

The impact sources from the project operation will include use of heavy vehicles and
machinery, drilling rig assembly, access road construction and the presence of work force in
the area.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Man-made structures may lower

aesthetic value of landscapes
Impact as a result of use of heavy
machineries
Disturbance of animals and flora
Campsites, rig assembly and
access ways lower aesthetic
value of landscape
Visual
intrusion
from
anthropogenic structures
Mitigations in sections 8.9.1 (Physiography and Geology), 8.9.2

(soils), 8.9.4 (Surface and ground water) and 8.9.6 (Terrestrial
Environment) apply;
Before the commencement of the exploration activities, the
proponent should liaise with the community to identify any cultural
or revered sites in the area;
Extensive consultations should be made with community leaders to
ensure that the proposed drilling projects do not interfere with the
communitys valued land resources; and
In as much as possible, the exploration process and the associated
activities should avoid sensitive ecological systems and cultural
sites.
149
Desired
Outcomes
Monitoring
No animal encounters
recorded
No
conflict
with
pastoralists
Land and soil not
exposed to erosion
agents
Minimal
disturbance
and damage
to habitats,
biological
diversity and
vegetation
No disruption
to
pastoralists
Monitoring of animal
presence
along
operation areas
Procedures
for
dealing
with
incidences or/ and
accidents
involving
injury to local people
and livestock
Adhere to the use of
existing access roads
and restrict the use of
heavy vehicles to
specific access roads
Enforce policy against
hunting and gathering
through training and
direct
supervision
where applicable
Responsibility
and
Management
The
Field
Operation
Supervisors
and Transport
Managers
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium,
or Low)
Low

The impact sources from the project operations will include influx of people, access road
construction and use of vehicles.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Influx of people from outside

Access road construction
Use of vehicles
Consultations should be undertaken with local elders to help

in identifying and avoiding any sensitive cultural sites prior to
the construction of proposed exploratory drilling pads and
construction of associated auxiliary infrastructure like access
roads in order to prevent conflict with the community
All project field workers must be informed, before
commencement of operations, that any disturbance to,
defacement of, or removal of archaeological, historical, or
sacred material will not be permitted
150
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Negligible
interference,
if
any,
with
historical
and
cultural sites
No violations of
buffer
zone
restrictions
The sites are
flagged
for
avoidance
of
interference with
buffer zones
Responsibility
and Management
Cultural
and Field operations
historic sites are
supervisor shall
not
interfered
ensure
with
compliance and
Buffer
zones
that cultural sites
are adhered to
are not disturbed,
Flagging
is Site awareness
done
in
creation
to
workers
collaboration
with local elders
and
cleared
once work is
completed
Risk
with
Mitigation
(High, Medium
or Low)
Low

The impact sources from the project operations will include campsite design, access ways
and rig site assembly.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Poor campsite design and rig site

assembly may lead to visual
obstruction and does not blend in
with the environment
Drill rig and campsite design should take into consideration

the aesthetics of the selected area.
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility
Management
Minimal
vegetation cover
removal
Proper design of
access roads
Drill
rig
and
camp
site
blending with the
prevailing
environment
Camp
site
and drill rig
design
enhance
aesthetic
value of the
area
Clearance for
access road
minimized
No residual
impacts
Adhere to the
approved camp
site design
Physiography,
Geology
and
Soils sections
apply here too
and
Operations
Manager to
ensure
maintenance of
aesthetic value at
the site and
project areas
Design of the
camp site and drill
rig to incorporate
green principle
where applicable
Risk
with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium
or
Low)
Low
151

The impact sources from the project operations will include drilling rig and operation,
generator and vehicular noise pollution.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Disturbance to humans, animals

and livestock
Disturbance to workers
Health risks
Ensure that equipment such as generators, drilling rig

components, and other machinery have working silencers to
muffle noise and effect a noise mitigation policy for all
operations in accordance with the Environmental
Management and Coordination (Noise and Excessive
Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations;
Provide full personal protective gear to workers as
appropriate (e.g. helmets and ear muffs/plugs) and as
specified in the Occupational Safety and Health Act;
Workers should be sensitized on noise pollution related
hazards likely to be encountered in such a work
environment, and trained accordingly;
Engage local leaders in sensitising the communities in the
vicinity of the exploratory well drilling area about the project
and its possible noise pollution impacts;
All machineries such as generators and drilling rig
components should be fitted with noise abatement devices
like silencers to muffle noise;
Use generators with minimal noise levels (silent pack
enclosures) at the residential campsites and effect a noise
mitigation policy for all operations in accordance with the
Environmental Management and Coordination (Noise and
Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations.
Segregate the drilling area from the residential area and
construct a fence and/or berm; and living quarters nearest to
the boundary should be made of containers which are
reasonably sound-proofed
Desired Outcomes
Monitoring
Responsibility
and
Management
Risk with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium
or Low)
Review of design
parameters,
as
needed
Monitor installed
equipment
Strict
servicing
work
and
schedules
Managers in
Low
To ensure ambient
noise levels of the
project area are
maintained
near
the
baseline
conditions during
the
construction
and
operation
stage
Sound
level
measurement
equipment
installed
to
monitor
noise
levels
Regularly serviced
and
efficient
vehicle engines
Generators
muffled to abate
noise
charge of
drilling and
transport
152

The impact sources from the project operations will include the wastes generated at the
campsites and drill rig sites.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Pollution of surface and

ground waters
Offensive odours
Health risks
Litter
Contamination of soil
Mitigations relating to section 8.9.5 (Water Quality) apply;
A waste management plan (based on the principles of the Waste

Management Hierarchy [section 2.7.2]) documenting the waste strategy,
storage (including facilities and locations) and handling procedures
should be developed and should include a clear waste tracking
mechanism to track waste consignments from the originating location to
the final waste treatment and disposal location in compliance with the
Environmental Management and Coordination (Waste Management)
Regulations (section 4.4.9);Systems for treating drill cuttings, solid and
liquid wastes generated in the course of rolling out the project should be
properly selected, installed, managed and decommissioned according to
laid down regulations, national legislations the Tullow Drill Fluids and
Cuttings Disposal Standard and associated Guidelines, and international
best practices in order to minimise or eliminate their potential
environmental impacts;
Waste materials should be segregated into non-hazardous and
hazardous waste, and consideration given to re-use, recycling, or
disposal (section 4.4.1) as appropriate. This should be done by an
authorised waste handler licensed under the Waste Management
Regulations, 2006;
A materials/chemical management plan will be developed, and a safety
data sheet should be maintained for all potentially hazardous materials,
as well as supporting documentation for the transport, use and disposal
of such materials;
The structural integrity of containment pits for drill cuttings, drilling fluids,
mud pits and water storage reservoirs should be ensured such pits
should be appropriately lined and / or bunded;
A plan should be prepared to prevent and contain accidental drilling fluid,
oil discharges or fuel spillages. All equipment should be fitted with drip
trays and stationary fuel storage facilities should have secondary
containment;
Hygienic sanitation and disposal of grey and black water will be covered
in the waste management plan in order to protect the general health of
the workers and the general public;
The EHS department to document any accidental releases as to cause,
corrective actions taken, and resulting environmental or health and
safety impacts;;
The EHS officer shall consult with the local authorities in Lokichar and
Lodwar to determine where and how the different types of wastes that
will be generated during the project can be disposed of
153
Desired
Outcomes
Monitoring
Responsibility
and
Management
EHS
Manager
No pollution
of soils and
water ways
No offensive
odours
No reported
health risks
No leakages of oils,
chemicals or liquid
effluent reported
No blockages to
sanitary
and
drainage system
Hazardous and nonhazardous
wastes
are
properly
disposed off and
monitored
PPEs appropriately
used
Daily checks on
sanitary
and
drainage system
Storage areas well
secured and only
authorized personnel
allowed
Waste disposal done
by registered waste
handlers
Adherence to HSE
policy and use of
PPEs monitored
Audits
of
waste
management
plan
and waste tracking
process
Risk with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium or
Low
Low

The impact sources from the project operations will include workforce influx and activities
around the drilling sites.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Possible increase in school dropout by individuals searching for

jobs
Erosion of culture and social
values as a result of intermingling
with workers
Conflict between community and
immigrants
May interfere with grazing lands
and pastures
Misinformation of residents on the
nature of the project
Influx of people into the area
Insecurity
Ensure that the project does not offer job opportunities to school
going children;
Sensitize workers to respect the community cultural beliefs and
values;
Proponent to maintain good relations with community;
Sensitisation of the community on the activities to be carried out
in the proposed project, and the scheduling of such activities and
their potential impacts, should be done periodically and
continually. Community Liaison Officers shall be employed by the
proponent to perform such duties;
The proponent should liaise with Administration Police to ensure
the area is safe.
Provision to be made to compensate local property and
landowners for any loss or damage caused by the operations
culminating the proposed project;
The proponent should ensure that its employees and contractors
relate well with the community. This can be achieved through
enlightenment of the workers on the communitys culture and
traditions;
The proponent should liaise with the local police departments to
ensure that the communitys security is ensured at all times. This
can be achieved through employment of security personnel on a
rotational basis
Grievance process developed to deal with any complaints.
154
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Decrease in crime
rates and no school
drop-outs
Preservation
of
cultural and social
values
Protection of grazing
lands and watering
points
Awareness
of
Tullow
CSR
policies
by
workforce
Grievance
mechanism
in
place
and
implemented
Related
monitoring
aspects
are
being
undertaken
No violations of
Tullow
CSR
policy
No complaints
from the locals
on cultural or
social
values,
concerns
relating to the
workers
Relates to Soils
(8.10.2)
and
Surface
and
Groundwater
Resources
(8.10.4) sections
Responsibility
Management
and
The project
management team
should ensure
community
involvement in
establishment of
recruitment and
tender committees
to check on
recruitment
procedures,
gender balance
and potential
conflict areas.
A
community
liaison
officer
(CLO) should be
responsible
for
implementation of
the
grievance
mechanism.
Risk
with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium or
Low)
Low
8.9.13 Economic Characteristics

The impact sources from the project operations will include: employment opportunities,
tenders, and supplies.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Improved livelihood
Employment opportunities
Improved short-term business
opportunities for the locals
Boost economy
Technological installation and
advancement
Transfer of skills to locals
Unequal
opportunities
of
employment
Age limits in employment
A portion of skilled and semi-skilled labour should be sourced from

the local community;
Gender and age should be factored in when offering employment
opportunities;
Liaise with community leaders during the recruitment process;
Ensure that the recruitment process is representative of all the
areas in the Block; and
Sustained public awareness and sensitization about the proposed
project should be continued throughout the project lifespan.
155
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Improved
economy
and
living standards
Number of locals
recruited
Number
and
type of CSR
projects
that
TKBV commits
to
Establishment of
recruitment and
tender
committees
As needed
Responsibility and
Management
The
project
management should
ensure
community
involvement in the
establishment
of
recruitment
committees to check
on work influx, gender
balance and potential
conflict areas.
Risk
with
Mitigation
(High, Medium
or Low)
Low
8.9.14 Occupational Health and Safety

The impact sources from the project operations will include the drill rig and camp sites
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Injuries
to
workers, visitors
and
area
residents arising
from
project
operations
Fire hazard
Other health risks
and diseases
Motor
vehicle
accidents
Conduct a safety assessment to describe potential safety issues (rig site access,
work practices, hazardous materials, security, confined spaces entry,
transportation and installation of heavy equipment, traffic management,
emergency response procedures and fire control and management among others)
and measures to mitigate them;
Develop, continuously review as need may arise and implement a health and
safety program for all workers and visitors to the site, addressing all of the safety
issues identified in the assessment and all applicable safety standards;
All operations will be conducted in compliance with Tullows EHS and driving
policy, Tullow Safety Rules, international best practices and Kenya Government
requirements (as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Public
Health Act, Energy Act, Physical Planning Act and NEMA Regulations); see also
section 4.2.6 of this report);
Appropriate and well-stocked first aid kits and fire fighting equipment should be
available to all crew, and specific crew members should be trained on first aid
administration and handling of fire fighting equipment (section 4.3.7);
At all times crews should put on job-specific personal protective equipment;
regular drills, training and tool kit talks should be conducted, and their use made
mandatory in designated areas (section 4.3.7);
A Base Camp Clinic is to be provided, manned by suitably qualified field medical
staff, licensed as appropriate to operate in-country, equipped with equipment and
medication as appropriate, including ambulance vehicle(s);
Adequate warning or cautionary signage will be posted as required;
All electrical equipment shall be properly installed, earthed and regularly
th
inspected, and where practicable will comply with IEE 17 edition regulations;
Only properly trained and authorised employees shall operate equipment or
machinery;
Provision of an Emergency Response Plan, Evacuation Plan, Medivac Plan,
Malaria Management Plan and a communicable diseases education programme.
156
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility
Management
Continuous
monitoring
and
recording
of
incidences
in
all
sections at
the project
site
Workers and / or
visitors
secure
from
possible
injuries and harm
from
work
or
health
related
hazards
PPEs
appropriately
used
Visible caution
and
warning
signs placed in
strategic areas
Trainings and
drills on HSE
issues
undertaken
and
Managers in charge of
EHS to ensure that
policy on EHS is strictly
adhered to
Schedule
drills
and
trainings and monitor
efficacy regularly
Risk with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium
or Low)
Low

The impact sources from the project operations will be related to the workforce security
needs.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Petty crimes
Improvement in security due to
security enhancement for project
activities
Access to the project site must be controlled and all workers/

visitors be identified by use of tracking cards;
Adequate security measures should be provided, e.g.
construction of reinforced perimeter fencing, provision of safe
havens and security manning around the project site on a 24
hour basis;
The company should liaise with the Provincial Administration, the
Kenya Police, Kenya Police Reservists and other agencies to
provide adequate security at the site and while on transit;
Barriers and guards will be installed as necessary to protect
employees and visitors from physical hazards and criminal
activity;
Camp population will be restricted and will not be allowed to
interact with the local populace while at the project site;
Camp will be located at a significant distance from any local
communities;
Journey management policy and monitoring to be enforced;
Vehicle speed will not exceed 40 km/h, with all vehicles fitted
with vehicle tracking;
157
Desired
Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility
Management
No
securityrelated
incidents
Adequate
security for the
workforce
at
the
campsite
and on transit
Number
of
security-related
incidents
recorded
Continuous
monitoring
and
recording
of
security incidences
during project life
and
Project manager
to coordinate all
security matters
through security
section
Liaison with
provincial
administration and
Kenya Police will
greatly enhance
security at
workplace and
when on transit
Risk
with
Mitigation
(High,
Medium
or
Low)
Low
8.9.16 Camp Construction

The impact sources from the project operations will be; camp design, disturbance of soil and
vegation, air quality, camp security, water supply, waste management, socio-economic
factors and Occupational health and safety.
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Disturbance to soils and

vegetation during construction
Reduced landscape aesthetics
due to stockpiling of excavated
soils
Health and safety hazard due to
poor campsite construction
Spillage of chemicals, oils and
fuels from construction equipment
and vehicles
Disturbance to communities
Insecurity
Health and safety hazard during
campsite occupation
Mitigations in sections 8.9.1 (Physiography and Geology), 8.9.2 (soils),

8.9.4 (Surface and ground water) and 8.9.6 (Terrestrial Environment),
8.9.10 (Noise and vibrations) 8.9.14 (occupational health and safety)
and 8.9.15 (security and public safety) apply;
Excavated soil should be used in landscape design of the campsite
rather than stockpiling;
Campsite will be erected by a qualified and licensed civil and building
contractor with workers who are qualified to carry out assigned tasks;
Construction workers shall use appropriate Personal Protective
Equipment;
Adequate temporary housing and sanitation facilities shall be provided
for the construction workers;
Construction equipment and vehicles shall be well maintained, checked
and promptly repaired to ensure no spillage of oils and fuels and to
minimise gaseous emissions;
Construction of the campsite shall be undertaken during daylight hours
only;
The campsite should be set up away from populated areas and
location shall be determined in consultation with the local community
leaders;
Company employees shall comply both with the relevant national
legislation, and its own in-house environmental health and safety (EHS)
policies
Adequate warning signs and fire extinguisher equipment will be visibly
and appropriately posted;
158
Desired Outcomes, Objective Indicators, Monitoring, Responsibility, and Risk
Desired Outcomes
Monitoring
Responsibility
and Management
Minimal disturbance
to
environment
during construction
Reduced potential
for environmental
pollution due to oil
and fuel leaks and
noise and gaseous
emissions
Communities
are
not disturbed
No security-related
incidents
No
safety
and
health-related
incidents
Soil and vegetation are

not
unnecessarily
cleared
Maintenance schedule
for equipment and
vehicles adhered to
and
no
pollution
incidents reported
Number of community
disturbance incidents
reported
Number of securityrelated
incidents
recorded
Number of safety and
health-related
incidents recorded
Continuous
monitoring and
recording
of
incidences
The construction
of the campsite
shall
be
supervised
by
the
chosen
contractor
and
overseen
by
TKBV.
Camp
operations shall
be
supervised
and coordinated
by the Camp
Manager.
Risk with
mitigation
(High, Medium
or Low)
Low
8.9.17 Fuelling Station

The impact sources will include: oil leaks from garage and storage areas, vehicles and
machinery.
Potential Impacts
Fuel spills
Fire hazard
Fuel contamination
Mitigation
Fuelling station will be underlain with a spill-containing liner;
The fuel storage area will be set at one end of the parking bay area,
and will be bunded. The bunds should have the capacity to contain all
the fuel stored inside the fuel bladder in case of leakage;
The fuel storage floor shall be concrete-based, and canvas-lined to
capture minor spillages, with a structure measuring at least 12m x 8m x
0.05m;
The bladder will be charged with fuel ferried by tankers, and will be
conveyed to the pump via an outlet hose;
Clearly marked spill kits will be placed adjacent to the refuelling area,
and all staff involved in vehicle maintenance and refuelling will be
trained in their use;
Clear no smoking signage shall be posted in this area;
Fire-fighting equipment will be placed at strategic places within the
fuelling station and in other areas of the campsite;
All workers will be trained in the use of the installed fire-fighting
equipment;
The fuel storage area will have a tarpaulin covering to protect it from
the weather, and should be well aerated.
159
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
No fuel spills
No fires
No fuel
contamination
Monitoring
Number of
incidents
recorded
Continuous
monitoring and
recording of
incidences
Responsibility and
Management
Proper operations in
the fuel filling station
shall be supervised
and coordinated by the
Camp Manager.
Risk with
mitigation
(High, Medium
or Low)
Low
8.9.18 Camp Clinic

The impact sources for the project operations will be waste management and handling
practises.
Potential Impacts
Pollution due to poor handling of
biomedical and pharmaceutical
wastes
Mitigation
Wastes will be handled as per NEMA Waste Management Regulations
2006;
The wastes will be segregated, and disposed of in the waste disposal
facility as provided for by the relevant Local Authority
Biomedical waste will not be stored above 0C for more than seven
days without the written approval of the relevant lead agency, provided
that untreated pathological waste shall be disposed of within 48 hours.
Desired
Outcomes
No pollution
from medical
and
pharmaceutic
al wastes
Objective
Indicators
Number of
incidents of
improper
disposal
recorded
Monitoring
Continuous monitoring
and recording of
incidences
Responsibility and
Management
The operation of the

medical clinic will be
under the direct
management of the
Camp Doctor, and shall
be overseen by the
Camp Manager.
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium or
Low)
Low
8.9.19 Water Borehole Drilling

The impact sources for the project activities will be vegetation and soil disturbance in the
borehole located area which will be relatively small.
160
Potential Impacts
Mitigation
Disturbance
to
soils
and
vegetation during data acquisition
and borehole drilling
Contamination
during
well
development
Drill cuttings from borehole
Pollution/contamination
of
borehole/aquifer water
Minimise soil disturbance and vegetation clearance as is practicable ;

Well development must be done with the Airlift method for at least 30
minutes or until the water is clear of drilling cuttings;
Great care should be taken that the water quality of the different
aquifers is accurately determined. Upon the first strike, drilling fluids
should be effectively flushed, and after sufficient time, a water sample
should be taken of the air-blown (rotary) or bailed (percussion) yield;
On-site analysis using an EC meter, and preferably a portable
laboratory, is recommended;
Screen-off non-targeted aquifer(s);
The Drilling Contractor should engage the services of an experienced
hydrogeologist during the drilling, design, installation, and testing of the
borehole;
Drill cuttings from the borehole should be buried in clay or other
suitably lined pit in the event that the borehole is successful but if not
successful, the drill hole should be refilled with the drill cuttings;
Drilling should be carried out at a diameter of not less than 6, using
either a rotary type or percussion machine, to allow for casing, gravel
packing and pump installation.
The borehole should be cased to the bottom using suitable nonpolluting material, with screens at the aquifer position and plain casings
at non-aquifer position;
The borehole should be bottom plugged in loose formations;
The annular space must be gravel packed at the screen and aquifer
position with durable and suitably sized material with respect to the size
of the aquifer materials;
Grouting should be done by placing a concrete mixture up to 6m depth
from ground surface;
Any drilling additives to be used (e.g. foam or polymer) must be nontoxic and bio-degradable. Bentonic additives should not be acceptable,
as they may plug the aquifer zones and are extremely difficult to
remove during development.
Desired Outcomes
Objective
Indicators
Monitoring
Responsibility and
Management
No disturbance to
soil and
vegetation
No contamination
of the aquifer
during well
development and
postdevelopment
Non-target
aquifer strata are
protected
Drilling cuttings
are safely
disposed of
No unnecessary
clearing of
vegetation and
soil disturbance
No contamination
of aquifers
Aquifers, borehole
and well-head are
protected based
on good
construction
practice
Drill cuttings are
safely disposed
Monitoring
during the
drilling and wellhead
construction
phases
The TKBV EHS

Representative should
ensure all the protocols
relating to environmental
health and safety, and
occupational health and
safety policies are
adhered to by the Drilling
Contractor. Overall
supervision will be the
responsibility of the
Camp Manager, who
should also ensure that a
qualified and registered
hydrogeologist is
available on site to
supervise the drilling and
well protection works.
Risk with
mitigation
(High,
Medium or
Low)
Low
161
EarthviewGeoconsultants Ltd.
8.10 OTHER GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING ISSUES

8.10.1 Occupational Health and Safety Plan
TKBV will develop an Occupational Health and Safety Plan (OHSP), based on Tullows EHS
and CSR policies, prior to commencement of the project operations. The OHSP will uphold
TKBVs commitment to a safe environment for employees, contractors and visitors. The plan
will also address all applicable legal requirements relating to health and safety. The OHSP
will set out the framework under which health and safety on the project site, and to and from
the site, will be managed. The roles and responsibilities of the company, manager,
supervisors and workers will be set out under this plan.
A health and safety training programme will also be implemented at the site. The objectives
of this training programme will be to:
Provide appropriate orientation and support to all employees, contractors and
visitors on site so that they can act in an appropriately safe manner;
Provide on-going training to workers; and
Inform at-risk workers to help attain a positive and safe work environment.
8.10.2 Vehicle Traffic Plan

The following guidelines will apply to vehicular traffic:
All drivers will be properly licensed and trained according to specific vehicle type and
operating conditions;
Vehicle use will be determined by local ground conditions and access requirements;
All local traffic laws and speed limits will be obeyed;
Traffic on the rights-of-way will follow the posted speed limits, which might vary
depending on site-specific conditions;
All vehicular traffic will be confined to approved rights-of-way, workspace and access
roads or trails; and
Site-specific features of concern (e.g., archaeological sites, sensitive wildlife habitat)
will be flagged, or otherwise designated, so that subsequent traffic can avoid these
areas.
8.10.3 Materials Management

A Materials Management Plan will be developed that will identify handling and management
of materials. Transportation, storage, use and ultimate disposal will be considered. Safety of
the workers and the surrounding communities will be taken into account for all stages of
materials handling during all project phases. The EHS officer shall consult with the local
authorities to determine where and how the different types of wastes that will be generated
during the project can be disposed of.
Employees who are tasked with receiving, off-loading and storing potentially hazardous
materials or involved in the storage and shipment off-site of hazardous wastes should
receive hazardous materials handling training.
8.10.4 Pollution Control Plan

A pollution control plan that includes an oil spill response plan will be developed. The
objective of the spill response measures will be to ensure that where accidental spills occur,
all available resources are used appropriately to minimize the extent and severity of effect on
the environment. All spills occurring on the project site will be responded to in a way that will
uphold the following priorities: protection of human life and health; protection of the
Block 13T: EIA project report for Tullow Kenya B.V
162
environment; protection of property; and minimized disruption to operational activities. At all

times, applicable regulations will be used to guide response and clean-up activities.
At locations where the potential for spillage of hazardous material is highest, such as at the
wellbore and fuelling points, spill control and containment means will be incorporated into the
infrastructure during construction. The storage of materials will be tied in with the HMMP.
Spill response kits appropriate to the types and volumes of materials that will be used during
the project operations will be specified, including the types of equipment that will handle or
transport contaminant materials (including fuel). Spill response kits will be located at
appropriate material handling and storage locations. The contents of the kits will be based
on the potential risk associated with the material, volume of material, and environmental
sensitivity of the area. General kit contents could include: oil absorbent pads; absorbent
socks; granular absorbents; and protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and
protective suits. All kits will be stored in a visible location, and in appropriate weatherresistant containers. Regular inspections of the kits will be performed to ensure that they are
complete and all materials remain functional.
All TKBV employees and contractors will undergo, as part of their orientation to the site, a
training programme on spill-prevention and hazard-identification, as well as spill-response,
containment and reporting procedures. Other aspects of the training will include education
on the:
Pollution prevention and control
Applicable legislation
Potentially affected environmental receptors (e.g. soil, surface and groundwater)
Field application of appropriate spill-response techniques.
8.10.5 Emergency Response Plan

A more general plan that will deal with emergencies such as those related to accidents and
personal injury, medical evacuations, fires, and escalating insecurity shall be put in place
before the commencement of project operations. Issues to be addressed would include the
capacity for response and management, and the support agencies that can be called in to
assist (e.g. the Kenya Police, hospital staff, KWS, etc).
8.10.6 Decommissioning or Well Abandonment
Decommissioning is an important phase in the project cycle and comes last to wind up the
operational activities of a particular project. It refers to the final disposal of the project and
associated materials at the expiry of the project lifespan. Alternatively, a decision may be
taken to abandon the project at some stage. If such stages are reached, the proponent
needs to remove all materials resulting from the demolition/ decommissioning or
abandonment from the site. The following should be undertaken to restore the environment:
i)
Remove all underground facilities from the site;
ii)
The site should be well landscaped by flattening the mounds of soil ;
iii) Planting indigenous trees and flowers;
iv) All the equipment should be removed from the site;
v)
Fence and sign post unsafe areas until natural stabilization occurs; and
vi) Backfill surface openings if practical.
8.11 COST OF THE EMP AND TIMEFRAME FOR THE ACTIVITY

It is estimated that the entire project will cost USD 28.76 million. The costs of implementing
the EMP will largely be borne through salaried employees who will be tasked to carry out the
163
various EMP monitoring and evaluation activities. Therefore the EMP will not incur significant
additional costs, over and above those already budgeted for in the project.
164
CHAPTER 9
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT COMPONENTS

Tullow Kenya B.V is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tullow Oil PLC, an International Oil and
Gas exploration company with interests in many parts of the African continent including
Kenya, Uganda, Ivory Coast and Ghana. The company signed a Production Sharing
Contract (PSC) with the Government of Kenya in 2011 and obtained an Exclusive
Prospecting Right (EPR) for Block 13T (surface area of 8,429 km2), which covers Central
Pokot, Turkana South, Loima and parts of Turkana Central Districts. The company now
intends to drill exploratory wells in parts of the block largely in Turkana South District after
undertaking seismic surveys in the area.
Exploratory drilling is a temporary and short duration activity taking approximately 120 days
under normal conditions. The drilling process is undertaken to determine where
hydrocarbons are present and to measure the area and thickness of the oil/gas bearing
reservoir or reservoirs. It also includes logging and coring wells to measure the permeability,
porosity and other properties of the geologic formation encountered. After the exploratory
well drilling data has been analysed, the proponent can then ascertain the economic viability
or abandonment of the drilled wells.
This EIA report covered the area and requirements as spelt out in the EMCA 1999 and the
EIA/ EA Regulations of 2003. Key areas covered in the report include a comprehensive
project description, project area baseline information, guiding legal and regulatory framework
and alternatives to the proposed project. The EIA has also noted the likely impacts as a
result of implementation of the project and suggested mitigation measures aimed at ensuring
that the proposed project protects the environmental base with minimal negative impacts. A
comprehensive EMP has been included in the report and monitoring mechanisms
suggested.
9.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
The proposed project will have both positive and negative impacts. The EIA team has
endeavoured to give comprehensive mitigation measures and environmental management
and monitoring mechanisms which if put in place will minimise or completely eradicate the
possible negative impacts. The EMP developed in this report should be strictly adhered to,
to ensure that the project remains environmentally and technically sound throughout its life.
Some of the measures in Chapter 8 that need close implementation and monitoring include
the following:
To avoid destroying vegetation and pastures, and to minimise land degradation in the
proposed project area, pre-survey possible access routes, and use the selected
route(s) rather than accessing the work site through free-range driving across the
open country;
In as much as possible, avoid the Turkwel River riparian area by 30m. Circumvent
the area to avoid compaction of soils that are usually used for crop growing and
shallow sand aquifers that are a source of water for the local communities and
livestock during the dry season;
Vehicles should steer away from natural drains and waterways as is practicable, but
a buffer zone of 20m should be maintained except at crossing points;
165
Topsoil that is stripped and removed for construction should be preserved for
rehabilitation of the constructed (campsite/drill rig) area at the end of the project;
Ensure that all vehicles and machinery do not have any oil leaks that could
contaminate the soils;
All fuels and other non-aqueous fluids should be stored in suitable bunded
enclosures;
Limit traffic speed and restrict movement of vehicles as is reasonable to minimize
dust generation;
Only the minimum volume of hydrocarbons required for the flaring test should be
flowed and well test durations should be reduced to the extent practical;
The company should drill its own water supply borehole for use during drilling;
Develop a policy for efficient water usage;
protocols and best practices and in compliance with Kenyan legislation, specifically
Refuelling areas must be underlain with spill-proof hard-standing or bund, with spill
kits readily available and operatives trained in their use;
Avoid clearing/altering any land unless necessary; if unavoidable, use best practices
that minimise disturbance of the land resources, flora and fauna;
Hunting, trapping and gathering of food resources by workers, when on and off duty
should be strictly prohibited. This prohibition should extend to the purchase of these
items from the indigenous population by workers;
Before the commencement of the exploration activities, the proponent should liaise
with the community to identify any cultural or revered sites in the area;
All project field workers must be informed, before commencement of operations, that
any disturbance to, defacement of, or removal of archaeological, historical, or sacred
material will not be permitted;
Drill rig and campsite design should take into consideration the aesthetics of the
selected areas;
Ensure that equipment such as generators, drilling rig components, and other
machinery have working silencers to muffle noise and effect a noise mitigation policy
for all operations in accordance with the Environmental Management and
Coordination (Noise and Excessive Vibration Pollution) (Control) Regulations;
Ensure that solid waste is removed from site for recycling/disposal only by an
authorised waste handler, ideally a handler licensed under the Waste Management
Regulations, 2006;
Sensitisation of the community on the activities to be carried out in the proposed
project, the scheduling of such activities and their potential impacts should be done
periodically and continually. Community Liaison Officers can be employed by the
proponent to perform such duties;
As much as possible, a portion of skilled and semi-skilled labour should be sourced
from the local community; and
Develop and continuously review as need may arise and implement a health and
safety program for all workers and visitors to the drilling sites, addressing all of the
safety issues identified in the assessment and all applicable safety standards;
166
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168
APPENDICES:
APPENDIX 1: PROPOSED EXPLORATORY TEST WELL DRILLING SITE LAYOUT
APPENDIX 2: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS MINUTES OF MEETINGS
APPENDIX 3: COPIES OF LABORATORY RESULTS
APPENDIX 5: TKBV PIN NUMBER AND VAT CERTIFICATES
APPENDIX 4: CERTIFICATES OF THE CONSULTANTS
169
APPENDIX 1: PROPOSED EXPLORATORY WELL DRILLING SITE LAYOUT
170
APPENDIX 2: PUBLIC CONSULTATIONS MINUTES OF MEETINGS

MINUTES OF THE MEEETING HELD IN LOCHWAA SUB LOCATION , LOCHWAA
LOCATION, LOKICHAR DIVISION AT THE TRADING CENTER ON SATURDAY 23RD
JUNE 2012.
Attendance
1. Mary Amoni Lokope - Assistant Chief, Lochwaa Sub-location
2. Community opinion leaders and members
3. EIA Experts
The meeting was chaired by the Assistant Chief of Lochwaa Location, Ms. Mary Amoni who
called the meeting to order at 9.00 a.m. She invited Pastor Griffin Lokoro to start with a word
of prayer. She then welcomed and thanked the EIA team and the community members for
attending the meeting and requested the EIA team members to introduce themselves to the
community members.
Mr. Edwin Omori gave the community members an overview of the proposed exploratory
wells drilling by Tullow Kenya B.V. beginning with Twiga 1 well in Block 13T. He expounded
on the oil companys intention to carry out the exploratory wells drilling following promising
results at Ngamia 1 well. He told the community that the main purpose of the meeting was to
collect their opinions concerning the proposed project. He also explained that with the
inception of the proposed project, only a small area of land would be used for the exploratory
wells drilling programme and that environmental protection would be given priority. He then
encouraged the community members to give their views concerning the proposed project.
The community expressed the following views:
They expressed support for the ongoing oil prospecting activity in the area and
welcomed the proposed exploratory oil wells drilling project in Block 13T.
They wanted to find out the kind of agreement that existed between the government
of Kenya and Tullow Kenya B.V.
They wondered whether they would benefit from the job opportunities created as a
result of the drilling of Twiga 1 exploratory test well.
They said that the area had skilled people who Tullow Kenya B.V. should consider
for job opportunities.
They said that Lochwaa Sub-location had not benefited from CSR projects like other
parts of Lokichar Division.
The community expressed fear that the test well drilling process would negatively
affect the soil structure of the area.
They wondered if the vibrations caused by the vibroseis could cause earth tremors in
the area.
They wanted to know if the proposed test wells drilling would result in air pollution as
a result of the release of gases into the atmosphere.
They worried about the possibility of their grazing land being destroyed by the
proposed project.
They said that the seismic cut lines which went hand in hand with the drilling process
were easily used by thieves to raid their livestock.
They wondered if they would be required to move away from their land to give way
for the test wells drilling programme.
They requested Tullow Kenya B.V. to assist their needy children to go to school by
providing bursaries.
171
They stated that they were worried about the possibility of attacks from cattle rustlers
and no one to protect them as most of the KPR officers had been taken by BGP.
They requested adequate dissemination of information regarding the test wells
drilling process to eliminate tensions, disputes and misinformation.
They wanted to know the measures that had been put in place by Tullow Oil to curb
accidents as a result of increased vehicle traffic in the area.
The EIA experts responded to the concerns of the community members by informing them
that the area used for any of the test wells drilling would be small just as that previously
demarcated for Ngamia 1 test well drill. The community was therefore urged not to worry
about being displaced or their grazing lands being destroyed by the proposed exploratory
test wells drilling. They were assured that the project activities will not have adverse negative
impacts to the environment and the communitys health, and mitigation measures will be put
in place to reduce or avoid the anticipated impacts
It was further reiterated that the exploratory test wells drilling process would be done while
taking into consideration all relevant laws and policies on the environment such as EMCA,
1999 and the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003. The
community was further informed that all their views and comments to Tullow Oil would be
included in the EIA report for their consideration and that copies of the report would be
availed to the various stakeholders in the area such as county council offices, divisional and
district offices as well as Turkana County NEMA office for easy access to all.
The community members were guaranteed their continual involvement in the project through
Community Liaison Officers who would act as a bridge between the community and Tullow
Kenya B.V.
The meeting ended with a prayer at 1.00 p.m.
172
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD AT LOCHER-EMOIT VILLAGE IN LOCHWAA SUBLOCATION, LOCHWAA LOCATION, LOKICHAR DIVISION IN TURKANA SOUTH
DISTRICT ON SUNDAY 24TH JUNE, 2012.
Attendance:
1. Samuel Loperito- Headman Locher-emoit
2. Benjamin Ekaru- Local Teacher
3. Community members
4. EIA Experts
The meeting began with a prayer from Samuel Loperito at 1.00 p.m. The EIA experts
introduced themselves to the community and informed the community about the aim of their
visit. They briefed the community about the proposed exploratory wells drilling programme in
Block 13T, including the proposed Twiga 1 exploratory well drilling that was due to
commence at Kapese.
A brief explanation of the activities involved in a typical exploratory well drilling project was
given to the community to give them an overview of the proposed project.
The communitys views concerning the proposed project included:
They welcomed the oil prospecting project in the area.

They thanked the EIA team for meeting the community to discuss issues of
development.
They stated that many youth in the area were unemployed and they hoped that the
proposed project would provide some employment opportunities for the youth.
They complained that they felt marginalised from Lokichar area whose members had
benefited from employment opportunities offered by Tullow Kenya and its
contractors at the Ngamia 1 project site.
They mentioned that the community suffered from unemployment and food
insecurity and hoped the proposed project would benefit them.
They mentioned that Locher-emoit area had not benefited from CSR from Tullow
Kenya B.V in their previous exploratory well drilling project in Ngamia 1, and that
they now hoped to benefit from the proposed exploratory wells in the Block.
They said that their leaders and Community Liaison Officers were biased and thus
creating a rift between community members and Tullow Kenya B.V.
They blamed favouritism and nepotism vices practiced by their leaders as the main
reasons why the youth were missing out on employment opportunities.
They wondered if they would have to move away from their land when the proposed
Twiga 1 test well drilling is initiated.
They inquired if the proponent would compensate the community for any damages
incurred as a result of implementation of the proposed project.
The members were worried about possible interference with their pastureland and
safety and security issues as a result of increased vehicle traffic and insurgence of
population into the area.
They requested Tullow Kenya and its contractors to respect the Turkana peoples
traditions and revered places.
They requested Tullow Kenya B.V. to consider all Sub-locations in the Block when
offering employment opportunities so that the whole area benefits from the
employment opportunities.
They requested that community members be enlightened more about the proposed
project as some of them were not aware of the benefits to their community and the
costs that they would incur as a result of the proposed project.
173
To address some of the communitys concerns, the EIA experts assured them that the
proposed project would not displace the inhabitants of the area. They further explained that
only a small area would be used to set up the test drilling well equipment and camps. The
community was assured that they would still continue to practice livestock keeping as their
grazing land would not be interfered with. On Issues of CSR, the community was assured
that their requests and concerns would be documented in the EIA report and a copy passed
over to the proponent for consideration. The meeting ended with a prayer at 3.00 P.M.
174
MEETING HELD IN LOKAPEL SUBLOCATION, KATILU LOCATION, KATILU DIVISION

IN TURKANA SOUTH DISTRICT AT THE BARAZA GROUND ON MONDAY 25TH JUNE,
2012.
Attendance:
1. Josephat Lochii Alakwa- Ass. Chief, Lokapel
3. EIA Experts
The meeting started with a prayer from one of the community members at 10.00 a.m. and
was chaired by the Assistant Chief. He thanked and welcomed the EIA team and requested
them to explain to the community the purpose of their visit.
The EIA experts then gave a brief background of the proposed hydrocarbons exploratory
wells drilling in Block 13T. Mr. Nicholas Aketch explained to the community that the
proposed exploratory wells were meant to find out if the underlying rock reservoirs in the
area were oil bearing and if the oil was commercially viable. He added that the proposed
activity would occupy a relatively small piece of land.
The importance of public participation and consultations in development projects was
elaborated on to the community. The community members were then given a chance to
express their views concerning the proposed project with regard to the potential positive and
negative impacts likely to be experienced with the inception of the proposed project. The
views included:
They welcomed the proposed development project into the area.

They requested to be given more insight into the proposed project.
They mentioned that they had been informed that the proposed camp would be set
up quite far away from their settlements.
They wondered whether they would also benefit from CSR projects just like other
parts in Block 10BB had from the previous Ngamia 1 exploratory well drilling project.
They mentioned potable water, bursaries for school going children, improved medical
facilities and improvement of the Lokapel-Lodwar road as some of the CSR projects
that the proponent should consider.
They requested for early communication of issues concerning the proposed
exploratory wells drilling project, particularly on the onset of the first Twiga 1
exploratory well in Kapese area.
They requested the proponents of the project to ensure that the communitys valued
resources and conserved areas including grazing lands are not interfered with.
They expressed fear that their soils would be loosened by the heavy trucks and
eroded by both wind and rain.
They requested that Tullow Kenya B.V. and its contractors take appropriate
measures to ensure that their trucks do not loosen their soils.
They requested that Tullow Oil should send their representatives to elaborate to
community the actual cost benefit analysis associated with the proposed project.
They advised that should the proposed camp be set up, the proponent should ensure
adequate waste disposal methods that discourage scavenging by community
members.
They mentioned that with the inception of the proposed project, the community had
high expectations of getting employment opportunities.
They wanted to know the criteria that would be used in sourcing of labour from within
the community and requested that the recruitment methods used be free and fair to
allow equal representation of members from all the Sub-locations in the Block.
175
They expressed fear that the proposed project could result in wars with neighbouring
countries.
They wondered if the proposed project would displace them from their land.
The community was assured that their views and concerns were appreciated and would be
included in the EIA report for consideration by Tullow Kenya B.V. They were further told that
the proposed exploratory well drilling programme would be done in consideration of Kenyas
legislations on the environment, including EMCA 1999 and the Environmental (Impact
Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003. The community was then guaranteed that their
natural resources would be protected throughout the life of the proposed project.
The EIA team thanked the community for attending the meeting and the Assistant Chief
gave a closing prayer at 12.00.
176
MEETING HELD IN KANAODON SUBLOCATION, KATILU LOCATION, KATILU

DIVISION IN TURKANA SOUTH DISTRICT AT KANAODON DISPENSARY ON 25TH
JUNE 2012.
Attendance:
1. Mr. Daniel Katilu- Assistant Chief, Kanaodon Sub-location
2. Community opinion leaders and members
3. EIA experts
The meeting started with a prayer from the Assistant Chief, Mr. Daniel Katilu at 1.00 P.M. He
then introduced the EIA experts to the community members in attendance. A brief
description of the purpose of the meeting was given to the community members. This
included the proposed test wells drilling project in Block 13T. The community was then given
the opportunity to express their views concerning the proposed project and to mention the
potential positive or negative impacts they anticipated from the proposed project.
The communitys views included:
They wondered why the exploratory wells drilling project was being done on their
grazing land and not in other places.
They had no qualms about the proposed project as they hoped to benefit from CSR
like the communities within Block 10BB.
They wanted to know how the proposed project would benefit their community.
They wondered whether the proposed exploratory wells drilling project would improve
the security situation in the area.
They expressed fear that they might be displaced by the Pokot people who were
claiming that the area within which oil deposits had been detected was theirs. This
claim could not however be substantiated.
They mentioned that their dispensary had no maternity wing and hoped that Tullow
Kenya B.V. would assist them to set up that section within the dispensary as part of
its CSR to the community.
They mentioned classrooms for schools, hospitals, water and employment
opportunities as some of the CSR the proponent should consider. They however
emphasised on lack of sufficient potable water as the main need that they required to
be addressed by the proponent.
They complained they had inadequate security as most of the KPR had been hired
by Tullow Oil B.V.
They requested the proponent to use other channels of communicating with the
community to complement CLOs and to countercheck their performance in acting as
a bridge between the proponent and the community. This followed complaints from
the community members that the CLOs did not present the community interests to
the proponent.
The EIA team assured the community that the proposed project was not drilling for oil but
rather to find out the existence of oil in the area and if it was commercially viable. The
community was also told that the proposed project would only utilise small parcels of land
which would be reinstated to their normal conditions once the proposed hydrocarbons
exploratory programme is decommissioned.
The Assistant Chief thanked the community for attending the meeting and the EIA team for
sharing the important information concerning the proposed exploratory hydrocarbon well
drilling programme in the area. The Assistant Chief implored the EIA team to ensure that all
their views and concerns reach the proponent to which the EIA team responded that the
177
issues discussed would be included in the EIA report for Tullow Kenya B.V.s consideration.
The meeting was concluded at 3.30 P.M. with a prayer by a community member.
178
MEETING HELD AT THE BARAZA GROUND IN KALEMUNGOROK SUB-LOCATION,

KAPUTIR LOCATION, KATILU DIVISION IN TURKANA SOUTH DISTRICT ON TUESDAY
26TH JUNE, 2012.
Attendance:
1. Mr. Henry Etabo - Chief, Kalemungorok Location
3. EIA experts
The meeting started at 10:00 p.m. with a word of prayer. The local chief of Kalemungorok
Location chaired the meeting. He welcomed everyone present to the meeting and requested
the EIA experts to introduce themselves to the community members and detail to them the
purpose of the meeting.
Mr. Edwin Omori gave a concise outline of the proposed exploratory wells drilling
programme in Block 13T by Tullow Kenya B.V. He indicated to the community that Kenyas
legislation on the environment such as EMCA, 1999 and the Environmental (Impact
Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003 required that before any project is initiated within
a given locality, public participation and consultations with the community is mandatory. The
community members were then told to express their views and concerns regarding the
proposed project with consideration to the probable effects of the proposed project on the
environment and social welfare.
The communitys views included:
They welcomed the proposed project into the community.

They wanted to know how the proposed project would be beneficial to them.
They pointed out availability of job opportunities as some of the benefits that would
be experienced with the proposed project.
They anticipated that they would also benefit from CSR that other communities within
the neighboring Block 10BB had benefited.
They stated that some of the CSR they expected from Tullow Kenya B.V. included:
provision of potable water, boarding facilities for their schools and exposure and
training for the locals to enable them to apply for job opportunities within Tullow
Kenya B.V.
The women implored that the proponent should consider gender issues when
administering CSR projects. They mentioned water as the most important resource
which would relieve women off the burden of fetching the resource over long
distances and give them time to engage in other income-generating activities.
They wondered how Tullow Kenya B.V. had obtained the land for the proposed test
well drilling.
They expressed fear that there are rumors doing the rounds that they would be
evicted from their land to pave way for the proposed project.
They wondered whether the country would go to war with neighboring countries like
Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda if the implementation of the proposed project was
successful.
They were worried that the communitys natural resources that they rely on such as
livestock, trees and pastures would be interfered with.
They wanted to know how the proponent would deal with the communitys revered
areas such as graveyards should they be affected by the proposed project.
They requested that the proponent seeks the consent of the community whenever
they wanted to make decisions concerning clearing of vegetation.
179
They requested that the proponent considers providing sponsorship to Form Four
leavers to enable them to attend tertiary colleges so as to match the employment
opportunities within the company.
The EIA experts reacted to some of the concerns of the community members by informing
them that their comments would be written in the EIA report for consideration by Tullow
Kenya B.V. The community was also assured that the report would contain an EMP which
Tullow Kenya B.V. would follow to ensure that the environment is protected.
The community was informed that their grazing land would not be destroyed because the
area used for the exploratory well drilling programme would be small and that the probable
negative impacts of the proposed project on the environment and the communitys health
would be mitigated.
The Chief concluded the meeting by thanking the EIA experts for holding the public
consultations. The meeting ended with a prayer at 1.00 p.m.
180
MEETING HELD IN LOKICHAR LOCATION, LOKICHAR DIVISION IN TURKANA SOUTH

DISTRICT ON MONDAY 27TH JUNE, 2012.
Attendance:
4. Josephine Akiru Ekal Chief, Lokichar Location
5. Community elders and members
6. EIA team
The meeting started with a prayer by one of the community members at 10.00 a.m. and was
chaired by the Chief. The EIA team was requested to introduce themselves and to give a
brief background of the proposed hydrocarbon exploratory test wells drilling project.
The community views with regards to the proposed project included:
They said that they had not yet seen previous EIA reports such as the EIA report for
Block 10BB and that information concerning previous EIA had not yet reached them.
They stated that they wanted access to previous EIA reports on the area.
They wanted Tullow Kenya B.V. to create more awareness to the community on
matters concerning the proposed project.
They inquired if Tullow had in mind any CSR for vulnerable groups in the community.
They said they wanted local contractors to be engaged whenever Tullow Kenya B.V.
wanted to perform CSR that involved construction works.
They requested the proponent to train a local labour force so as to be competent for
the available job opportunities.
They wanted to know the criteria that the proponent was using in sourcing for local
labour.
They requested the proponent to support their pastoralist market by purchasing their
livestock for beef and buying groceries from the community.
The community wanted the test wells drilling site to be named after local names like
Nakukulas and Kapese as opposed to Ngamia 1 and Twiga 1 respectively.
They worried that most of the KPR officers were being taken by Tullow Oil and its
contractors and leaving them unprotected.
They said that the proponent should ensure that they have good relations with
community members and respect every community member.
They wanted the proponent to use the down-top approach in consulting the
community by using village elders as some of the CLOs were not passing over the
right information to and from the company and vice versa in good time.
They alleged that the proponent had put age limits for employment at 45 years
locking out some of the community members from accessing job opportunities.
They worried that the oil exploration process would result in war with neighbouring
countries.
They worried and stated that they had heard rumours that the proposed project
would displace them from their land, a radius of 50km.
They stated that they wanted their resources such as grazing land and trees to
remain intact.
They requested that the proponent sources for their drivers within the community.
They inquired about the benefits that the proposed project would bring to every
member of the community.
They inquired if they would be compensated by Tullow Oil for using their land for oil
exploration.
They wanted an explanation on the possible impacts on their land, especially their
pastures.
181
They wanted to know what plans the proponent had in mind in cases where the
community-revered areas such as graves had been interfered with by the proposed
project.
The youth were particularly concerned about recruitment of drivers. They said the
test was unnecessarily skewed to fail them and thus requested the company to
recruit drivers through the local administration.
Responses were given to some of the communitys inquiries. They were assured that the
proposed exploratory test well drillings would utilise only a small portion of land and that
potential environmental impacts would be mitigated using the recommendations of the EIA
report and the Environmental Management Plan.
The EIA team further reassured the community that their views and concerns would be
included in the EIA project report for the proponents consideration. The area Chief gave her
closing remarks and the meeting ended at 1.00 p.m.
182
APPENDIX 3: LABORATORY RESULTS

(1) SOILS LABORATORY RESULTS
Mapping unit Y10
From laboratory results (Table A3.6), the soil reaction indicates a pH range of 8.6 to 9.0. For
classification purposes the pH is taken as 9.0 (Bw1 horizon) this is a strongly alkaline soil.
The electrical conductivity indicates a soil that is none saline despite high values of calcium.
The exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) gives a value of 2.2 in horizon Bw1 (Table
A3.6). A value of 15 for ESP is regarded as the boundary between sodic and non-sodic soils
(Landon, 1984). These results negate the expected salt threshold values for a soil exhibiting
a pH value of 9. According to FAO, (1988) sodic soils are those which have an
exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) of more than 15. Excess exchangeable sodium has
an adverse effect on the physical and nutritional properties of the soil, with consequent
reduction in crop growth, significantly or entirely. The soils lack appreciable quantities of
neutral soluble salts but contain measurable to appreciable quantities of salts capable of
alkaline hydrolysis, e.g. sodium carbonate. The electrical conductivity of saturation soil
extracts are, therefore, likely to be variable but are often less than 4 dS/m (4 mS/cm) at 25
C. The pH of saturated soil pastes is 8.2 or more and in extreme cases may be above 10.5.
Going by the pH, Ec and Ca2+ value, these soils are slightly to moderately saline and
moderately to strongly sodic. The physical status of the soils at the Bw1 horizon indicate a
soil structure that is also prismatic and that has a low infiltration capacity (Tables A3.1, A3.6,
and plate 5.9 in text), typical of sodic soils. The cation exchange capacity for the topsoil is
11.6 me%, rated as a low value (Landon, 1984). Going by above and previous results
obtained in the same soil unit (Africa Oil pre-drilling EIA report), the soils classify as haplic
Solonetz.
Mapping unit Ps28
classification purposes the pH is taken as 8.7 (Bw1 horizon). This is a strongly alkaline soil.
The electrical conductivity indicates a soil that is none saline and an ESP value of <15
makes it also none sodic, Bw1 (Table A3.7). Going by the pH and Ec values however, the
soils can be considered sodic. Soils exhibiting a pH range of 8.5-10 and an Ec value of < 4
mS/cm have an ESP greater than 15 and are considered sodic (Kenya soil survey, 1987). A
value of 15 for ESP is regarded as the boundary between sodic and non-sodic soils
(Landon, 1984). The cation exchange capacity for topsoil is 13.6 me%, rated as moderate
value (Landon, 1984). The soils classify as haplic Lixisols (sodic phase).
Mapping unit Ux10
classification purposes the pH is taken as 8.8 (A being the diagnostic horizon this case). This
is a strongly alkaline soil. The electrical conductivity indicates a soil that is none saline and
an ESP value of <15 makes it also none sodic, A horizon (Table A3.8). Going by the pH, Ec
and Ca values however, the soils can be considered saline and sodic. Soils exhibiting a pH
range of 8.5-10 and an Ec value of < 4 mS/cm have an ESP greater than 15 and are
considered sodic (Kenya soil survey, 1987). A value of 15 for ESP is regarded as the
boundary between sodic and non-sodic soils (Landon, 1984). The cation exchange capacity
for topsoil is 15.6 me%, rated as moderate value (Landon, 1984). The soils classify as
Calcaric Regosols (saline sodic phase). This classification is collaborated by Sombroek et al
1982 where the classification for the soil unit is the same.
183
Mapping Unit A8
This mapping unit bisects Block 13T into two from the north at Turkwel town to the south at
Nasolot (Figure A3.7). The unit was visually observed but not sampled. According to
Sombroek et al, the soils are developed on sediments from various sources (recent
floodplains). They are well drained to imperfectly drained, very deep, dark brown to yellowish
brown, stratified, micaceous, strongly calcareous, predominantly loamy soils. They classify
as Calcaric Fluvisols.
Table A3.1: Soil mapping unit description for Mapping Unit Y10, Kapese
Profile Pit
PP: KTW 001
Twiga A well site, Kapese
Coordinates
WP 722
Parent material
Alluvium from undifferentiated basement system rocks mainly
gneisses
Physiography
Piedmont plain (nearly level to gently undulating)
Drainage
Well drained
Vegetation/Land use
Natural shrub/pastoral shrubland with sparse vegetation of Acacia
tortilis, Luqata sigmama and Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrub
Rock outcrops/surface stones
None
Depth
Deep
Soils general
The unit consists of deep, dark yellowish brown to dark brown,
sandy loam to gravelly sandy clay soils. They have an ABC
sequence of horizons with abrupt and smooth to clear and smooth
boundaries. The soils in the A horizon, are fine granular and subangular blocky structured of strong and moderate grades
respectively. In the B horizon; fine sub-angular blocky, course
angular blocky and course prismatic structured of moderate and
strong grades. The B horizon varies from slightly compact to very
compact while the C horizon is compact.
Color(moist):
A- horizon
B- horizon
Structure
A-horizon
B-horizon
Consistency (dry, moist, wet)
A-horizon
B-horizon
Dark yellowish brown (10 YR 5/4)

Dark yellowish brown (10 YR 3/4) and dark brown (10 YR 3/3)
Fine granular and sub-angular blocky structure of strong and

moderate grades respectively
Fine sub-angular blocky, course angular blocky and course prismatic
structure of moderate and strong grades respectively
Slightly hard when dry; very friable when moist; slightly sticky and
slightly plastic when wet
Slightly hard to hard when dry; friable to firm when moist; sticky and
slightly plastic to plastic when wet
Texture
A-horizon
B-horizon
Sandy Loam
Gravely Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay
Diagnostic Horizon
Soil classification
Natric B
Haplic Solonetz
Table A3.2: Soil mapping unit description for Mapping Unit PS 28

Profile Pit
PP: KTW 002 Kasuroi
Coordinates
E 035.68076 N 02.52170
184
Parent material
Physiography
Drainage
Vegetation/Land use
Depth
Soils general
Cover sands
Sedimentary plain (nearly level to gently undulating)
Open grassed shrub/pastoral shrubland with sparse vegetation of
Acacia tortilis, Acacia reficiens and Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrub
None
Deep to very deep
The unit consists of deep to very deep, brown to strong brown,
loamy sand to sandy loam soils. They have an ABC sequence of
horizons with gradual smooth to clear smooth boundaries. The soils
are fine, granular structured and coarse sub-angular blocky
structured with moderate grades respectively (A horizon) and
medium to coarse angular blocky structured and course columnar
structured both exhibiting strong grades (B horizon). The B horizon
is slightly compact to compact while the C horizons is compact to
very compact
.
Color(moist):
A- horizon
B- horizon
Brown (7.5 YR 4/4)

Brown (7.5 YR 4/4) and Strong brown (7.5 YR 4/6)
Structure
A-horizon
Fine, granular and coarse sub-angular blocky structured with

moderate grades respectively
B-horizon
A-horizon
B-horizon
Medium to coarse angular blocky and course columnar structured

with strong grades respectively
Loose and slightly hard when dry; very friable when moist; slightly
sticky and non-plastic when wet
Slightly hard when dry; very friable to friable when moist; non-sticky
to slightly sticky and nonplastic when wet
Texture
A-horizon
B-horizon
Sandy Loam
Loamy sand to Sandy Loam
Diagnostic properties/horizon
Soil classification
CEC value, Argic B horizon

Haplic Lixisol
185
Table A3.3:
Soil mapping unit description for Mapping Unit Ux10, Kobiribiri
Profile Pit
PP: KUx 001
Kobiribiri
Coordinates
E 035.63297 N 02.56037
Parent material
Undifferentiated basement systems rocks predominantly gneisses
Physiography
Upland (irregular, rolling and intensely dissected with narrow
interfluves)
Drainage
Well drained
Vegetation/Land use
Natural shrub/pastoral shrub land with sparse vegetation of Acacia
tortilis, Acacia Senegal, Acacia reficiens, Delonix elata and
Indigofera spinosa dwarf shrub and grass spp
Depth
Soils general
Color(moist):
A- horizon
Structure
A-horizon
C-horizon

A-horizon
C-horizon
Rock outcrops, boulders, stones predominantly gneisses, and some

basalts
Shallow to moderately deep (39-48 cm)
The unit consists of shallow to moderately deep, yellowish brown, to
dark brown gravely sandy clay loam soils. They have an AC
sequence of horizons with clear smooth (A-C1) and gradual and
diffuse (C1-C2) boundaries. The soils are coarse, prismatic and platy
structured with moderate grades and fine granular structured with a
strong grade (A horizon) and fine granular with strong grades and
medium, angular blocky structured exhibiting moderate grades (C
horizon)
Dark brown (10 YR 4/3)
Medium sized, moderate graded prismatic and coarse structured

and strong grade fine granular structured
Fine granular with strong grade and medium, angular blocky
structured with moderate grades
Slightly hard when dry; friable when moist; slightly sticky and nonplastic when wet
Slightly hard when dry, very friable when moist; slightly sticky and
non plastic
Texture
A-horizon
C-horizon
Gravely Sandy Clay Loam

Gravely Sandy Loam to Sandy Clay Loam
Diagnostic properties
Soil classification
Calcareous
Calcaric Regosol
186
Table A3.6: Laboratory data for soils of mapping Unit Y10

Profile pit: Kapese KTW
Horizon
Soil depth cm
Lab. No. /2010
Soil pH-H2O (1:2.5)
Elect. Cond. mS/cm
Carbon %
Sand %
Silt %
Clay %
Texture Class
Cat. Exch. Cap. me%
Calcium me%
Magnesium me%
Potassium me%
Sodium me%
Sum me%
Base %
ESP
Soil analytical data

AB
Bw1
20-53
53-77
14072
14073
9.0
9.0
0.2
0.3
0.21
0.06
68
80
8
4
24
16
SCL
SL
16.0
13.6
27.0
31.7
2.2
2.0
0.5
0.2
1.0
1.1
29.9
34.2
100+
100+
1.3
2.2
A
0-20
14071
8.6
0.2
0.16
80
8
12
SL
11.6
35.3
2.1
0.7
1.0
38.3
100+
1.7
Bw2
77-107
14074
8.7
0.6
0.07
60
4
36
SC
26.4
79.6
2.4
0.4
2.2
83.0
100+
2.3
C
107-150+
14075
9.0
0.6
N/D*
64
6
30
SCL
18.4
83.0
2.0
0.5
2.7
86.1
100+
3.3
Table A3.7: Laboratory data for soils of mapping Unit Ps28

Profile Pit: Kasuroi KTW 002
Horizon
Soil depth cm
Lab. No. /2010
Soil pH-H2O (1:2.5)
Elect. Cond. mS/cm
Carbon %
Sand %
Silt %
Clay %
Texture Class
Cat. Exch. Cap. me%
Calcium me%
Magnesium me%
Potassium me%
Sodium me%
Sum me%
Base %
ESP
A
0-9
14076
7.9
0.15
0.12
80
6
14
SL
13.6
19.9
2.3
1.4
0.2
23.8
100+
1.5
Soil Analytical Data

Bw1
Bw2
9-45
45-103
14077
14078
8.7
8.8
0.14
0.11
0.04
0.03
86
88
4
4
10
8
LS
LS
7.2
8.0
15.3
17.0
1.9
1.9
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.2
19.4
17.6
100+
100+
2.5
2.8
Bw3
103-136
14079
9.0
0.16
0.15
84
2
14
SL
8.0
27.5
2.2
0.4
0.6
30.7
100+
7.5
C
136-150+
14080
8.8
0.14
0.04
86
4
10
LS
7.2
15.3
1.9
0.2
0.2
17.6
100+
2.8
187
Table A3.8: Laboratory data for soils of mapping Unit Ux10

Profile pit: KUx 001
Horizon
Soil depth cm
Lab. No. /2010
Soil pH-H2O (1:2.5)
Elect. Cond. mS/cm
Carbon %
Sand %
Silt %
Clay %
Texture Class
Cat. Exch. Cap. me%
Calcium me%
Magnesium me%
Potassium me%
Sodium me%
Sum me%
Base %
ESP
A
0-10
14081
8.8
0.15
0.73
74
6
20
SCL
15.6
86.7
2.3
0.9
0.2
90.1
100+
1.3
Soil analytical data

C1
C2
10-27
27-48
14082
8.8
0.17
0.52
68
4
28
SCL
16.0
147.0
2.3
0.5
0.1
149.9
100+
0.6
14083
8.7
0.18
0.13
70
12
18
SL
16.0
142.0
2.3
0.3
0.1
144.7
100+
0.6
Key:
SL - Sandy Loam
SC - Sandy Clay
C Clay
Infiltration rates and soil moisture characteristics for Mapping unit Y10
From the measurements, the basic infiltration rate for the piedmont plains soils (Mapping unit
Y10) is 0.22 cm/hr which is categorized as slow (Table A3.9 and Figure A3.8).
A
Plate A3.1 (a &b): Infiltration tests (infiltration equipment and water jerry cans shown by red arrow) at
Twiga-1, exploratory well drill site (Mapping unit Y10) and (b) Same site, removal of surface soil core
ring samples for soil moisture characteristics determination (yellow arrow).
188
Basic Infiltration Curve

1.40
infiltration capacity H'/t
1.20
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
0.00
10.00
20.00
30.00
Cummulative time (Hr)
40.00
50.00
Figure A3.8: Graph showing the saturated basic infiltration rate (cm/hr) of Twiga exploratory
well drill site (Mapping unit Y10). The stable state is realized after 5 Hr 55 min
Table A3.9: Basic infiltration rate measurements for mapping unit Y10
Time
t1(Hr)
0.08
0.12
0.15
0.18
0.22
0.25
0.33
0.42
0.50
0.58
0.67
0.78
0.90
1.03
1.33
1.83
2.00
2.17
2.67
3.67
Cumulative time
t(Hr)
0.08
0.20
0.35
0.53
0.75
1.00
1.33
1.75
2.25
2.83
3.50
4.28
5.18
6.22
7.55
9.38
11.38
13.55
16.22
19.88
Change in height
H1(cm)
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.30
0.30
0.40
0.20
0.30
0.40
0.20
0.40
0.40
0.10
0.10
0.40
0.80
1.70
2.00
Infiltration capacity
(H1/t1)
1.20
0.86
0.67
0.55
0.46
1.20
0.90
0.96
0.40
0.51
0.60
0.26
0.44
0.39
0.08
0.05
0.20
0.37
0.64
0.55
189
4.67
5.92
6.67
7.42
24.55
30.47
37.13
44.55
1.20
1.30
1.20
2.80
0.26
0.22
0.18
0.38
The soils of the piedmont plains are deep and though there is moderate surface sealing of
the soil, once they are moist, the soils are very friable and the granular and sub-angular
structure allows for a high initial surface water percolation during the infiltration test. This is
moderated when the subsurface horizons are penetrated. The B-horizon is slightly compact
and compaction increases with depth, therefore the infiltration rate is reduced with depth.
This is corroborated by the change of soil structure from sub-angular blocky to prismatic.
Drainage pores are thus reduced and therefore slowing the infiltration rate significantly
reaching a constant value of 0.22 cm/hr at five hours and fifty five minutes at the Bw1
horizon. Bw2 horizon is more compact than the overlaying horizon (strong grade course
prismatic structure) and the infiltration rate decreases further before increasing in the
underlying C-horizon which is less compact (moderate grade, medium size prismatic and
moderate grade, fine to medium size sub-angular blocky structure) with increased sand
fraction in the sandy clay loam texture matrix (Table A3.3 and Figure A3.8). This unit
experiences moderate seasonal flooding and ponding and also compaction due to animal
grazing, predominantly goats and camels which feed on the Acacia reficiens and Indigofera
dwarf shrubs. The surface compaction caused by trampling accelerates soil structure
degradation. Further, the unit has a compact B-horizon and is moderately saline and strongly
sodic (inferred) affecting negatively soil structure stability.
The unit is therefore unsuitable for surface water discharge/drainage and protection
measures are therefore required to guard against soil and groundwater pollution.
Infiltration rates and soil moisture characteristics for mapping unit Ps28
From the measurements, the basic infiltration rate for the sedimentary plains soils (Mapping
unit Ps28) is 0.55 cm/hr which is categorized as moderately slow (Figure A3.9).
A
Plate A3.2 (a & b): Kasuroi profile pit site; sampling subsurface soil core rings (Ring in situ-yellow
arrow) and (b) Carrying out Infiltration tests [(infiltration equipment-red arrow)--(Mapping unit
Ps28)]
190
Basic Infiltration Curve

25.00
Infiltration Capacity (H'/t)
20.00
15.00
10.00
5.00
0.00
-10.00
10.00
30.00
50.00
70.00
110.00
90.00
Cummulative time (Hr)
Figure A3.9: Graph showing the saturated basic infiltration rate (cm/hr) of Kasuroi site
(Mapping unit Ps28). The stable state is realized after 6 Hr 17 min
Table A3.10: Basic infiltration rate measurements for mapping unit Ps28
Time
Cumulative time
Change in height
Infiltration capacity
t1(Hr)
(Hr)
(H1)
(H1/t1)
0.02
0.03
0.05
0.07
0.08
0.10
0.12
0.13
0.15
0.17
0.18
0.20
0.22
0.23
0.25
0.28
0.32
0.35
0.38
0.02
0.05
0.10
0.17
0.25
0.35
0.47
0.60
0.75
0.92
1.10
1.30
1.52
1.75
2.00
2.28
2.60
2.95
3.33
0.40
0.10
0.40
0.30
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.20
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.20
0.40
0.20
0.40
0.30
24.00
3.00
8.00
2.10
1.20
1.00
0.86
0.75
1.33
0.60
0.55
0.50
0.46
0.43
0.80
1.41
0.63
1.14
0.78
191
0.42
0.45
0.50
0.55
0.60
0.65
0.70
0.75
0.80
0.85
0.90
0.95
1.00
1.10
1.17
1.25
1.33
1.42
1.50
1.67
1.83
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
3.08
3.33
3.67
4.00
4.33
4.67
5.08
5.33
5.50
5.87
6.17
6.50
6.85
3.75
4.20
4.70
5.25
5.85
6.50
7.20
7.95
8.75
9.60
10.50
11.45
12.45
13.55
14.72
15.97
17.30
18.72
20.22
21.88
23.72
25.72
27.97
30.47
33.22
36.22
39.30
42.63
46.30
50.30
54.63
59.30
64.38
69.72
75.22
81.08
87.25
93.75
100.60
0.20
0.40
0.50
0.30
0.80
0.40
0.40
0.60
0.40
0.40
0.50
0.20
0.30
1.10
0.40
1.00
0.80
0.70
0.70
1.70
1.60
0.80
2.40
3.50
1.30
2.20
0.80
2.90
3.10
3.50
3.90
4.00
4.80
2.80
1.60
4.50
3.40
3.80
3.80
0.48
0.89
1.00
0.55
1.33
0.62
0.57
0.80
0.50
0.47
0.56
0.21
0.30
1.00
0.34
0.80
0.60
0.49
0.47
1.02
0.87
0.40
1.07
1.40
0.47
0.73
0.26
0.87
0.85
0.88
0.90
0.86
0.94
0.53
0.29
0.77
0.55
0.58
0.55
The soils of the sedimentary plains are very deep and exhibit surface sealing, however once
they are moist, the soils are very friable and the granular and sub-angular blocky structure
allows for initial high infiltration. This is moderated when the subsurface horizons are
penetrated. The B-horizon is compact and varies in degree of compaction (Bw1-compact;
192
Bw2 less compact; Bw3 very compact) and the C horizon is also compact. This variation
affects the infiltration rate which slows down in the compact zones and increases slightly in
the less compact horizons. This is corroborated by the change in the soil structure (plate
5.2.2) from angular blocky and columnar to angular blocky structure of different sizes and
strong grades. Thus the drainage pores are reduced and therefore slowing the infiltration
rate reaching a constant value of 0.55 cm/hr at six hours and seventeen minutes at the Bw1
horizon. There is slight variation in the infiltration rate (Table A3.10) in the underlaying
horizon due to similar texture matrix (very slight variation of the sand fraction in the loamy
sand and sandy loam texture matrix (Table A3.7 and Figure A3.9).
Due to the topography of the unit (gently undulating) and drainage characteristics (drainage
is improved by the dominant sand fraction in the soil texture matrix), the infiltration rate could
be higher but it is only impeded by the compact nature of the sub soil. However, the
infiltration rate is classified as moderately slow (Landon 1984) and the unit can support
surface water discharge/drainage so long as the discharge is done commensurate to the
infiltration rate. Where the discharge is more than the infiltration rate however, protection
measures would be required to guard against soil and groundwater pollution.
Fertility status of the study area

The following is a summary of the soil fertility status of mapping units (Y10, Ps28 and Ux10)
which form the study area
Soil Mapping Y10
The soils of the piedmont plains have a strong alkaline pH (8.63) and are low in nitrogen and
organic carbon. Soil phosphorous is low in supply while potassium, calcium and magnesium
are adequately supplied in the soil. The micronutrient iron and copper are in adequate
supply save for zinc and manganese which are low in supply (Table A3.11).
Soil Mapping Ps28
The soils of the sedimentary plains have a medium alkaline pH (8.45) and are low in nitrogen
and organic carbon. Soil phosphorous is low in supply while potassium, calcium and
magnesium are in adequate supply. The micronutrients manganese, copper, iron and
sodium are in adequate supply while zinc is low in supply (Table A3.11).
Soil Mapping Ux10
The soils of the uplands have a medium alkaline pH (8.45) and are low in nitrogen and
organic carbon. Soil phosphorous is low in supply while potassium and calcium are in
adequate supply. However, magnesium is high in supply. All the micronutrients are adequate
in supply with the exception of zinc which is low in supply (Table A3.11).
193
Table A3.11: Soil Fertility Status for the study sites

Field
Y10
Sample designation
Lab. No/2012
Soil depth cm
Fertility results
value
Soil pH
8.63
0006F
14068
0-20
Class
Strong alkaline
Soil Analytical Data

Ps28
012F
14069
0-20
value
class
8.45
Medium alkaline
Total Nitrogen %
Org. Carbon %
Phosphorus ppm
Potassium me%
Calcium me%
Magnesium me%
Manganese me%
Copper ppm
Iron ppm
Zinc ppm
Sodium me%
Elect. Cond. mS/cm
Low
Low
Low
Adequate
Adequate
Adequate
low
adequate
adequate
Low
Adequate
adequate
0.04
0.37
3.0
0.41
2.0
2.59
0.14
3.01
32.2
1.91
0.16
0.07
0.05
0.48
2.3
0.59
2.7
2.78
0.04
3.29
34.8
2.36
0.20
0.20
low
low
low
adequate
adequate
adequate
adequate
adequate
adequate
low
Adequate
adequate
Ux10
015F
14070
0-20
value
class
8.45
medium
alkaline
Low
0.05
Low
0.49
Low
5.0
0.79
Adequate
4.5
Adequate
4.19
High
0.15
Adequate
3.26
Adequate
38.6
Adequate
2.38
Low
0.40
Adequate
0.16
Adequate
194
APPENDIX 5: TKBV PIN NUMBER AND VAT CERTIFICATES
195
APPENDIX 4: CERTIFICATES OF THE CONSULTANTS
196
197

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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

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Noise and vibrations from vehicles, equipment and machinery;

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4.4.2 The EIA Guidelines and Administrative Procedures ................................................................ 56

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7.1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 111

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8.9.19 Water Borehole Drilling .......................................................................................................... 160

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Arid Lands Resource Management Programme

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Block 13T Drilling EIA Project Report for TKBV

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