Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT PROJECT REPORT FOR PROPOSED OIL AND GAS SEISMIC PROJECT IN BLOCK 12A: PARTS OF TURKANA EAST, EAST POKOT, MARAKWET WEST, BARINGO CENTRAL, MARIGAT, KEIYO SOUTH, BARINGO NORTH, MOGOTIO AND SAMBURU DISTRICTS BY TULLOW KENYA B.V. Prepared by EarthView GeoConsultants Limited P.O. BOX 10366-00100, Nairobi, Kenya Tel: 254-20-2496208 Email: [email protected] SEPTEMBER 2011 Block 12A: EIA project report for TKBV Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. PROJECT REPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED OIL AND GAS SEISMIC SURVEY PROJECT IN BLOCK 12A: PARTS OF TURKANA EAST, EAST POKOT, MARAKWET WEST, BARINGO CENTRAL, MARIGAT, KEIYO SOUTH, BARINGO NORTH, MOGOTIO AND PART OF SAMBURU DISTRICTS SEPTEMBER 2011 Block 12A: EIA project report for TKBV Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Tullow Kenya B.V. (TKBV) holds an Exclusive Prospecting Right (EPR) over Block 12A, which covers nine districts (Turkana East, East Pokot, Marakwet West, Baringo Central, Marigat, Keiyo South, Baringo North, Mogotio and part of Samburu Districts) in northwest Kenya. The main objective of the seismic survey is to study in detail the assigned area of 15389.39km2, in accordance with the contractual obligations under the Production Sharing Agreement (PSC) signed with the Kenya Government on 17th September 2008 in order to delineate potential hydrocarbon prospects. This Environmental Impact Assessment Project Report has been prepared for TKBV, in accordance with the objectives established by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999, and subsequent related regulations. Seismic surveys are a primary tool utilized during the exploration of hydrocarbons in both onshore (land) and offshore (marine) areas. They provide vital information about the subsurface that assists in the location of exploration wells. Undertaking this seismic survey is justified by a number of factors. This seismic project, if successful, would play a major role in enabling the country to reduce the cost of energy and over-reliance on hydroelectric power and crude oil imports, as well as benefit from oil and gas exportation to other countries, thus increasing the per capita income and the GDP from foreign exchange. Other possible spin-offs would include: opening up of the northern frontier districts in Kenya to development activities and trade in sectors such as mining, tourism, fishing, agriculture, and animal husbandry which are currently extremely under-exploited; job creation; and increased economic activity in the area. The detailed field-based environmental impact assessment study, which was preceded by extensive desk top studies, was undertaken from 21st February to 6th March 2011. The biophysical studies included, amongst others, an assessment of the surface geology and geomorphology, soils, hydrogeology and water resources, climate, hydrology, terrestrial flora and fauna and their habitats. The socio-economic study covered issues such as population and economic activities, education, social amenities (healthcare and schools), cultures and traditions, infrastructure and communications. The legislative and regulatory framework has also been extensively explored in this report. The public consultations were extensive, and included formal and informal meetings with key interested and affected persons and groups (e.g. officials of governmental and non-governmental agencies, community leaders, Community Based Organisations, Women and Youth groups), public barazas, and open-air ―market‖ meetings, as well as completion of questionnaires by a sample of local households. The information gathered provides detail for the current environmental and socio-economic baseline situation and is a critical component for development of the Environmental Management Plan. 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 Vibroseis machines, and dynamite charges; Disturbance to terrestrial and aquatic (riverine) habitats, flora and fauna along survey line transects; Dust generation and exhaust emissions by vehicles and equipment; Waste generation at camp sites and other work areas; Disturbance to livelihood activities during data acquisition along survey lines; and Interference with sensitive cultural and natural heritage sites. Both the field survey and documentation reveal the following existing pressures on the environment and social fabric: soil compaction by grazing animals; active wind erosion and water erosion; more frequently recurring droughts that are related to climate changes; dust generated by moderate to strong winds and enhanced by low vegetation cover; pollution of i Block 12A: EIA project report for TKBV Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. rivers, water pans and shallow groundwater in luggas by humans and livestock; high demand for potable groundwater sources; and land degradation due to overgrazing and charcoal burning. The communities lack adequate provision of basic services such as education, health and security. In addition, while the communities are fairly stable, their security 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. Due to the nature, scale and short time duration of the proposed seismic survey, the impacts would by and large be temporary and/or transient, rather than long-term and/or permanent. A number of seismic surveys have already been conducted in the region and other areas of Kenya, and no adverse or long-lasting impacts have been reported from these activities. The measures proposed to mitigate these environmental and social impacts detailed in the Environmental Management Plan within this report are considered 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. ii Block 12A: EIA project report for TKBV Earthview Geoconsultants Ltd. TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .....................................................................................................................................I CHAPTER 1 ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 DEVELOPER IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................. 1 1.3 ACTIVITIES OF TULLOW OIL PLC: AN OVERVIEW .......................................................................... 1 1.4 BRIEF REGIONAL DESCRIPTION......................................................................................................... 2 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 ............................................................................................................................ 5 1.6 PURPOSE OF THE EIA ............................................................................................................................ 5 1.6.1 The Mandate of NEMA ...................................................................................................................... 5 1.6.2 Requirements and Scope of Work for the EIA ............................................................................... 6 1.6.3 The EIA Review and Approval Process .......................................................................................... 7 1.7 THE EIA TEAM .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1.8 OBJECTIVES OF THE EIA PROJECT REPORT .................................................................................. 7 1.9 TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) ............................................................................................................ 8 1.10 STRUCTURE OF THE REPORT .......................................................................................................... 8 CHAPTER 2: .....................................................................................................................................................