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The monitoring takes place during project implementation where on-site supervision is being
done regarding site preparation and construction.
Monitoring also takes place during the operation phase to assess whether the proposed
development is operating as expected without any adverse effect on the environment that was
not foreseen during the preparation of the EIA report. Any negative impact will have to be
addressed accordingly.
The monitoring exercise is achieved through an Environment Monitoring Plan (EMP). The
EMP take into account the construction and operation phase. Public consultation is also carried
out with different stakeholders for ensuring the proper operation of the project with minimum
disturbance to the community.
During the construction of the project, the EMP will take into account the following;
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Table 2: EMP for Construction phase
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7.2. The operation phase
The power plant will have to be operated by professionals who have been properly
trained. The plant manager will be responsible for its daily operation and maintenance
through a dedicated team. The daily operation will consist of the following;
• The power plant is operating as intended with adequate power supply to the
grid.
• The cleanliness of the premises.
• The prevention of soil contamination from solid and liquid waste.
• Maintenance of the PV arrays regarding cleanliness.
• De-weeding the project area.
• The security of the power plant.
• Effectiveness of firefighting facilities.
Table 3 highlights the different items that will be included during the monitoring
programme for the operation phase.
One of the most important activities of the maintenance operations is the de-weeding
process. The site being bounded by bare land indicates that shrubs and other plants will
have a tendency to grow, which might cause damage to the PV arrays as well as cast
shadows over the solar modules. Shadows over the solar modules will lead to lower
power production, cause over heating of the modules and therefore hinder the proper
operation of the solar farm.
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Table 3: EMP for the Operation phase
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7.3. Maintenance
The maintenance of the project is very important because it is through a proper
maintenance plan that the project can operate at its optimum capacity. Maintenance
should form part of the EMP because it has environmental impact such as use of water
and generation of waste. The maintenance plan should consist of the following;
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