ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT

REPORT
(2023)

KAPKOROS COFFEE
VENTURES CO. LTD
P.O.BOX 31-20209
FORT TENAN

This Environmental Audit Report is submitted to the National Environmental

Management Authority (NEMA) in conformity with the requirements of the
Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999 and the Environmental
(Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

DECLARATION

This document has been prepared in accordance with Environmental (Impact Assessment and
Audit) Regulations, 2003 of the Kenya Gazette supplement No. 56 of 13thJune 2003, Legal
Notice No. 101.

LEAD EIA/AUDIT EXPERT

Malachi O. Okelo: EIA/Audit Expert License No. 5103

Signature: _______________________________________

Date: ___________________________________________

Proponent

Mr. Kennedy Kibet

P. O. Box 31 - 20209
FORT TENAN
Tel: +254 741 789 612

Do hereby certify that this annual audit report was prepared based on-site visits and
administration of questionnaires and therefore, the information provided are reliable and true.

Signature: _______________________________________

On Behalf of_____________________________________

Date: ____________________________________________

1
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

LIST OF ACRONYMS

AGRA Alliance for a Green Resolution in Africa

BOD Biological Oxygen Demand
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
CO2 Carbon Dioxide
CPS Coffee Pulp Silage
EHS Environmental Health and Safety
EIA Environmental Impact Assessment
EMCA Environmental Management Coordination Act
EMP Environmental Management Plan
HDL High Density Levels
IIRR Institute of Rural Reconstruction
LDL Low density Lipoproteins
NEMA National Environmental Management Authority
OHS Occupational Health and Safety
PH Power of Hydrogen
PPE Personal Protective Equipment
TP Phosphorus
TN Total Nitrogen

2
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This audit report details the impacts of operating a coffee pulping station at Timbilil farm, in
Chepkuletyo village at Kapkoros location. Coffee processing generates serious residual disposal
problems and therefore, under the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA),
the on-going project warrants an audit process to ascertain its environmental viability. The
pulping station is located at co-ordinates 0.24520 S, 35.53100 E. The area land use is
predominantly for agricultural use. To understand the implications for soil, ground water, surface
water and air quality of operating a pulp station is to undertake an Environmental Assessment.
(EA). The purpose of undertaking such an exercise is to assess the likelihood and consequences
of the waste release.

The Pulp Station has been in existence for some time now, and it is very imperative that its
activities scrutinized. The environment impacts of such a facility are likely to be enormous.
Whereas the running of the station has desirable advantages as profit-making, employment etc.,
the operational activities have a potential to promote environmental degradation if sustainability
issues are not adequately considered. Therefore, it is appropriate under the Environmental
Management & Co-ordination Act, 2003 that such a facility must carry out annual control audits,
which determines the level of compliance to the environmental mitigation impacts of its
operations. Therefore, this report outlines the environmental audit 2022 carried out on all the
activities of the coffee station in order to:

1. Ascertain impacts the running of the station has had on the environment.
2. Propose cost-effective mitigation measures for the significant negative impacts of the
plant on the environment.
3. Verify the environmental management systems in operation at the site and make an
independent and constructive evaluation of the levels of performance in environment
sustainability.
4. Demonstrate the company‟s management commitment to environmental protection and
improvement in line with NEMA‟s provisions.
5. Comply with all national legislative requirements related to the environment. The audit
procedure involved collection of data on the company‟s economic, social-cultural,
aesthetic, solid waste management and health and safety factors. These were collected
using a checklist, interviews and site observations. Information on energy, water and
resources use in general was established through company records and field assessments.

Policy and Legislation Relevant to the Project

The constitution of Kenya 2010 recognizes the importance of bequeathing a clean and healthy
environment to all Kenyans under Chapter V on Land and Environment. The framework
environmental law in Kenya is the Environmental Management and Coordination Act No. 8 of
1999 whose main objective is to ensure that environmental concerns are in the development

3
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

planning. This audit process complies with the provisions of the Act. The development activities
will further be subject to compliance with the following Regulations, which are subsidiary to the
Act. These are;

i. The EIA/EA Regulations (2003)

ii. The Water Quality Regulations (2006)
iii. Waste Management Regulations (2006)
iv. Draft Air Quality Control Regulations (2008)
Other Regulations
i. County Government of Kericho By-laws
ii. The Water Act No. 8 of 2002
iii. The Public Health Act- Laws of Kenya, Chapter 242

4
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION .................................................................................................................................................... 1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..................................................................................................................................... 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.0 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 SUSTAINABILITY CONCERNS IN COFFEE PROCESSING ................................................................................ 7
1.2 NEED FOR AN ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT .................................................................................................... 8
1.3 ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITING AS A PROJECT MANAGEMENT TOOL ............................................................. 9
1.4 SCOPE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT ..................................................................................................... 9
1.5 LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT .................................................................................. 10
1.6 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ................................................................................................................... 10
2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK POLICY ........................................... 11
2.1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2 NATIONAL POLICY & LEGAL FRAMEWORK ............................................................................................. 11
2.2.1 Policy .................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.2 Legal Framework .................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.3 The Environment Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999 ............................................... 12
2.2.4 The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003................................ 12
2.2.5 The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2007..................................................................... 13
2.2.6 Draft Environmental Management and Coordination (Air Quality) Regulations, 2008......... 13
2.2.7 The Water Act 2002 .............................................................................................................. 14
2.2.8 The Lakes and Rivers Act Chapter 409 Laws of Kenya ........................................................ 14
2.2.9 The Public Health Act (Cap. 242) ......................................................................................... 14
2.2.10 Waste Management Regulations, 2006 ................................................................................. 14
2.2.11 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Conservation of Biological Diversity
and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing) Regulations, 2006 .................... 14
2.2.12 Environmental Management and Coordination (Controlled Substances) Regulation, 2007,
Legal Notice No. 73 .......................................................................................................................... 15
2.3 COFFEE ACT, 2012 ................................................................................................................................. 15
2.3.1 Part III (17) Prohibition of certain acts without a licence ................................................ 15

3.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND BASELINE INFORMATION ............................................................... 17

3.1 PROJECT LOCATION................................................................................................................................ 17
3.2 PHYSICAL AND TOPOGRAPHIC FEATURES ............................................................................................... 17
3.3 ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS ...................................................................................................................... 17
3.4 CLIMATIC CONDITIONS .......................................................................................................................... 17
3.5 LAND USE & SOILS ................................................................................................................................ 18
3.5.1 Impacts of Land Use Changes ............................................................................................... 18

5
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

3.6 COFFEE INDUSTRY ................................................................................................................................. 19

4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION..................................................................................................................... 20
4.1 THE COFFEE CHERRY ............................................................................................................................. 20
4.2 COFFEE PROCESSING METHOD AT THE PULPING STATION ....................................................................... 20
4.3 THE PULPING MACHINE ......................................................................................................................... 22
4.4 WASTE STABILIZATION PONDS/LAGOONS ............................................................................................... 22
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES ................................................... 24
5.1 DISCUSSION OF POSITIVE AND ADVERSE IMPACTS OF COFFEE PROCESSING ............................................. 24
5.1.1 Employment creation ............................................................................................................ 24
5.1.2 Local economy ...................................................................................................................... 24
5.2 COFFEE WASTEWATER CHARACTERISTICS ............................................................................................... 24
5.2.1 De-Pulping ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.2.2 Washing ................................................................................................................................ 25
5.3 USES OF COFFEE PULP ............................................................................................................................ 25
5.3.1 Health aspects of Coffee By-products ................................................................................... 26
5.4 COFFEE WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION ................................................................................................. 27
6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES .................................................................................. 29
6.1 GENERAL OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................. 29
6.2 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................................................. 29
6.3 BOTTLENECKS EXPERIENCED BY CWS SUCH AS KAPKOROS COFFEE VENTURES LTD. ................... 29
7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK .......................................................... 31
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................................................................... 35

6
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Sustainability Concerns in Coffee Processing

Coffee production in Kenya has been on the decline since 2009, a trend attributed to among
others factors erratic weather, conversion of coffee land to real estates and high costs of inputs
(Republic of Kenya, 2013). However, estimates from the International Coffee Organization
(2010) indicate that the total production of coffee from exporting countries increased in years
2000 and 2010 from 112, 991,000 and 133,065,000 bags, respectively with Kenya exporting
51,000 metric tons of coffee beans in 2010 alone. In Kenya, more production is witnessed in
smallholder systems as large plantations, especially those in proximity to the city Nairobi, give
way to real estate development. Despite this trend, projections indicated that Kenya‟s coffee
production in 2016/2017 increased to 700,000 bags up from 600,000 bags in 2015/2016 (USDA-
FAS, 2016).

Fluctuations in global market prices have nevertheless often been detrimental to small-scale
farmers. In addition, organic waste generated from coffee processing and other crop specific
postharvest processes are challenges that need to be addressed in-line with environmental
sustainability concerns (Republic of Kenya, 2013b). The main sustainability concerns in
coffee processing are as a result of intensive use of pesticides and poor disposal of waste
products. About 99% of the biomass waste produced, mainly untreated pulp and husks is
discarded on land. Further coffee processing consumes high quantities of water and energy.
According to Shitanda (2006), over 200,000 tonnes of pulp at 77% moisture content and
2,300,000 litres of polluted water are released into the environment everyday in Kenya.

This is equivalent to pollution caused by 1.2 million people per day. On average 45.5 kg of
green coffee requires between 1000-2000 L of water, 12.5 kWh of electricity and 0.07 cum
of firewood for processing (Instituto del Cafι de Costa Rica -ICAFE, 2006). A survey of rivers
between Nairobi and Thika towns in Kenya showed that they were all polluted with coffee
waste with Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels of more than 100 mg/l. The unpolluted
rivers had BOD of 4 mg/l (Wrigley, 1988). Although a river of 10 mg/l is considered
significantly polluted, the maximum allowable limit of effluent discharge into the environment
is 30 mg/l (BOD 5days at 20°C) according to Kenya‟s National Environment Management
Authority (NEMA) Standards (Republic of Kenya, 2006). In pursuit of sustainable goals and
such large volume of water can be treated and reclaimed for other uses particularly in a
water scarcity nation like Kenya this waste water can be treated and reclaimed for other uses.

Establishing facilities capable of improving the overall efficiency of coffee processing with
focus on waste reduction is costly and may not be affordable to majority small-scale
farmers. Opportunities for bulking raw material lies with factory level operations. Studies
elsewhere indicate that coffee husk and pulp can be used as organic fertilizer, domestic fuel, and
for biogas generation, thus reducing the burden of waste disposal.

7
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

Although coffee processing has significant sustainability challenges, major coffee producing
nations such as Brazil have made significant efforts to treat coffee wastewater and utilize solid
biomass waste, thus contributing to reduced environmental pollution and burden on virgin
resources (Cofie et al., 2005; Padmapriya et al., 2013). Further, since the middle of this century,
efforts have been made to develop methods for coffee waste treatment and management, and its
utilization as a raw material for the production of vinegar, biogas, caffeine, pectin, peptic
enzyme, protein, compost and feed for producing polysaccharides and monosaccharide. While
multiple benefits from using and adding value to agricultural wastes are appreciated in densely
populated nations like India (Sindhu and Shehrawat, 2015), a key adoption limitation in most
developing countries is lack of awareness and lack of detailed regulations on crop specific
agricultural wastes management for environmental protection (Khanh and Thanh, 2010). Kenya
lags behind in this regard, which translates into missed opportunities towards increased
environmental and socio-economic benefits to farmers.

Availability of this knowledge implies that new extension approaches that address the entire crop
value chains with farmers owning key aspects thereof like is the case in soil improvement
demonstration plots by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and International
Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) (2014) may benefit coffee systems. Milling sites can be
converted into extension service demonstration sites (plots) for maximized benefits from coffee
wastes. For instance, the Gusii Coffee Farmers Co-operative Union is among progressive millers
in Kenya who have embarked on processing of coffee husks into branded charcoal briquettes
(Gusii Coffee Charcoal Briquettes - 100% Organic) as part of its efforts to protect the
environment from the menace of dumping husks at the Union's coffee milling site (Oroko, 2015).
Here-in is an initiative that the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Environment
Management Authority (NEMA) could isolate for upgrading into a demonstration centre in order
to scale-out and scale-up environmental and economic benefits from coffee wastes across all
millers and supply farmers in the country. Already this prospect of energy from coffee wastes
has attracted entrepreneurs dealing with different products along the coffee value-chain, such as
production of briquetting machines improved cook stoves for using such briquettes and product
distribution and consultancy services (Youth Agro-environmental Initiative, 2015). Although the
by-products of coffee processing include mucilage, which is part of wastewater, the focus of this
study was the potential of using pulp and husks in agricultural and energy services at the farm
level. Suffice is to indicate that mucilage which is removed through the fermentation process
makes waste water have serious environmental problems due to the high acidity generated

1.2 Need for an Environmental Audit

It is never possible in advance to predict all the environmental impacts of a development project
with complete certainty or accuracy. Moreover, no situation is static or incapable of
improvement. What is needful therefore is regular environmental audit or review of projects after
their implementation. This involves the systematic examination of the consequences for the

8
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

environment of the projects; and the continuing identification of means of reducing adverse
impacts. This is increasingly becoming a part of sound environmental management in many
countries and a part of normal management practice in many commercial enterprises.

1.3 Environmental Auditing as a Project Management Tool

Environmental auditing process comprises a systematic, documented, periodic and objective

evaluation of how well projects, organizations, management and equipment are performing. The
aim is to safeguard the environment by:

i. Identifying the defects of an establishment whether of design, technology, operations,

management or maintenance that are contributing to environmental pollution and
degradation.

ii. Facilitating management control of environmental practices

iii. Assessing compliance with industrial policies (including the meeting of regulatory
requirements and relevant standards);

iv. Increasing awareness of the establishment‟s environmental performance;

v. and identifying the scope for improvement and prioritizing preventive and remedial
actions. Setting priorities for an action is an essential part of an environmental auditing.
Indeed, action is implied in the definition of environmental auditing as a management
tool.

It is therefore important in any auditing programme that management be committed to correcting

identified defects. Environmental auditing also has another practical benefit. By identifying those
actions, which are as a matter of priority necessary to improve the environmental performance of
the establishment, auditing provides a solid basis for calculating the cost and benefits of such
action. Approached in these ways, an environmental auditing is indeed a genuine management
tool, which can easily be integrated by managers into their normal management systems. In a
policy context in which environmental requirements and standards will become steadily more
demanding, environmental auditing is an essential ingredient of good management.

1.4 Scope of an Environmental Audit

Environment audits are done on projects whose processes may have a direct or indirect impact
on the environment, as is the case for coffee processing projects. Subsequently the scope of an
environment audit would encompass a review of a combination of the following aspects:

a) Material management, savings and alternatives;

b) Water management and economy of use;

9
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

c) Sub-surface soil and/or groundwater contamination;

d) Waste generation, management and disposal;
e) Air emissions and indoor air quality;
f) Environmental emergency prevention and preparedness;
g) Environmental information publicity;
h) Public enquiry and complaints response; and

1.5 Legal Requirement for Public Involvement

Section 17 of the Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations of 2003, requires
that all E&SIA Studies undertake Public Consultation (PC) as part of the study. The aim of the
PC is to ensure that all stakeholders interested in a proposed project (including project
beneficiaries and the public near the proposed project) be identified and their opinion considered
during project planning, design, construction, and operation and decommission phase. In
compliance to the requirements of the regulations, the consulting expert conducted PC from 23rd
December 2023 consulting community members in the whole project area.

1.6 Community Involvement

The community members interviewed regarded the proposed project as a worthy project in the
community for reasons such as: -

1. It creates employment opportunity

2. There will be reliable place for clean coffee processing for the local farmers.
3. The project is generally likely to boost the local economy of the locality.

10
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

2.0 POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK POLICY

2.1 Introduction

According to the Kenya National Environment Action Plan (NEAP, 1994) the Government
recognized the negative impacts on ecosystems emanating from economic and social
development programmes that disregarded environmental sustainability. Following on this,
establishment of appropriate policies and legal guidelines as well as harmonization of the
existing ones are accomplished or is in the process of development. The NEAP process
introduced environmental assessments in the country culminating into the enactment of the
Policy on Environment and Development under the Sessional Paper No. 6 of 1999.

An EIA is a legal requirement in Kenya for all development projects. The Environmental
Management and Co-ordination Act 1999, is the legislation that governs EIA studies. This
project falls under the Second Schedule that lists the type of projects that are required to undergo
EIA studies in accordance with section 58 (1- 4) of the Act. Projects under the Second Schedule
comprise those considered to pose potentially negative environmental impacts. Kenyan law has
made provisions for the establishment of the National Environment Management Authority
(NEMA), which has the statutory mandate to supervise and co-ordinate all environmental
activities. Policies and legislation highlighting the legal and administrative requirements
pertinent to this study are presented below.

2.2 National Policy & Legal Framework

2.2.1 Policy
Kenya Government‟s environmental policy aims at integrating environmental aspects into
national development plans. The broad objectives of the national environmental policy include:

 Optimal use of natural land and water resources in improving the quality of human
environment
 Sustainable use of natural resources to meet the needs of the present generations while
preserving their ability to meet the needs of future generations
 Conservation and management of the natural resources of Kenya including air, water,
land, flora and fauna
 Promotion of environmental conservation through the sustainable use of natural resources
to meet the needs of the present generations while preserving their ability to meet the
needs of future generations.
 Meeting national goals and international obligations by conserving biodiversity, arresting
desertification, mitigating effects of disasters, protecting the ozone layer and maintaining
an ecological balance on earth.

11
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

2.2.2 Legal Framework

Application of national statutes and regulations on environmental conservation suggest that the
Proponent has a legal duty and social responsibility to ensure that the proposed development be
implemented without compromising the status of the environment, natural resources, public
health and safety. This position enhances the importance of this environmental impact
assessment for the proposed site to provide a benchmark for its sustainable operation.

Kenya has approximately 77 statutes that relate to environmental concerns. Environmental

management activities were previously implemented through a variety of instruments such as
policy statements and sectoral laws as well as through permits and licenses. Most of these
statutes are sector -specific, covering issues such as public health, soil erosion, protected areas,
endangered species, water rights and water quality, air quality, noise and vibration, cultural,
historical, scientific and archaeological sites, land use, resettlement, etc. Some of the key
national laws that govern the management of environmental resources in the country are hereby
discussed however it is worth noting that wherever any of the laws contradict each other, the
Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act 1999 prevails.

2.2.3 The Environment Management and Co-ordination Act, 1999

Provides for the establishment of appropriate legal and institutional framework for the
management of the environment and related matters. Part II of the Environment Management &
Coordination Act, 1999 states that every person in Kenya is entitled to a clean and healthy
environment and has the duty to safeguard and enhance the environment. In order to partly
ensure this is achieved, Part VI of the Act directs that any new programme, activity or operation
should undergo environmental impact assessment and a report prepared for submission to the
National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), who in turn may issue an EIA license
as appropriate. The approval process time frame for Project Reports is 45 days and for full EIA
Study is 90 days.

This Project falls within Schedule 2 of EMCA 1999 and therefore requires an EIA. The
Proponent has commissioned the environmental and social impact assessment study in
compliance with the Act. The Proponent shall be required to commit to implementing the
environmental management plan laid out in this report and any other conditions laid out by
NEMA, prior to being issued an EIA license.

2.2.4 The Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, 2003

The Regulation provides the guidelines that have been established to govern the conduct of
environmental assessments and environmental audits in Kenya. The guidelines require that the
EIA study be conducted in accordance with the issues and general guidelines spelt out in the
Second and Third schedules. These include coverage of the issues on schedule 2 (ecological,
social, landscape, land use and water considerations) and general guidelines on schedule 3
(impacts and their sources, project details, national legislation, mitigation measures, a
management plan and environmental auditing schedules and procedures.

12
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

This Report complies with the requirements of the Environmental Regulations in the coverage of
environmental issues, project details, impacts, legislation, mitigation measures, management
plans and procedures. The Proponent shall be required to commit to implementing the
environmental management plan laid out in this report and any other conditions laid out by
NEMA.

2.2.5 The Occupational Health and Safety Act, 2007

This is an Act of Parliament to provide for the safety, health and welfare of workers and all
persons lawfully present at workplaces, to provide for the establishment of the National Council
for Occupational Safety and Health and for connected purposes. The Act has the following
functions among others:

 Secures safety and health for people legally in all workplaces by minimization of
exposure of workers to hazards (gases, fumes & vapors, energies, dangerous
machinery/equipment, temperatures, and biological agents) at their workplaces.
 Prevents employment of children in workplaces where their safety and health is at risk.
 Encourages entrepreneurs to set achievable safety targets for their enterprises.
 Promotes reporting of work-place accidents, dangerous occurrences and ill health with a
view to finding out their causes and preventing of similar occurrences in future.
 Promotes creation of a safety culture at workplaces through education and training in
occupational safety and health.
Failure to comply with the OSHA, 2007 attracts penalties of up to KES 300,000 or 3 months‟ jail
term or both or penalties of KES 1,000,000 or 12 months‟ jail term or both for cases where death
occurs and is in consequence of the employer

The report advices the Proponent on safety and health aspects, potential impacts, personnel
responsible for implementation and monitoring, frequency of monitoring, and estimated cost, as
a basic guideline for the management of Health and Safety issues in the proposed project.

The Proponent shall observe policy and regulatory requirements and implement the measures
proposed in this documenting an effort to comply with the provisions of the Regulations.

2.2.6 Draft Environmental Management and Coordination (Air Quality) Regulations, 2008
The objective of these Regulations is to provide for prevention, control and abatement of air
pollution to ensure clean and healthy ambient air. The general prohibitions state that no person
shall cause the emission of air pollutants listed under First Schedule (Priority air pollutants) to
exceed the ambient air quality levels as required stipulated under the provisions of the Seventh
Schedule (Emission limits for controlled and non-controlled facilities) and Second Schedule
(Ambient air quality tolerance limits).

13
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

The Proponent shall observe policy and regulatory requirements and implement the mitigation
measures proposed in this document in an effort to comply with the provisions of these
Regulations on abatement of air pollution.

2.2.7 The Water Act 2002

The Act vests the water in the State and gives the provisions for the water management,
including irrigation water, pollution, drainage, flood control and abstraction. It is the main
legislation governing the use of water especially through water permit system.

Observation of the requirements of the act shall be observed by the Proponent especially during
the construction phase.

2.2.8 The Lakes and Rivers Act Chapter 409 Laws of Kenya
This Act provides for protection of river, lakes and associated flora and fauna. The provisions of
this Act may be applied in the management of the project.

The proposed project lies in a water deficit area with seasonal streams being the common mode
of drainage. The requirements of this Act shall be observed by the Proponent to ensure
protection of such water channels and associated flora and fauna

2.2.9 The Public Health Act (Cap. 242)

The Act Provides for the securing of public health and recognizes the important role of water. It
provides for prevention of water pollution by stakeholders, among them Local Authorities
(county councils). It states that no person/institution shall cause nuisance or condition liable to
be injurious or dangerous to human health.

The Proponent shall observe policy and regulatory requirements and implement measures to
safeguard public health and safety.

2.2.10 Waste Management Regulations, 2006

The Waste Management Regulations are meant to streamline the handling, transportation and
disposal of various types of waste. The aim of the Waste Management Regulations is to protect
human health and the environment. The regulations place emphasis on waste minimization,
cleaner production and segregation of waste at source.

The Proponent shall observe the guidelines as set out in the environmental management plan
laid out in this report as well as the recommendation provided for mitigation minimization
avoidance of adverse impacts arising from the Project activities.

2.2.11 The Environmental Management and Co-ordination (Conservation of Biological

Diversity and Resources, Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing) Regulations, 2006
The Act states that no person shall not engage in any activity that may have an adverse impact on
any ecosystem, lead to the introduction of any exotic species, or lead to unsustainable use of

14
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

natural resources, without an Environmental Impact Assessment License issued by the Authority
under the Act.

The Proponent has commissioned this environmental assessment study and seeks to obtain an
EIA License from the Authority (NEMA) in compliance with the Act; the environmental
management plan included in this report provides guidelines for the mitigation of potentially
adverse impacts on natural resources.

2.2.12 Environmental Management and Coordination (Controlled Substances) Regulation,

2007, Legal Notice No. 73
The Controlled Substances Regulations defines controlled substances and provides guidance on
how to handle them. The regulations stipulate that controlled substances must be clearly labeled
with among other words, “Controlled Substance-Not ozone friendly‟‟ to indicate that the
substance or product is harmful to the ozone layer. Advertisement of such substances must carry
the words, “Warning: Contains chemical materials or substances that deplete or have the
potential to deplete the ozone layer.” Persons handling controlled substances are required to
apply for a permit from NEMA.

Proponent will not use controlled substances in the operation of the project.

2.3 Coffee Act, 2012

2.3.1 Part III (17) Prohibition of certain acts without a licence

(1) No person shall:-

(a) buy, sell, mill, warehouse, export or otherwise deal in or transact any business in coffee
unless he is a holder of a current licence issued by the Board for that purpose; transport or have
in his possession any coffee unless he is licensed.

(b) to do any of the things specified in paragraph (a) and is the holder of a movement permit
issued by the Board or is acting in the course of his employment as a servant or agent of a person
holding such a permit.

(3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) or acts in contravention of the
conditions of any licence granted thereunder commits an offence and is liable to a fine of not less
than fifty thousand shillings but not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a
term of not less than two years but not exceeding ten years, or to both.

(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under this section, the court shall order that any
coffee and any vehicle, vessel or other conveyance in relation to which the offence has been
committed shall be forfeited to the State: Provided that the court may for reasons to be recorded,
direct that such forfeiture shall not apply to any vehicle, vessel or other conveyance in respect of
which the offence is committed.

15
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

(5) Any coffee or vehicle, vessel, or other conveyance forfeited to the State under subsection (4)
shall be sold by public auction and the proceeds accruing from such sale shall be credited to the
Board.

2.3.2 18. Kinds of licence

(e) a pulping station licence, authorizing the holder to operate a pulping station.

2.3.3 40. Powers of inspectors

(1) An inspector may require the person in charge, or appearing to be in charge, of the premises
of a grower or retail seller of provisions to allow him free ingress to the premises and to produce
to him for his inspection any licence issued, and any register kept, in relation thereto under this
Act.

(2) Any person who refuses entry to an inspector acting under this section or obstructs him in
entering or in making an inspection thereunder, or who, without reasonable excuse, fails to
produce any licence or register production of which is required of him under this section,
commits an offence.

(3) The Attorney-General may appoint any person to institute and conduct proceedings in a court
of law in respect of any offence committed under this Act.

16
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

3.0 PROJECT LOCATION AND BASELINE INFORMATION

3.1 Project Location

Kapkoros Coffee Ventures Ltd is located on Plot No. 121 at Timbilil Farm in Chepkuletyo
village, within Kapkoros location. The plot is on coordinates: 0.24520 S, 35.53100 E in Kipkelion
west, Kericho County. The pulping station site is accessible via the Londiani-Muhoroni Road.

3.2 Physical and Topographic Features

The county is characterized by undulating topography. The overall slope of the land is towards
the West; consequently, drainage is in that direction. The county forms a hilly shelf between the
Mau Escarpment and the lowlands of Kisumu County. To the North West are the hilly areas of
Kipkelion rolling towards Koru. The Kericho plateau forms the central part of the county sloping
gently from 2,500m to about 1,800m above the sea level.

The county is surrounded by Tinderet Hills to the North and to the North-East is the Mau
Escarpment and between them is the gently rolling land which forms Londiani hills (Tuluap-
sigis). The central part of the county rises eastward towards 3,000m above sea level. The county
is well drained with a good number of rivers that include Chemosit, Kiptaret, Kipsonoi, Timbilil,
Maramara, Itare, Nyando, Kipchorian and Malaget. Some of these rivers are characterized by
rapids and falls which could be harnessed for hydroelectric power generation. Some of the rivers
with the waterfalls include Maramara, Itare and Kiptare

3.3 Ecological Conditions

Kericho County lies in the Lake Victoria Basin. Its geology is characterized by volcanic rocks as
well as igneous and metamorphic complexes. The county is predominantly underlain by tertiary
lavas (phonolites) and intermediate igneous rocks. A small part of the county is dominated by
undifferentiated basement system rock (granites), volcanic ash admixture and other prolific
rocks. The hilly nature in some parts of the county encourages soil erosion. This problem is
however minimized by the presence of a dense vegetation cover, except in a few areas like
Sigowet in Soin-Sigowet subcounty, Chilchila in Kipkelion west and partly the lower zones
covering Koitaburot in Ainamoi subcounty.

3.4 Climatic Conditions

The county enjoys favorable climate and receives relief rainfall, with moderate temperatures of
17 0C and low evaporation rates. Temperatures range between 10 0C – 29 0C. The rainfall pattern
is such that the central part of the county, where tea is grown, receives the highest rainfall of
about 2,125mm p.a whiles the lower parts of Soin and parts of Kipkelion receive the least
amount of rainfall of 1,400 mm p.a. The county experiences two rainy seasons: the long rainy
season between April and June and the short rainy season between October and December. The

17
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

dry season starts in January and progresses through March although weather shocks have
changed the patterns. The variations in the temperatures and rainfall are mainly determined by
the altitude of the place

3.5 Land Use & Soils

The major soil types in Kipkelion are clay soils which occupy 48.6% of the land outside the
forest reserve, loamy soils which cover 34.9% of the sub-county while black cotton soils occupy
8.5% of the total sub-county land cover. Soils in the sub-county are generally fertile.

Land uses Land use type

Food crop production: - maize, beans, millet, sorghum, potatoes
Industrial/cash crop production: - tea, coffee, pyrethrum.
Horticultural crop production: - pineapples, tomatoes, bananas, avocadoes, Cabbages, bulb
onions, peas and kales.
Infrastructure development: - construction of roads, water pipelines/Communication
masts, power generation lines.
Industrial & commercial dev.: - Factories and urban centers
Public utilities: - Schools, hospitals, health centers and dispensaries,
recreation parks, police stations, Government buildings.
Human settlement: - Building of family houses and other Infrastructure.
Livestock production: - cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, quarrying, forestry

Key environmental issues

 Soil erosion resulting from poor farming practices
 Environmental pollution (water, air, soil) as a result of effluents from factories and urban
centers and agrochemicals, solid wastes.
 Biodiversity loss resulting from clearance of forests and encroachment on wetlands.
 Increase in water-borne diseases because of water pollution
 Release of harmful gases from factories.

3.5.1 Impacts of Land Use Changes

Over time, there has been a marked shift from subsistence agriculture to cash crop farming. Tea
farming and horticultural production have gradually replaced subsistence farming. This has led
to persistent food shortages. In spite of the area‟s high agricultural potential is now a food deficit
sub-county. Most agricultural land in the Kipkelion has been converted into urban settlements
without adherence to physical planning regulations, which has led to emergence of informal and
unplanned structures which impact negatively on the environment. Most steep hilltops that were
previously thickly vegetated are quarried and vulnerable to erosion. Wetlands that were in the
past sources of clean water have been polluted and generally degraded by destructive cultivation,
discharge of effluent and agrochemicals. Gazetted forest land has been illegally invaded,

18
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

occupied, cultivated, and want only logged resulting to loss of forest cover and biodiversity.
Urban development has led to increased generation of waste which pollutes the environment.

Key environmental issues

 Encroachment and reclamation of wetlands (swamps), for cultivation and planting of
eucalyptus.
 Encroachment and deforestation of gazetted forest especially in south west Mau forest
 Environmental pollution resulting from discharge of waste into the environment.
 Environmental degradation of hilltops as a result of quarrying activities.
 Loss of biodiversity as a result of deforestation, destruction of wet lands.
 Climate changes because of declining forest cover and other destructive human activities

3.6 Coffee Industry

Kipkelion District Cooperative Union has set coffee processing factory at Fort-Tenan in
Chilchila Ward. The factory serves over 35,000 farmers in the region

Table 14: List of cooperative societies and their distribution.

Sub
Ward Name of Coffee Cooperative
County

Kipkelion Kunyak Fcs, Kapkulumben Fcs Ltd, Urafiki Fcs Ltd , Tuiyo Sacco Society
Kunyak
West ltd, Menet Fcs Ltd ,Chesigot Fcs Ltd, Lalem Fcs Ltd

Kipkelion D Cu Ltd, Kamiwa Fcs Ltd, Burgeieut Fcs Ltd, Boma Fcs ltd,
Chepnorio Fcs Ltd ,Techgaa Fcs Ltd , Kipsinende Fcs Ltd, ChararaFcs Ltd,
Kabn„getuny fcs, Songonyet Fcs Ltd, Chepkitar Fcs Ltd, Koisagat Fcs Ltd,
Chilchila Sombo Fcs Ltd, Chilchila Fcs Ltd,
SerengFcs ltd, Siwot Fcs Ltd, Sorwot Fcs Lt

Mtaragon Fcs Ltd, Lelu Fcs Ltd, Soymigin Fcs ltd, Kasheen Fcs Ltd, Lelu
Kamasian
Coffee soc.ltd

Torsogek FCS, Kiboiywo Fcs, Buchenge Fcs, Binyiny Fcs, Laliat

Ainamoi Kapsoit
Fcs; Poiywek Fcs, Ainabtany Fcs

Bureti Tebesonik Roret Fcs, Ngoino Fcs

19
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION

4.1 The Coffee Cherry

The coffee cherries consist of the outer skin (epidermis), the fleshy pulp (pericarp), and two
seeds (endosperm), called "beans" by the coffee trade, in the center of the cherry. These seeds are
flat on one side and in each pair the flat sides face each other. Each bean has two additional
layers of protective matter. The layer directly in contact with the bean is very thin and papery
and it is called silver skin (perisperm). Outside this silver skin is a tough parchment-like matter
(spermoderm) commonly called parchment. In the fresh state the parchment is coated with a
thick layer of slimy gel-like substance (mesocarp) commonly called mucilage. The dried coffee
bean or seed with all of its coverings removed is called green coffee by the coffee trade. This
green coffee is roasted and ground to make the retail product.

4.2 Coffee Processing Method at the Pulping Station

The fermentation tanks are where microbial reaction of yeasts and bacteria breaks down the
sugars in mucilage (mesocarp). Mucilage is the flesh of the coffee fruit. While “pulp” refers to
the mesocarp – this is a combination of the exocarp and the part of the mesocarp removed during
pulping. The fermentation process produces acids, which will later add complexity and depth to a
coffee.

The wet processing of Coffee at Sear Farm is desirable as it ends up with the inner bean, and the
rest of the other components removed. Briefly, in the wet process, the fruit covering the
seeds/beans is removed before they are dried. Coffee processed by the wet method is wet-
processed or washed-coffee. The wet method requires the use of specific equipment and
substantial quantities of water.

The coffee cherries are sorted by immersion in water. Bad or unripe fruit will float and the good
ripe fruit will sink. The skin of the cherry and some of the pulp is removed by pressing the fruit
by machine in water through a screen. The bean will still have a significant amount of the pulp
clinging to it is removed. Either this is by the classic ferment-and-wash method or a newer
procedure variously called machine assisted wet processing, aqua pulping or mechanical
demucilaging. In the ferment and wash-method of wet processing the remainder of the pulp is
removed by breaking down the cellulose by fermenting the beans with microbes and then
washing them with large amounts of water. Fermentation is done with extra water. The
fermentation process is monitored to ensure that the coffee does not acquire undesirable, sour
flavors.

For most coffees, mucilage removal through fermentation takes between 24 and 36 hours,
depending on the temperature, thickness of the mucilage layer and concentration of the enzymes.
The end of the fermentation is assessed by feel, as the parchment surrounding the beans loses its

20
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

slimy texture and acquires a rougher "pebbly" feel. When the fermentation is complete, the
coffee is washed thoroughly with clean water in tanks or in special washing machines.
In machine-assisted wet processing, fermentation is not used to separate the bean from the
remainder of the pulp; rather, this is done through mechanical scrubbing. This process can cut
down on water use and pollution since ferment and wash water stinks. This is environmentally
and socially not appealing. In addition, removing mucilage by machine is easier and more
predictable than removing it by fermenting and washing. Any wet processing of coffee produces
coffee wastewater, which can be a pollutant. Around 130 liters of fresh water is required to
process one kilogram of quality coffee.

Coffee drying beds. After the pulp has been removed what is left is the bean surrounded by two
additional layers, the silver skin and the parchment. The beans must be dried to a water content
of about 10% before they are stable. Coffee beans can be dried in the sun or by machine but in
most cases, it is dried in the sun to 12-13% moisture and brought down to 10% by machine.

When dried in the sun coffee is most often spread out in rows on large patios where it needs to be
raked every six hours to promote even drying and prevent the growth of mildew. Some coffee is
dried on large raised tables where the coffee is turned by hand. Drying coffee this way has the
advantage of allowing air to circulate better around the beans promoting more even drying but
increases cost and labor significantly. After the drying process, the parchment skin or is
thoroughly dry and crumbly, and easily removed in the Hulling process

Coffee beans may be dehydrated either in the cherry state or after the pulp and the mucilage are
removed. Drying whole cherry will be time-consuming and generally results in poorer coffee;
and it is difficult to accomplish when atmospheric humidity is high. The sugars, pectins, and
other materials in the pulp and mucilage are hygroscopic; hence, these materials must be
decomposed before the cherry will dry. Normally, enzymes naturally present in the coffee cherry
and microorganisms decompose the mucilaginous matter. Under humid conditions
decomposition may continue beyond the required degree and undesirable decomposition
products may be formed. A method has been devised whereby the cherry is treated with either
pectic enzymes or a combination of these enzymes and a preparation containing cellulases,
hemicelluloses, and gummases to accelerate the digestion of the mucilaginous matter before
drying.

Drying whole cherry is usually done only in regions where low atmospheric humidity prevails
during the coffee harvesting season, as in Kericho. Even there, however, much coffee is ruined
when unseasonal rains occur. Coffee processed by drying whole cherry is called "natural coffee"
and usually commands a good market price" than coffee processed by the wet method described
below. In the wet method, the pulp and mucilage are removed before drying. The bean, however,
is still encased in the parchment and silver skin. Pulped and deslimed beans can be dried more
rapidly than whole cherry because the pulp, which is 80 percent moisture, and the mucilage,
which is highly hygroscopic, are removed. Water for the process is tap water from a nearby river.

21
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

Washing channel. Washing is the next step after the fermentation is complete: the process
involves immersing the beans in clean water, stirring and rinsing, and the process continues until
it is devoid of any trace of mucilage, because having any residue of mucilage could affect the
quality of the end product.

Water stabilization ponds are designed and built for wastewater treatment to reduce the organic
content and remove pathogens from wastewater. These are man-made depressions as shown in
the pics, and are confined by earthen structures. Wastewater or „influent” enters on the one side
of the waste stabilization pond and exits on the other side as “effluent” after spending several
days in the pond, during which treatment processes take place. The pulping site has two (2)
ponds with each playing a different role in the removal of pollutants. After treatment, the effluent
may be returned to surface water. There is need for discharge effluent tests to determine if the
effluent meets the required effluent standards 9e.g. sufficiently low levels of pathogens).

4.3 The Pulping Machine

The pulping machine should be cleaned and overhauled every year. It is advisable to adjust every
operating part of the machine so that the beans, which go through it in the ensuing season will
not be damaged. The damage extent can be illustrated this way: The normal revolution of the
pulper, when operating, is about 225 RPM. If even one defective point in the machine were co
nick or otherwise damage one bean only per revolution, the pulper could dam age 13,500 beans
per hour or about six pounds of parchment coffee. Multiply this by a full day's operation, then by
the out-put of the machine throughout an entire season, and it is easy to see how high the loss
could be. The Pulping Station is yet to start water recycling to enhance the quality of coffee
processing. The activity at the station is at its low. For the meantime, wastewater is drained into
properly dug pits for treatments. A water body, river is about 700m from the pulping station site.

The pulping station site has three lagoons for exhausting wastewater from sock tanks through the
washing channel. The pictures below indicate the process of wastewater treatment put in place.
The existing wastewater treatment process is adequate given the small volume of coffee the
factory processes. The factory produces about 20 tons of waste within three (3) months.

4.4 Waste Stabilization Ponds/Lagoons

Waste Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) are large, shallow basins in which raw effluent from the
coffee processing is treated entirely by natural processes involving both algae and bacteria. The
WSPs here represent one of the most cost-effective, reliable and easily operated methods for
treating industrial wastewater. Waste stabilization ponds are very effective in the removal of
harmful bacteria. Sunlight energy is the only requirement for its operation.

Further, it requires minimum supervision for daily operation, by simply cleaning the outlets and
inlet works. The temperature and duration of sunlight offer an excellent opportunity for high

22
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

efficiency and satisfactory performance for this type of water-cleaning system. The
WSPs/lagoons suits well the small-scale coffee processing facilities where conventional
wastewater treatment is unachievable due to the lack of a reliable energy source. Further, the
advantage of these systems, in terms of removal of pathogens, is one of the most important
reasons for its use.

Anaerobic ponds such as this one are commonly 2 – 5 m deep and receive wastewater with high
organic loads (i.e., usually greater than 100 g BOD/m 3.day, equivalent to more than 3000
kg/ha.day for a depth of 3 m). In such ponds/lagoons, large concentration of organic and
inorganic solids in wastewater is stabilized and the biological activity occurs in the absence of
oxygen and in the process produce methane gas and sulphur containing malodrous gases. The
anaerobic ponds are the smallest of the series and are used as a primary treatment process and
not necessarily to produce the high effluent quality. The BOD and solids concentration in the raw
wastewater are reduced by sedimentation and anaerobic digestion. Since anaerobic pond is
devoid of oxygen, it functions much like open septic tanks. Anaerobic digestion occurs in the
sludge at the bottom of the pond which results in converting organic load to methane and carbon
dioxide and releasing some soluble by-products into the water column (eg. organic acids,
ammonia). Anaerobic treatment is more suited to wastewater with high BOD (IETC-UNEP,
2002) and therefore useful at reducing high concentrations of BOD and SS from agricultural and
food processing wastewater.

23
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

In coffee production cycle, it was found that the cultivation stage contributes the most to
terrestrial eco-toxicity and eutrophication (contributions greater than 97%); the consumption
stage contributes the most to air acidification, aquatic eco-toxicity, human toxicity, greenhouse
effect, depletion of ozone layer and photochemical oxidant formation. The disposal stage
contributes to aquatic eco-toxicity (after consumption) and to eutrophication (after cultivation).
The contributions made by transport are very limited but influence photochemical oxidant
formation, greenhouse effect, human toxicity and air acidification (after consumption and
cultivation) and the depletion of ozone layer and aquatic eco-toxicity (after consumption but
before cultivation). The contributions of the processing and packaging stages are much lower
than in the above stages.

5.1 Discussion of Positive and Adverse Impacts of Coffee Processing

5.1.1 Employment creation

The proposed project will generate both direct and indirect employment. It will directly offer
jobs on temporary basis during the pulp station installation. About 2 persons are expected to be
involved in this phase. In addition, on completion of the project four (4) persons will be
employed on permanent basis.

5.1.2 Local economy

The establishment of the pulp station in the area will serve to improve accessibility of coffee de-
mucilage services to the robust farmers in Kipkelion west sub-county. .

5.2 Coffee wastewater characteristics

Coffee processing usually generates a lot of wastewater, which is characterized by high levels of
pollution. The majority of organic material in the wastewater is highly resistant and COD values
make up 80% of the pollution load, with values as high as 50,000 mg/1 (Treagust, 1994) and
BOD values coming from biodegradable organic material can reach values as high as 20,
000mg/l (VonEnden and Calvert, 2002). The total Nitrogen (TN) concentration in the wastewater
ranges from 40 to 150 mg/1, whereas the total Phosphorus (TP) content ranged from 7.8 to 15.8
mg/1 (Grendelman,2006).

The main ecological effect of organic pollution in a watercourse is the decrease in oxygen
content (Von Enden and Calvert, 2002; Murthy et a l 2004), as a result of aerobic
microbiological break down of organic matter that use up oxygen from the water. The decrease
in oxygen content in turn creates anaerobic conditions (Calvert, 1997) and produce toxic
substances (organic and acetic acids) that are fatal to aquatic creatures and cause health problems
if the wastewater seeps into a source of potable water (Mbru et al, 1994; Von Enden and Calvert,

24
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

2002) and these processing of coffee cherries is a batch process that include de-pulping and
fermentation/washing phases (Von Enden and Calvert, 2002)

5.2.1 De-Pulping
The water used for de-pulping of the cherries is referred to as pulping water. It accounts for just
over half of the water used in the process. (Von Enden and Calvert, 2002). Pulp and mucilage
consist of complex carbohydrates, such as pectin, and high content of proteins. Consequently,
pulp water is rich in sugars and other substrates as a result of the fermentation activities of
bacteria on the cherries. It also contains acids and other toxic chemicals like polyphenolics
(tannins and caffeine).

5.2.2 Washing
Washing of the fermented beans leads to the release of fermentable sugars and proteins, which
are amenable to rapid biodegradation. The fermentation of the sugars creates acidic conditions in
the washing water lowering the pH to levels around 4. This is detrimental for aquatic life when
such wastewater is discharged directly into surface waters.

The water is further characterized by the presence of flavonoid compounds, coming from the
skin of the cherries. Flavonoid compounds result in dark coloration of the water at a pH = 7 or
higher, without adding the BOD levels of the wastewater. In addition, this reduces light
penetration and can have a negative impact on photosynthetic processes, growth and nutrient
transformations by (especially) rooted water plants.

5.3 Uses of Coffee Pulp

1. Composting (Organic Coffee)

Coffee pulp is a rich source of nutrients: 0.5% nitrogen; 0.15% phosphorus, and 0.5% potassium.
It can be treated and used as organic fertilizer. Usually the coffee pulp is placed on piles and left
to compost for about 3 to 12 months. During that time, it turns into coffee pulp turns into rich,
black humus excellent for composting. Using organic fertilizers improves soil conditions and
increases agricultural yield. Farmers save money otherwise spent buying inorganic fertilizers. In
turn, they can start to earn premium price associated with organic coffee.

2. Mushroom Planting soil

Coffee pulp is used as planting soil for mushroom production. When used for this purpose, the
coffee pulp is fermented for about two days. The pulp is then pasteurized with hot water, drained,
dried and mixed with mushroom spores. Next, the mixture is put in plastic bags with holes where
the mushrooms develop for about 3 to 4 weeks. When the mushrooms grow out of the holes, they
are collected. One bag allows for about 2 to 3 mushroom harvests. The fresh mushrooms are for
table consumption or they can be dried for sale. The income from mushroom growing can be
significant for the farmers who do this.

25
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

3. Animal feed supplement

Coffee pulp is very rich in nutrients. It can be dried and used in animal feed. The pulp needs to
be treated as quickly as possible to prevent the development of fungi. Usually, coffee pulp is
treated with calcium hydroxide and dried under pressure. Another way to dry pulp, in the
absence of industrial equipment, is to mix the coffee pulp with sugar cane molasses or other
inorganic substances before storing the mix in silos. The resulting silage is available for use after
3 weeks and can remain stored for up to 18 months. The use of coffee pulp for this by-product
appears to offer limited value because the cost of processing the pulp can exceed the gain derived
from its use. The research on the effects of caffeine, potassium and other natural chemicals in the
pulp on the health of animals is ongoing and will be influential for the future of this by-product.

4. Energy source for heat exchangers of coffee driers

The most energy consuming step in coffee processing is drying. Sun drying is very common and
offers many benefits but has drawbacks as well. It conserves energy, minimizes the use of fossil
fuels and reduces costs. However, parchment coffee can be contaminated with dust and dirt
during the sun drying process. Rainstorms happen without warning and are a challenge for
farmers to prevent bean re-wetting which can promote bacterial infections and moldy growth.
Because sun drying is time intensive, many coffee processors choose mechanical drying. The
downside is that the cost to operate mechanical dryers is high and can cut down on margins.
Using coffee parchment husks as the energy source for burners for heat exchangers of coffee
driers is both a great environmentally friendly waste-recycling and energy-saving solution

5.3.1 Health aspects of Coffee By-products

The coffee by-products have many medicinal properties. Some of them are listed here

1. Soluble Dietary Fibre and Heart Disease: Atherosclerosis, is the loading of our arteries
with deposits of cholesterols, (ie. low density lipoproteins or LDLs). Of prime
importance are our coronary arteries and the dangers of a heart attack. Coffee pectins also
boost the levels of the high density HDLs, which are the really beneficial ones. Pectins
are well known for locking up bile acids, (where those cholesterols come from), and
taking them on through the small intestine to the colon or large intestine, where some of
them become food for bacteria which in turn protect against colon cancer

2. Cation exchange properties: Pectins, in the form of galacturonic oligosaccharides, are a

bit like ion exchange resins. They are able to form complexes with free calcium, iron and
other divalent metal ions in the diet and carry them out of the body, seriously reducing
the levels of these important nutritional constituents.

3. Antioxidants: Coffee mucilage, but more particularly the pulp, is not all pectins or
protopectin. It also contains a number of linked sugars and polyphenolic chemicals,
anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, and cyanidins, bioflavonoids and tannins, not to mention
caffeine and chlorogenic acids. It should of course be pointed out that most of these

26
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

benefits are also conferred by eating lots of fresh fruit. “An apple a day…”, particularly
ones with red skins, will supply many of these chemicals.

4. Even Caffeine is losing its bad image: Caffeine and more particularly those chlorogenic
acids are particularly good antioxidants. A news clip, „a cup of coffee is equal to three
oranges.

5. Fat Replacer: An already well-established technology is the use of pectin emulsions to

replace fat emulsions in cooking and the manufacture of salad dressings and mayonnaise.
A short paper on a proprietary formulation is appended as an indication of the uses of this
material.

5.4 Coffee Waste Product Utilization

Coffee preparation proceeds in the first step by the elimination of the husks adhering to the beans
and can be performed by a dry or a wet process. Coffee cherry husks thus obtained represents
about 12% of the berry on dry-weight basis. The dry process which will be employed in the
proposed project, also termed as “unwashed”, is the oldest practiced method, where the entire
cherry after harvest is first cleaned and then placed in the sun to dry in thin layers or on patios.
The wet method is called wet process or washed coffee and in this case the coffee cherries are
immersed in water.

The treatment of coffee by-products is generally realized by oxygen-driven biological methods,

such as composting, which serves a dual purpose, i.e. valorization via manurial value and as well
as decreasing the pollution potential. Many studies have been directed towards this goal of
composting coffee wastes, while implementing among others earthworms or with the intention of
modulating the mineral recycling. The second principle treatment approach concerns realization
of sustainability by application in fuel production including biogas ethanol, biodiesel or in
briquetting of wastes from coffee plants with efforts also directed towards torrefed coffee
residues Table 1 shows a compilation of recent advancements (2012-2016) and available studies
featuring the utilization of coffee wastes.

The chemical composition of these four main coffee by-products and their utilization are well
documented. The potential uses in the food sector for the solid coffee wastes among others are
for the production of enzymes and secondary metabolites. The use of waste streams with novel
biotechnological methods have been proposed for the productions of bulk chemicals and value-
added products such as single cell protein, ethanol, organic acids, amino acids, secondary
metabolites, mushrooms and enzymes. Spent coffee grounds, coffee pulp and husks for examples
have been utilized for polyphenol or auxins recovery among other bioactive compounds. The
valorization of the solid coffee by-products in the non-food sector has been directed among
others towards reinforcement in polymer composites, in activation/de-colorization (bio-sorbents),
use as electrode material, application in waste water treatment, for cosmetic products, cellulose

27
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

production, enzyme production, building materials including crystalline nanoparticles, utilization

in storage of gases as well as in control of plant diseases.

Coffee pulp residues have been researched with various treatments as also already mentioned
above, but the characteristics and approaches to the treatment and utilization of coffee waste
water generated during the wet processing require more concentrated efforts and attention. The
wastewater generated in the cleaning and pulping contains compounds like proteins, antioxidants
and secondary plant metabolites (reflecting the composition of the coffee pulp) which can be
used as by-products. Furthermore, the process of fermentation generates also wastewater with
serious consequences for the environment because of their high Biochemical Oxygen Demand,
Chemical Oxygen Demand values and acidic nature such that it is necessary to develop better
methods of treatment in order to decrease their content, the envisaged result being to produce
better wastewater quality and gaining new valuable products.

The waste water generally has a pH of 4.0 to 4.5. pH stabilization is therefore necessary and is
performed by adding an alkali to obtain a pH range close to 7, which allows the proper
subsequent processing of such waste. The coffee industry often recommends the use of calcium
hydroxide to stabilize the pH of the wastewater although the use of bicarbonate seems to be more
appropriate due to sufficient buffering capacity.

28
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

6.0 RECOMMENDED MITIGATION MEASURES

6.1 General Overview

There is a significant amount of studies regarding valorization of coffee by-products and

wastewater. Some potential utilization possibilities are available, but further work in this area
will definitely be more helpful for the maintaining of environment and waterways. Coffee
consumption is a global issue and many countries with rich economies import these to primarily
roast these according to the individual consumer demand, correspondingly the utilization
of spent coffee residues appears to be much more advanced. But those countries producing and
primarily processing the raw beans are burdened with low economical incomes to fight against
the severe contamination posing serious environmental problems caused by wet processing
resulting in coffee pulp and waste water. It is an encouraging development to learn that the
proponent of this pulp station intends to employ dry processing method which have not sever
environmental implications as the wet processing alternative. It is in this direction that more
research has to be initiated to develop simple methods of controlling the waste by-product
quality and simple solutions to not only increase the pollution awareness but to make re-
processing economically more attractive. Finally, a citation in this context from “… applications
utilize only a fraction of available quantity as they are not technically very efficient. However,
considering the high amounts of waste generated, there is still a need to find other alternative
uses for this solid residue (coffee pulp) …” very appropriately underlines the present situation, if
we add to it the waste water generated

6.2 General Recommendations

1. Monitoring and evaluation activities should be done on a regular basis so as to assess the
quality of the environment around processing stations.
2. There should be strict rule and regulation to affect the construction of at least 1 lagoon by
the station for the containment of coffee pulp and coffee wastewater.
3. Recycling of coffee wastewater should be adapted by the station in order to reduce the
amount of waste generated during processing.
4. The huge potential of coffee pulp for the use of compost should be promoted
5. Surface water bodies should be protected from coffee processing effluent in order to
reduce possible health impacts both on human and livestock.
6. The processing station should involve in the development of clean water resources to
reduce health impacts both on human and livestock

6.3 Bottlenecks experienced by CWS such as Kapkoros Coffee Ventures Ltd.

There are several reasons why many CWS are making losses or are not as profitable as they
should. Some of them are over-capitalized, a factor that prolongs their pay-back-periods.

29
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

Whereas washing stations fully wash all coffee cherries that they receive, a large proportion of
the coffee that is produced does not qualify as fine or specialty coffee and so, despite going
through the expense of fully washing, no premium is received. This problem serves to reduce the
profitability of fully washing coffee. According to the Coffee Strategy (2009-2012), the average
cost of processing fully washed coffee was $1.25 per kg while costs for semi-washed coffees
were around $0.5 per kg. Hence, if the price differential between fully washed and commercial
coffee is less than $ 0.75 per kilo, it is more profitable to produce commercial coffee. The main
lesson is that the survival of CWS will greatly depend on production of high quality cherries by
farmers.

30
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

7.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN FRAMEWORK

The environmental management plan involves risk management strategies that should be
undertaken by the project proponent to mitigate environmental degeneration. They are
approaches to monitor, control, reclaim and restore the environment back to its appropriate state.
EMPs for projects thus provide logical frameworks within which the identified issues of
environmental concern can be mitigated, monitored and evaluated.

Environmental monitoring involves measurement of relevant parameters, at a level of details

accurate enough, to distinguish the anticipated changes. Monitoring aims at determining the
effectiveness of actions to improve environmental quality. The environmental management and
monitoring plans have been developed and outlined to bring home the key findings of the
Environmental Impact Assessment of the project in mention, recommending necessary
mitigation actions, defining roles, verifiable indicators and the estimated cost.

The EMPs outlined in tables hereafter address the potential negative impacts and mitigation
measures as well as roles, costs and verifiable indicators that can help to determine the
effectiveness of actions to upgrade the quality of environment; as regards the proposed project.
The EMPs have considered construction, operation and decommissioning phase.

31
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

ENVIRONMENTAL /SOCIAL SOURCE OF IMPACT PROPOSED MITIGATION RESPONSIBILITY COST (KSH)

IMPACT MEASURES

(i) Environmental load. Spent coffee pulp and husks due Composting: This will enhance good Proponent 20,000
to presence of toxic materials such soil improvement and a
(High demand for clean as caffeine and tannins. conditioning agent.
water, solid organic wastes,
waste waters, off gases
from coffee drying)

(ii) General Pollution Acetic fermentation of the Stop fermentation when alcoholic Proponent
mucilage and progression of fermentation has progressed to
Air Quality putrefaction. loosen the mucilage from
Foul odor patchment.
Products of fermentation being
absorbed by coffee beans resulting Substrate for mushroom growing
in “sour beans”
Placing depulped coffee in large
volume of water and changing it
from time to time to ensure
temperature is low to prevent acetic
fermentation.

Use of pectic enzymes in enzyme

digestion method.

Use of solution of caustic soda in

Alkali hydrolysis method.
Terrestrial eco-toxicity and Coffee processing life-cycle-raw
eutrophication. material extraction and Kenya government through NEMA
processing, manufacturing, should formulate policies that Lead Agency
transport, use and final disposal. would trigger the necessary actions
(Negative environmental to deal with negative inputs along
externalities) the relevant coffee value chain
stages.

32
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

(iii) Surface waters Acidic conditions in the washing Adhere to EMCA, Water Quality Proponent
water Regulations (2006) to ensure
Low waste water pH to organic effluent limit.
around 4 which is Low BOD levels in wastewater due
detrimental to aquatic life. to flavonoid compounds. Wastewater recycling

Negative impact on Biogas production

photosynthetic process,
growth nutrient Alkali addition to wastewater to
transformation. obtain a pH range close to 7 i.e.
Calcium hydroxide, bicarbonate etc.

(iv) Occupational Health & High chemical input to regulate Protective gear. PPEs. Proponent 10,000
safety concerns. pests and diseases.

Farmers are at high risk of

serious health concerns
from exposure to toxic
substances.

(v) Environmental Pollution Use of copper-based agro- Employ alternative use of agro- Proponent 10,000
chemicals and agro-chemical chemicals that does not contain
Soil and water pollution carried in sediment. copper.

Solid Biomass waste Coffee processing Coffee husks can be used for mass
production of branded briquettes in
situ
Ferment and wash method Stinking ferment and wash water Adopt a new procedure of wet
processing known as machine-
assisted wet processing, aqua

33
Environmental Audit: Coffee Pulping Station at Timbilil Farm, Kipkelion West, Kericho County.

pulping or mechanical
demucilaging..

First aid Injuries during operation of the A well-stocked first aid kit shall be Proponent 20,000
pulping machine and other farm maintained by qualified personnel
implements.

Economic loss Defective pulping machine (see Regular cleaning and yearly Proponent
note on 5.4) overhauling of the pulping machine.

Ruined beans Beans left too long in the vat after Proponent
completion of fermentation
process

Beans damaged by the pulper.

34
REFERENCES

Rathinavelu R, Graziosi G. Potential alternative use of coffee wastes and byproducts ICS
UNIDO: Science Park, Padriciano, Trieste, Italy; Department of Biology, University of Trieste,
Italy. 2005.

Ramalakshmi K, Rao LJM, Takano-Ishikawa Y, Goto M. Bioactivities of lowgrade green

coffee and spent coffee in different in vitro model systems. Food Chem. 2009; 115: 79-85.

Shemekite F, Gomez-Brandon M, Franke-Whittle IH, Praehauser B, Insam H, Assefa F.

Coffee husk composting: an investigation of the process using molecular and non-molecular
tools. Waste Manag. 2014; 34: 642-652.

Velmourougane K, Bhat R, Gopinandhan TN. Composting coffee wastes, a potential source

of ochratoxigenic fungi and ochratoxin A contamination. World Mycotoxin J. 2012; 5: 373-376.

AGRA, IIRR (2014). Investing in Soil: Cases and lessons from AGRA‟s Soil Health
Programme. Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa and International Institute of Rural
Reconstruction, Nairobi.

International Coffee Organization. Trade Statistics. Available online:

http://www.ico.org/trade_statistics. asp (accessed on 3 February 2015).

Abaza, H., R. Bisset, and B. Sadler. (2004). Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic
Environmental Assessment: Towards an Integrated Approach. UNEP

Abebe Beyene and Worku Legesse (2005). Pollution status of river Borkena, Ethiopia.
Sponsored by Jimma University and Ethiopian Science and Technology Agency, unpublished.

Adams, M.R. and J. Dougan. (1987). Green Coffee Processing. In: Clarke, RJ.and R.
Macrae, ed., Coffee. Volume 2: Technology. New York, NY: Elsevier Science
Publishers, pp. 257 - 291