By Grace Q. Bryant
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated the immediate closure of the Conex MD SOW and Associates Slaughterhouse in Careysburg, following a comprehensive investigation conducted on September 24, 2024.
The investigation uncovered multiple violations of Liberia’s environmental regulations, leading to the closure order.
Local residents complained about the slaughterhouse’s impact on health and safety, prompting the EPA’s inquiry.
The investigation revealed that the facility had been operating without the necessary environmental permits, violating regulations meant to protect public health and the environment.
Among the violations, the facility was found to be discharging effluent and wastewater into surrounding areas, contributing to significant pollution in nearby communities and raising concerns about potential water contamination.
Roaming cattle from the slaughterhouse caused damage to local crops and vegetation, further escalating conflicts between local residents and the livestock owners.
Poor waste management at the facility led to foul odors and deteriorating air quality, posing potential health risks to those living nearby.
In response, the EPA has ordered the immediate cessation of all operations at the slaughterhouse, with no further livestock permitted on the premises. Conex MD SOW faces a fine of US$5,000, payable to the Liberian Revenue Authority, for its violations.
The facility’s management is required to collaborate with the EPA to address the environmental damage caused and ensure that corrective measures are put in place. Before resuming operations, the slaughterhouse must comply with the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.
The EPA emphasized its commitment to enforcing environmental laws to ensure that businesses operate responsibly and do not endanger public health or ecosystems.
The closure is part of a broader effort to hold companies accountable for environmental harm.
“We will not compromise on our duty to enforce regulations that ensure the safety and sustainability of operations in Liberia,”the EPA stated.
The EPA also encouraged the public to continue reporting violations to help maintain a healthy environment for all.
As this situation unfolds, it highlights the critical role of environmental protection in safeguarding public health and promoting sustainable development in Liberia.
