The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded an intensive investigation into environmental degradation in Masakpa Community, Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County, following community complaints that mining operations were polluting the Masakpa-Matambo River.
At a press conference on Monday, EPA Executive Director Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo disclosed that the investigation was launched after residents filed a formal complaint on March 20, 2025, accusing Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) of contaminating the river through blasting and mining activities.
The Masakpa-Matambo River serves as a vital source of drinking water, fishing, and irrigation for the community.
However, residents have reported increased water turbidity, skin rashes, diarrhea, and reduced crop yields—sparking serious public health and environmental concerns.
Key findings from the EPA’s investigation Include: Laboratory tests confirmed high levels of turbidity, arsenic, and total solids in the river, attributed to a combination of sand mining, artisanal activities, and industrial operations, including those of BMMC.
However, mercury and cyanide levels remained consistent with historical baselines.
communication and failure to address mounting concerns.
EPA inspectors found visible signs of degradation, including muddy water, dead fish, and cracked homes.
Although blasting was flagged as a concern, no definitive scientific link was established between the structural damage and BMMC’s activities.
Communities have turned to hand pumps and nearby creeks, which the EPA found to be inconsistently safe, with varying contaminant levels.
Though BMMC was not deemed solely responsible for the pollution, the EPA called on the company to take immediate remedial actions.
These include installing new hand pumps, cleaning and testing existing water sources, and improving transparency and engagement with the affected community.
“The hardships faced by the people of Masakpa are real,” said Dr. Yarkpawolo. “The EPA remains committed to sustained monitoring and will ensure corrective actions are enforced to protect the health and rights of citizens.”
In a related development, the EPA also announced the results of a compliance assessment at the Lee Group Company, revealing significant lapses in environmental and workplace safety standards.
Violations uncovered during the assessment include: substances such as Borax Decahydrate and Caustic Soda were found expired and improperly stored.
The absence of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) puts employees at risk of chemical exposure.
The company failed to implement previous directives, including the installation of community hand pumps.
The EPA has issued a formal directive for the Lee Group to take immediate corrective measures.
“Companies must understand that compliance is not optional,” Yarkpawolo emphasized. “The EPA will continue to enforce the law to ensure environmental integrity and the safety of all Liberians.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Liberia’s natural resources, ensuring corporate accountability, and upholding the rights of communities impacted by industrial activities.
EPA Confirms River Pollution In Grand Cape Mount -Orders Remedial Actions
