By Grace Q. Bryant
The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, recently addressed the public about several significant environmental issues and the enforcement actions the agency has taken.
During a regular press briefing held at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), on August 29, Director Yarkpawolo detailed the EPA’s decision to shut down China Union Company’s iron ore mines in Bong Mines due to multiple environmental violations.
On August 28, 2024, the EPA halted China Union’s operations, citing breaches of Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML).
“China Union has been operating without an effluent discharge license, transporting ores via the Bong Mines railway without an environmental mitigation plan, and constructing a new processing plant without the necessary environmental permits,” he explained.
Yarkpawolo expressed that the company has been discharging tailings into nearby wetlands without regulation, posing a significant threat to the local ecosystem and emphasized that these actions violated several sections of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia including Sections 6, 15, 24, 27, 57, 58, 105, and 112.
According to him, the EPA initially issued a ‘notice of violation’ and imposed a fine of US$ 120,000 on China Union on June 28, 2024.
After the company failed to respond to a follow-up notice on August 8, 2024, the EPA proceeded with to shut it down as per Section 38 of the Environmental Protection Agency Act.
He stressed that the closure will remain in effect until China Union fully complies with environmental regulations and addresses all the identified concerns stating, “Any attempt to defy this directive could lead to further legal actions.”
Yarkpawolo also mentioned the shutdown of the Grandma Mineral Water Factory in Jacob’s Town, Paynesville, on August 6 and that this action was taken in collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) following a joint inspection from July 29 to August 2, 2024.
“The inspection revealed that Grandma Mineral Water Factory was operating without the necessary permits from both the EPA and NPHIL, additionally, the facility was found in poor hygienic condition, raising serious concerns about the safety and quality of the water being produced,” he stated.
He disclosed that the laboratory tests confirmed that the water was unsafe for consumption, prompting immediate action to protect public health. “The EPA and NPHIL will continue to monitor all water production facilities to ensure they adhere to the highest safety and hygiene standards,” he added.
Addressing concerns about recent earth vibrations in Yegbedu Town, Foya District, Lofa County, Yarkpawolo highlighted the government’s comprehensive investigation, which involved the EPA, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, and the National Disaster Management Agency.
The investigation, conducted from August 14 to 17, 2024, followed unexpected seismic activities that began on July 26, 2024 and intensified on August 8, 2024.
“Our investigation found that the area’s steep hills and history of deforestation have made it particularly susceptible to landslides, soil erosion, and other ground movements, While no immediate catastrophic damage was observed, the ongoing vibrations have caused significant concern and led to the displacement of about 70% of Yegbedu’s 2,500 residents,” he noted.
Yarkpawolo presented several recommendations from the investigative team, including relocating Yegbedu Town to a safer area, conducting further geological studies, enhancing community preparedness for seismic events, and strengthening emergency response capabilities.
Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to upholding environmental protection laws and safeguarding public health.
“The EPA remains vigilant in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring that all companies and facilities operating in Liberia meet the highest standards,” he declared.
