By: Laymah E. Kollie
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has revealed alarming environmental violations in several counties as part of its ongoing Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring and County Tour.
In a preliminary report issued on May 6, the EPA Situation Room detailed serious breaches by Class B mining operators in Grand Kru, Lofa, and Rivercess Counties. Violations include unlicensed mining, unauthorized use of heavy equipment, deforestation, river diversions, and pollution of water sources relied upon by local communities.
In Grand Kru, five companies were flagged for operating without valid environmental permits:
Scottment Investment Mining is operating with excavators in Philadelphia. The company had previously been fined for similar offenses in Gbarpolu County.
MK Group, based in Gbaken Town, is polluting Dugbo Creek and lacks EPA approval.
Baby Girl Creek Mining in Dwehken is causing environmental degradation without a permit, whereas the GMGC Mining is running a large, unauthorized mining camp with visible land and water pollution.
Alex Fannoh Class B Mining, operating in Mary Village, has no EPA authorization.
In Lofa County, EPA inspectors found Saur Mining Company working illegally in Kilu Town, Zorzor District.
An unidentified Chinese Class B mining company operating in Lesco Town without a verified permit, raising concerns about foreign involvement in illegal operations.
Rivercess has recorded some of the most serious violations: African Commodity Inc. Plam Group of Companies are both operating without permits and are failing to follow national environmental standards.
Kplon Mining and Agriculture Cooperative in Sand Beach diverted a river channel without EPA authorization, causing severe disruption to land and water systems.
Water samples from affected areas in Rivercess have been collected for laboratory testing to assess pollution levels and health.
The EPA says all violating companies will face compliance investigations. Notices of Violation will be issued under Section 83(c) of the Environmental Protection and Management Law. Enforcement teams are being deployed to assist local inspectors in taking appropriate action.
A national compliance alert will soon be released to notify all Class B mining operators of upcoming inspections and the consequences of further non-compliance.
โEnvironmental permitting is not optional,โ the EPA warned in its statement.
โCompanies found in violation will face fines, permit suspensions, or legal action.โ
Citizens are encouraged to report unlicensed mining activities to the EPA Situation Room.
The EPAโs continued monitoring reflects its commitment to protecting Liberiaโs environment and holding all operators accountable to national environmental
