EPA Proposes Tighter Security Measures to Halt Growing 'Environmental Damage' Across Liberia

Monrovia, Liberia: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has called for joint security collaboration with the Agency in enforcing environmental laws to prevent further land degradation from illicit mining activities across the country.

By: Lawrena Wesseh

The Agency said that discoveries from its ongoing inspection exercise reveal serious environmental violations that require coordinated efforts with the Liberia National Police, the Armed Forces of Liberia, and the Liberia Immigration to sustain compliance with environmental laws.

Speaking to the media on Monday, May 25th, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo, referenced Montserrado, Gbarpolu, River Cess, Grand Kru, and a few other counties as areas affected by land degradation and water pollution due to unregulated mining.

He expressed fear that the act may lead to erosion and a public health crisis in impacted communities if urgent security measures are not taken.

Yarkpawolo alarmed that chemicals such as mercury and cyanide are improperly disposed of by miners and that dredges and excavators are used to mine in protected areas.

According to him, these acts continue to contaminate water streams and make environments uncomfortable for residents.

“When mercury enters the water and fish consume it, human beings who eat the fish also absorb the mercury. It can cause serious health complications", he noted.

However, the EPA Boss said that although the Agency has ensured arrests of individuals linked to causing environmental damage, it would be difficult to halt the act without sustained cooperation from law enforcement institutions in the process.

He also called on relevant government entities to regulate the importation of excavators and dredges in the country, saying some companies and individuals are applying machinery that does not fall within their scope of operations.

"Let the government come together now, regulate excavators and dredges some miners are using. These things, especially those that are not approved are destroying our land. The joint security needs to help in the process", He underscored.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Yarkpawolo had earlier assured citizens that the EPA would remain uncompromising in its duty. He pointed to a recent enforcement exercise where the EPA ordered the shutdown of a mining company in District #1, Montserrado County.

He noted that about 20 foreign nationals were arrested during the enforcement exercise aided by the Liberia National Police.

According to him, the suspects are under Police's custody and will be charged and forwarded to court for prosecution.

Executive Director Yarkpawolo strongly emphasized the environmental protection laws of Liberia. He said the suspects once found guilty will face penalties including fines and be made to pay the cost of damages in the area.

Penalties for environmental violations in Liberia enforced by the EPA, range from substantial financial fines often between US$3,000 to over $US180,000 depending on the infraction.

It also involves mandatory environmental restoration orders, permit suspensions for facility shutdowns, and potential legal prosecution for severe non-compliance.

The EPA Boss's call for inter-sectoral collaboration to protect land spaces comes at a time when Liberia faces threats of climate change due to deforestation and other activities that affect environmental preservation.