By: Laymah Kollie
Monrovia — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has provided a comprehensive update on the Sethi Brothers warehouse fire disaster while announcing strong enforcement actions against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) over a major water pollution incident in Grand Cape Mount County.
Delivering a press statement on Tuesday, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo said the Agency remains committed to protecting public health and the environment through strict enforcement and regulatory oversight.
On the December 2025 fire outbreak at the Sethi Brothers Duraplast Paint Warehouse in the Iron Factory community, Dr. Yarkpawolo disclosed that the company has made “significant progress” in implementing EPA-mandated remedial measures.
“I am pleased to inform the public that, following intense regulatory engagement, Sethi Brothers Incorporated accepted the EPA’s remedial demands and has made significant progress in implementing them,” he said. 
According to the EPA, the company has relocated its chemical storage facilities to the Monrovia Industrial Complex, removed contaminated debris through an accredited disposal firm, and carried out drainage cleaning within the affected community. Additionally, Sethi Brothers has provided zinc roofing sheets and PVC pipes to support rehabilitation efforts.
However, the EPA noted that medical treatment for residents exposed to toxic fumes remains unresolved.
“The only major outstanding issue is the provision of medical treatment for residents affected by toxic fumes. The EPA continues to monitor this matter and will continue to press for timely fulfillment,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. 
Turning to the Marvoe Creek pollution incident, the EPA confirmed that the mass death of fish and aquatic life was caused by high levels of cypermethrin, a toxic pesticide. Although not listed in BMMC’s declared chemicals, the contamination was traced to waters within the company’s concession area.
“As the concession holder and operator of the affected area, BMMC has a duty to secure and manage its operational environment and to prevent unauthorized contamination,” the EPA Executive Director emphasized. 
The Agency also raised concern over what it described as attempts to conceal the extent of the damage.
“EPA investigators documented evidence that substantial quantities of dead fish and aquatic species had been buried along sections of the creek bank… Such conduct is unacceptable. It undermines public trust,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. 
He described the environmental impact as severe, noting that the incident destroyed biodiversity and disrupted the ecological balance of the creek.
“The damage to Marvoe Creek was severe. The widespread death of fish and aquatic organisms destroyed important biodiversity,” he added. 
In response, the EPA has ordered BMMC to undertake a comprehensive restoration program at its own cost, including hiring independent experts, conducting monthly water quality tests, and securing affected areas. The company has been given 21 business days to submit a remediation plan or face further sanctions.
The EPA also advised communities along Marvoe Creek to avoid consuming fish from the waterway until further notice, despite recent tests showing chemical levels within acceptable limits.
“Although the Agency continues to observe the absence of aquatic life… cypermethrin levels are now within acceptable limits. However… communities… [should] desist from consuming fish… until further notice,” Dr. Yarkpawolo warned. 
The EPA emphasized that its actions are not intended to discourage investment but to ensure responsible and lawful operations.
“Responsible investment is welcome in Liberia, but no company is above environmental accountability,” he said. 
The Agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing environmental laws, protecting communities, and ensuring that companies restore any damage caused to Liberia’s ecosystems.
