– Fines three companies $55K for environmental violations
By Vaye A. Lepolu
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has imposed a total of $55,000 in fines on three companies for gross violations of environmental laws. The companies involved are the United Africa Minerals Cooperation in Gbarpolu County, Conex Petroleum, Conex MD SOW, and Associates Slaughterhouse. The fines include $30,000 for the United Africa Minerals Cooperation, $20,000 for Conex Petroleum, and $5,000 for Conex MD SOW and Associates, all based on Section 90 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.
Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawopo, Director General of the EPA, announced that an investigation revealed that the United Africa Minerals Cooperation has been operating a Class B gold mine in Gbarpolu County without the necessary environmental permit. This operation has led to significant land degradation, biodiversity loss, and sediment deposition, which has polluted nearby water sources. Residents have reported difficulties accessing clean water for domestic use.
The investigation also raised allegations that the company may have used sodium cyanide, a chemical restricted to Class A mining companies, which is currently under review. In light of these findings, the EPA has ordered an immediate cessation of the company’s operations and mandated that the fine of $30,000 be paid into the Government of Liberia’s revenue account at the Liberia Revenue Authority, with proof of payment required within 72 hours.
In addition, Dr. Urey announced that a team of EPA technicians will visit the United Africa Minerals Cooperation site to further investigate the sodium cyanide allegations, with findings to be made public.
On September 26, 2024, EPA technicians also visited the Japan Community in Careysburg City following complaints about the improper disposal of hydrocarbon sludge. During their investigation, they found two trucks impounded by community members and police—one of which had already discharged its toxic load while the other was still full. The sludge was traced back to Conex Petroleum’s storage terminal near Freeport, and the disposal site was reportedly authorized by Mr. Nays Miller, who owns an oil recycling facility in Careysburg.
The EPA discovered that the unsustainable practice of dumping hazardous waste in the community has persisted for years. Their findings included poor storage conditions at the Edgail recycling facility, leading to oil spills, unauthorized discharge of hydrocarbon sludge into wetlands, and operation without a valid permit since 2021. Edgail has been fined $20,000 and ordered to restore the degraded environment by Section 90 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law.
Furthermore, on October 2, 2024, Abigail was invited to discuss these findings with the EPA, and they did not dispute the allegations.
Dr. Urey emphasized the severity of the violations and the importance of compliance with environmental regulations. The EPA has ordered the closure of Edgail’s operations and mandated that they pay the $20,000 fine into the Government of Liberia’s revenue account.
In a related matter, the EPA conducted an investigation at the Conex MD SOW and Associates Slaughterhouse in Careysburg on September 24, 2024, following multiple complaints about health and safety risks associated with the facility. The investigation revealed that the slaughterhouse was operating without a valid environmental permit, causing pollution and conflicts due to roaming cattle impacting residents.
As a result, the EPA has ordered the shutdown of the slaughterhouse and prohibited the acceptance of further livestock. The facility has been fined $5,000, which must be paid to the Liberia Revenue Authority.
Dr. Urey reiterated the EPA’s commitment to ensuring a clean, healthy, and safe environment for current and future generations, urging all companies to adhere to the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.
