-Coastal Defense to Corporate Accountability
Monrovia, – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has launched a multi-pronged offensive against environmental threats, from rising sea levels to corporate pollution, signaling a new era of ecological enforcement in the country.
Coastal Protection Efforts Accelerate
The EPA reports significant progress in its coastal defense initiatives, with heavy machinery now operational in Sinoe County. Rock blasting and quarrying activities are underway as part of urgent measures to protect Greenville’s vulnerable Mississippi Street corridor from encroaching sea waters. This comes as feasibility studies for the Monrovia Coastal Defense project, designed to shield West Point from climate change impacts, reach completion.
Following the deadly February 17 explosion at Sethi Ferro Fabrik that claimed a worker’s life, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo confirmed the factory has made notable safety improvements, particularly in gas tank labeling. However, critical concerns remain unaddressed, including fire safety protocols, emergency exits, and comprehensive staff training programs.
The EPA has taken decisive action against several major companies: Lonestar Cell MTN: Received a final compliance notice after confirmed violations of noise and emission standards in Congo Town. The telecom giant has 10 business days to install silencers, elevate exhaust stacks, and provide employee ear protection or face operational suspension.
Bea Mountain Mining Company: While not solely responsible, the company’s operations contributed to polluted water conditions in Grand Cape Mount’s Masakpa-Matambo River, where tests revealed dangerous levels of arsenic and turbidity.
– Hongtu Mining Company: Fined $10,000 for operating without permits in Grand Bassa County, with an additional $30,000 Environmental Restoration Order issued for illegal river diversion and destructive practices.
Wetland Squatters Face Demolition
In a major enforcement action, the EPA has served demolition notices to illegal occupants of the Montserrado Wetland, including Tyler Island. Unauthorized construction and land reclamation activities have exacerbated flood risks and destroyed critical habitats. A multi-agency demolition operation is set to commence April 16.
EPA Upgrades Facilities
The environmental watchdog is relocating to upgraded facilities on Sekou Toure Avenue, with negotiations underway to purchase the Brights Building property. The new headquarters will feature a state-of-the-art $100,000 laboratory, significantly enhancing the agency’s monitoring capabilities.
“These actions demonstrate our commitment to balancing environmental protection with sustainable development,” stated Dr. Yarkpawolo. “From our disappearing coasts to corporate pollution, we are drawing clear lines that cannot be crossed.”
The sweeping enforcement measures come as Liberia intensifies its environmental governance ahead of the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference, positioning itself as a regional leader in ecological accountability.
