By Jamesetta D Williams
MONROVIA , The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has announced a far-reaching enforcement and regulatory update involving major environmental incidents, mining compliance failures, disaster response measures, and new nationwide corrective actions targeting several companies operating in the country.
In a detailed press statement issued on May 5, 2026, the EPA outlined a series of investigations, penalties, and remediation directives affecting Bea Mountain Mining Corporation, China Union Mining, and other operators, while also providing updates on environmental disaster response and preventive regulatory interventions.
The Agency emphasized that its actions are intended to protect public health, safeguard natural resources, and ensure that all industrial activities comply with national environmental laws.
The EPA disclosed that its earlier scientific assessment and relocation recommendation for the Jekandor community successfully prevented a potential environmental and public health disaster linked to mining operations.
According to the Agency, environmental vulnerability studies identified risks in the downstream community, prompting relocation, compensation, and eventual evacuation before a later pollution incident occurred in the broader Marvoe Creek area.
The EPA noted that because the community had already been moved and the area cleared, no residents were exposed to contamination. It described the intervention as a strong example of preventive environmental regulation, stressing that early scientific action can save lives before disasters occur.
The EPA has taken several enforcement actions against Bea Mountain Mining Corporation following a series of environmental investigations covering water pollution, illegal mining, and compliance failures.
A comprehensive audit of the company’s New Liberty Gold Mine revealed unauthorized infrastructure development, weak environmental monitoring systems, poor hazardous materials management, and inadequate emergency preparedness measures.
The EPA subsequently issued corrective directives requiring dam safety assessments, improved waste management systems, and proper permitting for underground operations.
In a separate case, the Agency imposed a US$50,000 fine on the company for illegal sand mining activities in the Lofa River, Grand Cape Mount County. Investigators found that heavy machinery was used to extract sand, blocking approximately 50 percent of the river channel and causing erosion, habitat destruction, and disruption of natural water flow.
The EPA also confirmed that stop-work orders were ignored during the operation. The company has been ordered to fully restore the damaged river system and comply with monitoring requirements.
The EPA further reported a major environmental incident at Marvoe Creek in Grand Cape Mount County, where a large-scale fish kill was confirmed following elevated levels of cypermethrin, a toxic pesticide harmful to aquatic life.
Although cypermethrin is not part of Bea Mountain Mining’s declared operations, EPA investigations traced the contamination to water systems linked to the company’s concession area. The Agency also raised concerns after discovering buried dead fish along sections of the creek bank, describing the situation as a possible attempt to conceal environmental damage.
Following additional testing in April 2026, the EPA confirmed that chemical levels had returned to acceptable limits but noted that aquatic life had not yet recovered. As a precaution, communities have been advised not to consume fish from the creek until further notice.
The EPA has since ordered Bea Mountain Mining Corporation to implement a full biodiversity restoration program, including the hiring of an independent environmental firm, geo-fencing of affected areas, and monthly water quality testing using an EPA-approved laboratory.
The company has been given 21 business days to submit a comprehensive remediation and compliance plan or face further sanctions, including possible suspension of operations.
The EPA also announced enforcement actions against China Union Liberia Mining Company following a compliance audit in Bong Mines, Bong County.
The audit identified uncontrolled wastewater discharge, contamination of surface and groundwater sources, and exceedance of hazardous pollutant levels, including chromium. Investigators also found that unengineered containment systems contributed to environmental contamination.
In response, the EPA imposed a US$30,000 fine and additional restoration monitoring fees, while ordering the company to immediately install proper wastewater treatment systems, conduct hydrogeological assessments, and provide safe drinking water to affected communities. According to the EPA, approval for underground mining operations has been suspended until full compliance is achieved.
Across all cases, the Environmental Protection Agency reaffirmed its commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws, stating that no company operating in Liberia is above regulatory accountability.
The Agency emphasized that environmental protection is essential to safeguarding public health, protecting ecosystems, and ensuring sustainable development.
“Where pollution occurs, restoration must follow,” the EPA declared, warning that continued non-compliance will result in stronger penalties and further enforcement actions under Liberian environmental law.
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