By Jamesetta D Williams
The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia has intensified its nationwide environmental enforcement campaign, taking major actions against illegal mining operations, unsafe quarry activities, and hazardous waste disposal practices in Gbarpolu County and Grand Bassa County as part of its ongoing Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring Exercise.
According to the EPA, the first phase of the exercise has already resulted in multiple shutdowns, compliance notices, confiscation of equipment, and the closure of facilities found violating Liberia’s environmental and safety regulations.
In Gbarpolu County, the EPA Zone A Compliance Team visited the Stephen Clan Mining Site in the Zelekai Mining District, where inspectors discovered that operators holding a Class C Mining License were illegally using an excavator during mining activities.
Authorities immediately ordered the shutdown of the operation and confiscated the excavator’s battery and starter key to prevent further mining activities.
During the same operation, EPA inspectors identified a road construction project allegedly connected to future mining operations by Rhode Mining.
The company was reportedly using two excavators to construct a 28-kilometer road corridor from Gbarnga-Gbarkoita to Soe Town without obtaining the required environmental permit.
The EPA subsequently barricaded the equipment and issued a compliance notice pending further regulatory action.
Inspectors also discovered nineteen active dredges operating along the Tumba River near surrounding communities in Soe Town.
The inspection further revealed the reported use of mercury by miners, a prohibited chemical considered hazardous to both human health and the environment.
The EPA issued a compliance notice to the Soe Mining Chairman on behalf of the dredge operators and warned against the continued use of mercury in mining activities.
Meanwhile, another mining site identified as Africa Mining in Kollie Village was cited for environmental noncompliance after inspectors found two excavators operating without full environmental authorization. The EPA barricaded the machines and served operators with notices of violation.
According to site operators, efforts had already begun to secure an EPA environmental permit. However, the agency stressed that mining activities cannot proceed until all environmental approval requirements are fully satisfied.
In a separate enforcement action in Grand Bassa County, the EPA ordered the immediate closure of Z and H Rock Quarry after inspectors uncovered multiple environmental and occupational safety violations.
According to the EPA, the quarry was operating without a Chemical Registration License and an Explosive Discharge License, both of which are mandatory for quarry operations involving hazardous materials and blasting activities.
Inspectors also cited the company for failing to provide fire extinguishers and proper safety signage at the facility, raising concerns over emergency preparedness and worker protection.
Additionally, the EPA documented evidence of used oil spills within the operational area, describing the condition as a serious environmental threat capable of contaminating nearby soil, water sources, and surrounding ecosystems.
The environmental enforcement campaign also led to the immediate closure of a hazardous waste dumpsite operated by the Buchanan City Corporation in Buchanan City.
According to the EPA, the dumpsite, located along the On Your Own Community Road in Lower Harlandsville Township, was situated directly opposite a major health facility, including the Government Eye Center Hospital.
EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo described the situation as dangerous and unacceptable, warning that the location of the dumpsite posed serious public health risks to patients, healthcare workers, and nearby residents due to exposure to flies, foul odor, and disease-carrying contaminants.
“We can’t have this type of situation. Our country needs to be normal. This is not normal,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated during the enforcement action.
According to the EPA Executive Director, the agency had previously documented the site and received several complaints from hospital authorities and medical staff regarding the environmental and health dangers associated with the dumpsite before taking enforcement action.
He emphasized that environmental regulations apply equally to both private businesses and public institutions, including city authorities responsible for waste management.
The EPA warned that any violation of the closure order would result in stronger enforcement measures, including penalties and possible legal consequences under Liberian environmental laws.
The Liberia National Police is reportedly assisting EPA enforcement teams to ensure compliance with the closure order and other ongoing environmental actions.
The EPA reaffirmed that the Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring Exercise is intended to strengthen environmental governance, enforce compliance with national environmental laws, and promote responsible mining, industrial, and waste management practices throughout Liberia.
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