By P. Vangerline Kpotoe
MONROVIA, April 3 (LINA) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has concluded an intensive investigation into reports of environmental degradation in Masakpa Community, Tewor District, Grand Cape Mount County, following complaints that mining operations were polluting the Masakpa-Matambo River.
At a press conference on April 8, 2025, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Yarkpawolo disclosed that the agency launched the probe in response to a formal complaint filed by residents on March 20, 2025, accusing Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) of contaminating the river through blasting and mining activities.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the river, which serves as a lifeline for drinking, fishing, and farming, has reportedly become turbid and unsafe, with residents citing cases of skin rashes, diarrhea, and poor crop yields—raising urgent public health and environmental concerns like:
“Water Quality Tests, Laboratory analysis confirmed high turbidity, arsenic, and total solids in the river. These pollutants were traced to a combination of sand mining, artisanal activities, and industrial operations, including those of BMMC. However, mercury and cyanide levels were consistent with historical baselines, indicating no recent escalation linked to mining, he disclosed.
Among other things that informed the EPA investigation, Dr. Yarkpawolo said community testimonies showed that locals reported frequent illnesses, property damage from blasting, and a growing distrust of BMMC’s communication and mitigation efforts. Community leaders called for the immediate provision of clean water and corporate accountability.
“On-the-Ground Observations, the EPA inspectors observed muddy water, dead fish, and structural cracks in nearby homes. While blasting was identified as a concern, scientific analysis did not conclusively link the cracks to BMMC’s operations,” he disclosed.
He also highlighted Limited Safe Alternatives, citing that residents are now relying on hand pumps and nearby creeks, which themselves were found to contain varying levels of contaminants.
According to him, though BMMC was not found solely responsible for the river’s pollution, the EPA stressed that the company must take proactive remedial steps to support affected communities.
The EPA’s recommendations include: installing new hand pumps in key areas, cleaning, testing, and treating existing water sources and increasing community engagement and environmental transparency.
“The hardships faced by the people of Masakpa are real,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said, citing, “the EPA remains committed to sustained monitoring and will ensure corrective actions are enforced to protect the health and rights of citizens.”
In a related update, the EPA has completed a compliance assessment of the Lee Group Company, examining the company’s adherence to environmental regulations and workplace safety protocols.
Key violations identified include: expired Chemicals: Hazardous substances such as Borax Decahydrate and Caustic Soda were found expired and improperly stored, lack of Safety Documentation: the absence of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) puts workers at significant risk as well as failure to Fulfill EPA Directives: Previous EPA orders to install community hand pumps remain unfulfilled.
Meanwhile the EPA has issued a directive for immediate corrective measures, urging Lee Group to upgrade its safety systems and environmental practices without delay.
“Companies must understand that compliance is not optional,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said, citing, “the EPA will continue to enforce the laws to ensure environmental integrity and the safety of all Liberians.”
