In a major Cracks Down on Environmental violation and in a decisive new era of environmental accountability, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has fined three major companies, ArcelorMittal Liberia, Monrovia Breweries Incorporated, and Elsin Transport & Logistics , for serious breaches of environmental laws.At a News conference Friday in Monrovia, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Yarkpawolo said, ArcelorMittal Liberia faces the heaviest penalty — US$125,000 for polluting rivers in Nimba County and US$60,000 in environmental research fees.
The agency’s investigation revealed that runoff from the company’s Yuelliton mine in Yekepa contaminated the Viellie and Gbai Rivers, exposing residents to unsafe water levels of iron, lead, chromium, and other pollutants. Monrovia Breweries Incorporated (MBI) was fined US$20,000 for violating several provisions of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML) after failing to manage spent grain waste in Bomi County. An additional US$5,000 fee will fund EPA-led restoration monitoring. MBI has been ordered to clean up polluted sites, rehabilitate affected land, and compensate affected communities.Meanwhile, Elsin Transport & Logistics was fined US$8,000 for illegally dumping palm kernel shells at the Wein Town Landfill in Paynesville without EPA supervision.
Dr. Yarkpawolo also announced that Liberia had officially submitted its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) to the United Nations, targeting a 64 percent reduction in emissions by 2035. The EPA has also received a €100,000 Elemental Analyzer from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to enhance its water-quality research capacity. Liberia is set to showcase its environmental progress next month at COP30 in Brazil, where the country will host a pavilion promoting the ARREST Agenda, the NDC 3.0, and the Atlas of Liberia’s Natural Beauty and Wonders.“The EPA’s actions send a clear message that environmental violations will not be tolerated,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “We remain committed to protecting public health, ensuring corporate accountability, and safeguarding Liberia’s natural heritage.”
Author: Cooper Sangar
