MONROVIA โ The Plenary of the Liberian Senate has mandated its Secretary of Senate, J. Nanborlor F. Singbeh, Sr. to communicate with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to submit copies of the Environmental Impact Assessment (FIA) study, report, and the corresponding environmental permit issued in relation to the ongoing construction of a multi-million-dollar iron ore processing plant by ArcelorMittal in Yekepa, Nimba County.
According to Plenary mandate, following the submission of the requested documents, the joint committee on Hydrocarbon and Environment, Concession and Judiciary will scrutinize and report its findings and recommendations to the body within two weeks for subsequent actions.
The decision by the Senate was centered on a communication from Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr. (Nimba) seeking the indulgence of Plenary for EPA to submit copies of the environmental permit issued to AML and environmental impact studies done for the construction of iron ore processing plant constructed by AML in Nimba.
In his communication, Senator Twayen indicated that given the scale and potential impact of this project, it is imperative that the Honorable Body is adequately informed on the following:
. The scope and content of the environmental studies conducted prior to the projectโs approval.
. The projected environmental and social impacts on surrounding communities, wildlife habitats, and forest ecosystems; and
. The mitigation and monitoring mechanisms put in place to ensure responsible environmental stewardship.
He pointed out that the people of Nimba County, and the Republic of Liberia, have vested interest in understanding how such a major industrial operation will affect our environment, our health, and the sustainability of our natural resources.
โI therefore ask plenary to kindly direct the Secretary of Senate to appropriately communicate to the EPA so that these documents can be submitted and reviewed by the relevant committee and subsequently reported to plenary for the necessary legislative oversight and public accountabilityโ the Nimba Lawmaker concluded.
