Grand Gedeh – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has uncovered serious environmental violations in Grand Gedeh County during a monitoring visit. The visit is part of the EPA’s ongoing Nationwide County Tour and Monitoring Mission aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental laws across the country.
The team found a sharp increase in both small and semi-industrial mining across the county, especially in the Glio-Twabo and Billibo electoral districts. In the Glio-Twabo area, the team found many Class B and Class C mining sites operating without regard to environmental laws. Class C miners were even using excavators, which is against the rules.
In Billibo District #2, two active Class B mining sites operated by Scott Investment were found breaking major environmental rules. In Billibo Town, land degradation stretched over 500 meters, forcing the EPA to issue an immediate Halt Order and seize a power generator key. The second site, located at U-Way and Dehjillah, can only be reached by canoe. There, the team saw a Chinese company building a bridge over the Dugbeh River to access the mining site.
The EPA also inspected the forestry sector and found several problems. Euro Logging, though licensed, was blocking inspections, not reporting activities, and poorly managing waste. In Boundary Town, Horizon Logging had shut down operations since 2023, leaving behind scattered logs and abandoned equipment with court orders attached.
The agricultural sector was not left out. Patarah Farm in Jaibo is growing cocoa on 600 acres without an environmental permit. Workers admitted using agrochemicals from nearby markets and Ivory Coast without understanding how to handle them safely.
The Sustainable Agriculture Production (SAP) project, between Solo Town and Tuzon Junction, targets communities affected by the Krahn-Grebo National Park. Though the project aims to help locals by promoting cocoa, cassava, and rice farming, the EPA did not confirm full environmental compliance.
Photos from the trip show the damage done, especially in Scott Investment B’s mining area in Billibo, where the EPA issued its first Halt Order due to massive land damage. Other images show EPA teams crossing rivers and testing water quality.
The EPA says it will continue these monitoring visits across the country as part of its Nationwide Tour to make sure businesses follow the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the EPA, Dr. Emmanuel King Urey Yarkpawolo, and team concluded a productive day by visiting several historical sites, including the Port of Harper in Maryland County.
At the port, important discussions took place around the environmental conditions impacting operations and the Risk pose to the port due to Erosion.
Port Director Augustine Neufville highlighted the challenges the port is facing, especially with the breakwater being overwhelmed by ocean waves, which jeopardizes the facility’s safety.
In response, Dr. Yarkpawolo encouraged Director Neufville to collaborate closely with the EPA so that ways can be sought to mitigate the impact. He emphasized the importance of partners obtaining valid environmental permits to ensure the safety of all port workers.
