MONROVIA: The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has imposed stiff penalties on three companies, Elsin Transport & Logistics, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML), and Monrovia Breweries Incorporated (MBI); for what it calls “serious breaches” of national environmental protection laws.
The cases, which involve unauthorized waste disposal, river pollution, and failure to comply with restoration orders, mark one of the EPA’s strongest enforcement actions in recent years as the agency steps up environmental compliance monitoring nationwide.
“We are applying the law without fear or favor. Environmental violations will not be tolerated in this country,” declared EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel U. Yarkpawolo.
Palm Kernel Waste Dumping: Elsin Transport Fined $8,000
The EPA’s investigation began on September 18, 2025, when a vessel from Nigeria offloaded 17 containers of palm kernel shells at the Freeport of Monrovia for Elsin Transport & Logistics. The agency immediately ordered the shipment held at APM Terminals for sampling and risk assessment.
Although lab tests later confirmed the material was non-hazardous, Elsin lacked the required EPA disposal license. The company was directed to hire an accredited waste disposal firm and carry out all transfers under EPA supervision.
However, a joint inspection involving the EPA, the Port of Monrovia, GSA, LRA’s Anti-Smuggling Unit, and the LDEA found that two containers had been illegally dumped at the Wein Town landfill in Paynesville without EPA oversight.
📌 Penalty:
- Fine: USD $8,000
- Offense: Improper disposal of palm kernel waste
- Action: Elsin has since hired a certified waste firm to properly dispose of the remaining containers under EPA supervision.
River Contamination: AML Hit With $185,000 Fine
EPA inspectors also investigated ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) after heavy rainfall in Nimba County caused a section of its overburden stockpile to collapse. This released iron-rich sediments and contaminated runoff into the Viellie and Gbai Rivers; both crucial community water sources.
Laboratory tests found dangerously high levels of iron, lead, selenium, chromium, and suspended solids all exceeding national water-quality standards.
Compounding the violation, AML failed to notify the EPA or local communities within 72 hours, as required by its environmental permit, and did not have an early-warning system in place for blasting activities.
📌 Penalty:
- Administrative Fine: USD $125,000
- Environmental Research Fee: USD $60,000
- Offense: Pollution of rivers in Nimba County
- Action: AML must deposit the full amount within the stipulated timeframe and undertake a comprehensive river restoration plan, including sediment removal and rehabilitation.
This is not the first time AML has come under scrutiny. In 2022, the company faced similar community complaints over dust and waste management practices near its operational sites in Yekepa.
Bomi County Pollution: MBI Ordered to Pay $25,000
In Bomi County, communities in Blagai and Karnga Towns filed complaints in September 2024 against Monrovia Breweries Incorporated (MBI) over pollution caused by the improper disposal of brewers’ spent grain (BSG).
EPA field teams confirmed that the disposal site was unfenced, poorly managed, and lacked systems to prevent waste runoff, leading to contamination of nearby creeks and wetlands.
Lab tests showed elevated pH, turbidity, phosphate, ammonia, and iron levels well beyond Liberia’s environmental limits. MBI had pledged six corrective measures in January 2025 but failed to implement any of them by the August 2025 follow-up inspection.
📌 Penalty:
- Administrative Fine: USD $20,000
- Environmental Restoration Monitoring Fee: USD $5,000
- Offense: Pollution of surface water and wetlands
- Action: MBI has been issued an Environmental Restoration Order (October 16, 2025), requiring the company to:
- Safely remove and dispose of residual spent grain
- Install leachate control and containment systems
- Rehabilitate and re-vegetate degraded land
- Monitor water quality continuously
- Engage affected communities on progress
- Restore or compensate for damaged community assets
Non-compliance will lead to permit suspension or revocation.
EPA Steps Up Enforcement Under Boakai Administration
Dr. Yarkpawolo said the actions are part of the agency’s wider environmental compliance campaign under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr., who has pledged to strengthen environmental governance.
“We are moving beyond ‘business as usual’,” Dr. Yarkpawolo said. “Companies that pollute our water, air, and land will be held accountable. Communities have a right to clean environments.”
Liberia faces mounting environmental pressures, including mining-related pollution, urban waste mismanagement, and coastal erosion. A 2023 World Bank study estimated that environmental degradation costs Liberia over USD $65 million annually in health impacts and lost productivity.
EPA says it will continue to work with line ministries, local governments, and international partners to ensure stricter compliance and stronger community engagement in environmental monitoring.
✅ Editor’s Note:
Environmental violations often go unpunished in Liberia, leaving communities to bear the health and economic costs. The EPA’s recent actions signal a shift toward stronger enforcement, but long-term impact will depend on consistent monitoring and political will.
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