Published: March 20, 2026
MONROVIA — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has traced the source of the recent mass fish deaths in Marvoe Creek to operations within the concession area of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC), uncovering concealed burial sites of contaminated fish and raising fresh concerns over environmental compliance and public safety.
In a statement issued Friday, March 20, the EPA said its ongoing investigation, conducted in collaboration with Joint Security, identified a water diversion structure at the base of BMMC’s underground mining operations as the origin of the chemical contamination.
Laboratory analysis previously confirmed cypermethrin, a toxic pesticide, as the substance responsible for the incident.
Burial Sites Discovered
Investigators also discovered multiple burial sites along the creek containing significant quantities of dead fish, an alarming development that EPA officials say has serious environmental and public health implications.
According to the Agency, BMMC initially denied knowledge of the burial activities. However, further engagement revealed that company personnel carried out the burials, reportedly to prevent local residents from collecting and consuming the contaminated fish.
The EPA described the sequence of events as troubling, pointing to potential lapses in incident reporting and transparency.
“This raises concerns about the timeliness of disclosure and adherence to environmental reporting standards,” the Agency noted.
Investigation Ongoing
The EPA said the matter remains under active investigation, with authorities examining the source and pathway of the contamination, as well as the company’s response and handling of the incident.
Officials indicated that findings from the investigation will determine possible legal, regulatory, and administrative actions against those found responsible.
Public Health Advisory in Effect
Meanwhile, the Agency has maintained a strict public health warning for residents in affected communities.
Citizens are advised not to consume water from Marvoe Creek or harvest fish and other aquatic life from the area until further notice, pending a comprehensive environmental assessment.
Broader Compliance Checks Underway
The EPA also disclosed that it has expanded environmental audits and compliance inspections across major concession areas, including BMMC, China Union, and Sethi Brothers Incorporated.
Results of those inspections, the Agency said, will be made public as part of its commitment to transparency.
Accountability and Environmental Risk
The Marvoe Creek incident marks one of the most serious recent environmental alerts involving mining operations in Liberia, drawing attention to regulatory enforcement and corporate accountability in the extractive sector.
The EPA said it will continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses, reaffirming its mandate to protect public health and safeguard the country’s natural resources.
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