GRAND GEDEH COUNTY — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has uncovered widespread environmental violations in Grand Gedeh County during a recent monitoring mission, part of its ongoing Nationwide County Tour aimed at ensuring compliance with environmental laws.
The EPA team reported a significant rise in both small-scale and semi-industrial mining operations, particularly in the Glio-Twabo and Billibo electoral districts. In Glio-Twabo, investigators documented numerous Class ‘B’ and Class ‘C’ mining sites operating in violation of environmental regulations. Notably, Class ‘C’ miners were found using excavators — equipment prohibited for their license class.
In Billibo District 2, the agency cited two Class ‘B’ mining sites operated by Scott Investment for major violations. In Billibo Town, land degradation extended more than 500 meters, prompting the EPA to issue an immediate halt order and confiscate a generator key to suspend operations. At another Scott Investment site in U-Way and Dehjillah — accessible only by canoe — EPA personnel observed a Chinese company constructing a bridge across the Dugbeh River to access the mining zone.
The team also found irregularities in the forestry sector. Euro Logging, although licensed, allegedly obstructed inspections, failed to report its activities, and exhibited poor waste management. In Boundary Town, Horizon Logging had ceased operations since 2023, leaving behind scattered logs and abandoned equipment, some of which are reportedly under court order.
Agricultural activities also came under scrutiny. Patarah Farm in Jaibo was found cultivating cocoa on 600 acres without the required environmental permit. Farm workers told EPA inspectors they were using agrochemicals sourced from local markets and from Ivory Coast, with little understanding of proper handling procedures.
The agency also inspected the Sustainable Agriculture Production (SAP) project located between Solo Town and Tuzon Junction. The project, aimed at assisting communities affected by the Krahn-Grebo National Park through cocoa, cassava, and rice cultivation, had not fully demonstrated compliance with environmental safeguards, according to the EPA.
Photos from the field visit show the extent of environmental damage, particularly at the Scott Investment site in Billibo, where the EPA issued its first halt order due to severe land degradation. Other images depict the EPA team crossing rivers and conducting water quality tests.
The EPA said it will continue its nationwide environmental compliance tour in all counties, reinforcing its commitment to the enforcement of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.
Discussion about this post