By Gnnliberia
Copyright gnnliberia
By Amos Harris
HARPER, LIBERIA — The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has issued a firm directive to the citizens, businesses, and institutions of Maryland County, urging them to fully comply with national environmental regulations. The agency emphasized that such adherence is critical for protecting public health, preserving the environment, and fostering sustainable development.
Speaking through its local office, the EPA reminded the public that the right to a clean and healthy environment is a constitutional guarantee under Part II, Section 5 of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia. The agency encouraged individuals to report any environmental violations or concerns they encounter promptly.
“Every Liberian is entitled to live in a clean and healthy environment,” the agency stated. “We call on all to take this responsibility seriously.”
The EPA emphasized that any project or activity with potential environmental risks—including those in agriculture, construction, mining, forestry, and tourism—must undergo a formal Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) prior to commencing. Failure to do so, the agency warned, constitutes a direct violation of the law.
The agency also referenced Executive Order #143, signed by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. on February 24, 2025, which imposes a moratorium on new activities in wetlands, coastal zones, and marine areas to protect Liberia’s fragile ecosystems.
Additional key regulatory measures outlined by the EPA include:
A ban on noxious odors, pollution, and the discharge of hazardous substances into the environment.
Mandatory chemical registration and effluent discharge permits for facilities that handle chemicals.
Required permits for businesses such as gas stations, workshops, hotels, funeral homes, and waste management companies.
A prohibition on community burials, with embalming permitted only at certified funeral homes.
The EPA also cautioned that its Environmental Inspectors are legally empowered to access land and facilities without a warrant and that obstructing them will lead to strict penalties, including fines and potential business closures.
Regarding construction and land use, the EPA clarified that while it does not handle land ownership disputes, it is legally mandated to regulate environmental activities on land. The agency called for improved collaboration with the Ministry of Public Works and local city authorities to ensure that all development projects meet environmental safety standards.
The statement concluded with a call for broad cooperation: “The EPA office in Maryland County is here to serve you. We therefore call on all ministries, agencies, community leaders, and business operators to comply fully with the Environmental Protection and Management Laws of Liberia.”
This renewed push for enforcement comes amid growing environmental concerns in Liberia’s coastal regions, where unregulated development, pollution, and habitat destruction continue to pose significant threats to the nation’s natural resources and public health.
