17/10/2025
EPA Cracks Down on Environmental Violations: Major Fines for ArcelorMittal, Monrovia Breweries, and Elsin Transport
Monrovia, October 17, 2025 – Liberia’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken firm action against several companies for serious breaches of the country’s environmental laws, issuing a series of fines and enforcement orders as part of ongoing investigations. The update was delivered on Friday by the Agency’s Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, during a press briefing in Monrovia.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized that under the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the EPA is moving away from “business as usual” and is now fully committed to enforcing environmental laws “without fear or favor.”
Major Environmental Cases Under Investigation
The EPA is currently handling three significant cases involving pollution, illegal dumping, and failure to comply with environmental standards. Each case has led to financial penalties and ongoing oversight to ensure restoration and accountability.
1. Elsin Transport & Logistics – Unauthorized Disposal of Palm Kernel Waste
In September, a vessel from Nigeria offloaded 17 containers of palm kernel shells for Elsin Transport & Logistics at the Freeport of Monrovia. While lab tests confirmed the material was non-hazardous, the EPA instructed Elsin to store the containers pending proper disposal.
However, a joint inspection later revealed that while eight containers were moved to the GSA compound in Paynesville, two had been dumped illegally at the Wein Town Landfill without EPA supervision — a violation of the Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML).
The EPA responded by slapping the company with an $8,000 administrative fine, which remains unpaid. Elsin has since hired a certified waste firm to handle the remaining waste under EPA oversight, but further sanctions are expected if the fine isn’t paid within the 10-day deadline.
2. ArcelorMittal Liberia – River Pollution in Nimba County
In what is arguably the most serious case, ArcelorMittal Liberia (AML) has been held accountable for contaminating vital water sources in Bonla Town, Nimba County.
On October 6, an EPA investigative team traced polluted river water back to AML’s Yuelliton mine in Yekepa. Heavy rainfall had caused a section of AML’s overburden stockpile to collapse, releasing iron-rich sediment and toxic runoff into the Viellie and Gbai Rivers—key sources of water for nearby communities.
Lab tests revealed dangerously high levels of iron, lead, selenium, and chromium, breaching national water-quality standards. The EPA also found that AML failed to inform both the Agency and local communities within the required 72-hour window and lacked an early-warning system for its blasting operations.
As a result, AML has been fined $125,000, and an additional $60,000 environmental research fee has been levied to fund an independent assessment of the affected river corridor. The company has 10 business days to make both payments or face further action.
3. Monrovia Breweries Inc. – Waste Mismanagement in Bomi County
In Bomi County, residents of Blagai and Karnga Towns filed complaints in 2024 over pollution caused by the improper disposal of brewers’ spent grain (BSG) by Monrovia Breweries Incorporated (MBI).
EPA inspections confirmed poor site management, lack of fencing, and uncontrolled leachate runoff contaminating nearby wetlands and creeks. Despite committing to six corrective actions in early 2025, MBI had not implemented any by the time of the EPA’s August verification.
The company has now been fined $20,000, along with a $5,000 restoration monitoring fee, and is under an Environmental Restoration Order issued on October 16. The order mandates the safe removal of remaining waste, installation of control systems, land rehabilitation, and compensation to impacted communities. Failure to comply could lead to the suspension or revocation of MBI’s environmental permit.
National Environmental Milestones
Before addressing the enforcement actions, Dr. Yarkpawolo highlighted three key national developments in Liberia’s environmental sector:
Liberia’s New Emission Target: The country’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) has been submitted, committing Liberia to a 64% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035, including a 10% unconditional cut using domestic resources.
Scientific Boost: The EPA has received a €100,000 Elemental Analyzer, donated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Once installed, it will greatly enhance Liberia’s capacity for water-quality and marine research.
Global Stage at COP30: Liberia is set to showcase its environmental efforts at COP30 in Brazil next month, hosting a dedicated national Pavilion. The display will highlight the country’s ARREST Agenda, climate commitments, and the "Atlas of Natural Beauty and Wonders of Liberia."
EPA Sends a Strong Message
In closing, Dr. Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the EPA’s commitment to holding polluters accountable and protecting Liberia’s environment. “These cases send a clear message: environmental violations will not be tolerated,” he said.
He also praised companies that comply with environmental standards and recognized the role of communities and international partners in supporting sustainable development across Liberia.
As the EPA continues its mission to safeguard the environment, more investigations and public disclosures are expected in the months ahead.