Monrovia – The Environmental Eyes Consultancy and Advocacy Firm Inc. (EECAF) has sharply criticized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia over its response to the hazardous chemical spill linked to MNG Gold’s mining operations in Bong County, warning that the agency’s actions fall short of what is required in an environmental and public health emergency.
In a policy response issued Tuesday, EECAF acknowledged the EPA’s January 21 press release on the spill involving hydrochloric acid but stressed that “acknowledgment alone is insufficient” given the severity of the incident and its potential long-term consequences for surrounding communities and ecosystems.
EECAF outlined several concerns drawn from the EPA’s own release and from independent observation of videos and photographs from the spill site. The group noted that the method used to transport the hydrochloric acid did not meet international best practices for hazardous materials. It further accused Everette, the EPA-certified hazardous goods transportation company involved, of failing to exercise due diligence in ensuring proper transportation standards.
The advocacy group also disputed the EPA’s account of the spill response, stating that video footage showed no visible presence of EPA chemical handlers at the site for more than five hours after the incident. EECAF rejected claims that the spill was promptly contained by diking the area with dirt and dried sand, arguing that hydrochloric acid spreads rapidly and cannot be effectively controlled through such measures.
According to EECAF, assertions that a thorough inspection confirmed the spill was fully contained are “far-fetched and erroneous,” as visual evidence suggests the chemical affected the wider ecosystem, leading to dangerous air pollution that was neither recovered nor prevented at the time of the incident.
The organization further questioned the EPA’s emphasis on relief assistance, including food and drinking water donations reportedly provided by politically exposed individuals. EECAF warned that such measures do not address the underlying risks posed by toxic chemical exposure and cannot prevent future environmental damage or public health crises.
Calling for urgent action, EECAF emphasized the need for a swift, transparent, and independent investigation. The group urged the EPA to go beyond internal or government-led assessments and formally include civil society organizations, independent environmental experts, and affected communities in the investigative process to ensure credibility and restore public trust.
EECAF also pointed to what it described as a troubling pattern of environmental harm associated with MNG Gold’s operations, citing past community complaints and unresolved issues. The group said the latest spill raises serious concerns about regulatory enforcement failures and the lack of effective deterrence, warning that repeated violations signal systemic gaps in monitoring, compliance, and accountability within Liberia’s environmental governance framework.
