Margibi County—The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed the contamination of the Nyanfor River in Margibi County, following a comprehensive investigation into complaints of severe water pollution and health issues allegedly linked to toxic waste from the Lee Group Enterprises’ rubber processing plant in Corneh Farm, Salala District, Bong County.
By Yawah Jaivey, Margibi Correspondent, [email protected]
In a detailed statement delivered at the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism (MICAT) press briefing, Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Executive Director of the EPA, revealed that the investigation, initiated on August 3, 2024, was prompted by growing concerns from residents of Nyanforla and neighboring communities. Residents had reported an increase in cases of skin rashes and other health issues, which they attributed to the contamination of the Nyanfor River—a crucial water source for the local population.
Key Findings of the EPA Investigation
The EPA’s investigation found that several critical water quality parameters, including pH levels, phosphate, ammonia, and dissolved oxygen, were significantly above the permissible limits set by the Liberia Water Quality Standards. The contamination was particularly severe at points around the Lee Group facility and within the Nyanfor River, suggesting that the river has been polluted by industrial waste.
The investigation uncovered serious lapses in the handling and storage of chemicals at the Lee Group Enterprises facility. These lapses include the absence of proper signage and labeling of hazardous materials, as well as insufficient safety training for chemical custodians. This negligence has raised concerns about the potential for ongoing environmental harm and risks to public health.
The EPA said it also documented numerous reports from residents who had developed skin rashes and other ailments since the pollution began. Given that many community members rely on the Nyanfor River for drinking, cooking, and bathing, the health implications of the contamination are alarming and demand immediate attention.
In response to these findings, the EPA has recommended several urgent measures to mitigate the environmental and health risks including the immediate provision of alternative clean water sources for the affected communities.
The EPA has also recommended Stricter regulatory oversight and compliance measures for Lee Group Enterprises to ensure proper chemical management and waste disposal practices.
It also said there is a compelling need for Enhanced environmental monitoring and safety protocols at the Lee Group facility to prevent further contamination.
Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized the EPA’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of all Liberians, stating, “The EPA will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address the environmental and health risks identified in this investigation. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any further environmental concerns to the EPA.”
Community Concerns and Observations
The EPA’s findings corroborate observations made by our reporter during a visit to the affected areas last month. The reporter noted the presence of a strange liquid being discharged into the river through a tunnel, raising suspicions of a chemical spill. Although the substances could not be scientifically verified at the time, the visible signs of pollution were undeniable, with children in the area showing signs of rashes and the river water exhibiting an unnatural sheen.
Residents of the affected villages have expressed deep anxiety over the potential long-term health effects of the contamination, given the river’s critical role in their daily lives. Many fear that if the pollution is not addressed promptly, it could lead to a broader public health crisis.
With the EPA’s investigation now public, environmental advocates and local residents are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for swift and decisive action from both the EPA and the Ministry of Health to safeguard their communities. As the EPA’s efforts to mitigate the contamination continue, the affected communities remain on high alert, awaiting the implementation of the recommended measures and the restoration of safe water to the Nyanfor River.
