BEA MOUNTAIN CHEMICAL SPILLAGE SAGA DEEPENS As EPA, Health, Others Vow to Provide Preliminary Report
By: Legislative Correspondent
Capitol Hill, Monrovia: Representatives of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Ministry of Mines and Energy(MME) and Ministry of Health (MOH) have promised to provide preliminary reports to the Senateโs Committee on Mines and Energy on spillage chemical allegedly used by Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC).
The Witnesses made the vow when they appear before the Senate’s Committee on Mines and Energy last week.
Recently, there was a spillage of chemical allegedly used by Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC), which resulted to the death of several species in the Mafa River, Grand Capemount, thereby forcing residents of affected towns to flee to neighboring villages for safety.
Addressing the Committee, the Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh stated that a team of experts have been sent to the site to assess the situation and that a preliminary report from the separate government entities involved will be submitted in the soonest possible time.
The Senate’s Committee Chairman on Mines and Energy, Sen. Simeon B. Taylor notes that the hearing has brought together relevant institutions of government in order to institute measures to tackle said emerging environmental crisis.
Hon. Wilson K. Tarpeh, Executive Director represented the EPA, while Mr. Emmanuel O. Sherman, Deputy Minister for Operations represented the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Dr. Francis Karteh represented the Ministry of Health.
The operations of Bea Mountain in Western Liberia was recently threatened with protestations from citizens of affected communities on the alleged refusal of the company to ensure its responsibility in the agreement.
The Company currently exports tons of gold and other minerals from Grand Capemount County.
