“THE WATER IS SAFE FOR ALL INTEND AND PURPOSE”…EPA Releases Final Investigation into Marvoe Creek and Mafa River Pollution
Monrovia: Following weeks of Investigation into the alleged water pollution at Marvoe Creek and Mafa River in Grand Cape Mount County, the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) recently in its final report revealed that parameters tested indicated that the water resource is safe for all intend and purpose.
“Based on the results of the final rounds of assessment, the Agency is pleased to report that all parameters tested are appreciably below theย permissibleย limits set by the EPA. The water resource is safe for all intent and purpose”
It can be recalled that on May 24,2022 residents of Jekandor village and surrounding towns alarms the deaths of aquatic species in the Marvoe Creek and Mafa River as a result of chemical water pollution by Bea Mountain Minning Corporation which circulated social media and drawn the attention of the EPA to have probed investigations into the matter.
On June 3,2022 the EPA released its first findings consenting to the deaths of aquatic species caused by asyphxiation and assured the public of a proper investigation.
“Initial phase of the investigation included samples collection, social interviews, community engagement, environmental scoping, geospatial data and drone imagery. The EPA is pleased to report the following preliminary findings: That there were deaths to aquatic species including fish, crabs, crawfish, and other fauna inhabitants; and these fatalities were caused by asphyxiation (deprivation of oxygen needed to sustain life under water).
That, the analysis results showed higher than permissible level of free cyanide (with source from the BMMC Tiling Storage Facility) resulting into a corresponding reduction in dissolved oxygen level. However, at the time of sampling, the level of free cyanide was below the limits scientifically required to cause such fatality as found in the circumstance. We need to and will probe further especially when there are other conditions that could cause this degree of distress and or death of the aquatic fauna. That the presence of excess cyanide led to the contamination of the water sources and that the situation has severely disrupted and injured the livelihood of the communities that depend on that water resources for their livelihood” EPA stated in its first findings.
Base on those findings, EPA however, called on management of Bea Mountain Minning Corporation(BMMC) to continue supply of food items to the affected communities and instructed these communities to put halt to the use of these waters (Marvoe Creek and Mafa River) while investigation is ongoing.
“Consistent with its standard operating procedures, the EPA convened an emergency technical sitting and BMMC was presented with the findings of our initial investigation.
Based on the outcome of the investigation, the EPA has called on BMMC to continue its ongoing effort to provide safe drinking water, fish, and other protein sources to residents of downstream communities.
Meanwhile, the Agency advises that until a final determination is made as to full remedial actions and their orderly implementation, all affected communities should desist from using and or consuming anything from the water bodies and or using these contaminated water sources for any purpose”
However, the Environmental Protection Agency in it’s final release didn’t state measures taken to curtail the disaster; neither, possible remedies put in place by the company to ensure and prevent the recurrence of the incident.
Residents of Cape Mount especially the companies surroundings continue to face chemical pollution and other disasters from the company’s operation.
