Liberia’s Environmental Regulatory Agency Poised To “Pursue Appropriate Legal, Regulatory, And Administrative Actions”
The big gold mining company in Liberia’s western Grand Cape Mount County, Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) is in the news again for the wrong reason regarding the recent spotting of a large number of dead fish by locals and possible contamination of the creek.
This time, it has to do with the recent citing of a large number of dead fish in the Marvoe Creek near its concession area, which is used as a major water source of residents in that part of the country.
An EPA press release issued on Thursday indicated that test done by EPA scientists shows that the mass deaths of the fish was caused by chemicals used by the company underground which seeped into the creek killing a large number of fish.
The EPA report has also found that the Bea Mountain Mining Company initially allegedly behaved deceptively, pretending not to have insight about the situation by secretly burying many of the dead fish.
EPA’S PRESS RELEASE DETAILED THE FINDINGS OF ITS RECENT INVESTIGATION:
EPA Confirms BMMC as Source of Marvoe Creek Contamination; Investigation Reveals Concealed Fish Burial Sites
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – March 19, 2026 – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia today announced significant developments in its ongoing investigation into the mass fish mortality event in Marvoe Creek, located within the operational jurisdiction of Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC).
Working in coordination with Joint Security forces, EPA investigators have traced the chemical contamination to a water diversion structure at the base of BMMC’s underground mining operations within their concession area. Laboratory analysis previously identified cypermethrin as the contaminant responsible for the environmental incident.
During the joint investigation, officials discovered multiple burial sites containing substantial quantities of deceased fish along Marvoe Creek. These findings represent significant environmental and public health implications and constitute a critical component of the ongoing inquiry.
The Agency expresses profound concern regarding initial denials from BMMC concerning knowledge of these burial activities. Subsequent investigative engagement revealed that BMMC personnel conducted the burials, citing concerns that local residents might collect and consume the contaminated fish.
The EPA views this sequence of events as deeply problematic, indicating potential failures in timely incident reporting and transparent disclosure practices.
This matter remains under active investigation by the EPA in collaboration with Joint Security. The Agency is pursuing all facts related to the contamination source and mechanism, incident handling and reporting protocols, and environmental and public health impacts.
Based on investigation outcomes, the EPA will pursue appropriate legal, regulatory, and administrative actions against responsible parties.
The EPA reiterates its public health advisory: Residents must not consume water from Marvoe Creek or harvest/consume any aquatic species from affected water bodies until further notice. This precaution remains in effect pending comprehensive environmental assessment.
The Agency notes that comprehensive environmental audits and compliance inspections continue across key concession areas, including BMMC, China Union, and Sethi Brothers Incorporated. Results will be disclosed publicly, consistent with the EPA’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Environmental Protection Agency reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding public health and Liberia’s natural environment. The Agency will provide regular updates as the investigation advances.
Signed: Danise Love Dennis-Dodoo (Mrs.)
Head of Media and Corporate Communications
Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia