In the wake of reports coming in from Grand Cape Mount County alleging that chemical spill from Bea Mountain Mining Company operations has led to the contamination of two rivers and the death of some aquatic species, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has raised the red flag, warning residents of the alleged affected communities to avoid usage of the water and not to consume any dead aquatic species especially fishes until further notice.
According to a press release from the EPA issued yesterday Tuesday quoting Executive Director, Prof. Wilson K. Tarpeh, the Agency has already commissioned a team from its regional office in Tubmanburg along with scientists from head office in Monrovia to immediately investigate the alleged incident that reportedly affected the Mafa and Morvor Rivers in Grand Rivers in Grand Cape Mount County. The team will be dispatched to the alleged site to ascertain the gravity of the pollution, the EPA disclosed.
“The public is urged to remain calm as we await a technical report from the team. The EPA strongly advice residents of the alleged affected communities to avoid usage of the water and not to consume any dead aquatic species especially fishes until further notice,” the Agency stated, while assuring the public that it remains committed to its core values of ensuring a clean, safe and healthy environment for all and urge the public to report any act of pollution across the country.
It can be recalled, over 10 communities in Grand Cape Mount County were reportedly affected by dangerous chemicals used by the Bea Mountain Mining Company.
According to social media reports, the chemical used by Bea Mountain directly entered into the Mafa and Morvor Rivers which are major sources of drinking water for the people.
The incident which occurred on Saturday May 22, 2022, resulted in the death of several fishes. Dogs that consumed the fishes were reportedly to have immediately died.
The situation has created pandemonium among residents of the affected communities, as people have reportedly began leaving for fear of their lives.