Africa-Press – Liberia. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has officially reopened its office in Maryland County, restoring its regulatory presence in the region after several years of inactivity and emphasizing its commitment to strict enforcement of environmental laws.
James Pude has been appointed as Head of Environmental Inspectors for the county and arrived last week with a team to begin oversight activities.
Speaking at a press conference held Tuesday at the Harper Administration Building, Pude, representing EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, said the agency is focused on reawakening public consciousness about environmental issues and ensuring compliance with Liberia’s environmental regulations.
He outlined several priority areas for enforcement, including the requirement for Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) for major development projects, regulation of activities in wetlands and coastal zones, licensing for chemical importation and use, and control of pollution and hazardous substance discharge.
Pude stressed that individuals or organizations involved in such activities must secure EPA clearance prior to beginning operations. He warned that failure to comply would result in punitive measures, including fines and shutdown orders.
He also reminded the public that environmental inspectors are legally empowered to enter facilities, land, vessels, or vehicles for the purpose of inspections, adding that denial of entry is a direct violation of environmental laws and will trigger legal consequences.
In addition, the EPA announced stricter enforcement on burial and embalming practices in the county. Pude clarified that all embalming must be conducted in licensed funeral homes and not in hospitals or health facilities. He stated that community burials are not permitted under current EPA guidelines.
The EPA called on the Ministry of Public Works and city corporations in Maryland County to collaborate closely with the agency in promoting environmentally sustainable infrastructure development and urban planning.
Pude warned that any proponent who fails to comply with the EPA’s regulations will face enforcement actions as provided by law.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
