Buchanan, May 19, 2026_ The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has issued an immediate stop order and non-compliance notice to ArcelorMittal Liberia following concerns over environmental pollution and unsustainable waste management practices at one of its waste disposal sites in Buchanan.
The order was received by Nelson K. Desmo, Environmental Superintendent of the company, during an enforcement action carried out by the EPA.
According to the Agency, the waste site operations have been found to pose serious risks to public health, biodiversity, water resources, ecosystem integrity, and surrounding communities.
The EPA further noted evidence of land, water, and air contamination, destruction of natural habitats, and impacts on wildlife, including birds observed in the affected area.
The EPA stated that the company’s activities are in violation of permit conditions under Liberia’s Environmental Protection and Management Law (EPML), including provisions governing sustainable waste management operations.
The Agency emphasized that such violations carry serious penalties, including suspension or closure of operations.
Diretor for Environmental Research Radiation and Safety at the EPA, Rafael Sarji Ngumbu explained that although the site had recently been issued a permit for the construction and operation of a sustainable waste management facility, the current conditions reflect non-compliance with environmental standards.
He clarified that the action is not a penalty at this stage, but a precautionary enforcement measure based on the principle of environmental consistency and protection of public health.
As a result, the EPA has ordered an immediate halt to all activities at the site until further notice, pending full compliance and corrective measures.
The Agency noted that similar enforcement actions have been taken against other non-compliant operators as part of its nationwide environmental monitoring exercise
