–As EPA Widens Investigation scope
IPNEWS: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia says it’s findings into alleged chemical spilled into the Bea Mountain has established the presence of ‘excess cyanide’ which led to the contamination of the Mafa River and other water sources.
The EPA in a release issued Friday, June 3, also stated that due to the excess cyanide, there has been severe disruption and injures to the livelihood of the communities that depend on that water resources.
Cyanides chemicals are fast-acting poisons that can be lethal. They were used as chemical weapons for the first time in World War I. Low levels of cyanides are found in nature and in products we commonly eat and use. Cyanides can be produced by certain bacteria, fungi and algae. Cyanides are also found in cigarette smoke, in vehicle exhaust, and in foods such as spinach, bamboo shoots, almonds, lima beans, fruit pits and tapioca. (International health regulatory Authority)
The EPA on Wednesday, May 25,2022, the EPA consistent with its standard operating procedures, convened an emergency technical sitting and the report of the Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (BMMC) where findings from an of initial investigation was presented.
It may be recalled, an EPA high-level technical team visited affected communities in Grand Cape Mount county where allegations of water pollution by Bea Mountain Mining Corporation were raised.
According to a EPA release, the visit was based on reported deaths of aquatic species in the Marvoe Creek and the Mafa River in Grand Cape Mount County- as conveyed on several media platforms and corroborated by an Incident Notice filed by Bea Mountain Mining Corporation on May 24, 2022.
During the visit, the team conducted scientific investigations downstream of Bea Mountain operations and continued upstream to assess the quality of the water, probe the authenticity of the alleged pollution and trace plausible source (s) of pollution.
The 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.” The EPA release noted.
The EPA report further stated that the EPA needs 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.
Based on the outcome of the investigation, the EPA has called on Bea Mountain Mining Corporation (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.
The EPA further said that within the coming days, the Agency will conduct additional investigation to pinpoint other elements that may have also contributed to the asphyxiation. Where necessary, a third-party, EPA certified consultant/Laboratory will be called in to assist with these investigations.
“Furthermore, a detailed assessment of the water streams will be conducted to determine the magnitude and extent of the quality of the water streams and to conduct an aquatic ecological assessment of the riverine systems. Following this additional scientific intervention, a full restoration plan (corrective measures) will be designed and implemented under the supervision of the Environmental Protection Agency.”
“The Agency calls on the public to remain calm and non-speculative the Agency continues this very methodical, rigid, and scientific, but necessary process.
The Agency reaffirms its commitment to ensuring a clean, healthy, and safe environment for this and succeeding generations.” EPA stated.
