The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Liberia has threatened to shut down the operations of Lonestar Cell MTN’s power generation facility in Congo Town if the company fails to comply with urgent environmental safety requirements within ten business days.
The warning comes after an EPA investigation confirmed that the telecommunication giant’s generator operations are emitting excessive noise and hazardous fumes, causing serious environmental and public health concerns for nearby residents.
In a strongly worded press statement issued on Monday, April 7, 2025, EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo disclosed that the agency had received formal complaints from community members living near the Lonestar Cell MTN facility.
“Our investigation confirmed that generator operations at the Lonestar Cell MTN site are producing excessive noise and harmful emissions,” Dr. Yarkpawolo stated. “These operations are directly affecting the health and well-being of the residents in the vicinity.”
According to the EPA, its technical team conducted a site inspection following the complaint and found that the facility failed to implement proper noise and air pollution control mechanisms, thereby violating national environmental standards.
As a result, the EPA has issued a Final Compliance Notice to Lonestar Cell MTN, demanding immediate corrective actions within ten working days. These actions include the installation of efficient silencers on all operating generators or the relocation of those generators to a position far enough from residential areas to reduce their environmental impact.
“We have instructed the company to either install effective silencers or relocate the generators to minimize noise and emissions to acceptable levels,” Dr. Yarkpawolo emphasized.
Additionally, the EPA is requiring the company to raise its generator exhaust stacks to at least 25 feet above the ground to minimize air pollution at the human breathing level. The company is also mandated to provide earplugs for staff working in close proximity to the generators, including operators and security personnel.
“These are not just recommendations — they are mandatory actions required by law,” the EPA Executive Director said. “Failure to comply will result in enforcement actions, including legal penalties and, if necessary, a complete suspension of operations.”
Dr. Yarkpawolo further warned that the EPA will not tolerate the continued endangerment of lives and the environment by any company, regardless of its size or reputation.
“We want to make it clear: the EPA is serious about protecting the Liberian people from environmental hazards,” he stressed. “No company — large or small — will be allowed to operate in violation of the Environmental Protection and Management Law of Liberia.”
The EPA’s move comes amid growing public outcry over the environmental footprint of corporate entities in densely populated areas. The agency’s recent crackdown on environmental violations sends a strong message to businesses that compliance with environmental standards is not optional.
Residents of Congo Town, who have endured persistent noise and the pungent smell of generator fumes for months, have welcomed the EPA’s action. Several community members, speaking anonymously, said the pollution has disrupted their daily lives and affected their health, with some reporting symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and difficulty sleeping.
As of press time, Lonestar Cell MTN had not publicly responded to the EPA’s notice. However, the EPA said it remains open to working with the company to ensure compliance and prevent operational disruptions.
“We are not in the business of shutting down companies unnecessarily,” Dr. Yarkpawolo concluded. “But we are in the business of safeguarding the health of our citizens and protecting the environment. If companies refuse to do the right thing, we will act accordingly.”
In a separate development, the EPA has completed an in-depth environmental probe into alarming pollution claims concerning the Masakpa-Matambo River in Grand Cape Mount County. The investigation followed a formal complaint from residents of Masakpa Community, Tewor District, on March 20, 2025.
Residents accused Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) of polluting the vital water source through continuous blasting and mining activities, leading to severe health and environmental consequences.
The Masakpa-Matambo River — historically used for drinking, fishing, and agriculture — has reportedly become turbid, unsafe, and ecologically unstable. Community reports cite rising cases of skin rashes, diarrhea, and stunted crop growth, suggesting possible contamination.
In response, the EPA deployed a technical team on March 21, 2025, to collect water samples, consult with local stakeholders, and assess the environmental damage firsthand. The EPA says it is now analyzing data to determine the next course of action against BMMC.
“The wellbeing of affected communities and the protection of natural resources remain our top priority,” the agency stated.
