Montserrado County District#17 Representative, Bernard Benson, Jr., has called on the Environmental Protection Agency ((EPA) to shut down the operations of LITCH, a Chinese Sand mining company operating in the Township of Virginia, Montserrado county Electoral District #17.
Benson is the lawmaker representing the people of Browerville and the township of Virginia in the House of Representatives. He told reporters as the Capitol building this week that in order to address the issue of massive sand mining on beaches and destruction of roads, EPA, which has the primary authority to ensure environmental protection and sustainable management of natural resources should bring the Chinese company to book.
In a communication sent to the Executive Direction of the EPA, Rep. Benson writ: “Sir, I have seized this formal medium to bring to your attention the regrettable and appalling operations and activities of a Chinese-owned sand mining company, LICHI Incorporated within the township of Virginia, District#17, Montserrado County.”
He added that LICHI’s activities within the township of Virginia have over the years resulted in serious environmental issues that have affected residents and communities within the township of Virginia, ranging from degradation, erosion, dust pollution and damage of the Virginia-Clay Ashland Road-a major road corridor within the district.”
“Honorable Executive Director, all engagements by and through my office to ensure that the company addresses these environmental-related issues have proven futile, whilst the company continues her operations without remorse.
“Dr Urey, predicated upon the aforementioned, as the people’s representative, I do hereby request that your entity in consonance with your statutory responsibility shut down LICHI’s operation.”
