The ELSIN Transport Firm, has reportedly gone against laws of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Firm has “failed to comply with EPA regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous waste.” For that reason, EPA Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo said, the Agency will take administrative action against the Management of ELSIN Transport Firm, anytime soon.
In conversation with a team of journalists in Monrovia, Dr. Urey said, the pending administrative action against the entity comes as a follow-up to a recent press statement the Agency released, concerning an importation of palm kernel waste in the country.
On September 17, 2025, EPA said it received a letter from SLISN Logistics, requesting guidance on the environmentally responsible disposal of 17 containers of palm kernel waste then scheduled to arrive at the Freeport of Monrovia.
Urey noted that the Agency advised the Firm not to proceed with the disposal, because they were not authorized to handle the disposal of palm kernel waste directly, and were therefore, required to engage the services of an EPA-approved waste management provider.
Furthermore, the EPA mandated that prior to the disposal, an environmental assessment and laboratory testing of the waste must be conducted to assess its characteristics, and potential environmental risks.
The EPA reiterated country’s commitment to both national and international environmental standards, particularly in compliance with the Basel Convention, which regulates the transboundary movement of hazardous waste.
It also highlighted the Agency duty to ensure that the handling, transportation, and disposal of waste materials do not result in environmental harm.
Dr. Urey said subsequent investigations revealed that ELISN had already disposed one of the containers at the Wein Town disposable Site without following the proper procedures; leading to potential violations of environmental regulations.
The EPA has expressed serious concerns regarding this breach, and has meanwhile launched an investigation into the matter.
“The improper disposal of hazardous waste poses significant risks to public health and the environment,” said Dr. Urey. “We take these violations seriously, and will hold those responsible accountable.”
As part of the ongoing investigation, the EPA has collected samples of the waste for laboratory testing to ascertain its safety for disposal. The results of these tests will be made public on EPA’s website to ensure transparency in the process.
The EPA has also communicated with the Port Authority to temporarily hold the remaining containers, while the investigation is underway to ensure that the waste is properly managed in accordance with established environmental protocols.
In conclusion, the EPA said, it is committed to protecting environment and public health, reinforcing the importance of compliance with environmental regulations among all stakeholders involved in waste management.
The Agency urges all companies to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid similar administrative actions in the future.
ELSIN Transport and Logistics Firm Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who refused to give his name to journalists, said his institution has welcomed the investigation.
He added: “We are willing to corporate with the EPA in founding solution to the matter.”