Authorities at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have commended its “dedicated staff” and partners for the swift, professional, and effective response to a minor hydrochloric acid spillage that occurred along the Gbarnga to Kokoya Road.
The incident, according to a release, occurred near Money Sweet Town, Kokoya District, Bong County.
The Agency assures the public that the situation was fully contained, with no lasting environmental or public health impact.
On January 18, 2026, at approximately 9:15 p.m., a semi-trailer truck bearing registration number HO3047, transporting ten Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) of hydrochloric acid classified under UN1789 as a corrosive liquid.
The truck experienced a fire incident that damaged four rear tires.
The incident, the release said, resulted in the leakage of approximately 40 liters of hydrochloric acid from one affected container.
The chemical consignment was being transported from the Freeport of Monrovia to the MNG Gold Liberia operational site in Kokoya District, Bong County by Everette, an EPA-certified hazardous goods transportation company, under the mandatory escort of EPA-certified chemical handlers.
Upon the occurrence of the incident, immediate response actions were taken by the EPA`s chemical handlers on site in collaboration with MNG Gold Liberia’s environmental and safety team to control the fire and contain the spill.
The spill area was promptly diked using nearby dirt to prevent the chemical from spreading. The affected container was repositioned to minimize further leakage.
A backup response team from MNG Gold arrived swiftly with hydrated lime to neutralize the spilled hydrochloric acid.
Dry sand was applied as an absorbent material to stabilize the area.
Following initial concerns raised by local residents, coordinated interventions by prominent Bong County residents facilitated the safe transfer of all chemical containers onto another trailer for onward transportation to the MNG Gold operational site.
On the following morning, EPA inspectors supervised the excavation of all contaminated soil and absorbent materials by the company safety team.
These materials were securely placed in high-density polyethylene drums and transported to the company’s mine site for proper decontamination and disposal in accordance with hazardous waste management standards.
A thorough inspection of the surrounding environment confirmed that the spillage was fully contained and did not reach any wetlands, streams, creeks, or other water bodies. The nearest community hand pump was located far uphill from the incident site, ensuring that drinking water sources were not affected.
The EPA Bong County Inspectorate immediately engaged residents of Money Sweet Town to address concerns and provide accurate information regarding the incident.
In collaboration with MNG Gold, local authorities, and community leaders provided relief assistance comprising food and drinking water to nearby communities.
The company officially notified the EPA of the incident within 24-hour, well within the 72-hour reporting requirement stipulated under its environmental permit, demonstrating compliance with national environmental regulations and protocols.
The EPA has meanwhile, commissioned continuous environmental monitoring of the affected area to ensure ongoing public safety and environmental integrity.
The EPA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the health and safety of all residents of Liberia and will continue to enforce strict regulations governing the transportation and handling of hazardous chemicals by certified companies operating under EPA supervision.
The EPA remains steadfast in its mission to ensure a clean, healthy, and safe environment for present and future generations.