The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, said, the Agency has acquired advanced laboratory equipment.
The equipment, Yarkpawolo said, is to strengthen environmental monitoring and scientific testing capacity.
He spoke at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing on Tuesday, July 7, in Monrovia.
Dr. Yarkpawolo said, the new laboratory equipment will enhance the EPA’s ability to monitor environmental quality, test hazardous substances, verify minerals, and provide scientific evidence to support law enforcement and regulatory institutions.
According to him, the modern equipment will enable the Agency to conduct comprehensive chemical analyses, detect harmful drugs, and toxic substances, measure environmental pollutants and determine soil carbon levels with greater accuracy.
He said, the laboratory will also verify the quality and value of minerals, provide independent scientific assessments that will support government agencies in making informed decisions on environmental protection, mining activities and public safety.
Dr. Yarkpawolo described the acquisition as a major step to improve scientific and technical capacity, emphasizing that reliable laboratory analysis is essential for enforcing environmental laws and protecting public health.
He also disclosed that the Agency has acquired a new office building through savings accumulated over the past two years.
Yarkpawolo said, the property was independently assessed by professional valuers and purchased below its market value after the completion of all required due diligence procedures.
The acquisition, Yarkpawolo said, reflects the Agency’s commitment to prudent financial management and the efficient use of public resources.
On environmental enforcement, he revealed that the EPA has investigated complaints of land clearing, which involved Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL) in collaboration with other relevant government institutions.
He said, the investigation is intended to determine whether environmental regulations were violated, and to ensure that all parties comply with environmental protection laws.
Dr. Yarkpawolo further disclosed that the EPA has strengthened partnership with the Liberia National Police to enforce noise pollution regulations.
He explained that the collaboration, includes the proper management, and utilization of seized sound equipment as part of efforts to reduce excessive noise and improve compliance with environmental standards.
Yarkpawolo reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to protect environment through scientific innovation, effective regulation, and stronger collaboration with national institutions.
He said, the acquisition of modern laboratory equipment and other institutional improvements demonstrates the EPA’s determination to enhance environmental governance and ensure sustainable
management of the country’s natural resources.