By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia says a generator used by telecommunications company Lonestar Cell NTM to run its operations is producing excessive noise and emission for nearby residents in Congo Town.
Lonestar Cell NTM one of the telecommunication service providers in Liberia is located in Congo Town in the neighborhood of the Sierra Leonean Embassy with a huge community at the back of the company’s headquarters.
The EPA told a news conference on Monday that it is currently investigating the alleged excessive noise and emission pollution allegedly being done by Lonestar Cell NTM.
The EPA ongoing action is as a result of a complaint filed against the company by some residents in the company’s operational area.
“The EPA wishes to inform the general public especially those in Congo Town that it is actively addressing environmental and public health risks associated with generator operations at the Lonestar Cell NTM facility in Congo Town.” The EPA Executive Director Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo said.
Dr. Yarkpawolo continued “following a complaint and subsequent investigation, it was confirmed that the generator operations are producing excessive noise and emissions directly affecting nearby residents.”
Amid the reported investigation and subsequent findings, the EPA said it has issued Lonestar Cell MTN, mandating the telecommunication provider to install effective silencers of all operational generators and or relocation of generator units away from residential boundaries that minimize noise and emission pollution to acceptable level.
Lonestar is ordered to provide ear pods for operator of the generator and security staffs.
What Will EPA do if Lonestar Fails?
The Environmental Protection Agency said it is concern about the findings and will ensure residents of the Congo belt are not endangered by the alleged pollution caused by Lonestar Cell MTN.
According to Dr. Yarkpawolo, should the telecommunication provider fail to adhere to its mandate, the EPA will take appropriate enforcement actions, including legal penalties and or operational suspension.
“The EPA has issued a final compliance notice to Lonestar Cell MTN mandating the following actions: installation of effective silencers on all operational generators and or relocation of generator units away from residential boundaries that minimizes noise and emission pollution to acceptable level and provision of ear pods for operators and security staff. Should the company fail to comply, the EPA will take appropriate enforcement actions including legal penalties and or operational suspension.” Dr. Urey Yarkpawolo said.
Lonester Cell MTN had promised to respond to the allegation from the Environmental Protection Agency but is yet to do so.
We hope to update this story once we get a respond from Lonestar Cell MTN.
