MONROVIA – The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has imposed a US$15,000 fine on telecommunications company Lonestar Cell MTN for violating national noise pollution regulations, following a series of complaints from residents near the company’s generator facility.
According to EPA Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel Urey Yarkpawolo, Lonestar Cell MTN failed to fully implement critical noise mitigation measures previously mandated by the agency. A follow-up investigation conducted between April 7 and 24 found that noise levels at the site reached 84.6 decibels, well above the 60-decibel daytime limit established by both the EPA and the World Health Organization.
Despite earlier warnings, the company reportedly ignored or only partially implemented several required measures. These included the installation of effective silencers on generators, the elevation of exhaust stacks, the provision of personal protective equipment for staff, and the submission of a formal generator relocation plan. In some instances, generators were even moved without obtaining the EPA’s approval.
“Lonestar Cell MTN must pay the fine within 72 hours and comply with all recommendations within two weeks,” Dr. Yarkpawolo declared. “Failure to comply will lead to additional enforcement actions, including the potential shutdown of operations.”
The EPA stated that the fine is to be paid to the Liberia Revenue Authority and that the Ministry of Justice has been formally notified of the violation. The agency also issued a broader warning, emphasizing that all businesses must adhere to environmental regulations or risk similar penalties.
