The Environmental Protection Agency of Liberia (EPA) has taken note of public concerns raised by the Sustainable Development Institute (SDI) and the Nitrain Community Forest Management Body regarding a complaint submitted against Golden Veroleum Liberia (GVL).

The EPA wishes to confirm that the complaint has been found in its records and is currently undergoing formal administrative and technical review.

The Agency also acknowledges that there was a delay in issuing a formal written response to the complainants. This delay resulted from several competing institutional priorities, including the planning and implementation of the Nationwide Environmental Compliance Monitoring exercise, follow-up enforcement activities, non-compliance determinations, responses received from regulated entities, and the management of permit-related backlogs.

While these responsibilities contributed to the delay, the EPA recognizes that the complainants should have received a formal written acknowledgement and an update on the status of their complaint.

The EPA regrets this communication gap and is implementing corrective measures to strengthen complaint tracking, improve response timelines, and ensure consistent follow-up with communities, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.

Given the seriousness of the allegations raised, the EPA will conduct a thorough, fair, and independent investigation.

The EPA emphasizes that its mandate is to assess such matters based on facts, evidence, due process, and compliance with Liberia’s environmental laws and regulations.

The Agency will not prejudge any party. However, where violations are established, appropriate regulatory and enforcement action will be taken in accordance with the law.

The EPA remains committed to transparency, accountability, environmental protection, responsible investment, and the protection of affected communities across Liberia.