Capitol Building, Monrovia — Montserrado County District #17 Representative Bernard “DJ Blue” Benson Jr. has called for the immediate closure of LICHI Inc., a sand mining company operating in Virginia Township, citing severe environmental destruction and the company’s failure to honor its social obligations to the community.
In a formal letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Executive Director Dr. Emmanuel K. Urey Yarkpawolo, Rep. Benson outlined a series of urgent concerns over the company’s activities, which he says have caused land degradation, increased erosion, heavy dust pollution, and the rapid deterioration of the Virginia–Clay Ashland Road — a vital transportation link for local residents.
The lawmaker also wrote to House Speaker Richard N. Koon, stressing that LICHI Inc. has not met its commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Virginia Township administration. The MOU reportedly required the company to undertake social responsibility projects benefiting the community, but Benson claims these obligations have been neglected.
“The situation in Virginia Township is serious. Residents are being deprived of safe roads, clean air, and basic services while this company profits from our natural resources,” Rep. Benson stated in his communication.
According to him, the environmental damage has had a direct impact on residents’ quality of life, making it more difficult for them to access schools, health facilities, and local markets. The degradation of the Virginia–Clay Ashland Road — worsened by heavy sand trucks — has also disrupted commercial and commuter activities.
Rep. Benson is urging the EPA and House leadership to take swift and decisive action to halt LICHI Inc.’s operations until the company addresses the environmental concerns and fulfills its community development promises.
The push for accountability comes amid growing public frustration in Virginia Township over sand mining activities, which residents say have caused years of ecological harm without corresponding benefits for the local population.
If the EPA responds favorably to Benson’s request, the closure of LICHI Inc. would mark a major step in the fight for environmental justice and corporate accountability in Montserrado County.
