Section 12, The Environment Protection Agency Act, 2022

(1) The object for which the Agency is established is toimplement and enforce this Act and regulations made under it. Remuneration of members. Filling of vacancies. Functions of Agency. (2) A member of the Board who contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of misconduct and shall be removed from the Board. 7. (1) An action or other proceedings shall not lie or be instituted against a member of the Board or member of a committee of the Board or any authorized officer for or in respect of an act or thing done or omitted to be done in good faith in the exercise of his functions under this Act. (2) A member of the Board shall not be personally liable for any debt or obligation of the Agency. 8. (1) The Board may, for the discharge of its functions, appoint one or more committees to perform such functions as the Board may determine. (2) A committee shall consist of members of the Board or non- members or both as the Board may decide. (3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Board shall appoint an audit committee consisting of such members of the Board, excluding the Executive Chairman, and performing such functions as the Board may determine. (4) A committee shall submit a report of its proceedings to the Board at such time as the Board may determine. 9. (1) Subject to this Act, the Board shall have the control and supervision of the Agency, including overseeing the sound and proper financial management of the Agency. (2) It shall also be the responsibility of the Board to provide such policy guidance and advice as will secure the efficient overall performance of the functions of the Agency. (3) In the discharge of its functions, the Board may- (a) direct the Executive Chairman to furnish it with any information, report or other documents which the Board considers necessary for the performance of its functions; and Immunity of Board members and Authoriized Officers. Committees of Board. Powers and Functions of Board. No. 15 The Environment Protection Agency Act 2022 No. 15 The Environment Protection Agency Act 2022 (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Agency shall be responsible to- (a) advise the Minister on the formulation of policies on all aspects of the environment including the protection of the environment; (b) co-ordinate the activities of bodies concerned with the technical or practical aspects of the environment in order to facilitate- (i) communication between such bodies and the Minister; (ii) effective supervision of the generation, treatment, storage, transportation and disposal of waste; (c) collaborate and coordinate with such foreign and international bodies as the Agency considers necessary for the purposes of the implementation of this Act; (d) ensure compliance with prescribed environmental impact assessment procedures in the planning and execution of development projects; (e) act, in its own accord or in co-operation with government agencies, local councils and other bodies and institutions, to control pollution and generally protect and improve the environment; (f) conduct investigations into environmental issues and advise the Minister thereon; (g) promote studies, research, surveys and analysis for the improvement and protection of the environment and the maintenance of a sound ecological system; (h) initiate and pursue formal and non-formal educational programmes for the creation of public awareness of the environment and its importance to the economic and social life of Sierra Leone; (i) promote effective planning in the management of the environment; (j) develop a comprehensive database on the environment; (k) coordinate and monitor the implementation of national environmental policies; (l) make available to the public, through publications and other appropriate means and in cooperation with public or private organizations, environmental data and information; (m) promote, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau, the establishment of national standards and guidelines relating to- (i) ambient air; (ii) water and soil quality; (iii) the pollution of air, water, land and other forms of environmental pollution including the discharge of wastes and the control of toxic substances; (n) issue guidelines for the better implementation of this Act and Regulations made hereunder; (o) coordinate, all aspects relating to climate change to enhance consistency in policies, laws and their implementation; (p) act as focal point on all issues concerning the environment; (q) conduct environmental hazard mapping, risk and vulnerability assessment and develop plan for environmental related disaster risk reduction; 14 15 No. 15 The Environment Protection Agency Act 2022 No. 15 The Environment Protection Agency Act 2022 17 (d) impose environmental protection levies and fines in accordance with this Act or regulations made under this Act. PART IV - ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS