Texas farmers are fighting back against what they claim is a devastating contamination of their land, filing a landmark lawsuit against biosolids company Synagro Technologies.
The case, unfolding in Johnson County, Texas, shows high levels of PFAS contamination that has allegedly poisoned water supplies, killed livestock, and rendered farmland worthless.
Will this Texas lawsuit become the first domino in a nationwide reckoning over contaminated biosolids?
Initial Testing Shows Contamination
Testing shows unprecedented PFAS concentrations that sent waves through the farming community. A liver sample from a stillborn calf contained a staggering 610,000 parts per trillion of PFOS, exposing the severity of the contamination. (ref)
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Surface water testing painted an equally grim picture, with levels exceeding 84,700 parts per trillion – more than 21,000 times higher than the EPA’s recommended safety limit of 4 parts per trillion.
Immediate Impact on Farm Communities
The nightmare unfolded swiftly after Synagro distributed biosolid fertilizer to a neighboring farm in 2022.
Strong odors preceded a wave of devastation: dying livestock, contaminated water supplies, and farmers developing respiratory problems – transforming thriving farmland into toxic ground overnight.
Property values crashed as generations of agricultural heritage faced an existential threat. Farming families watched helplessly as their carefully cultivated land, passed down through generations, became unusable, leaving an indelible mark on the soil and the tight-knit farming community.
A Nationwide Crisis Emerges
The Texas lawsuit appears to be just the tip of the iceberg in a growing national crisis. Maine regulators have identified PFAS chemicals on at least 73 farms, while estimates suggest nearly 20 million acres of US cropland may be fertilized with sewage sludge containing these “forever chemicals.”
The Department of Defense has notified 3,911 farms across dozens of states that they risk PFAS contamination due to proximity to military bases.
In one devastating case, a New Mexico dairy farmer had to euthanize over 4,000 cows due to groundwater contamination from a nearby Air Force Base. (ref)
Legal Battle Intensifies
The lawsuit alleges Synagro failed to conduct adequate testing or warn users about PFAS risks while marketing their fertilizer as “safe and organic.” The plaintiffs are pursuing strict liability for product defect, negligence, and private nuisance claims, seeking compensatory and punitive damages.
Environmental advocates predict this case could be the first of many. Maine has already banned the use of biosolids after widespread contamination, and other states may follow suit.
The EPA is conducting a risk assessment of PFAS in biosolids, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. (ref)
The Path Forward
Environmental lawyer Rob Bilott argues that PFAS manufacturers, not taxpayers, should bear responsibility for the contamination. A proposed federal bill, the Relief for Farmers Hit with PFAS Act, would establish testing programs and financially assist affected farmers. (ref)
The crisis has sparked urgent calls for regulatory reform and accountability. While some states like Maine are taking proactive measures, others remain unaware of potential contamination within their borders.
As one former organic farmer warned: “This is coming. There’s no reason to think that the contamination is unique to Maine“.
Economic Impact & Community Response
Local communities are rallying behind affected farmers as the economic toll mounts. Agricultural economists estimate the contamination could cost affected farms millions in lost revenue and property value.
Some farmers report being forced to abandon generations-old family businesses.
Community organizations have formed support networks to help impacted farmers navigate legal challenges and seek alternative income sources. Local food banks report increasing strain as formerly productive farms cease operations, highlighting the broader impact on food security and rural economies.
Environmental Legacy & Future Implications
Scientists warn that PFAS contamination could persist for decades, if not centuries, earning these chemicals their nickname of “forever chemicals.”
The contamination threatens current farming operations and could impact agricultural viability for generations to come.
Research institutions are accelerating studies on remediation techniques, including experimental methods to break down PFAS compounds in soil. However, current cleanup technologies remain prohibitively expensive, with some estimates suggesting complete remediation could cost billions nationwide.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.