Virginians Resist Maryland's Sewage Sludge Fertilizer Plans

Environmentalists and farmers in Virginia are raising alarms over a proposal to import sewage sludge fertilizer from Maryland, which has been restricted due to contamination concerns. This initiative may endanger agricultural safety and local waterways.

In 2023, Maryland's sewage treatment facilities made a worrying revelation: toxic “forever chemicals” were being detected in the state's sewage, which is commonly transformed into fertilizer and applied on agricultural land. In response, Maryland has initiated measures to limit the use of fertilizer derived from sewage sludge in order to safeguard its food supply and drinking water. Concurrently, Synagro, a major producer of sludge-fertilizer, has been seeking permits to increase the distribution of this product in Virginia.

This proposal has ignited a fierce opposition from a coalition comprising environmental advocates, fishing groups, and some farmers who firmly believe that the introduction of contaminated fertilizer will jeopardize their farmland and the fragile waterways flowing into the Potomac River. Dean Naujoks, representing the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, voiced strong objections, stating, “These sewage sludge fertilizers aren’t safe enough for farms in Maryland, so they’re coming to Virginia. That’s wrong.”

Virginia now finds itself in a precarious position amid a nationwide trend where states with more lenient regulations become the dumping grounds for polluted sludge. Local filings reveal that Synagro, controlled by a Goldman Sachs investment fund, is exploring avenues to expand sludge application in rural Virginia, prompting mounting fears about the implications for local agriculture and water quality.

The public outcry reflects a growing consciousness about the ramifications of using contaminated products in agriculture and a determination to protect the state’s natural resources from external pressures. As states navigate the complexities of environmental regulation, the stakes remain high for communities at risk of becoming the repository for waste deemed unsafe by their neighbors.