Johnson County authorities are seeking federal help as high levels of PFAS found on ranches raise health concerns.
Toxic Fertilizer Crisis in Texas: Johnson County Declares Emergency
Toxic Fertilizer Crisis in Texas: Johnson County Declares Emergency
County grapples with contamination from sewage-derived fertilizer linked to "forever chemicals".
In a troubling development, Johnson County, located south of Fort Worth, Texas, is moving towards declaring a state of emergency due to alarming contamination of its farmland by toxic "forever chemicals." The county's investigations revealed hazardous levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) present on two local cattle ranches, which officials believe have originated from fertilizer made from treated sewage sludge.
Discovered in 2023, these PFAS compounds, commonly found in everyday products like nonstick cookware and water-resistant fabrics, pose significant health risks, including elevated chances of cancer, birth defects, and developmental issues in children. The contaminated fertilizer was sourced from a wastewater treatment facility in Fort Worth, raising questions about the safety of using such materials in agricultural practices.
Responding to this crisis, the county's commissioners enacted a resolution this week urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to assist in the declaration of a state of emergency and to seek federal disaster relief. County Commissioner Larry Woolley emphasized the unprecedented nature of this situation, highlighting the urgency for funding aimed at testing drinking water, remediation efforts, and potentially the euthanization of cattle exposed to this dangerous contamination.
The fallout from this contamination raises profound concerns not only about the health of local citizens and livestock but also about broader agricultural policies related to the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. As investigations continue, the county remains on high alert while awaiting potential federal intervention to address this pressing public health threat.
Discovered in 2023, these PFAS compounds, commonly found in everyday products like nonstick cookware and water-resistant fabrics, pose significant health risks, including elevated chances of cancer, birth defects, and developmental issues in children. The contaminated fertilizer was sourced from a wastewater treatment facility in Fort Worth, raising questions about the safety of using such materials in agricultural practices.
Responding to this crisis, the county's commissioners enacted a resolution this week urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to assist in the declaration of a state of emergency and to seek federal disaster relief. County Commissioner Larry Woolley emphasized the unprecedented nature of this situation, highlighting the urgency for funding aimed at testing drinking water, remediation efforts, and potentially the euthanization of cattle exposed to this dangerous contamination.
The fallout from this contamination raises profound concerns not only about the health of local citizens and livestock but also about broader agricultural policies related to the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer. As investigations continue, the county remains on high alert while awaiting potential federal intervention to address this pressing public health threat.
