Residents blame livestock health issues on ‘forever chemicals’ found in products from Synagro.
**Synagro Exits Fort Worth Amid Controversy Over Toxic Fertilizer**
**Synagro Exits Fort Worth Amid Controversy Over Toxic Fertilizer**
Concerns escalate as Texas city sever ties with sludge-fertilizer entity linked to groundwater contamination.
The City of Fort Worth, Texas, recently announced the termination of its contract with Synagro, a fertilizer provider backed by Goldman Sachs, amidst rising concerns about contamination linked to “forever chemicals,” specifically per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This decision comes following lawsuits from local ranchers in Johnson County, who claim that the sludge fertilizer, generated from the sewage treatment plant in Fort Worth and spread across nearby farmlands, has adversely impacted their livestock and crops.
In conjunction with severing ties with Synagro, Fort Worth has embarked on legal action against various manufacturers of PFAS, alleging their products contaminated the city’s water supply, posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
The issue has garnered significant attention in light of mounting research indicating that sewage sludge fertilizers may contain hazardous levels of PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals commonly found in household items, from nonstick cookware to water-repellent fabrics. In response to the allegations and health concerns, Johnson County has also initiated a criminal investigation into Synagro’s operations and the potential environmental impact.
With these developments, many in the community are calling for greater scrutiny and regulation of fertilizer practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to protect both public health and the agricultural industry. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and the implications of the contamination are further assessed.
In conjunction with severing ties with Synagro, Fort Worth has embarked on legal action against various manufacturers of PFAS, alleging their products contaminated the city’s water supply, posing a significant threat to public health and safety.
The issue has garnered significant attention in light of mounting research indicating that sewage sludge fertilizers may contain hazardous levels of PFAS, a group of synthetic chemicals commonly found in household items, from nonstick cookware to water-repellent fabrics. In response to the allegations and health concerns, Johnson County has also initiated a criminal investigation into Synagro’s operations and the potential environmental impact.
With these developments, many in the community are calling for greater scrutiny and regulation of fertilizer practices, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability to protect both public health and the agricultural industry. The situation remains fluid as investigations continue and the implications of the contamination are further assessed.
