Texas City Ends Controversial Sludge Fertilizer Contract Amid PFAS Concerns

The city of Fort Worth has ended its partnership with Synagro, a fertilizer company linked to contamination in local agriculture, due to rising concerns over "forever chemicals" found in sludge fertilizer.

In a significant move reflecting growing concerns over environmental safety, Fort Worth, Texas, has decided to terminate its contract with Synagro, a firm connected to the production of fertilizer from sewage sludge. Health risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," have prompted the city to take decisive action.

This decision was also influenced by a lawsuit filed against PFAS manufacturers, accusing them of contaminating the local water supply. The decision comes on the heels of alarming testimonies from ranchers in Johnson County who have claimed that their livestock have suffered health issues due to the toxic effects of the fertilizer distributed by Synagro. Reports indicate that Synagro was responsible for processing sewage from Fort Worth’s treatment facility and distributing the treated sludge to farmers as fertilizer.

Amid these allegations, a criminal investigation into Synagro's activities has been initiated in Johnson County. Studies have increasingly indicated that sewage sludge, often used as a fertilizer, may contain hazardous levels of PFAS. These synthetic chemicals are prevalent in a variety of common consumer products, such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics.

As communities increasingly confront the realities of chemical contamination and its impacts on public health, Fort Worth's actions illustrate a broader movement toward enforcing environmental safeguards in agriculture and ensuring the protection of local ecosystems.