Amid growing fears of contamination, Johnson County in Texas has declared a state of emergency following investigations revealing high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in local farmland.
Texas County Issues Emergency Declaration Over Toxic Fertilizer Contamination
Texas County Issues Emergency Declaration Over Toxic Fertilizer Contamination
Johnson County seeks federal aid due to hazardous “forever chemicals” in agricultural soil from sewage sludge-based fertilizer, raising health and environmental alarms.
Johnson County, located south of Fort Worth, is grappling with a significant environmental crisis after county investigators discovered dangerous levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often referred to as "forever chemicals," at two cattle ranches in the area. This alarming situation is attributed to the use of contaminated fertilizer derived from treated sewage from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facility. Concerns over the safety of such fertilizers have gained heightened attention, particularly in light of a New York Times investigation that highlighted the risks associated with using sewage sludge as fertilizer.
The PFAS chemicals found in the area have been linked to serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of certain cancers, birth defects, and developmental delays in children, among other health issues. As a result, Johnson County officials are taking action. Recently, the county commissioners passed a resolution urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to join their emergency declaration and apply for federal disaster assistance.
Larry Woolley, a commissioner in Johnson County, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the crisis, stating, “This is uncharted territory.” The funding sought through federal assistance would be allocated towards crucial measures such as testing and monitoring the local drinking water, environmental cleanup efforts, and the potential euthanization of cattle impacted by soil, crops, and water contamination.
This proactive response underscores the serious and complex challenges facing agricultural communities dealing with the repercussions of using sewage sludge for fertilizers and the broader implications for public health and safety. As the situation develops, attention turns to both the local and federal processes necessary to address the environmental health hazards emerging from this contamination incident.
The PFAS chemicals found in the area have been linked to serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of certain cancers, birth defects, and developmental delays in children, among other health issues. As a result, Johnson County officials are taking action. Recently, the county commissioners passed a resolution urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to join their emergency declaration and apply for federal disaster assistance.
Larry Woolley, a commissioner in Johnson County, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the crisis, stating, “This is uncharted territory.” The funding sought through federal assistance would be allocated towards crucial measures such as testing and monitoring the local drinking water, environmental cleanup efforts, and the potential euthanization of cattle impacted by soil, crops, and water contamination.
This proactive response underscores the serious and complex challenges facing agricultural communities dealing with the repercussions of using sewage sludge for fertilizers and the broader implications for public health and safety. As the situation develops, attention turns to both the local and federal processes necessary to address the environmental health hazards emerging from this contamination incident.
