Johnson County's Emergency Declaration Over Contaminated Fertilizer Use

In an urgent move, Johnson County, Texas, has declared a state of emergency due to toxic PFAS chemicals detected in fertilizer sourced from sewage sludge, leading to severe health risks and contamination within local agriculture.

Johnson County, located south of Fort Worth, Texas, has declared a state of emergency following alarming findings of toxic "forever chemicals" linked to contaminated fertilizer derived from treated sewage. County investigators discovered elevated levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, at two cattle ranches earlier this year, triggering widespread concern among farmers and health officials.

The contamination is traced back to fertilizer applied on a neighboring farm, sourced from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facility. This incident mirrors findings from a recent investigation highlighting the risks associated with using sewage sludge as fertilizer, with Johnson County ranchers facing potential devastation to their livestock and crops.

PFAS, commonly utilized in items such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, pose significant health hazards. They have been associated with an increased risk of various cancers, potential birth defects, and developmental delays in children.

In response, county commissioners passed a resolution requesting Texas Governor Greg Abbott's support in declaring the emergency and seeking federal disaster assistance. “This is uncharted territory,” expressed Commissioner Larry Woolley, emphasizing the need for funds to conduct comprehensive testing of local drinking water, manage remediation efforts, and potentially euthanize contaminated livestock. The county aims to act swiftly to safeguard public health and restore agricultural safety.