Texas Towns Pull Fertilizer Deal Amid Contamination Fears

The City of Fort Worth terminates its agreement with Synagro, citing concerns about toxic chemicals in fertilizer sourced from sewage sludge, as ranchers report livestock illness linked to agricultural runoff.

In a significant move, Fort Worth, Texas, has decided to terminate its contract with Synagro, a fertilizer company backed by Goldman Sachs, due to alarming concerns regarding the presence of "forever chemicals" in their sewage sludge fertilizer. These synthetic chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have sparked outrage as residents worry they are leaching into local farmland and groundwater supplies.

Alongside the contract termination, the city has instituted legal action against several PFAS manufacturers, claiming they are responsible for the contamination of the municipal water supply. The growing unease surrounding the fertilizer's safety was amplified last year when ranchers from nearby Johnson County launched a lawsuit against Synagro. They alleged that the firm's fertilizer was responsible for harmful effects on their crops and livestock, triggering a criminal investigation into the company's practices.

A burgeoning body of literature indicates that sewage sludge—commonly repurposed as agricultural fertilizer—often harbors PFAS, substances widely found in a variety of consumer products such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant furnishings. The repercussions of this sobering discovery have ignited a fierce debate about the safety of using such fertilizers in a state grappling with agricultural sustainability and public health.