This doesn't address the underlying problem, but if this is something you'd like to avoid as a consumer, it's worth noting that sewage sludge is not permitted for use in growing organic produce:
> A very important part of the process-based regulatory framework is the prohibition of certain methods in organic production and handling. Methods like irradiation, sewage sludge, and genetic engineering are all expressly prohibited from being used when growing or processing organic foods.
https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/organic-101-what-o...
The actual complaint is available here: https://peer.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/2024.02.27-First...
Not a lawyer and I didn't read with a fine-tooth comb, but I didn't see any smoking gun.
The complaint shows high quantities of PFAS measured on a farm, then it jumps to a section that says those PFAS were "also found" in a sample of the fertilizer used. The catch is that the concentration of those PFAS is measured in parts per trillion (ppt). Not a lawyer, but I feel like this is an uphill battle to show that the "smoking fertilizer" that caused the breathing problems is linked to PFAS contamination in groundwater at a different site at high concentrations.
Something to keep in mind is that modern equipment is very good at finding very small quantities of compounds. When you're able to measure down to parts per trillion you can start finding some level of various compounds in basically every water sample you test.
Johnson County is not in the middle of nowhere, Texas. It’s just about 30 minutes south of DFW.
It is well known that biosolids are full of PFAs and that they bio accumulate and cause organ failure.
The science is clear.
The mass deregulation the Trump admin is proposing is just going to make this worse for everyone.
PFAS and microplastics are not good, and likely bad.
But the sheer quantity that would be required to actually kill livestock in anything resembling a clear and causative timeframe is mind boggling.
Like 10% by weight or something, likely, if not more.
That seems either really unlikely to be true, or such gross malfeasance that it’s gonna be hell to pay.
pulls out popcorn
a cow could drink a can of 80s scotch guard and not die from the pfas, what a nonsense article
> Synagro has denied that its fertilisers have harmed the health of farmers or livestock and is contesting the lawsuit.
Sign of the times. Deny, deny, deny, and maybe all the people suing you will die or run out of money.