In brief
Ranchers in Johnson County are grappling with increased health risks due to harmful PFAS chemicals in fertilizers derived from sewage sludge.
Johnson County, located south of Fort Worth, Texas, is declaring a state of emergency as alarming levels of toxic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been discovered on local cattle ranches. These “forever chemicals,” linked to serious health issues including cancer and developmental problems, likely originated from fertilizers made from treated sewage from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facilities. After the findings, county officials are urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to assist in seeking federal funding for necessary testing, cleanup efforts, and monitoring of contaminated drinking water. The state has never faced such a crisis, with Commissioner Larry Woolley emphasizing the urgency for comprehensive evaluation and intervention. The alarming situation highlights the potential dangers of using sewage-derived fertilizers and the ongoing fight against contamination in agriculture.
