Virginians Reject Contaminated Sewage Fertilizer from Maryland

As Maryland imposes restrictions on sewage sludge fertilizer due to contamination fears, environmentalists in Virginia unite against plans to ship the toxic waste across state lines, fearing damage to agriculture and aquatic ecosystems.

In 2023, wastewater treatment facilities in Maryland uncovered alarming findings: harmful "forever chemicals" permeating the state's sewage, much of which is repurposed into fertilizer for agricultural land. Responding to potential threats to public health and safety, Maryland has implemented limitations on the use of this contaminated sludge fertilizer. Meanwhile, a notable producer of sewage fertilizer, Synagro, is attempting to secure permission to transport more of this toxic substance into Virginia's rural regions.

A coalition comprising environmental advocates, fishing organizations, and concerned local farmers has mobilized against Synagro's efforts. They argue that the hazardous material poses a severe risk to farmland integrity and threatens the delicate ecosystems of nearby waterways, particularly those feeding into the Potomac River. Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network criticized the move: “These sludge fertilizers aren’t safe enough for farms in Maryland, so they’re trying to shift the burden to Virginia.”

This situation reflects a broader trend across the United States, where states with less stringent regulations become potential dumping grounds for hazardous waste as others strive to tackle the growing contamination crisis on their own soil. In Virginia, local filings reveal that Synagro, under the control of a Goldman Sachs investment fund, is pushing hard to increase the applications of its sewage sludge on Virginia farms—a move that has sparked widespread debate and concern about future ramifications for the state's agriculture and waterways.