E.P.A. and the Controversy of Toxic Sewage Fertilizer: A Decade-Old Warning Ignored

Despite research from 3M indicating the dangers of PFAS in sewage used as fertilizer, the E.P.A. persists in promoting this practice without required testing, raising serious public health concerns.

In the early 2000s, scientists from 3M made a significant discovery: elevated levels of PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” were detected in the United States' sewage systems. These chemicals, infamous for their presence in products like nonstick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, were becoming alarmingly common in the environment. The implications of this discovery were grave, as exposure to PFAS has been linked to severe health issues, including cancer and birth defects.

Despite the seriousness of their findings, 3M chose not to disclose this vital information publicly. However, the company did share its research outcomes with the Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) during a meeting in 2003, highlighting the presence of toxic chemicals in the sewage sludge that was being encouraged for use as fertilizer across farms nationwide. Astonishingly, this critical issue has not been adequately reported until now.

Today, the E.P.A. still endorses the application of sewage sludge as fertilizer while neglecting to mandate testing for PFAS. This stance continues to perplex experts and advocates who have raised alarms about contamination risks, including academics, whistle-blowers, and state officials over the years. David Lewis, a former E.P.A. microbiologist, has been vocal about the dire consequences, stating, “These are highly complex mixtures of chemicals,” emphasizing that once sludge is introduced to the soil, it leads to near-permanent contamination.

With a plethora of evidence and warning signs disregarded by the agency, the ongoing promotion of sewage sludge as fertilizer poses a substantial risk to public health and the environment. The negligence raises significant questions about the E.P.A.'s commitment to ensuring the safety of the agricultural practices it supports, as well as the broader implications for communities relying on this fertilization method.