Fort Worth Cuts Ties with Sludge Fertilizer Provider over Toxic Concerns

The City of Fort Worth, Texas, has ended its contract with Synagro for sewage sludge fertilizer after allegations of contamination from toxic chemicals. Ranchers are linking the fertilizer to health issues in livestock and crops.

The City of Fort Worth, Texas, has made the decision to terminate its contract with Synagro, a fertilizer provider backed by Goldman Sachs, due to rising concerns regarding the presence of “forever chemicals” in its sewage-based fertilizer. These chemicals, scientifically known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have sparked fears of contamination in local farmland and groundwater.

In addition to cutting ties with Synagro, Fort Worth has also initiated a lawsuit against several manufacturers believed to be responsible for the contamination of the city’s water supply with these chemicals. A group of ranchers in nearby Johnson County has previously brought a lawsuit against Synagro, claiming that the fertilizer applied on neighboring fields has infected their crops and livestock. This batch of sewage sludge fertilizer was treated and processed by Synagro as part of a contract to manage sewage from Fort Worth’s treatment plant.

The situation has escalated to the point where the Johnson County authorities have begun a criminal investigation into Synagro amidst mounting evidence linking sewage sludge fertilizer to PFAS, widely recognized for their prevalence in items such as nonstick cookware and stain-resistant textiles. As the controversy unfolds, concerns over food safety and environmental health continue to dominate the conversation in this Texas community.