Biosolids Containing Dangerous PFAS Chemicals May Have Impacted Your Land, Crops, and Livestock
Many farmers and landowners have had biosolids (also known as sewage sludge) applied to their fields. These materials are the byproduct of the wastewater treatment process and for decades, the application of these products was believed to be a good thing. Unfortunately, we are learning that many of the biosolids that were applied across America contained dangerous levels of PFAS toxic chemicals, which are harmful to land, animals, and people. The problem is that PFAS chemicals don’t break down naturally and bioaccumulate in animals and people who consume them, and can have dangerous implications on soil, water, crops, and livestock.
Farmers and landowners who had biosolids contaminated with PFAS applied to their properties.
What happened?
Landowners that applied biosolids may have unknowingly introduced PFAS into farmland, water supplies, and food production systems.
Why should you care?
Contamination can lead to business loss, property devaluation, and health risks.
Sludge, Sewage Waste, and PFAS Contamination
Biosolids are the byproduct of wastewater treatment facilities and have been promoted for decades as farm fertilizer. But these biosolids often contain PFAS—forever chemicals that do not break down.
How PFAS Got into Biosolids and on Your Land
Chemical manufacturers like 3M produced PFAS chemicals.
For decades, 3M, along with other large chemical manufacturers, sold PFAS compounds designed to "improve" the performance of consumer products like carpet, cookware, and clothing.
PFAS are used by local manufacturers, like carpet producers
Northwest Georgia carpet manufacturers purchased PFAS from 3M and other large chemical manufacturers by the railcar, to use in their manufacturing process. From the beginning, carpet manufacturers discharged millions of gallons of PFAS into the waste stream via factory sewer drains.
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Local water treatment plants receive PFAS-contaminated water. During the wastewater treatment process, this water is discharged into our watershed, streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.Residual biosolids, where PFAS contamination is concentrated, were shipped out as fertilizer and spread across Northwest Georgia counties.
Residential areas and private land are contaminated
Toxic 3M PFAS chemicals have been spread over our land for decades, polluting it and causing disaster for local landowners and businesses. The extent of this contamination is just beginning to be discovered.
How PFAS Enters the Food Supply
1
Biosolids applied to farmland contaminate the soil with PFAS.
2
PFAS is absorbed into groundwater and surface water used for irrigation.
3
Crops absorb PFAS from contaminated soil and water, contaminating the food supply.
4
Livestock ingest contaminated feed and water, leading to PFAS buildup in meat, milk, and eggs.
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Humans consume these products, leading to an accumulation of PFAS in our bodies. Medical research demonstrates PFAS bioaccumulates in our bodies, leading to increased levels of PFAS in blood and organ tissue over time with repeated exposure.
Farmers Who Have Suffered from PFAS Contamination
PFAS contamination has devastated farms and farmers. Hear from farmers who have faced financial and personal losses due to biosolid contamination.
Fred Stone (Dairy Farmer, Maine) Fred Stone was forced to euthanize his entire dairy herd due to PFAS contamination. The toxic chemicals in biosolids polluted his land and milk, making it impossible to continue farming.
Songbird Organic Farm (Maine) Johanna Davis and Adam Nordell built a thriving organic farm, only to discover that PFAS-contaminated biosolids had poisoned their soil, water, crops, and livestock. With their land and health compromised, they were forced to shut down, losing their livelihood due to toxic "forever chemicals”.
Lawrence & Penny Higgins (Maine) “It took the wind out of both of us. We never thought that one water test would change our lives forever,” said Lawrence Higgins when he and his wife, Penelope, discovered dangerously high levels of PFAS in their well water due to biosolids being used on the fields near their alpaca farm.
Biosolids (sewage sludge) were spread on your land.
You use groundwater or surface water for irrigation.
Your farm or business suffered financial loss from contamination.
You May Qualify If You Own:
A Dairy Farm
Example: cattle, milk production
A Livestock Farm
Example: poultry, beef, pigs
A Crop or Sod Farm
Example: vegetables, fruit grains, sod
A Farm Producing Animal Byproducts
Example: cattle, milk production
Any agricultural land impacted by biosolids
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to PFAS contamination—let’s talk about what matters most to you.
We understand that talking about PFAS contamination can feel overwhelming. That’s why reaching out to us is confidential and does obligate you to take any particular action. You can submit your information online or call our office in Dalton, Georgia, to speak directly with a member of our team. Our priority is helping farmers and landowners understand their rights and take informed steps to protect their property and livelihood.
Protect Your Land, Your Livelihood, and Your Legacy
For years, dangerous chemicals have been silently poisoning your soil and water—now is the time to fight back and protect your family’s future.
Bob Bowcock
Water Resources Manager
Farmers across Northwest Georgia have taken steps to learn about PFAS contamination and to determine if they are impacted so that they can work to hold polluters accountable. Testing your soil and water is the first step.
Sign up to have your water & soil tested for PFAS
Learn your legal rights
Fight for remediation and accountability
Don’t wait—PFAS chemicals won’t go away on their own. If biosolids have impacted your land, you need to know so that you can choose your next step.
