Probing Toxic Chemicals in the Ag Reserve

A class of toxic chemicals called PFAS can contaminate water, farmland, wells, and crops. These chemicals have been linked to cancer and other diseases and do not break down in the environment. An organization called PEER (Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility) is leading an effort to probe whether PFAS chemicals are present—and if so, to what degree—on Ag Reserve land and in water sources.

Testing to date has yielded concerning results. Levels of several forms of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances of which there are thousands) are substantially higher than EPA recommended quantities in drinking water in Poolesville. As a result, the town closed two of its 12 wells. These concerning results also led SCA and Montgomery Countryside Alliance (MCA) to join PEER in January in calling on Montgomery County officials to prohibit the use of certain PFAS-containing fertilizers, called biosolids, on county agricultural land—to prevent further contamination of ground and surface waters.

PFAS in such fertilizers have led to shutdowns of dairies, ranches, and other farming operations in states from Maine to New Mexico. In Maryland, lab testing found high levels of PFAS in certain fertilizers. These products are used on county agriculture fields, golf courses and public lands. PFAS from biosolids migrate to surface water and groundwater. They are also absorbed by plants and ingested by humans and livestock.

PEER and its affiliated groups are now exploring the logistics of testing for PFAS in other areas of the Ag Reserve. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Tim Whitehouse at PEER, twhitehouse@peer.org.

Renewable Energy/Waste Disposal/RecyclingSCAFebruary 22, 2023Comment