Goldman Sachs-backed company profits from toxic sewage, leaving farmers to face the consequences.
At a Glance
- Synagro, owned by a Goldman Sachs fund, sells biosolid fertilizers contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals
- Farmers are discovering PFAS contamination in their land, water, crops, and livestock
- Synagro is lobbying Congress for protection against lawsuits from affected farmers
- The EPA has declared two common PFAS types as hazardous substances under the Superfund law
- Only Maine has systematically tested agricultural land for PFAS, finding significant contamination
The Toxic Business of Biosolid Fertilizers
In a shocking revelation, a Goldman Sachs-backed company has been profiting from one of America’s dirtiest secrets. Synagro, a major player in the biosolid fertilizer industry, has been selling treated sewage sludge as fertilizer, despite its potential contamination with harmful PFAS chemicals. These “forever chemicals” are linked to serious health issues, including cancer and birth defects, raising alarming concerns about their presence in our food supply and environment.
As farmers across the nation are discovering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in their land, water, crops, and livestock, Synagro faces mounting pressure. The company’s response? Lobbying Congress to limit lawsuits from affected farmers and others impacted by sludge fertilizer pollution. This move has sparked outrage among environmental advocates and farmers alike, who argue that companies profiting from potentially hazardous products should be held accountable for the damage they cause.
The EPA’s Role and Regulatory Challenges
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has taken steps to address the PFAS crisis by declaring two common PFAS types as hazardous substances under the Superfund law. However, the agency continues to promote sludge as fertilizer without regulating PFAS in biosolids. This regulatory gap has left farmers vulnerable and exposed to potential contamination.
The EPA’s efforts to implement new PFAS regulations face opposition from corporations and anti-regulation lawmakers. The recent Supreme Court decision overturning the Chevron doctrine has increased the likelihood of legal challenges to these regulations. Additionally, conservative initiatives like Project 2025 threaten to weaken federal agencies, potentially undermining PFAS regulations further.
The Battle for Accountability
As the controversy unfolds, a bill introduced by Senators John Boozman and Cynthia Lummis aims to protect sludge companies and wastewater plants from lawsuits. This legislative move has been met with fierce opposition from environmental groups and affected farmers who argue that it would shield polluters from responsibility.
In response to the growing crisis, the PFAS Action Act has been proposed to enshrine protections into law, hold polluters accountable, and safeguard public health. The act aims to protect existing regulations, limit industrial discharges, and pause new PFAS production. It also seeks to ensure that polluters bear the costs of cleanup and advocates for a ban on non-essential PFAS uses.
The Path Forward
The Senate farm bill has proposed a $500 million fund for PFAS cleanup, but its fate remains uncertain. Grassroots organizing has proven effective against corporate lobbying, emphasizing the need for Congress to pass the PFAS Action Act and protect American farmers and consumers from these dangerous “forever chemicals.”
As more farmers discover contamination on their lands and in their products, the pressure for comprehensive action and accountability will only intensify. It’s time for lawmakers to prioritize the health and safety of American citizens over the profits of companies selling potentially toxic products.
