In brief
As Maryland imposes restrictions on the usage of contaminated sewage sludge fertilizer, a proposal to import more of it into Virginia ignites fears among local farmers, environmentalists, and fishing groups, who warn of potential harm to agriculture and aquatic ecosystems.
In 2023, Maryland’s sewage treatment facilities uncovered alarming levels of harmful "forever chemicals" contaminating the state's sewage, which is often processed and converted into fertilizer for agricultural use. In response to these findings, Maryland has imposed restrictions on the use of such sewage sludge fertilizers to safeguard its agricultural products and drinking water supplies. Meanwhile, Synagro, a significant producer of this sludge-based fertilizer, is seeking permits to increase its application in Virginia's farming regions.The plan has triggered a backlash among a coalition of environmental activists, fishermen, and concerned farmers. They express dismay at the thought of Maryland's unwanted and hazardous waste being redirected to Virginia. "These sewage sludge fertilizers aren’t safe for farms in Maryland, so now they want to foist them on Virginia," asserts Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network. "That’s simply unacceptable."Virginia appears to be facing a troubling trend observed nationally, where states with less stringent environmental regulations become dumping grounds for contaminated waste. Synagro is actively pursuing permission to apply more sewage sludge on Virginia's rural properties, further complicating the state's agricultural landscape. The company is currently managed by an investment fund from Goldman Sachs, raising additional questions about corporate responsibility in environmental practices.
