In brief
The county faces a crisis after discovering harmful levels of 'forever chemicals' linked to sewage-derived fertilizer.
Johnson County, located just south of Fort Worth, Texas, is stepping up efforts to declare a state of emergency in response to alarming levels of toxic PFAS chemicals found in local farmland. Those chemicals are commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and association with serious health risks. The county's situation intensified after investigations unveiled high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at two cattle ranches in the area. Officials believe the contamination stems from the use of fertilizer produced from treated sewage sludge sourced from Fort Worth’s wastewater treatment facility. A recent New York Times report highlighted the troubling implications of using such fertilizers, drawing attention to the experiences of affected ranchers in Johnson County.PFAS has been linked to increased cancer risks and a variety of dangerous health effects, including developmental delays in children and potential birth defects. In a resolution passed earlier this week, county commissioners urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to support their emergency declaration and help secure federal disaster funds.Larry Woolley, a member of the county’s board of commissioners, described the situation as "uncharted territory," emphasizing the need for funding to facilitate extensive testing of drinking water, cleanup efforts, and possibly the euthanization of livestock affected by contaminated soil, crops, and water sources.
