In brief
With growing scrutiny over "forever chemicals" in its fertilizers, Synagro, backed by Goldman Sachs, is pushing Congress to pass legislation limiting the liability of sludge producers. This move has sparked concern among farmers dealing with environmental contamination.
For decades, Synagro, a company under the ownership of Goldman Sachs, has generated significant revenue from processing sewage sludge into agricultural fertilizers. Known as biosolids, this fertilizer often contains persistent contaminants dubbed “forever chemicals” (PFAS), which are associated with severe health risks such as cancer and congenital disabilities. As this issue gains attention, farmers are experiencing unsettling discoveries of PFAS levels contaminating their soil, water, crops, and livestock. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency has classified two prominent PFAS compounds as hazardous under the Superfund law.In light of these developments, Synagro has stepped up its lobbying efforts in Congress, aiming to limit the legal recourse available to farmers and other affected parties regarding the contamination associated with its products. According to lobbying disclosures, the organization is spearheaded by its chief executive and is actively engaging with lawmakers. Earlier this year, the company’s representatives sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, arguing they should not be held liable for PFAS present in the sludge prior to its conversion into fertilizer.This lobbying initiative has gained traction, evidenced by the introduction of a bill by Senators John Boozman of Arkansas and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming that seeks to safeguard sludge companies, including Synagro, and wastewater treatment facilities from potential litigation. A similar bill has also been proposed in the House. This political maneuver raises significant alarm among farmers and environmental advocates concerned about the implications for public health and environmental safety.
