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The latest research reveals high levels of PFAS chemicals have been detected in Tennessee’s soil and water, leading to demands for a statewide ban on using sewage sludge as fertilizer.

According to the Sierra Club report, PFAS are a class of more than 15,000 man-made chemicals that are persistent in the environment due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

Dan Firth, chair of the Tennessee chapter of the Sierra Club’s solid waste and mining committee, said they found high levels of PFAS in the soil of a field where biosolids have been applied, and in the groundwater from a nearby well.

“We extended our previous studies, where we just looked at surface waters,” said Firth, “and we analyzed a sample of actual bio solids, sludge from a wastewater treatment plant, and found extremely high levels of PFAS in them. Nearly 100,000 times higher than in the water.”

Firth added that the so-called forever chemicals are used in consumer products, cosmetics, food packaging and many other things.

He added that the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation is holding a public meeting on September 5 to recommend renewing the general biosolids permit without changes.

Firth pointed out that the Environmental Protection Agency is supposed to work on some biosolids standards. However, the EPA is promoting the beneficial application of biosolids on land.

He added that based on their reporting, biosolids aren’t helpful because they are full of toxic chemicals that can forever contaminate the land and water.

“The state is reviewing the biosolids permit, the general permit that allows for the land application of biosolids,” said Firth. “They could add or should add requirements to test for PFAS in that permit. Because virtually every wastewater treatment plant’s going to have PFAS in it.”

Firth pointed out that PFAS exposure may lead to various health problems, including elevated cholesterol, weakened immune system, and liver issues.

Additionally, PFAS can contribute to pregnancy complications and increase the risk of certain cancers.