Key Takeaways
- Synagro Technologies, Inc. commissioned an independent study to evaluate PFAS levels at a farm in Johnson County, Texas, where Granulite® fertilizer was applied.
- The study, conducted by Parsons Corporation with Dr. Linda Lee of Purdue University, found no evidence linking Granulite® to PFAS detected in fish and animals on neighboring farms.
- PFAS levels in soil and water samples at the site were within background concentrations observed in U.S. soils, and water samples met U.S. EPA drinking water standards.
- PFPrA, a compound found in adjacent farm samples, was not detected in Granulite® samples, suggesting an alternative PFAS source.
- Synagro continues to focus on biosolids recycling and sustainable waste management practices.
Synagro’s Independent Study Assesses PFAS in Texas Farm Site
Synagro Technologies, Inc., a company specializing in biosolids and organic residuals recycling, commissioned an independent environmental study to assess the potential impact of PFAS at a Texas farm site where Granulite® fertilizer was applied.
The study was conducted by Parsons Corporation, an independent environmental engineering firm, in collaboration with Dr. Linda Lee, a Purdue University expert in PFAS chemistry. The analysis examined soil, water, and plant and animal tissue samples collected in May and June 2024 at Grandview Farm in Johnson County, Texas.
The findings indicate that Granulite® fertilizer was not the source of the PFAS detected in fish and animals on neighboring farms, as PFAS signatures found in adjacent properties did not match those in Granulite® samples.
According to Bob Preston, CEO and Chairman of Synagro: “This report provides valuable conclusions regarding the application of Granulite® on the Grandview Farm in Johnson County, Texas. We are committed to sustainable solutions and will continue to support responsible beneficial use of biosolids.”
Synagro’s Study Findings on PFAS Levels in Soil and Water
The independent evaluation analyzed multiple environmental samples, including soil, pond water, and well water from the site.
Key findings from the report include:
- Soil PFAS levels were minimal, with most individual compounds below detection limits or consistent with background concentrations found in U.S. soils.
- Pond and well water samples met U.S. EPA’s drinking water standards for PFAS.
- PFPrA, a PFAS compound detected in adjacent farm samples, was not found in Granulite® fertilizer samples, suggesting a different source of contamination.
Additionally, N-MeFOSE, another PFAS compound detected in neighboring farms, was measured at concentrations three times higher than in Granulite® samples, further indicating an alternative source of contamination.
Scientific Methodology and Testing Standards
The study followed a structured sampling and testing protocol using EPA-approved testing methods:
- Samples were collected by an independent party under a strict analysis plan.
- Parsons Corporation reviewed and analyzed the results, in collaboration with Dr. Linda Lee, a recognized PFAS expert.
- U.S. EPA-endorsed Test Method 1633 was used for PFAS detection, the only regulatory-recognized method for quantifying PFAS in environmental samples.
These findings indicate that Granulite® application was not a contributing factor to the PFAS levels detected on adjacent farms.
