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Colorado County commissioners approved a resolution to push for legislation and regulation of waste containing PFAS that are used for crops at their recent commissioners’ court meeting held April 28.
The biosolids, known as “forever chemicals” or polyfluorinated chemicals are synthetic in nature and can cause health issues and even lead to carcinogenic effects, according to Colorado County Emergency Management Coordinator Charles Rogers.
Over the past five to seven years, he says the chemicals have found their way into what is known as “biosolids” by means of dumping in storm sewers through mom-andpop shops according to Rodgers, leading to that wastewater being contaminated by these chemicals, which are unable to be filtered out by the wastewater filtration system.
That same contaminated wastewater is generated into waste and recovered in solid form, treated for biohazards, and allowed to dry in the sun. The matter that is created as a result of this process, known as houactinite, is gathered and sold as a form of agricultural fertilizer, which according to Rogers, has an extremely “pungent” aroma.
The fertilizer conceived from this process has been used across the county for crops, especially pecan orchards, leading to complaints by locals who notice the “recognizable odor” and have found out the biohazards contain levels of the forever chemicals.
“PFAS, or forever chemicals, have been found in these biosolids sold as agricultural fertilizer,” said Rogers. “Our wastewater system is not designed to handle these forever chemicals, and they just pass through. The waste that is leftover after filtration and turned into biosolids still contain these chemicals.”
Rogers says the resolution approval can hopefully start encouraging regulation and give the local authorities the opportunity to be able to take action and be informed about the chemical “assay” or quantity, of the chemicals in the biosolids. While already being a dangerously tricky situation, the circumstances could get worse if nothing is done, leading to the chemicals infiltrating the water tank.
“Now the best way to spread this is as part of education,” said Rogers. “Can you imagine what would happen if our aquifer had detection of these chemicals? That means no irrigation for rice and cattle, no irrigation for plants and crops. That means every well would either have to come up with their own filtration system or stop using the well entirely. That’s several thousand if not tens of thousands of homes in this county that could be affected.”
In addition to the approval of the resolution to push for legislation and regulation involving these biosolids, commissioners additionally made proclamations recognizing May 4 through May 10 as National Correctional Officers and Employees Week, May 11 through May 17 as National Police Week and May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day.
“We couldn’t do what we do without your backing,” said Colorado County Sheriff Justin Lindemann. “The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office has spent countless hours hiring new employees with both and within both divisions. We are committed to building a team that is the best fit for our community, and will continue to fill all these positions, ensuring the future of law enforcement in our community. I cannot express enough gratitude to these dedicated men and women for their service. Both divisions operate around the clock and encounter a variety of challenges. Our peace officers, regardless of their title, have taken a sworn oath to protect the lives of safety of all citizens. These individuals wake up each day not knowing what challenges they may face. Our correctional officers work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that we maintain a safe and secure detention facility and face unique challenges such as managing volatile situations and maintaining ordering confined environment, which requires professionalism and dedication.”
The next Colorado County Commissioners Court meeting will be held on Monday, May 12, where a canvassing will also take place for the results of the election set to take place on Saturday, May 3.
