'We don't need more studies:' Maine organic farmers could sue EPA over 'forever chemicals'
PORTLAND (WGME) -- After years of spreading wastewater sludge laced with PFAS on Maine farms, it's only recently that the public has started realizing the impact on the health and livelihood of local farmers.
Now one organization claims the federal government isn't doing enough to regulate the issue and may take them to court.
The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) filed a notice of intent this week to sue the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming they've had the authority to regulate the "forever chemicals" found in sludge but haven't.
Wastewater sludge, also known as biosolids, was spread on Maine farm fields for decades as fertilizer.
The state banned the practice a few years ago, after it was linked to PFAS contamination in everything from livestock to drinking water.
The group looking to sue the EPA says under the Clean Water Act, the agency should be regulating the chemicals found in sludge but has failed to.
"Even though we're not spreading sludge anymore here in Maine, we know this is a national issue and we want to make sure that all farmers can be protected, all communities can be protected in terms of their drinking water and ensure that there's a federal standard to ensure everyone meets the same standards moving forward," Sarah Alexander of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association said.
There is a work group currently looking at regulations for sludge, and it includes stakeholders from Maine.
The DEP says they hope to see some new guidance later this year, but advocates argue the issue is well established and now is the time for action.
"I think that's really important for the public to know, is that Maine does have a voice in this national discussion of PFAS and biosolids and how it's managed,” Susanne Miller of the Maine DEP said. “I don't know what the outcome is going to be in terms of what the EPA will recommend by the end of the year."
"They've had many, many years of opportunities to study and look at this issue, and so our notice of intent to file a lawsuit is really to spur that action,” Alexander said. “We feel like we don't need more studies."
The EPA now has 60 days to comply under the Clean Water Act and respond to MOFGA.
If they don't, the lawsuit is expected to move forward.