Sellers of Controversial Biosolids Push Congress for Legal Shield

Amid growing environmental concerns, companies like Synagro, backed by Goldman Sachs, are seeking legal immunity from liability related to toxic biosolids used in agriculture.

For decades, the practice of using treated sewage sludge, known as biosolids, as fertilizer has drawn scrutiny, and a recent spike in environmental awareness has put sellers like Synagro — controlled by Goldman Sachs — in a precarious position. The fertilizer, while providing nutrients to farmers, can also harbor harmful substances known as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to severe health risks, including cancer and reproductive issues.

As evidence mounts about the presence of these contaminants in farmland, water supplies, and produce, farmers are increasingly alarmed. This year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classified certain PFAS tokens as hazardous substances, signaling a growing urgency around the issue.

In an attempt to mitigate potential fallout, Synagro has engaged in a robust lobbying campaign aimed at pushing legislation through Congress that would shield the biosolids industry from lawsuits related to contamination. According to professional records and insiders familiar with the situation, the company’s CEO chairs one of the key lobbying groups involved in these efforts.

In a March communication with the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, industry representatives argued for protections by asserting that the contaminants predated their involvement in processing the sludge into fertilizer. The lobbying has started to show promise with a bill introduced by Republican Senators John Boozman of Arkansas and Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming that would afford these companies and their suppliers legal immunity against claims for cleanup. A similar proposal has also emerged in the House.

As this issue unfolds, the agricultural community and environmental advocates are left grappling with the implications of these lobbying efforts amid concerns over food safety and long-term health risks posed by continued use of such fertilizers.