The Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA) is taking legal action against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its lack of regulations on “forever chemicals” that are contaminating fields in the state. MOFGA, along with a Texas county, alleges that the EPA is not properly controlling these chemicals as required by the Clean Water Act.
In the beginning of 2024, 59 Maine farms were confirmed to be contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to various health issues. These chemicals were spread on farm fields as fertilizers in the 1970s and 1980s, leading to contamination.
MOFGA filed a notice of intent to sue the EPA in May, giving the agency 60 days to take action. The lawsuit aims to hold the EPA accountable for regulating PFAS in sludge to protect public health.
Both MOFGA and the Texas county are represented by the legal group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility. The EPA has identified 250 pollutants but has only regulated nine for land application over the past 37 years. The lack of regulation on these harmful chemicals has put a burden on farmers across the country, according to MOFGA.
The EPA has not yet commented on the lawsuit. The Maine organization is calling for the agency to step up and fulfill its regulatory role in addressing this environmental and public health issue.
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