Tennessee Faces Urgent PFAS Pollution Crisis from Wastewater Sludge

The Sierra Club Tennessee’s recent investigation into the sludge from the Bristol, Tennessee, wastewater treatment plant revealed dangerously high concentrations of PFAS chemicals. These findings underscore the potential for significant environmental and health risks due to the land application of sewage waste. PFAS, known for their persistence and toxicity, are contaminating land and water at levels far exceeding those in nearby rivers, making this one of the most contaminated sludge samples reported in the U.S. The proximity of sludge disposal to private wells and waterways heightens the risk of local water pollution and food crop contamination.

Public records indicate that sewage sludge is being spread across Sullivan County farmlands, contributing to local water pollution. Despite high PFAS levels detected in both sludge and surface water studies, efforts to address PFAS pollution statewide are lagging. The EPA is moving towards setting legal limits for PFAS in drinking water, yet there’s a significant delay in addressing PFAS contamination sources. Legal actions against PFAS producers and the initiation of lawsuits for pollution damages suggest a growing awareness of PFAS impacts, but a comprehensive strategy for monitoring and mitigating PFAS pollution in Tennessee remains critical.