In brief
In a troubling environmental crisis, South Carolina is advocating for federal authorities to designate nearly 10,000 acres of farmland as a Superfund site after it has been contaminated with hazardous "forever chemicals." The land, once believed to have benefitted from the sludge fertilizer supplied by an abandoned textile mill, now poses serious health risks to the community and beyond.
The Galey & Lord textile mill, situated along the banks of the Great Pee Dee River, has a dark history. Known for popularizing the khaki fabric, the mill dumped treated wastewater, which was then repurposed as fertilizer for surrounding farms. Unfortunately, many farmers were unaware that this sludge contained dangerously high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals associated with various health issues, including cancer.The situation has raised alarms among environmental officials advocating for action, emphasizing that this case could pave the way for stricter monitoring and remediation of agricultural lands affected by unsafe waste practices. Farmers like Robert O’Neal, who utilized the sludge in the late 1990s, voiced their dismay, saying they were led to believe it was beneficial for their crops.The Galey & Lord site was already designated a Superfund site three years ago, but this proposed expansion reflects the increasing urgency to address contamination and protect public health. As residents await critical decisions on the future of the farmland, the spotlight shines on the need for accountability and robust environmental safeguards.
