Texas Ranchers Struggle as PFAS Contamination Devastates Livestock

EPA Faces Lawsuit Over PFAS Regulations in Texas Agriculture

Texas ranchers Tony and Karen Coleman are grappling with a devastating crisis on their family ranch in Johnson County. Since early 2023, 39 of their cattle have died after exhibiting alarming symptoms linked to the toxic “forever chemicals.” The contamination, traced to biosolid fertilizer (fertilizer made from treated sewage) spread on neighboring farmland, has also affected the Colemans’ soil, water, and personal health. The couple is now part of a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), accusing the agency of failing to regulate PFAS in biosolids, a practice they claim violates federal laws.

5 Key Points

• PFAS contamination is linked to biosolid fertilizer spread on neighboring farmland.

• Tony and Karen Coleman report 39 cattle deaths since early 2023.

• PFAS, also found in the Colemans’ blood, are known to cause severe health issues.

• The ranchers are suing the EPA for failing to regulate PFAS under federal laws.

• PFAS contamination affects 45% of U.S. drinking water, per a USGS report.

Family Ranch in Crisis as PFAS Chemicals Spread to Water and Soil

Tony and Karen Coleman, owners of the T-K Ranch in Johnson County, Texas, are enduring a crisis they never anticipated. What began with silverfish found floating in water sources has escalated into a catastrophic loss of livestock. Horses have fallen ill, and cattle have exhibited a distinct staggering gait before collapsing and dying, often in visible distress. “It’s like ripping your heart out,” Tony Coleman said, describing the emotional toll of seeing animals they have cared for their entire lives suffer and die. Even calves that appear healthy at birth rarely survive more than a day, leaving the family grappling with grief and uncertainty. The ranch, inherited from Karen Coleman’s father, holds deep generational significance, making the devastation especially painful. “These cows are his legacy,” she said.

Biosolid Fertilizer: The Hidden Danger Behind PFAS Contamination

The source of the Colemans’ nightmare lies across the road, where neighboring farmland was treated with biosolid fertilizer made from processed human sewage. This fertilizer can contain hazardous materials, including PFAS, which are resistant to environmental breakdown. Although the EPA mandates testing biosolids for heavy metals, it does not require testing for PFAS. This oversight has allowed the toxic chemicals to contaminate the Colemans’ soil, water, and blood. Tests have confirmed high levels of PFAS in the family, raising concerns about their health risks. The contamination has also forced difficult decisions, as the Colemans refuse to sell beef from their affected cattle, citing their conscience. “That makes us no better than the folks who knew the stuff they spread was no good,” Tony Coleman said.

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Farmers Take Legal Action to Demand PFAS Regulation

The Colemans are now part of a broader group of Texas farmers suing the EPA. The lawsuit alleges that by failing to regulate PFAS in biosolid fertilizers, the agency violated the Clean Water Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. The farmers argue that the EPA must enforce regulations to stop further contamination. Despite their efforts to hold the EPA responsible, the agency has filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming the relief sought is outside its legal authority. The legal battle has left the Colemans feeling abandoned by the systems designed to protect them. “Why wouldn’t you protect me like you were supposed to?” Tony Coleman asked, voicing his frustration with the agency’s inaction.

PFAS Contamination: A Nationwide Environmental Crisis

PFAS contamination is not limited to the Colemans’ ranch. Known as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down in the environment, PFAS are found in everyday items, from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware. Their pervasive nature has led to widespread exposure, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting PFAS in the blood of 97% of Americans. The United States Geological Survey estimates that 45% of drinking water in the country is contaminated with PFAS. Environmental advocate Erin Brockovich emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, “It’s in our makeup, it’s everywhere. It’s pretty catastrophic that a chemical like this has gotten into every aspect of our life.” For the Colemans, their story reflects challenges faced by many agricultural families.