Johanna and Adam, owners and operators of Songbird Farm, discovered their water, soil, produce and blood tested high for PFAS chemicals. Should they be concerned?

Biosolids (sludge from municipal sewage and industrial waste) were spread on their land about 20 years before they purchased the farm. Their blood tests came back showing levels of PFAS 200 times that of the average American. Well water tests came back 400 times the state recommended limit. Tomatoes and spinach are their most profitable crops and they are contaminated.

Their goal as farmers is to produce food that’s beneficial to eat. How can they sell food if it’s contaminated?

The state promoted and licensed the spreading of sludge for years. Now the state needs to help or these farms will go out of business.

After Songbird Farm’s water tests came back, the state installed a water system in their house to remove PFAS. That was much appreciated but there is still PFAS in their soil and bodies. Theirs is not the only farm affected.

The EPA lists high risks of cancer, thyroid and kidney disease as well as many other concerning issues, especially for children, from PFAS contamination. Their 3-year-old lives at the farm. His future is at risk.

Contact state legislators and urge them to support L.D. 2013, which would provide assistance by establishing a fund and advisory committee for farms and farmers who have PFAS contamination.

Jill and Zachary Davis
Damariscotta

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