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UK Sewage Sludge Crisis: Toxic “Forever Chemicals” Threaten Farmland Safety
Guest Contributor
Every year, around 3.5 million tonnes of sewage sludge—also known as biosolids—are spread across farmland in England and Wales. This practice, promoted as a cost-effective fertiliser solution, is now under intense scrutiny. According to a BBC investigation, concerns are mounting over the presence of toxic substances, including so-called “forever chemicals,” in this waste. The issue has sparked debate among environmental experts, farmers, and government officials, raising questions about the safety and sustainability of this long-standing agricultural method.
At the heart of the controversy is the presence of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These synthetic chemicals are found in everyday items like non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing. What makes PFAS particularly troubling is their persistence in the environment. They do not break down easily, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” The BBC reports that these substances have been linked to cancer and other health risks, yet there are currently no legal standards in the UK regulating their presence in sewage sludge.
Emma Howard Boyd, who chaired the Environment Agency (EA) from 2016 to 2022, told the BBC that the agency has been aware of the risks since at least 2017. She noted that attempts to update regulations—some of which date back to 1989—have been consistently delayed due to a lack of political will. A 2017 EA report found that sludge contained microplastics and PFAS at levels that “may present a risk to human health” and could render soil “unsuitable for agriculture.”
The lack of routine testing for modern contaminants is a significant concern. While sludge is treated to kill bacteria and tested for heavy metals, chemicals like PFAS and microplastics are not part of standard assessments. Alistair Boxall, a professor of environmental science at York University, warns that these substances could linger in soil for centuries. “It may be in 10 years’ time that we start understanding that these molecules are causing harm,” he told the BBC. “Then we’re going to be in a bit of a mess.”
The water industry is reportedly aware of the shifting sentiment. Internal documents and emails obtained by Greenpeace’s Unearthed unit suggest that water companies are lobbying regulators and preparing for possible changes to sludge spreading rules. One industry-commissioned report anticipates a shortfall of land available for sludge disposal, predicting that if restrictions tighten, companies may have to resort to incineration or landfill—both costlier options that could impact consumer bills.
For farmers, the issue is complex. Sewage sludge is often provided free or at minimal cost, making it an attractive alternative to commercial fertilisers. Will Oliver, a farmer and member of the National Farmers Union Crops Board, applies about 800 tonnes of sludge annually to his maize fields. He told the BBC he trusts the water company to ensure the sludge is safe and sees it as beneficial to soil health and crop yield. “If we can be sensible with how it’s used and spread on the land, it can be positive for farmers and for the water companies,” he said.
Others are more cautious. Richard Smallwood, a beef and sheep farmer near Dartmoor, chooses not to use sewage sludge. He worries about PFAS and microplastics entering the food chain. “If we’re starting to produce food on grassland and arable land which is filled up to the ear holes with PFAS compounds and nano and micro-plastics… I think my job’s over before I begin,” he told the BBC.
Local residents have also voiced concerns. Julie Lewis-Thompson, who lives near Dartmoor, described the stench from nearby sludge spreading as having “the smell of death” that lingers for weeks. She and her neighbours worry about potential contamination of their water sources. One young woman reportedly left a community gathering in tears, saying the sludge had made her physically ill.
Public figures have joined the call for reform. TV chef and environmental advocate Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall supports the use of treated human waste as fertiliser in principle but insists on stricter oversight. “We know it’s happening. Our farmers are rightly worried. We’ve got to take action,” he said. He emphasised the need for “legally enforceable regulations” to prevent pollutants from reaching farmland.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) acknowledged the concerns and stated that regulations are under review. A spokesperson said the Independent Water Commission will examine the regulatory framework for sludge use and that the government continues to collaborate with the EA, water companies, and farmers. Meanwhile, Water UK, the industry’s trade body, noted that while contaminants are a concern, there are currently no legal standards or agreed methods to assess them. They stressed that establishing such standards is the government’s responsibility and must be based on rigorous scientific evidence.
The debate over sewage sludge and soil contamination in the UK is far from settled. While some see biosolids as a sustainable resource, others view them as a potential environmental hazard. What is clear is that the current regulatory framework, developed decades ago, may no longer be adequate for the chemical complexities of modern waste. As public awareness grows and scientific understanding deepens, the pressure on policymakers to act continues to mount.