DALLAS — Johnson County ranchers say their cattle, fish and horses are dying and getting sick because of fertilizer spread on nearby farmland.
Also called biosolids, the fertilizer is made from treated human waste.
On this installment of Y’all-itics, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter Rebecca Lopez joins the Jasons to discuss her recent investigation into the problem.
“One rancher spread it, but it spreads pretty quickly," Lopez tells listeners on the podcast. "It gets so deep into the soil that it actually gets into the well water. Think about how deep the wells are. They found it in the well water. They use the well water to water their land and also to use for their livestock. And so horses and cows and ponds of fish started dying in neighboring ranches."
One county commissioner didn't mince words in describing the gravity of the situation to Lopez: "This is Chernobyl," Johnson County commissioner Kenny Howell said.
So what's next?
Well, there's a criminal investigation underway. And the ranchers are suing.
It's an issue that has the potential to continue impacting Texans across the state.
Listen in as Lopez details the above, and also shares what the company behind the biosolids says about their product.
Remember, you can catch a video version of Y’all-itics on Wednesdays at 8:30pm on WFAA+, too.
Watch Lopez's initial investigation into forever chemicals below: