‘Forever chemicals’ found at Maryland plant, sparking investigation

By Jeremy Cox | Bay Journal | October 16, 2024

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"Tests showing elevated levels of PFAS in the groundwater at Perdue AgriBusiness’s soybean processing facility in Salisbury, MD, have triggered a wider investigation in the surrounding community and a class-action lawsuit.

The company, a subsidiary of poultry giant Perdue Farms, has coordinated with the Maryland Department of the Environment to notify residents of 550 homes within a half-mile radius of the facility. The letters, dated Sept. 30, seek permission from property owners to allow an independent contractor to sample their well water. Perdue is also offering free bottled water to any affected home.

“This is very much an emerging issue,” Perdue CEO Kevin McAdams said. “We did this out of an abundance of caution. We worked with MDE, and we wanted to come forward.”