MDE Designates Perdue As 'Responsible Person' in PFAS Contamination

By Hunter Landon | WBOC | October 16, 2024

Read the full article by Hunter Landon (WBOC)

"The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has identified Perdue Farms as a "responsible person" in an ongoing investigation into groundwater contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as "forever chemicals." The company acknowledged its designation, stating that it will retain this status until it can be confirmed that the contaminants originated from another source.

Perdue is now responsible for the cleanup efforts related to the contamination, which has raised significant health concerns among local residents. The company has reached out to 550 property owners in the area, urging them to test their well water for PFAS. MDE confirmed that one well on Perdue’s property had PFAS levels exceeding 1,300 parts per trillion, a figure dramatically higher than the Environmental Protection Agency's standard of 4 parts per trillion.

Residents like Carol Wenrich and her husband, Rodney, have expressed concerns regarding the testing radius defined by Perdue. While their neighbors across the street received letters about potential PFAS contamination in their well water, the Wenrichs did not, despite living in a zone identified by a class-action lawsuit as the "contamination zone."