SC farmer will visit Washington to tell story of toxic pollution in his community

By Sammy Fretwell | The State | January 19, 2026

Read the full article by Sammy Fretwell (The State)

"South Carolina farmer Robbie O’Neal, whose family for years relied on sludge from a textile plant to fertilize crops, is in the nation’s capital this week to tell the story of how the waste material polluted drinking water and damaged the O’Neal’s rural agricultural community.

He’s scheduled to provide two briefings for congressional staff members Wednesday as part of a non-profit organization’s effort to help farmers deal with the impact of forever chemicals, the toxic compounds that can trigger severe health problems in those exposed over time.

Plans also are under way to visit the offices of Republican Sens. Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, as well as Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C. Graham’s staff plans to meet with O’Neal, although the senator will not be available, a spokeswoman said."