Perdue links elevated PFAS levels on Zion Church Road to former fire suppression system

SALISBURY, Md. – Perdue AgriBusiness provided an update on what it said was the source of elevated levels of PFAS in groundwater surrounding one of its facilities. Homeowners in the area of Zion Church Road were alerted via letters in October of 2024.

One year later, the company reported that the source of the forever chemicals was a former fire suppression system on the property. Perdue stated it worked with the Maryland Department of the Environment and Langan Engineering & Environmental Services to make the determination. According to Perdue, the fire suppression system was the only source of PFAS on site, and it has since been replaced with a non-PFAS alternative.

Throughout the year, Perdue worked with homeowners in the affected area to conduct well water testing. The company also provided homeowners with point of entry treatment systems. According to Perdue, 91% of affected properties got one, and all homeowners who requested the system had one installed. Perdue also provided bottled water to those impacted.

“We take our responsibility to our neighbors seriously … I am confident that the steps we have taken over the past year will adequately address the PFAS contamination. We will continue to prioritize the health and safety of our community,” stated Drew Getty, Senior Vice President of the Environmental Sustainability for Perdue.

Perdue stated it also completed several facility upgrades, including a new system to reduce regulated PFAS in its treated wastewater to trace levels. Additionally, the new non-PFAS fire suppression system was installed. Further sampling at the facility is on order, as well, according to Perdue.