FAQ

Which Perdue location is contaminating the water?

• The Perdue AgriBusiness facility located at 6906 Zion Church Rd, Salisbury, Maryland.

What are the contaminants?

• Recent groundwater testing at the Perdue AgriBusiness facility revealed extremely elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This group of harmful, man-made chemicals, commonly known as "forever chemicals,” contaminate water, are resistant to degradation, and build up over time in the body. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) found certain PFAS in Perdue’s wells at greater than 300 times the safe level for drinking water (see below limits established by the EPA). We are conducting our own independent testing in the community to confirm the extent of the contamination. PFAS contaminants that have tested at elevated levels include, but are not limited to, PFOS, PFHxS, PFBS and PFOA. 
• Below are the current regulatory limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). More information can be found on EPA’s website.
  • PFOA
    • Final MCLG: Zero 
    • Final MCL (enforceable levels): 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt) (also expressed as ng/L)
  • PFOS
    • Final MCLG: Zero 
    • Final MCL (enforceable levels): 4.0 ppt
  • PFHxS
    • Final MCLG: 10 ppt
    • Final MCL (enforceable levels): 10 ppt
• MCLG = The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals. 
• MCL = The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. MCLs are enforceable standards.

How long has this contamination been going on?

• The discovery process in the class case will help us decipher the timeframe of the contamination. This facility has been in operation since 1968, but that does not mean it has been releasing these particular contaminants since then. Through the class action lawsuit we have filed against Perdue, we will undergo what’s referred to as discovery, where we will request every document related to this contamination so that we can determine when it began and when Perdue knew about it.

Why is action only being taken now if the contamination has been going on for months or years? 

• Recent groundwater testing at the Perdue AgriBusiness facility revealed elevated levels of PFAS. As the litigation progresses, we will learn more about when the contamination began and when Perdue knew about it.  

What did Perdue know about this contamination and when did they know it? How was it disclosed?

• Testing performed by MDE in August 2023 revealed extremely elevated levels of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS in Perdue’s raw and treated wastewater that had been and still is being discharged to Peggy’s Branch and spray irrigated to crop and forested land at the Perdue property. Subsequent testing by MDE in April 2024 found extremely high levels of these same "forever chemicals" in the groundwater at the Perdue property.  Perdue then began sending letters to community members notifying them of the PFAS contamination in October 2024. As the litigation progresses, we will learn more about when the contamination began and when Perdue knew about it.

Why didn’t I get a letter from Perdue? Does that mean my water is not contaminated?

• It is unclear at this time how Perdue is determining the recipients of its letters. Whether your household did or did not receive a letter from Perdue is not determinative of whether your water has been contaminated. We are aware of households that have demonstrated contamination levels in their water that did not receive a letter from Perdue. As our hydrogeology team continues to conduct testing, we will have additional data to determine the extent of the problem and the impacted area.

What caused the contamination? Are PFAS an integral part of Perdue’s production process?

• Perdue is the source of the contamination. Our team of experts is working to determine the precise portion of Perdue’s operations that is responsible for the community PFAS contamination. We do not currently believe these toxic chemicals are an integral part of the facility’s production. 

If the water flows from east to west, is my water safe if I live to the east of the facility?

• Our team of qualified hydrogeologists are conducting testing to determine the extent of the contamination and the radius of the impacted area. This testing is inclusive of areas to the east side of the plant. As more data and test results become available, we will be able to provide greater detail about what specific areas have suffered water contamination. 
• Here is a preliminary map indicating the area we believe to be affected by the contamination. This area is subject to change as we continue to gather necessary data and information.

How can I get my water tested? 

• As we continue our investigation, we recommend people in this community drink bottled water until their well can be tested and the problem corrected. We also recommend keeping receipts for all out-of-pocket costs for potential reimbursement. 
• There are several avenues for having your well tested:
  • You may reference the Maryland Department of the Environment’s list of certified labs capable of testing for PFAS. For more information, please visit: 
    • EPA | PFAS Explained 
    • MDE | Maryland and PFAS
  • There are various at-home testing kits available online. One which our experts recommend is from Cyclopure. Cyclopure tests for 55 PFAS analytes, including all 40 compounds covered under EPA Method 1633. They measure and quantify PFAS to a reporting limit of 1.0 ppt (1 ng/L).
• Unfortunately, we cannot commit to testing every client’s well. Any additional well testing we do in the future will be at the direction of our environmental experts and consultants. They will determine the number, location and timing of well tests. Please note retained clients will be given priority for water testing.

Does the depth of a well matter in terms of contamination? How far do these chemicals seep into the ground?

• Depending on the extent and length of time the contamination has been occurring, even very deep wells may be contaminated. The depth of a well can make a difference in how quickly PFAS chemicals make their way into your water supply, and the levels of PFAS in the water. As additional water test results for wells of various depths and in various locations come back, we will have more information about how well depth impacts the timing and extent of contamination results in this particular case. 

What are the impacts of PFAS?

• There are many health risks associated with exposure to PFAS, even when ingested at very low levels. Specifically, these chemicals are associated with increased risk of cancers, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, Type-2 diabetes in women, pre-eclampsia, developmental delays in children, increased risks of low birth weights, decreased antibodies in children, hypothyroidism and increase thyroid disease, immunosuppression, infertility, increased cholesterol, liver function disruptions, thyroid and hormone level changes, developmental effects, decreased antibody response, memory impairment, and other health conditions.

If my water is contaminated, will bathing in it, washing my hands with it, etc. put me at risk? 

• Because PFAS are not readily absorbed through the skin, contacting water containing PFAS while showering and bathing is not a health concern. However, small amounts of water may be ingested while showering and bathing. If PFAS has been identified in your water at concentrations substantially greater than the MCL, avoid swallowing water while showering or bathing  and monitor young children to limit the amount of water they swallow. 
• If your skin has cuts, abrasions, open sores, or other wounds, you may want to limit the amount of time spent showering, bathing or soaking in water with PFAS levels greater than the MCL.

Is it OK to clean wounds or sores with PFAS-contaminated water?

• PFAS in water are not easily absorbed through the skin. If you have a rash, cuts, or broken skin on your hands, you can minimize any absorption by wearing rubber gloves when washing dishes. It is our understanding that dishes that have been washed with water containing PFAS do not pose a health risk. 

Is it OK to eat fruits and vegetables from my garden if my soil, compost, or irrigation water is contaminated with PFAS?

• It is possible for plants to take up PFAS from external sources (e.g. water, soil, compost). Although PFAS do not stick to soil very well, gardens watered with PFAS-contaminated water or enriched with PFAS containing compost may have somewhat higher levels of PFAS in the soil. The amount of PFAS in home-grown plants depends on levels in the water, soil and compost as well as the type of plant, nutrient levels in soil, and the specific PFAS. At this time, it is not possible to predict what the PFAS concentration would be in plants grown in an environment containing PFAS.
• To reduce the potential exposure to PFAS in home-grown produce, you can: 
  • Water seeding and gardens with an alternative source of water, such as collected rain water. 
  • If using compost, note that PFAS concentrations in biosolid compost may contain higher levels of PFAS than other types of compost (such as backyard compost or manure). If you are unsure whether the compost you select contain PFAS, contact the manufacturer. 
  • Wash all fruits, vegetables and herbs in clean water before eating. 
  • Peel root vegetables before eating. 
  • Use a raised bed filled with clean soil or add clean soil to existing beds.

Is it safe to clean things like dentures or pacifiers with water found to have levels of PFAS above the MCL?

• Even though only a small amount of water might be swallowed and the risk of experiencing adverse health effects is very low, you can minimize any risk by not using water with PFAS greater than the MCL to wash items that might go directly in your mouth. If PFAS levels in your drinking water are substantially greater than the MCL, you may wish to use PFAS-tested bottled or filter water for: 
  • Brushing your teeth 
  • Cleaning dentures 
  • Cleaning baby bottles, nipples, pacifiers and teething toys

I’m sick now – what do I do?

• If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms, you should seek treatment immediately with a medical provider. We encourage everyone to document anything relating to their health and subsequent medical treatment. In addition to medical records, this can include a journal or other document of symptoms and dates. 
• If you are not experiencing symptoms and have not sought regular medical care based on the recommendations for your age group, we recommend that you do so.

Is there a particular type of blood test to assess my exposure?

• Yes, there is a blood test specific for PFAS chemicals. If you wish to get a blood test, we recommend that you speak with your primary care provider. If you have water test results demonstrating your drinking water has been contaminated, providing those to your health care provider can sometimes assist the health care provider in ordering the appropriate test.

My pet or companion animal has been drinking PFAS-contaminated water, will they get sick?

• Because companion animals and pets are different sizes, have different lifespans, and drink different amounts of water than people, it’s not possible to predict what health effects an animal may experience from drinking water with PFAS concentrations greater than the MCL. To be on the safe side, give pets clean drinking water when possible. If you have concerns, you may want to consult with your veterinarian. 

Will this contamination affect the value of my home?

• The contamination could negatively impact the value of your home. We will confer with experts to calculate any potential long-term impacts, including on property values. That data would then be used to support any property value claims in this case as it moves forward. We recommend keeping close records of any documents related to your home, as they could be used as part of a future claim.

What should I do if I’m a renter?

• First, you do not need to be a property owner to be part of this case. If you reside within the area of concern and have consumed contaminated drinking water for more than 6 months, you are eligible to participate. We also recommend you keep track of all documents and communication, as they could be used as part of a future claim.

Should I get a water treatment system? Will I be reimbursed for the cost?

• If a test shows there is PFAS present in your drinking water, we recommend you do whatever you are able to in order to keep yourself and your family safe. If that includes a water treatment system, we recommend maintaining records of all receipts, which could be used as part of a future claim. 

What types of treatment systems effectively remove PFAS?

• A properly functioning reverse osmosis filtration system and a granulated activated carbon filtration system are effective at removing most PFAS. Our hydrogeology experts recommend utilizing a Calgon Filtrasorb 400 filter.

What should I do if I have an existing water filtration system in my home?

• Many standard water filtration systems are not effective for removing PFAS chemicals. We recommend reaching out to the manufacturer to confirm if the system removes PFAS from the water.

Who is included in this litigation?

• The class currently includes all individuals who lived, resided, worked or attended school or church in the Contamination Zone for a period of at least six months, beginning January 1, 1985. It is too early to know the definite impacted area. As we continue our investigation and compile more data from our independent testing, we will have a clearer idea of the size and area of the impacted group of people.

Should I retain an individual lawyer?   

• There is no rush to sign up with an individual attorney at this stage because the class action lawsuit we filed protects the rights of all impacted community members. That said, there is strength in numbers and this community is more powerful if it bands together to demand accountability. If you would like to sign up with our firm, please reach out and we can provide further information.  

How much will we get from this lawsuit?

• It is too early in our investigation and the litigation to have any estimate on what class members may receive. As we move forward with this case, we will keep in mind business impacts, health impacts, relocation costs, etc. to ensure fair, equitable compensation for all impacted community members.

Does the class include people who have moved away?

• The class currently includes all individuals who lived, resided, worked or attended school or church in the Contamination Zone and consumed contaminated drinking water for a period of at least six months, beginning January 1, 1985. Your position in the class action lawsuit will not be compromised due to relocation as long as you meet those specifications. 

Isn’t it the responsibility of local and federal agencies to make sure this type of contamination doesn’t happen? Will MDE or EPA be sued as well?

• For a number of reasons, government agencies including MDE and the EPA are not always best equipped to hold companies accountable and demand appropriate remediation be completed. We will work with MDE and the EPA to obtain the best outcome for our clients who have been impacted by Perdue’s contamination. We do not have any plans to sue MDE or the EPA, which operate with a good deal of governmental immunity.

Perdue is a major employer here - what if it’s cheaper for them to move than to fix the contamination?

• It is not our goal to shut down this facility or to put Perdue out of business through this lawsuit. Our goal is to have Perdue take responsibility for the contamination, remediate the contamination to restore the community to the condition it was before Perdue’s contamination, and compensate members of the class who have suffered due to Perdue’s actions. We have taken on some of the biggest corporations in the country, and it is possible for them to be profitable while being environmentally safe and a good corporate neighbor.