Salisbury Residents vs. Perdue Agribusiness: What You Need to Know About the PFAS Lawsuit
Are you a resident of Salisbury, Maryland, concerned about the safety of your drinking water? You’re not alone. Recent discoveries of elevated levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the groundwater near Perdue Agribusiness have sparked significant legal action and community concern. This blog post will break down the key aspects of the Salisbury Residents vs. Perdue Agribusiness PFAS lawsuit, explaining what you need to know in plain language.
PFAS: The “Forever Chemicals”
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries and consumer products since the 1940s. Their resistance to heat, water, and oil makes them useful in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foam, and food packaging. However, this durability also means they don’t break down easily in the environment or the human body, leading to accumulation over time.
Why are PFAS a Concern?
Exposure to certain PFAS has been linked to a range of health problems, including:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Decreased antibody response to vaccines
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia
- Small decreases in birth weight
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disorders
- Immune dysfunction
Given these potential health risks, it’s understandable why Salisbury residents are worried about PFAS contamination in their water supply.
The Discovery of PFAS in Salisbury
In 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) detected elevated levels of PFAS in Perdue AgriBusiness’ wastewater during routine testing. The Perdue AgriBusiness facility is located at 6906 Zion Church Rd, Salisbury, Maryland – near Beaver Run School, Delmarva Early Learning Center, and other businesses and homes. Subsequent testing revealed that groundwater near the facility also contained high concentrations of these chemicals. In some instances, PFAS levels in groundwater were found to be up to 340 times higher than U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) drinking water standards. Private wells near Peggy Branch contained PFOS, a type of PFAS, at levels exceeding 100 parts per trillion.
The Lawsuits Against Perdue Agribusiness
As of November 2025, Perdue Agribusiness faces multiple lawsuits related to PFAS contamination in Salisbury. These lawsuits generally allege that Perdue:
- Improperly discharged wastewater containing PFAS into the ground and nearby streams.
- Failed to properly handle toxic waste, violating the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).
- Knew about the pollution but failed to warn nearby residents for an extended period.
One of the lawsuits, filed in July 2025 under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), accuses Perdue of failing to properly handle toxic waste. The RCRA requires that hazardous materials be managed in ways that prevent harm to human health. The suit claims the company discharges about 180,000 gallons of PFAS-laden wastewater into local waters daily. It also alleges that air emissions and unlined wastewater lagoons on the property are contaminating groundwater.
Another class-action lawsuit, filed in late 2024, represents around 500 residents. It alleges that Perdue knew about the pollution but failed to warn the public for over a year and accuses the company of “reckless indifference”.
Perdue’s Response
Perdue AgriBusiness has stated that it is cooperating with state regulators and taking steps to address the contamination. These steps include:
- Providing bottled water and filtration systems to affected residents.
- Installing PFAS-free equipment.
- Installing a state-of-the-art Comprehensive Outflow PFAS Treatment System is now operational at the facility. Test results show that this system has reduced regulated PFAS concentrations in treated wastewater to trace levels.
- Testing properties within a prescribed radius of this facility.
However, plaintiffs in the lawsuits argue that these measures are insufficient and that Perdue needs to do more to protect the community and remediate the contamination. Perdue maintains that it took steps to remedy the high PFAS levels before the lawsuit was filed.
What are the potential legal outcomes?
The lawsuits against Perdue seek various remedies, including:
- An order stopping Perdue from continuing the alleged discharges of PFAS.
- A requirement that Perdue pay for cleanup and preventative measures.
- Civil penalties.
- Reimbursement for legal fees.
- Compensation for health impacts, property damage, and other losses.
What Should Salisbury Residents Do?
If you are a resident of Salisbury near the Perdue AgriBusiness facility and are concerned about potential PFAS exposure, consider the following steps:
- Get Your Water Tested: Contact your local health department or a certified laboratory to have your well water tested for PFAS.
- Consult a Doctor: Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, especially if you have experienced any unexplained health issues.
- Stay Informed: Follow local news and updates regarding the lawsuits and Perdue’s remediation efforts.
- Seek Legal Advice: If you believe you have been harmed by PFAS contamination, consult with an environmental attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
Moving Forward
The Salisbury Residents vs. Perdue Agribusiness PFAS lawsuit highlights the challenges communities face when dealing with environmental contamination. As research continues to uncover the health risks associated with PFAS, it’s crucial for companies to be held accountable for their actions and for residents to have access to clean and safe drinking water. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for other communities facing similar contamination issues and could shape the future of environmental regulation and corporate responsibility.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please consult with a qualified attorney.