Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Fort Drum Water Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Located in the Thousand Islands Region of New York State, Fort Drum houses nearly 20,000 soldiers. The military base is home to the 10th Mountain Division (LI) of the United States Army. It was initially established in 1908 as Camp Pine before becoming a permanent garrison in 1974. It is named after Lieutenant General Hugh A. Drum.

After discovering water contamination, the base was identified as a superfund site. Efforts continue to be made to clean up the contamination; however, there is concern that veterans and current service members may have been exposed to toxic substances. King Law continues to investigate claims related to water contamination at Fort Drum. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.

Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

2024: Multiple lawsuits have been filed around the country by current and former military service members who have suffered adverse health effects as a result of water contamination at installations nationwide. 

2019: Fort Drum is among 90 army installations identified as having substantial quantities of PFAS chemicals in its water. 

2016: Remedies proposed to clean up Fort Drum site 3800 PCE by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Potable Wells 7 and 11 at Fort Drum are taken offline after the discovery of PFAS. Both wells are located near the Fire Training Area.

2007: Phytoremediation is used to clean up a nearly 162,000-gallon plume of petroleum originally discovered in 1988. The contamination was caused by a leaking underground storage tank, pipes, and small spills. Petroleum-laced water flowed through the area, eventually infiltrating a nearby creek.

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Background of Toxic Exposure at Fort Drum

As early as 1988, it was discovered that there was contamination in the water and soil surrounding Fort Drum. Leakage from an underground storage tank caused the release of hundreds of thousands of gallons of petroleum. More recently, it was revealed that Fort Drum had high concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). PFAS are forever chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer upon exposure. 

It is believed that a portion of the PFAS water contamination came from the army’s use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). AFFF is known to contain PFAS and has been used by the army for over 50 years. The run off from AFFF and other PFAS-containing products is the suspected cause of the contamination at the base.

Other contamination sources, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), include Leachate from landfills, explosive ordnance disposal activities, and two building sites that were contaminated with pesticides.

Fort Drum Water Contamination Map

As reported by the EPA, there are twenty solid waste management units and seven areas of concern undergoing corrective action. These include four spill sites, seven underground storage tank sites, and nine landfill sites. Particular areas of concern include the Old Sanitary Landfill and areas near the Indian River and Black River.

Contaminants Found in Fort Drum Drinking Water

Studies show that toxic chemicals have been discovered in the drinking water at Fort Drum. In 2016, two potable wells were taken offline after substantial concentrations of PFAS were found in them. Both wells are adjacent to fire training areas. It is well-documented that the U.S. Army used AFFF, a PFAS-containing product, for decades. The run-off from the firefighting foam is believed to have seeped into the ground and wells at the base.

PFAS pose a considerable health risk, particularly when they are ingested for prolonged periods of time. PFAS have been linked to an increased risk of cancer and other adverse health concerns. Individuals who have been diagnosed with PFAS-related cancer are strongly encouraged to contact an attorney.

Current Water Quality at Fort Drum

The latest reports from the United States Army show that drinking water at Fort Drum contains 4.31 parts per trillion (ppt) PFOS/PFOA in finished drinking water. PFOS and PFOA are two of the most common PFAS. It is believed that no levels of PFAS in drinking water are safe. However, new guidance issued in 2023 from the EPA states that a Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) should be 4.0 ppt for PFOS and PFOA.

Water Treatment Efforts at Fort Drum

The army currently samples and monitors on-base drinking water in accordance with federal law. Water samples are taken semi-annually or every two years, depending on the system. The discovery of PFAS in potable wells on the base led to two of them being taken offline.

Health Risks Connected to Drinking Water at Fort Drum

There are a number of health risks and symptoms linked to drinking contaminated water at Fort Drum. It is strongly encouraged that individuals who were stationed at Fort Drum maintain regular check-ups and engage in screening programs for early detection of cancer and other health problems that may be associated with PFAS contamination. 

Long-term exposure to PFAS has been associated with:

• Thyroid cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Nonalcoholic liver disease
• Preeclampsia
• Thyroid disease
• Hypothyroidism
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Brain cancer
• Colon cancer

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Kidney Cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

Individuals who have been diagnosed with an adverse health condition after being stationed at Fort Drum may be eligible to file a water contamination lawsuit. It is imperative to speak to an attorney as soon as possible to determine the best course of legal action.

Eligibility for Filing a Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawsuit

To determine whether you are eligible to file a Fort Drum water contamination lawsuit, you need to consult with legal counsel. An attorney will be able to discern whether you have a valid claim for damages based on the circumstances of your case.

Eligibility criteria for a Fort Drum water contamination lawsuit may include:

• Proof of service – You will need to be able to provide military records showing you were stationed or worked at Fort Drum for a period of time.
  
• Proof of injury – You will need to provide medical records showing that you have an injury caused by exposure to toxic chemicals found at Fort Drum. 

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Kidney Cancer
• Liver cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

Water contamination cases can be challenging to prove without the help of an attorney. Lawsuits can take months or years to resolve. It is important to remember that you only have a limited amount of time to file a case.  It is strongly recommended that you speak with an attorney as soon as you receive a diagnosis related to PFAS contamination, such as thyroid, kidney, or testicular cancer.

Fort Drum Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlement and payout amounts for Fort Drum water contamination lawsuits are based on a number of factors, including the extent of exposure, duration of service at the base, and severity of your injuries. Most settlement amounts are anticipated to be between $30,000 and $500,000. However, previous cancer-related lawsuits often settled within the $100,000 to $300,000 range.

While the average settlement amount is estimated to be around $250,000, individuals who are younger at the time of diagnosis may receive larger settlements. There is the potential for some cases to reach settlements or payouts at or near $1,000,000.

Cases with less evidence connecting an injury to exposure to a toxic substance at Fort Drum may settle for values between $30,000 and $75,000. Settlements are generally lower than potential trial verdicts, but there is a risk of receiving nothing at trial.

How to File a Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawsuit

The first step in filing a Fort Drum water contamination lawsuit is to determine your eligibility. An attorney can help verify whether you meet the criteria to file a lawsuit. Each case is governed by a state-specific statute of limitations; therefore, you want to ensure you begin the process as soon as possible.

Once you have retained legal representation, they will likely ask you to provide evidence to support your claim. They will guide you through the process, including helping you secure the documents you need to prove your case. 

Evidence to Support Your Claim:

Most water contamination lawsuits are based on evidence. Evidence in a water contamination case may include documents supporting the length of time spent at Fort Drum and the severity of your injuries.

Evidence you may need to collect to support your claim:

• Medical records
• Military orders
• Expert testimony
• Environmental studies
• Notes from doctors or specialists
• Proof of lost wages
• Proof of out-of-pocket expenses

Evidence often proves critical in cases based on exposure to a toxic substance at a military installation. Saving all of your documents related to your diagnosis and any injury-related losses is essential.

Statute of Limitations for Fort Drum Water Contamination Claims

Fort Drum water contamination lawsuits are subject to a state-specific statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a legal timeframe within which you must take legal action in order to qualify for compensation. Failure to file within the statute of limitations may result in your claim being denied. 

It is important to consult with a lawyer immediately.

Fort Drum Water Contamination Lawyers

Were you diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness after being stationed at Fort Drum? You may be eligible to file a lawsuit based on water contamination. At King Law, we have extensive experience helping current and former service members obtain compensation for their losses. Our legal team can help you with all aspects of your case, including claim evaluation, document preparation, and representation through the case. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Keep reading for frequently asked questions about Fort Drum’s drinking water.