Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Wurtsmith Air Force Base was established in 1923 as Loud-Reames Aviation Field, was renamed Camp Skeel in 1924, and was renamed yet again in 1942 as Oscoda Air Army Field. The base primarily served as an aerial gunnery and a place for aviation training with soft-surface landing areas. It underwent many different changes in command and jurisdiction before it became a permanent installation in 1951 and was designated as an Air Defence Command (ADC) fighter-interceptor training base. The base was formally named Wurtsmith Air Force Base in 1953 and went on to house many different squadrons and strategic air command initiatives until it was closed in 1993 from the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. 

One aspect of air force bases was the heavy use of firefighting foam to put out potential fires from flammable liquids like jet fuel. But, the firefighting foam contained PFAS, a dangerous chemical that can cause bladder cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, and thyroid disease. When firefighting foam was used, leaked from storage, or disposed of, PFAS could seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater that contributed to drinking water supplies on and around the base. Military members, their family members, and civilians were then susceptible to drinking the contaminated water. Those who have developed a related illness like cancer are now filing water contamination lawsuits to get compensation from chemical manufacturers.

Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

April 2024 – Victims Pursue Compensation for Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination

Thousands of claimants across the country are filing lawsuits against PFAS product manufacturers after they developed an illness related to water contamination at military bases. Veterans, family members, and others impacted by toxic water at Wurtsmith AFB may be eligible to file a claim. Successful claims can recover damages to help with lost wages, medical bills, and more. 

January 2023 – Michigan Reaches First PFAS Settlement

As Michigan continues to struggle with growing levels of PFAS contamination, the state reached its first settlement after suing numerous PFAS product manufacturers. This settlement was with Asahi Kasei Plastics North America (APNA) while other lawsuits were against 3M and DuPont, which were resolved through multidistrict litigation. 

1980s – Michigan Aims to Sue Military for TCE Water Contamination 

As TCE was detected in residential drinking water, the state of Michigan announced plans to sue the military. Officials wanted to spark cleanup action and help prevent the spread of pollution to other communities. A United States Geological Survey determined that in addition to TCE, DCE, and benzene were also identified in groundwater.

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Historical Background of Toxic Exposure at Wurtsmith AFB

Testing has revealed extensive levels of PFAS contamination in soil, groundwater, and surface water over the past decade. For example, one 2017 test result was 8,500,000,000 times the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) interim updated health advisory (0.02 ppt for PFOS and 0.004 ppt for PFOA). 

2023 – Public Advised Not to Eat Fish, Deer & Other Wildlife from Clark’s Marsh Because of PFAS Contamination

Officials continue to renew advisories (first issued in 2018) warning the public not to eat deer, fish, muskrats, crayfish, mollusks, and other forms of wildlife in and within three miles of Clark’s Marsh because of PFAS contamination. Firefighting foam used at Fort Wurtsmith likely migrated through groundwater into the marsh. Studies found high levels of PFAS in the tissues and fats of fish and deer, raising concerns about human consumption. 

2022 – Remedial Investigation Confirms Extensive PFAS Groundwater Contamination

In February 2022, a Remedial Investigation was published, outlining the extent of PFAS contamination in and around the Fort Wurtsmith base. It reviewed the extent of PFAS contamination in soil, groundwater and surface water with over 600 pages of results and findings. It confirmed extreme levels of contamination, particularly in groundwater and surface area within and surrounding the base. The investigation focused on the spread of PFAS contamination from 20 areas of the base where aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was used, stored, and disposed of. 

2020-2021: Michigan Updates State PFAS Maximum Contamination Levels

In 2020, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) established new rules for the maximum level of PFAS compounds that can be found in public drinking water. They set maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for specific types of PFAS: 

• PFNA: 6 ppt 
• PFOA: 8 ppt 
• PFHxA: 400,000 ppt 
• PFOS: 16 ppt 
• PFHxS: 51 ppt 
• PFBS: 420 ppt 
• HFPO-DA: 370 ppt 

The stricter standards contributed to the prioritization and progress of PFAS cleanup efforts in the state, particularly concerning Fort Wurtsmith. 

2015-2019 – Sampling Shows High Levels of PFAS in Wells 

Water samples taken from various private and public wells demonstrated extremely high levels of PFAS in drinking water. The investigation primarily looked at two public wells and 54 public wells. In many cases, the combined levels of PFOS and PFOA exceeded the EPA’s lifetime health advisory of 60 ppt. Numerous samples were well over 100,000 ppt, some were over 1,000,000 ppt, and some were even higher than 100,000,000 ppt. The highest concentrations were found at former Fire Training Areas of the base because of the firefighting foam use. 

2018 – Expanded Investigation Confirms PFAS Migration to Water Bodies

When the Former Wurtsmith Air Force Base Remediation Investigation expanded its survey, it confirmed PFAS migration from elevated concentration areas to nearby bodies of water. PFAS was found in AuSable River, Clark’s Marsh, Van Etten Lake, Pine River, and Allan Lake. This expanded the risk to the public and wildlife in Iosco County, Michigan.

Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Map

Reference the contamination map to see where firefighting foam was used throughout Wurtsmith Air Force Base. You can also identify the nearby bodies of water impacted by the spread of PFAS contamination. It’s important to note that while there was extensive contamination within the base perimeters, the migration of contaminants impacted water quality in the surrounding communities. 

Contaminants Found in Wurtsmith AFB Drinking Water

The biggest contaminant of concern for Wurtsmith Air Force Base drinking water is PFAS. However, other toxins have been identified, elevating the number and severity of health risks.   

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS represents a group of around 15,000 synthetic chemicals also called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and will build up in the body over time with long-term exposure. PFAS can cause cancer and was a main ingredient of firefighting foam used by the military across the United States for decades. PFAS presents the following health concerns: 

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Male breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Leukemia
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Victims may also experience other issues with kidney and liver function, reproductive problems, birth defects, changes in cholesterol, weakened vaccine effectiveness, and a worsened immune response. 

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

Multiple areas within the Wurtsmith Air Force Base installation had exceedances of TCE when testing soil and groundwater. Exceedances and issues with TCE contamination were identified as early as 1977 and continued through 2021 testing. Records indicate instances of large storage tanks leaking TCE that then entered supply wells. TCE was a common agent in degreasing and solvent solutions used in the military and is linked to the following health conditions: 

• Kidney cancer 
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Liver cancer 
• Liver damage

Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)

PCE is another toxin that was found throughout the Wurtsmith Air Force Base installation over the past few decades. TCE is an ingredient manufacturers have used in metal degreasers and other industrial agents. It is linked to the following health conditions: 

• Respiratory issues 
• Liver damage 
• Bladder cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Multiple myeloma 

Chloroform

Chloroform has been a concern in groundwater and soil at and around Wurtsmith since the 1970s. Chloroform is often used in industrial applications and “as a

chemical intermediate, specifically for producing refrigerants and polymers used for non-corrosive, waterproof, or nonstick liners.” The use, storage, and disposal of chloroform-containing products at Wurtsmith AFB contributed to water supply contamination. 

Chloroform is linked to the following health risks with elevated risk through longer-term exposure: 

• Bladder cancer
• Colon cancer
• Melanoma
• Breast cancer 
• Leukemia

Current Water Quality at Wurtsmith AFB

PFAS contamination continues to be a problem at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and in the Oscoda area. While the base is no longer in operation, some of the most recent Iosco County sample results showed that 89 of 228 groundwater well samples had PFAS levels above EGLE criteria. PFAS contamination has improved through cleanup efforts, but still continues to be a major safety risk for those living around the base and who have been exposed in previous years when the base was in operation. 

Water Treatment Efforts at Wurtsmith AFB

The following treatment efforts have taken place because of Wurtsmith AFB contamination: 

• Installation of a new filtration facility specifically to address PFAS contamination
• Use of 11 different granulated activated carbon (GAC) tanks for filtration at the former base to mitigate the leaching of PFAS chemicals into nearby waterways
• Ongoing sampling of groundwater, drinking water, and surface water
• Updated criteria to lower the advisable levels of PFAS in drinking water 
• Residents were offered drinking water filters and existing filters were replaced 
• Some households were provided with water coolers others some connected to municipal water 

Cleanup measures continue to be a priority for Michigan with additional remediation plans underway. For example, the DoD plans to install additional groundwater treatment systems this year to help prevent the additional spread of PFAS.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water at Wurtsmith AFB

Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Wurtsmith AFB may be associated with the following illnesses: 

• Bladder cancer 
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Kidney cancer 
• Male breast cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Liver cancer 
• Colon cancer
• Melanoma 
• Leukemia 
• Lymphoma 
• Ulcerative colitis 
• Liver damage 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Respiratory issues

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

Eligibility Criteria for Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Wurtsmith AFB water contamination lawsuit, you must have: 

1. At least six months of exposure: We are looking for claimants to have at least six months of toxic exposure at Wurtsmith to solidify their case. In many cases, PFAS was the main toxin contributing to a claimant’s illness.
2. A related diagnosis: We are reviewing cases where individuals have been diagnosed with serious illnesses like testicular cancer, or thyroid cancer related to their toxic exposure.

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

If you think you’re eligible for a PFAS lawsuit, contact us today to review your claim and guide you through the next steps to securing the compensation you deserve. 

Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Wurtsmith AFB lawsuit payout amounts vary on a case-by-case basis. However, we can estimate the following ranges based on similar litigation: 

• $30,000-$75,000 for cases that lack evidence, have short-term exposure, or involve less-serious illnesses. 
• $100,000-$300,000 for average cases with the required proof of at least six months of exposure and diagnosis of a related illness.
• $500,000-$1,000,000 for cases that have strong evidence, involve long-term toxic exposure, and entail a severe diagnosis.

How to File a Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

King Law can help you navigate the claim-filing process each step of the way. Typically this entails the following: 

1. Contact an attorney experienced in toxic torts to get the expertise needed to build a strong case. At King Law, we will provide you with a free consultation to confirm your eligibility and answer any initial questions you may have. 
2. Begin gathering documentation that proves you were stationed at Wurtsmith AFB, were exposed to a toxin, and that you developed a related illness. Review the type of evidence you need below. 
3. Your attorney will draft and file your claim. The claim will detail what toxin you were exposed to, how you’ve suffered, and who you deem responsible, among other details to solidify your right to compensation. 
4. In many cases, water contamination lawsuits result in a settlement where you will ideally be paid out without going to court. In some cases, your attorney might recommend you go to court, however, you risk walking away with no compensation if you pursue a verdict. 
5. In successful cases, you can use the compensation to help offset lost wages, medical bills, treatment expenses, and other damages. 

Rest assured that we will offer compassion and support at each step of the process so you can pursue a Wurtsmith AFB claim with confidence. 

Evidence to Support Your Wurtsmith AFB Claim

Evidence that will help bolster and improve your chances of a successful claim include: 

• Proof that you were stationed at Wurtsmith AFB such as with military orders, discharge paperwork, deployment records, and other relevant documentation. 
• Proof of what toxin you were exposed to at Wurtsmith and for how long. 
• Additional details around your toxic exposure, such as the records detailing the extent of water contamination, public announcements of water quality concerns, etc. 
• Medical records, doctors’ notes, hospital discharge summaries, and any other official documentation showing your symptoms, diagnosis, prognosis, and suggested treatments. 
• Financial records showing the economic damages you’ve faced as a result of your exposure. 

A good attorney will handle much of the claims process for you. However, it’s imperative that you’re available should the need for additional information or evidence arise to keep your case moving.

Statute of Limitations for Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Cases

You must file personal injury or wrongful death claims by a certain date. These deadlines are referred to as statutes of limitations. While they vary by state, certain circumstances may shorten or lengthen your filing deadline, so be sure to reach out to us as soon as possible to solidify your eligibility.

Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawyers

Not all attorneys are experienced in handling military water contamination lawsuits. At King Law, our background in environmental litigation, toxic torts, and military base cases allows us to navigate such cases with ease and expertise. We are now accepting cases that involve toxic exposure at Wurtsmith AFB as well as numerous other military bases. Whether you’re ready to file or are just starting to explore your options, contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To learn more about Wurtsmith Air Force Base water contamination, review answers to these frequently asked questions: