Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2025 Update]
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
The Chanute Air Force Base (decommissioned) was established in 1917. It initially served as a training facility for pilots during WWI. Over the next several years, it would have various uses before all military operations at the base ceased in 1993. Contamination at the site led to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recommendation that it be added to the National Priorities (Superfund) List.
Toxic substances found in the soil, groundwater, and surface water at the site include per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), arsenic, trichloroethylene, sodium, and 1,4-dioxane. Clean-up efforts at the base are being monitored by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. It is believed that up to two million service members were potentially exposed to toxic chemicals through the water at the Air Force base.
Veterans who were diagnosed with an adverse health condition related to water contamination at the Chanute Air Force Base may be entitled to compensation. At King Law, we have extensive experience helping military members and their families obtain financial recovery. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates
April 2024: Illinois EPA Monitors Contamination at Chanute Air Force Base After Superfund Site Designation
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has kept close tabs on the Chanute Air Force Base following its listing as a Superfund Site. Their work highlights traditional military contamination like fuel leaks, solvents, degreasers, and chemicals like Zinc Phosphide and 2,4-D. The largest contamination sites include four landfills and a fire training center. Fire training centers have come under much scrutiny because of the PFAS chemicals used in AFFF firefighting foam.
2024: Investigations continue into individuals affected by the water contamination at Chanute Air Force Base.
2023: The process of transferring the former Chanute Air Force Base back to the community of Rantoul is completed.
2022: Clean-up efforts continue at the decommissioned base.
2014: The Air Force conducts initial testing for contamination at the site. Sampling indicates PFAS levels at 644,000 parts per trillion, nearly one million times greater than the EPA recommends.
On this page:
Historical Background of Toxic Exposure at Chanute Air Force Base
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Map
Contaminants Found in Chanute AFB Drinking Water
Current Water Quality at Chanute AFB
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Chanute AFB
Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
How to File a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Chanute AFB Water Contamination Claims
Historical Background of Toxic Exposure at Chanute Air Force Base
The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Commission recommended closing Chanute Air Force Base in 1988. However, military operations at the site did not cease until 1993. In compliance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), potential contaminants that may pose an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment are investigated.
Through these investigations it is determined that substantial clean-up efforts are needed. In order to expedite these cleanup efforts, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a portion of the base be added to the National Priorities List. The base, which occupies over 2,100 acres near the village of Rantoul, however, is never added to the list. In 2021, the EPA withdrew the request, noting the substantive cleanup efforts made by the Air Force.
Concerns continue at the site over the high levels of PFAS found in the groundwater and soil. Initial testing focused on firefighting training areas at the base due to the military’s prolonged use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
AFFF is known to contain PFAS. Exposure to these chemicals may increase a person’s risk of developing certain kinds of cancer. One test shows PFAS levels on the base at 644,000 parts per trillion, nearly one million times higher than what was considered safe by the EPA at the time.
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Map
While contamination was present throughout Chanute AFB, initial investigations for PFAS focused on the former firefighting training areas. Lead was detected in one private well. Four landfills and Building 995 Test Engine Cells are also part of the remediation efforts at the base due to high levels of contamination.
Contaminants Found in Chanute AFB Drinking Water
The main contaminants found in the groundwater at Chanute Air Force Base are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Early testing showed levels of nearly one million times the 70 parts per trillion recommended by the EPA as safe at the time. The EPA has subsequently reduced the Maximum Contaminant Level for PFAS to 4 parts per trillion. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of adverse health risks, including certain kinds of cancer.
In addition to PFAS, lead, arsenic, dioxins, and other toxic chemicals have been detected in the soil, groundwater, and wells used for drinking water at or near the base. The site was returned to the Village of Rantoul in 2023.
Current Water Quality at Chanute AFB
It is unclear what the current water quality is since the base has been decommissioned since 1993. However, initial sampling of the groundwater at the base indicated PFAS levels at 644,000 parts per trillion. Additionally, contaminants were found in wells that supply drinking water to nearby residents.
Water Treatment Efforts at Chanute Air Force Base
Since the closure of the site in 1993, the Air Force has committed millions of dollars to cleanup efforts. Oversight is completed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. While the over 2,100 acres that comprised Chanute Air Force Base were recently turned back over to the Village of Rantoul, water monitoring continues, and activity and use limitations are in place.
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Chanute AFB
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of serious health risks. Prolonged PFAS exposure may cause an increased risk of developing certain kinds of cancer, such as kidney cancer or testicular cancer.
Health risks and symptoms linked to drinking water contaminated with PFAS:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Multiple myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bladder cancer
- Leukemia
- Male breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate 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 served or were stationed at Chanute Air Force Base for at least six months are strongly encouraged to undergo routine check-ups. Early detection and treatment of conditions related to PFAS exposure are often critical. If you are diagnosed with an adverse health condition, you should consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
Eligibility Criteria for Filing a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
In order to file a lawsuit based on water contamination at Chanute Air Force Base, you will need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria may include that you were stationed at the base for at least six months. You may also have to show evidence of an adverse condition related to PFAS exposure, such as thyroid disease or certain types of cancer.
Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:
- Bladder Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Multiple-Myeloma
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Thyroid Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
It is important to note that water contamination lawsuits may take several months to a year or more to resolve. Working with an attorney can help ensure you receive the guidance you need to successfully navigate a claim for compensation.
Chanute AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
Settlements and payout amounts may vary significantly depending on the individual circumstances of your case. However, most settlements are anticipated to range between $30,000 and $500,000. Previous cancer-related lawsuits often settled for between $100,000 and $300,000.
The average settlement in a Chanute Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit may be around $250,000, with individuals who are younger at the time of diagnosis potentially receiving larger settlements. Additionally, the duration of active illness or proof of significant toxic exposure may result in higher compensation. It is believed that some cases may reach values at or near $1,000,000.
Individuals with minor injuries or those who are unable to provide a strong connection to PFAS exposure at the base may see settlements from $30,000 to $75,000. While settlement offers tend to be lower than potential trial verdicts, there is no guarantee of a positive outcome if the matter goes to verdict.
How to File a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you believe your health has been impacted by PFAS contamination at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois, there are several steps you must follow to successfully file a lawsuit.
First you must assemble documents that connect your exposure to contaminated water at Chanute to your current health issues. This includes medical records detailing PFAS levels and diagnosis of related illnesses, proof of residency on the base, and any communication with the Air Force regarding the contamination.
PFAS lawsuits involve complex environmental and military legal issues. Consulting an attorney experienced in these areas is crucial. They can assess your eligibility to sue, considering factors like your time spent at Chanute and the severity of your illness.
Since PFAS is a recent area of legal focus, courts are still establishing legal precedents for exposure standards and causation. An attorney specializing in PFAS lawsuits will understand the specific legal landscape surrounding Chanute Air Force Base contamination and how it applies to your case.
Evidence to Support Your Claim:
Successful water contamination lawsuits generally require a substantial amount of evidence to prove the claim. In general, you will need to show proof of exposure and diagnosis of a related condition.
Evidence that may help support your claim:
- Medical documents
- Copy of military orders
- Expert testimony
- Proof of diagnosis
- Referral to specialist
- Environmental studies
- Physician’s statement
Statute of Limitations for Chanute AFB Water Contamination Claims
All Chanute Air Force Base water contamination claims are subject to a state-specific statute of limitation. A statute of limitations is a specific timeframe within which victims must file their lawsuit in order to qualify for compensation. Most often, individuals have between one to two years after their diagnosis to take legal action. In some states, however, you may have up to six years to file a claim based on a PFAS-related illness.
It is imperative to consult with an attorney to determine what legal requirements, including the statute of limitations, may apply to your case. Failure to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may result in your claim being denied.
Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers
Were you diagnosed with cancer or thyroid disease after being stationed at Chanute Air Force Base? You might be entitled to compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our lawyers are well-versed in handling even the most complex water contamination lawsuits. Get the legal solutions you need now.