Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Eglin AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Eglin Air Force Base was established in 1933 where it started as an airport and expanded to accommodate bombing and gunnery initiatives. War in Europe triggered the expansion of the Army Air Corps and Eglin became a key site for fighter pilot gunnery training, as well as aircraft, equipment, and tactic testing. It also supported air raid preparation, missile training, and various other Air Force projects, including the Air Research and Development Command, Air Force Armament Center, Air Proving Ground Center, and Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). One prominent site at Eglin is the Duke Field Airport. Duke Field is a United States military airport that supports the Eglin Air Force Base,  also known as Eglin AFB Auxiliary Field #3. Duke Field has primarily served as a training site and was home to the 919th Special Operations Group in 1975. 

In addition to being the largest Air Force base in the world, Eglin also has one of the highest levels of unsafe PFAS water contamination. PFAS, a group of chemicals used in firefighting foam, was used by the military for decades, which led to soil and groundwater contamination. Consuming PFAS-contaminated water can lead to a range of serious illnesses, including testicular cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and thyroid cancer. Military veterans, their families, and civilians living near military bases like Eglin Air Force Base are now suing chemical manufacturers for harmful exposure. If you’ve been exposed to PFAS and developed an adverse health condition, you could be entitled to compensation through a PFAS lawsuit.

Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

April 2024 – King Law Reviewing Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Claims 

Thousands of veterans, family members, and civilians across the United States are filing lawsuits against chemical manufacturers after they drank contaminated water and developed a related illness. King Law is reviewing cases of people diagnosed with cancer, thyroid disease, and other serious conditions after their time at Eglin Air Force Base. If you think you may be eligible for compensation, contact us today for a free consultation. 

June 2023 – Florida Cities Reach Settlement With 3M Over PFAS Water Contamination

Around 300 communities in Florida filed lawsuits against 3M and other manufacturers of PFAS-containing products due to water contamination. Claimants seek compensation to help cover the costs of filtering PFAS out of drinking water. In June 2023, 3M reached a settlement with claimants totaling at least $10.3 billion. Payments are slated to begin around April 2024 and continue through 2036. 

2019 – Extreme Water Contamination at Eglin AFB Triggers PFAS Litigation

Water testing in 2019 revealed PFAS levels of 55,200 ppt. This is more than 7,800 times the EPA’s Lifetime Health Advisory of 70 ppt and even higher than the updated interim health advisories of 0.02 ppt for PFOS and 0.004 ppt for PFAS. While knowledge of PFAS contamination sparked in 2009 with the Camp Lejeune lawsuit, this 2019 testing contributed to additional lawsuits as those who were stationed at Eglin Air Force Base filed claims.

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History of Toxic Exposure at Eglin Air Force Base

December 2023 – Remedial Investigation Underway at Eglin AFB 

As of December 2023, the current site status of Eglin Air Force Base is listed as “PA/SI Completed – RI Underway.” In other words, the preliminary assessment and site investigation are complete and remedial investigation is underway to determine what remediation efforts are needed to address PFAS contamination at the base. 

October 2021 – PFAS From Eglin Contaminates Food Supply From the Gulf of Mexico

A news article released by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in October 2021 detailed how PFAS chemicals have seeped from Florida military bases, including Eglin, into the Gulf of Mexico. Studies show that it’s harming fish, oysters, and other food sources from the Gulf, putting everyone at risk who consumes the seafood. Oysters near Eglin Air Force Base had 494 ng/g of PFOS in their flesh. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has a consumption threshold of 0.0044 ng/g of body weight per week for PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS (types of PFAS) combined. Furthermore, studies found that PFAS in fish and oyster populations near Galveston Bay “showed significant amounts of PFOS in muscle and liver tissue” and “more than 15 percent of fish samples had levels of PFOS above the EPA threshold at which causing toxicity is likely.”

2019 – Eglin AFB PFAS Levels Test Over 7,800 Times EPA Lifetime Health Advisory

Groundwater testing in 2019 revealed record-high levels of PFAS at Eglin Air Force Base. Testing looked at three different types of PFAS and found 535,000 ppt of PFOS, 17,200 ppt of PFOA, and 8,260 ppt of PFBS in groundwater on-base. The combined level of PFOS and PFOA at 552,200 ppt is more than 7,800 times the EPA’s 70 ppt lifetime health advisory for PFAS. 

March 2019 – Multiple PFAS-Contaminated Sites Identified at Eglin AFB 

A preliminary assessment was conducted in July 2015 at Eglin to determine potential areas with PFAS contamination. The report noted that PFAS firefighting foam was primarily used by the Air Force starting in 1970 at fire training areas but also used, stored, and released at hangar fire-suppression systems, air firefighting equipment testing and maintenance areas, and wherever there were aircraft accidents or fuel spills that presented a fire risk. More than 30 sites were identified as finalized points of interest in March 2019 and 12 were listed as PFAS sites in a final Site Status Report. 

2016-2018 – Eglin Transitions to Firefighting Foam With Less PFAS

In 2016, Eglin transitioned from traditional Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) to a PFOS-free firefighting foam with trace amounts of PFA in all fire vehicles. The transition to safer foam in all vehicles and hangar fire suppression systems took place from August 2018 through November 2018.

Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Map

The Eglin Air Force Base water contamination map shows areas where PFAS use was prominent, contributing to groundwater contamination. Key sites include fire training areas, flightline drainage ditches, and other areas where firefighting foam was used to maintain and put out fires during training exercises or fuel oil incidents. Based on the base’s proximity to other neighborhoods and the Gulf, you can see how the use of contaminated firefighting foam at the base contributed to the contamination of nearby communities and waterways. 

Contaminants Found in Eglin Air Force Base Drinking Water

PFAS is the main contaminant in Eglin Air Force Base drinking water. However, other toxins have been found in tap water that contribute to the health risks veterans and their families face. 

Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Substances (PFAS)

Per- and Poly-Fluroinated Substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that build up over time and do not break down in the body or the environment. PFAS can be found in a range of products, one of which is firefighting foam. Firefighting foam was used by the military for decades, so as the foam was used, stored, or disposed of, it could seep into the ground and contaminate soil and groundwater. Many military bases rely on groundwater for their drinking water supply and have PFAS contamination that can lead to the following health issues: 

• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Changes in liver enzymes 
• Decreased vaccine effectiveness
• Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Leukemia
• Lowered immune response 
• Multiple-myeloma
• Kidney cancer 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Reproductive issues
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Ulcerative colitis 

Other Toxins 

According to the EWG, there are other toxins exceeding health guidelines that have been found in Eglin Air Force Base drinking tap water, including: 

• Arsenic: 50-150x the EWG Health Guideline
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5): 6.4-59x the EWG Health Guideline
• Radium: 13-21x the EWG Health Guideline
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): 52-110x the EWG Health Guideline

These toxins are all connected to adverse health conditions including neurological disorders, respiratory issues, and cancers.

Current Water Quality at Eglin Air Force Base

While 2023 water quality reports for Eglin AFB don’t show any EPA violations, PFAS is not listed as a contaminant that was tested for. Furthermore, PFAS levels have been significantly high in recent years. Veterans, family members, and others who have consumed PFAS-contaminated water at the base are at risk of developing serious health conditions if they haven’t already since the chemicals build up in the body over time and don’t break down.

Water Treatment Efforts at Eglin Air Force Base

Water at Eglin Air Force Base doesn’t go through any additional treatment efforts other than standard filtration and disinfection with chlorine. With PFAS remedial investigation underway, officials may pinpoint the need for other filtration measures to reduce the risk of PFAS consumption.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water at Eglin AFB

King Law is reviewing claims related to PFAS contamination at Eglin Air Force Base and diagnoses of the following illnesses:  

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer 
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Kidney cancer 
• Leukemia 
• Liver cancer 
• Multiple myeloma 
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Pancreatic cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Ulcerative Colitis 

If you develop any symptoms after drinking toxic water, you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

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

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

Individuals who consumed contaminated Eglin drinking water may also face respiratory issues, neurological problems, lowered immune response, decreased vaccine effectiveness, birth defects, reproductive issues, skin disorders, and more. 

Eligibility Criteria for Eglin AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

Eligibility for an Eglin Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit is contingent on the following: 

1. Toxic exposure for at least six months: PFAS builds up in the body over time, so the longer your exposure, the stronger your case is likely to be. 
2. Diagnosis of a related health condition: Diagnosis of an eligible condition is required to ensure the success of your case. Disease severity and age at the time of diagnosis can impact the strength of your case. 

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

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

If you were stationed at Eglin Air Force Base during a time of water contamination and developed a related illness, contact us today. With a free, no-obligation consultation, you can confirm your eligibility and learn more about next steps toward filing a claim and potentially earning compensation. .

Eglin AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Eglin AFB payouts depend on the specifics of each case. Based on similar litigation, we anticipate an average settlement amount of $250,000 with a range from $30,000-$500,000. Very strong cases with substantial evidence may range higher toward $1,000,000. Factors that can impact your case include age at the time of diagnosis, severity of diagnosis, duration of exposure, and extent of exposure.

How to File an Eglin AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

The process to file an Eglin Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit can entail: 

1. Collect any documentation you have to support your exposure at Eglin and diagnosis of a related condition. 
2. Contact an attorney who has experience handling environmental law to set up a consultation and initial case review. 
3. Your lawyer will build your case and file it in the appropriate court, providing details about your exposure, diagnosis, and who you deem responsible. 
4. Your lawyer will advise whether you should pursue a settlement (with which they’ll negotiate on your behalf) or go to court. While verdicts can have higher payouts, they risk you walking away with no compensation and often take longer. 
5. Ideally, the case will result in your favor and you’ll earn compensation that can be used for lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. 

King Law personal injury attorneys have extensive experience handling military contamination lawsuits and can guide you through the entire process from start to finish with compassion and confidence. Reach out to us today to get the help and justice you deserve. 

Evidence to Support Your Eglin Air Force Base Claim

The following evidence can help substantiate your Eglin Air Force Base claim: 

• Medical records that prove your diagnosis and give other details like prognosis, symptoms, limitations, and suggested treatments 
• Copies of military orders, directives, and discharge paperwork proving your time at Eglin Air Force Base 
• Proof of water contamination like water quality reports, investigative reports, press releases, etc. 
• Expert testimonies, environmental studies, and other reliable resources that show the dangers of the contaminant you were exposed to

Statute of Limitations for Eglin AFB Water Contamination Claims

Individuals filing an Eglin Air Force Base claim are subject to state-specific statutes of limitations and can depend on the circumstances if your case. The longer you wait to file, the harder it can be to earn the compensation you deserve, so don’t delay. 

Eglin Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers

To ensure the strongest case possible, you should consult with a lawyer who is experienced in handling toxic torts. Toxic tort attorneys have the knowledge and resources needed to advocate on your behalf and get you the most compensation possible based on your eligibility. King Law has this experience and a track record of positive testimonies to give you the confidence you need to schedule a consultation with us and start the claim-filing process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about contamination at Eglin Air Force Base with the following frequently asked questions.