Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The MCAS El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Marine Corp Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

The United States Marines purchased the property for the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro in 1942 and was commissioned in 1943. The marine base included 4,700 acres and was positioned near Irvine, California. El Toro served as the Master Jet Station in 1950, supported training and operations for the Fleet Marine Forces in the Pacific Ocean, and spent 56 years as a prominent military base where thousands of military members were stationed with their families. MCAS El Toro was closed in 1999 under the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (BCRA) with around 1,000 acres of property transferred to other federal and state agencies and the remaining 3,700 acres made available to developers. 

Unfortunately, the base has also earned the nickname “Toxic El Toro” due to extensive toxic contamination. Through an investigation, the Navy identified 25 potentially contaminated sites with two aircraft hangers primarily responsible for groundwater contamination. Military veterans, their families, and civilians were exposed to PFAS, TCE, arsenic, benzene, and an array of other chemicals that cause cancer and other life-threatening conditions. Now, many of these victims seek justice and compensation through water contamination lawsuits.

Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

May 2024 – King Law Reviewing Marine Corps Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Claims

If you were stationed at MCAS El Toro and developed a contamination-related illness, you could be entitled to compensation. King Law is dedicated to representing those impacted by contamination at military bases. You may be able to join thousands of others across the country who are filing claims against chemical manufacturers to potentially gain compensation that may be able to help with lost wages, medical bills, and other damages. Contact us today for more information and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. 

April 2021 – Veterans Come Forward With Various Cases of Contamination-Related Illnesses

In April 2021, news articles were published sharing the negative experiences of veterans who were once stationed at MCAS El Toro. Victims and their families shared how they used products with harmful chemicals, not realizing their risks and protecting themselves accordingly. Many victims cite Hangar 296 as the biggest area of concern. One news article states, “Hangar 296 is listed as the primary source of contamination in groundwater, which was the ‘principal threat at the site,’ according to the EPA.”

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History of Toxic Exposure at MCAS El Toro

December 2023 – PFAS Highlighted as Emerging Chemical of Concern at El Toro 

A Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) Five-Year Review (FYR) for Air Station El Toro listed PFAS as an “emerging chemical of concern.” Five sites at the military base have PFAS groundwater contamination concerns with plans for additional testing. 

2016-2021 – Navy Conducts Assessment and Identifies Multiple Areas That Require PFAS Remediation

From 2016 to 2021 the Navy did a Preliminary Assessment and Site Investigation at MCAS El Toro to understand where PFAS is an issue. They had 33 areas of interest, 15 of which proceeded to Remedial Investigation and 3 to Expanded Site Inspection. Groundwater well samples had PFAS test results ranging from 5.2 ppt to 333 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. 

January 2007 – TCE Cleanup Project Begins With a 40-Year Estimated Timeline to Completion

The Irvine Ranch Water District, U.S. Navy, and Orange County Water District worked together to complete an El Toro Groundwater Remediation Project to address TCE contamination. The project kicked off in January 2007 and was expected to take around 40 years to complete. 

1990 – EPA Places El Toro on Superfund National Priorities List

MCAS El Toro became a Superfund site and was placed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1990. According to the EPA, “several long-term remedial phases” aim to clean up groundwater contamination, VOC soil contamination,  and abandoned wastewater treatment lines and tanks. 

1985 – TCE Found in Groundwater Beneath El Toro Air Station

Trichloroethylene (TCE) was found in groundwater underneath the El Toro Marine base in 1985. As a volatile organic compound (VOC), concerns arose regarding VOC soil and groundwater contamination that could harm the public and the environment. This triggered ongoing testing of water wells in Irvine, California.

Marine Corp Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Map

The MCAS El Toro water contamination map shows areas of the military base where PFAS is a concern. You can see areas of highest concern and how they have contributed to contamination across the base and to nearby communities. Sample results at wells on base have tested positive for PFAS, oftentimes at levels above the EPA’s health advisories. 

Contaminants Found in MCAS El Toro Drinking Water

The EPA lists all contaminants of concern at Air Station El Toro. PFAS has been one of the largest problems at this base because of how often Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) was used at air hangars and firefighting training areas. Other contaminants heighten the risk military veterans and their families face after living at the base. 

Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Substances (PFAS)

Per- and poly-fluorinated substances (PFAS) represent a group of manmade chemicals known as “forever chemicals” because they build up in the body and environment and do not break down. Therefore, the longer you’re exposed to PFAS, the higher your health risk. The main source of PFAS at the base is firefighting foam used at fire training areas and air hangars. Those exposed to PFAS in drinking water may be at risk of: 

• Birth defects
• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Changes in liver enzymes 
• Decreased vaccine effectiveness
• 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 

Contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible if you develop symptoms related to these conditions. You should also notify your doctor of any known exposure so they can monitor for these illnesses and provide treatment. 

Trichloroethylene (TCE)

TCE has been a known toxin at El Toro since around 1985. TCE was used by the military primarily in degreasing agents used on military equipment. It was especially common at air stations like El Toro due to frequent aircraft maintenance. TCE is also one of the most dangerous chemicals military personnel encountered during their time of service. It is linked to the following health conditions and symptoms: 

• Cervical cancer 
• Dizziness, headaches, and confusion
• Liver cancer 
• Liver damage
• Lymphatic cancers 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Neurotoxicity
• Kidney cancer 
• Skin and eye irritation
• Testicular cancer 

Other Contaminants 

Groundwater at MCAS El Toro has the following contaminants of concern (COCs) according to the EPA: 

• Acetone
• Benzene, chlorobenzene, ethylbenzene
• Bromodichloromethane, chloromethane, dibromochloromethane, dichloroethane, tetrachloroethane, trichloroethane
• Butanone, hexanone, methyl-2-pentanone
• Carbon disulfide, carbon tetrachloride
• Chloroethene, trichloroethene
• Chloroform
• Dichloropropane
• Perchlorate
• Styrene, toluene, xylene

Current Water Quality at Marine Corp Air Station El Toro

Air Station El Toro is no longer in operation. However, PFAS groundwater contamination is still a problem throughout the base. Irvine water suppliers state drinking water is and has been safe, however, there are no enforced regulations on PFAS that ensure water is free of the toxin. Furthermore, military personnel have been exposed for decades and continue to develop life-threatening illnesses. 

Water Treatment Efforts at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro

Because MCAS El Toro is no longer in operation, efforts are focused on cleaning up contaminated groundwater and soil. The Navy continues to inspect and monitor PFAS contamination across the base with planned cleanup efforts.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at MCAS El Toro

King Law is reviewing claims related to PFAS contamination at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and diagnoses of the following illnesses:  

• 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 

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

Individuals who consumed contaminated drinking water at El Toro may also risk respiratory issues, neurological problems, lowered immune response, decreased vaccine effectiveness, birth defects, reproductive issues, skin disorders, other cancers, and more. If you develop any symptoms related to drinking contaminated water, consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Eligibility Criteria for MCAS El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit

Eligibility for a Marine Corps Air Station El Toro water contamination lawsuit includes: 

1. Six months of exposure: At least six months of toxic exposure will help solidify your claim eligibility. PFAS builds up in the body over time, so the longer your exposure, the stronger your case is likely to be. 
2. Diagnosis of an exposure-related illness: To file a water contamination claim, you must have a diagnosis of a related illness. In many cases, the more severe your illness, the stronger your case and higher your compensation eligibility. 

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

If you were stationed at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and have been diagnosed with an illness related to contaminated water, contact us today. With a free, no-obligation consultation, you can learn more about your legal options and potential for recovering damages.

Marine Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

MCAS El Toro payouts vary by case but based on similar litigation, we anticipate settlements to range from $30,000-$500,000 with an average amount of $250,000. Very strong cases with substantial evidence can extend toward $1,000,000. Factors that may increase your compensation eligibility include diagnosis of a severe illness at a young age and proof of substantial, long-term exposure. 

How to File an MCAS El Toro Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Marine Corps Air Station El Toro water contamination lawsuit: 

1. Collect any documentation you have to show you were exposed to a toxin at El Toro and diagnosed with a related illness. 
2. Contact an attorney who has experience handling environmental law to set up an initial consultation. 
3. Be available to your attorney as they build your case and file it in the appropriate court, providing details about your exposure, diagnosis, and who you deem responsible. 
4. Follow your attorney’s guidance to pursue a settlement or go to trial. Settlements are common for water contamination lawsuits. 
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 toxic exposure military lawsuits and can provide an unmatched level of advocacy.

Evidence to Support Your MCAS El Toro Claim

Evidence to support your El Toro water contamination claim includes:

• Medical records detailing your diagnosis, prognosis, symptoms, treatment, etc. 
• Copies of military orders, directives, and discharge paperwork showing when you were at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro 
• 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 at El Toro

Statute of Limitations for MCAS El Toro Water Contamination Claims

If you want to file a lawsuit for water contamination at El Toro, you must file by a state-specific deadline, called a statute of limitations. Certain factors can extend or shorten your deadline to file, so contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your chances of recovering damages from water contamination injuries. 

Marine Air Station El Toro Water Contamination Lawyers

As you look for an attorney to handle your toxic water claim, consider looking for one with experience in environmental litigation. King Law has a background in toxic torts and military cases, allowing us to offer a unique level of compassion and expertise. We have years of experience and a plethora of resources to fight on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve. Whether you’re just considering your options or are ready to file, contact us today—we are here to help. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get answers to the following frequently asked questions about contamination at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro and how to take legal action if you’ve been impacted.