Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Mountain Home Air Force Base originated in 1943 as an airfield supporting military aircraft training throughout World War II. Activity at the base declined at the end of the war and it was inactivated in 1945. It was reopened in 1948 for a short time before closing in 1950 for reconstruction. The base again reopened a year later and was assigned to the Air Resupply and Communication Service. It supported guerilla warfare training, classified operation airdrop and supply initiatives, and more before it was transferred to Strategic Air Command and then to Tactic Air Command (TAC), now known as Air Combat Command, in the mid-1960s. After over 35 years, Mountain Home’s host is still the 366th Fighter Wing.

Mountain Home AFB has a population of around 5,1000 military personnel and civilians, and 3,500 family members. Unfortunately, the base continues to struggle with long-standing contamination issues. One major toxin of concern has been PFAS, a group of chemicals found in firefighting foam used by the military during fire training exercises or to put out fires from crashes and other events. Individuals who consumed PFAS-contaminated water at Mountain Home AFB and developed a severe diagnosis may be eligible for compensation to help with lost wages, medical bills, and other damages.

Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

The number of water contamination lawsuits being filed across the United States continues to grow. As more information becomes available about the dangers of PFAS, its presence in military base drinking water, and the associated health risks, victims are seeking justice. 

July 2024 – King Law Scheduling Consultations for Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Claims

King Law is currently reviewing cases involving water contamination at Mountain Home Air Force Base. We can help you understand if you’re eligible for a lawsuit and what’s required to build a strong case. An initial consultation with us is free with no obligations. We will help you understand your potential for compensation, what the process looks like, and what the potential outcomes are to make the best decision for you.

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History of Toxic Exposure at Mountain Home Air Force Base

Like many other military bases in the United States, drinking water contamination has been a large concern at Mountain Home Air Force Base. When exposed to high levels of toxic chemicals in water, individuals are at risk of developing serious health illnesses that could even lead to death. If you’ve been impacted by toxic water, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the chemical manufacturers responsible for your injuries. 

• June and December 2006: Nitrate levels in drinking water at Mountain Home AFB exceeded the legal limits. 
• 2009: The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) and the United States Air Force (USAF) worked to address asbestos and pesticide soil contamination at Mountain Home AFB that could impact groundwater. 
• 2010: Multiple plumes were identified at Mountain AFB, showing TCE, PCE, and benzene contamination, all of which are connected to cancer. 
• September 2016: News outlets reported that a drinking water well tested above the EPA’s health advisory for PFAS, triggering a water advisory. 
• August 2016: On-base drinking water tested as high as 230 ppt for PFOS and 210 ppt for PFOA. 
• 2018: Maximum levels of multiple types of PFAS far exceeded EPA health advisory limits: PFBS at 1,240 ppt, PFOA at 160 ppt, PFOS at 141, and PFOS+PFOA at 214 ppt. 
• March 2020: A new policy from the Department of Defense (DoD) initiated required periodic testing of Mountain Home AFB drinking water for PFOA and PFOS. 
• 2021: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) identified four toxins that exceeded its health guidelines, including haloacetic acids, nitrate, total trihalomethanes, and uranium. Four types of PFAS were also found ranging up to 10 ppt. 
• 2022: Mountain Home AFB’s 2022 Annual Water Quality Report tested for 80 contaminants and detected 71.
• December 2023: PFAS Remedial Investigations are underway at the base.

Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Contamination Map

As has been seen with other military bases, it doesn’t take long for contaminants to spread throughout the base and to nearby communities. This can happen through the transport, storage, and spilling of wastes. It can also happen when toxins enter the soil or groundwater and travel through waterways like rivers or creeks. In many cases, wells were located close to base sites where toxins were used. For example, many Air Force bases used PFAS-containing firefighting foam at fire training areas. Wells near the fire training areas then tested positive for PFAS after the foam was sprayed directly on the ground and absorbed into the soil and groundwater.

Mountain Home Air Force Base Drinking Water Contaminants

Multiple contaminants have been found in Mountain Home AFB drinking water over the past two decades. Learn more about these toxins and their risks below. 

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

PFAS continues to be a concern at Mountain Home AFB. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a collection of synthetic chemicals found in spray firefighting foam frequently used by the military during fire training exercises, fiery crashes, and more. Exposure to PFAS, especially in high amounts, is linked to:

• 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

Other Contaminants 

Other contaminants that have impacted drinking water safety at Mountain Home AFB include: 

• Benzene: Linked to blood disorders, immune and nervous system damage,  leukemia, and other blood cancers 
• Nitrate: Linked to thyroid cancer, colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer 
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE): Linked to bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and multiple myeloma
• Trichloroethylene (TCE): Linked to kidney cancer, liver cancer, and lymphoma

Longer durations and higher amounts of exposure increase these risks. Children, elderly individuals, and those with existing health conditions may also be at higher risk.

Current Water Quality at Mountain Home Air Force Base

The last publicly available water quality report for Mountain Home AFB is from 2022. Of 80 contaminants, 71 were identified with just 1 above the regulated limit (nitrate). However, there has not been a legally enforced PFAS limit until April 2024, and PFAS remediation activities are still in progress at the base.

Despite today’s water quality, individuals who have lived and worked at or near the Air Force base have been exposed to toxic chemicals in amounts that can cause serious health conditions, including cancer. If you’ve been impacted by poor water quality, you could be entitled to compensation by filing a legal claim.

Water Treatment Efforts at Mountain Home Air Force Base

Mountain Air Force Base continues to regularly test water for various contaminants. When contaminants exceed regulations or health guidelines, alternative water sources have been provided to impacted residents, and investigative and remediation efforts have been conducted.

As of May 2024, two on-base wells pump groundwater from an aquifer in Elmore County, Idaho. The aquifer has been steadily declining and with the need for a safe, reliable water supply, the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) initiated a $100 million project for a new water treatment plant and pump station.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water at Mountain Home AFB

King Law has been handling military water contamination cases for bases nationwide. We are currently reviewing cases where individuals have been diagnosed with one or more of the following illnesses after exposure to toxic water: 

• Kidney cancer 
• Liver cancer 
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Prostate cancer 
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Ulcerative Colitis 

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

Let your doctor know about any known toxic exposure and seek care as soon as you develop any negative side effects. If you are diagnosed with a serious illness and are interested in knowing your legal options, schedule a consultation with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. If you decide to file a claim, there are deadlines you must file to maintain your eligibility. 

Eligibility Criteria for Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you’re interested in filing a Mountain Home Air Force base lawsuit, you usually have to check the following boxes: 

1. You were exposed to a toxin at Mountain Home AFB for at least six months. 
2. You then developed a serious illness related to your 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

At King Law, we can help determine your eligibility and identify what pieces of evidence you need to solidify your right to file a claim.

Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Water contamination lawsuits vary based on the details of the case. Stronger cases, such as those with plenty of evidence and circumstances like a severe illness at a young age, often pay out higher. Weaker cases, such as those with limited evidence or an illness with a favorable prognosis, may pay out lower. 

Based on similar cases, we anticipate Mountain Home AFB cases could settle at $30,000 to $500,000 with an average settlement of $250,000. Weaker cases could fall around $30,000-$75,000 while stronger cases could result closer to $1,000,000.

How to File a Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Mountain Home Air Force Base water contamination claim, review the following steps:

1. Reach out to King Law to schedule a consultation with a firm that has experience with successful toxic torts. 
2. Gather as much evidence as possible to show your time at the military base, how you were exposed, and how you suffered after the exposure. 
3. After the initial consultation, King Law will help you build your case and will file it with the appropriate court on your behalf. 
4. Our firm will guide you through the entire process until you hopefully are presented with the option to settle or go to trial for a verdict. We can advise the pros and cons of both options to help you make the best decision for your case. 
5. If your claim is successful, you will receive compensation that can be used for medical bills, lost income, and other damages you’ve experienced as a result of your harmful exposure. 

Don’t delay, and contact us as soon as possible to avoid losing your opportunity for compensation. 

Evidence to Support Your Mountain Home Air Force Base Claim

Evidence is key to building a successful water contamination claim. Ideally, you will be able to provide: 

• Proof of your diagnosis 
• Proof of your time at Mountain Home AFB 
• Proof of toxic exposure at the base 
• Additional evidence and testimonies connecting your exposure to your illness 
• Additional evidence of the damages you’ve suffered 

Common examples of evidence include: 

• Medical records, appointment history, history of symptoms, treatment plan, prognosis details 
• Military orders, directives, discharge papers 
• Water quality reports, press releases, military communications, site inspections
• Scholarly articles, expert testimonies, witness statements 
• Medical bills, income statements, details of your pain and suffering

Statute of Limitations for Mountain Home AFB Water Contamination Claims

Individuals filing a Mountain Home Air Force Base claim are subject to state-specific statutes of limitations and can depend on the circumstances of your case. The longer you wait to file, the harder it can be to earn the compensation you deserve, so don’t delay and speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Mountain Home Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers

PFAS lawsuits and other water contamination claims require the right representation to achieve a successful result. At King Law, we have years of experience handling environmental law. Our background and resources allow us to fight on your behalf with confidence and compassion. Whether you know you’re going to file or are just starting the process, we can help you navigate your options to take the best next step. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Get answers to additional questions about water contamination at Mountain Home AFB by reading through the following questions and answers.