Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
Established in 1941 as a technical school near Goldsboro, North Carolina, just months after the United States entered World War II, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base continues to serve as a critical military installation. It is named for U.S. Navy Lt. Seymour A. Johnson, a test pilot killed in an aircraft crash. The 4th fighter wing is the base’s host unit. The installation has recently come under fire after per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination was discovered.
While efforts continue to clean up the PFAS contamination at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, there are still concerns about whether the water at and near the installation is safe for consumption. At King Law, we have extensive experience helping individuals in military base water contamination lawsuits. If you have suffered an adverse health concern after being stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, contact our office to schedule a free consultation.
Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates
April 2024: Investigations continue into water contamination at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Individuals affected by PFAS exposure at the base are strongly encouraged to contact an experienced attorney.
March 2023: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced proposed regulations of PFAS levels of 4 parts per trillion.
December 2022: The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit environmental group, released information showing that PFAS levels at 11.53 parts per trillion were detected in drinking water at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
November 2021: North Carolina Attorney General Joshua H. Stein files a lawsuit against 3M and other manufacturers of PFAS-containing products, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). AFFF was used for decades at Seymour Air Force Base and other military installations across the country.
September 2020: Neuse River was identified as having a “higher susceptibility” for contamination through the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP).
On this page:
Background of Toxic Exposure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Map
Contaminants Found in Seymour Johnson AFB Drinking Water
Current Water Quality at Seymour Johnson AFB
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Seymour Johnson AFB
Eligibility Criteria for Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts
How to File a Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Claims
Background of Toxic Exposure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been used at military bases across the country, including Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, since the 1960s. It has long been determined that AFFF, a fire-fighting foam, contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are dangerous for both humans and the environment.
Six areas at or near Seymour Air Force Base were tested for PFAS contamination. PFOS and PFOA, two commonly studied PFAS, were detected at all of them. In some cases, such as in the Former Fire Training Area 3, PFAS concentration reached levels of 200,000 parts per trillion, over 2,857x the health advisory levels set by the EPA at the time of 70 parts per trillion. Today, the EPA is recommending levels of 4 parts per trillion.
Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Map
Concerning PFAS levels were detected in six areas tested at Seymour Air Force Base. In some cases, concentrations in the groundwater reached nearly 2,600x the recommended health advisory levels set by the EPA at the time. Former Fire Training Area 3 and Building 4735 showed PFAS levels at hundreds of thousands of parts per trillion.
Contaminants Found in Seymour Johnson AFB Drinking Water
The primary contaminants found at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS levels in groundwater at the base reached 200,00 parts per trillion and 312,000 parts per trillion in certain areas. Additionally, a 2020 sampling of water sources detected a number of other toxins.
Toxins found in water at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
- Nitrate
- Fluoride
- Turbidity
- Copper
- Lead
- pH
- Sodium
- Sulfate
- Chloramines
- Chlorine
- Trihalomethanes
Individuals who were stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base may have been exposed to PFAS and other dangerous toxins. Many of these contaminants pose significant health risks to people and the environment.
Current Water Quality at Seymour Johnson AFB
According to a recent sampling at Seymour Air Force Base, shows that a level of PFAS contamination is still present in the water at the installation. However, the amount is significantly lower than it has been in the past. The EPA recommends a contaminant level of zero for PFAS, since no level of contamination is safe.
Water Treatment Efforts at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
The Air Force continues to sample and monitor PFAS contamination in the water at the base. The base publishes its findings of PFAS in finished water in accordance with the “Memorandum for Sampling of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in DoD-Owned Drinking Water Systems.” Additionally, the base engages in mitigation efforts from “Bioenvironmental Engineering and Civil Engineering.”
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Seymour Johnson AFB
The contaminants present in the drinking water at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base may present a significant health risk to humans and the environment. PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious conditions, including an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer.
Potential health risks and symptoms linked to PFAS contamination:
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Infertility
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Low birth weight
- Changes in cholesterol levels
- Kidney disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Liver disease
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 were stationed at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and subsequently diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS exposure may be entitled to compensation. It is strongly recommended that you obtain regular health checkups and screenings to ensure early detection of any adverse health conditions.
Eligibility Criteria for Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS exposure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, you may be entitled to compensation. However, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. To determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria necessary to file a lawsuit, you need to consult with an attorney.
Eligibility criteria for a Seymour Johnson Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit may include:
- Proof of duration of exposure. In general, you must show that you were exposed to PFAS for at least six months at the base.
- Proof of a specific diagnosis. You must be able to prove that you were diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS exposure, such as certain types of cancer or thyroid disease.
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
It is important to understand that a water contamination lawsuit may take several years or more to resolve. Working with an attorney can ensure you receive the necessary guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case. It can also help you set realistic expectations for the lawsuit’s timeline and outcome.
Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts
Settlement and payout amounts for a Seymour Johnson Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit is expected to range between $30,000 and $500,000. Factors that may influence the settlement amount may include your age at the time of diagnosis, whether you had an extended duration of active illness, or if there was significant toxic exposure.
The average settlement amount is expected to hover around $250,000, with the potential for some cases to reach values at or near one million dollars. Individuals with minor injuries or those with less proof of connection to the base’s toxic substances might see values from $30,000 to $75,000.
While settlements are typically lower than potential trial verdicts, there is no guarantee of a favorable outcome if the matter goes to a judge and jury.
How to File a Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you have received a diagnosis for a condition related to PFAS exposure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. There are certain steps that you should take in order to take legal action.
In order to file a Seymour Johnson Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit, you should:
- Consult with an attorney to determine your eligibility for a lawsuit.
- Collect the necessary evidence to prove your case.
- Prepare the case for filing.
- Work with your attorney to file the lawsuit.
All Seymour Johnson Air Force Base water contamination lawsuits are subject to a statute of limitations, therefore, you need to act quickly to ensure you do meet the legal requirements for filing.
Evidence to Support Your Claim:
Military base water contamination lawsuits are based on evidence. You may need to collect evidence to help substantiate your claim. Your attorney can assist you in determining what evidence is necessary to prove your case.
Evidence that may be necessary to your case:
- Medical records
- Military orders
- Environmental studies
- Witness testimony
- Expert testimony
- CERCLA reports
- Water sampling results
Statute of Limitations for Seymour Johnson AFB Water Contamination Claims
Statutes of limitations are legal time frames within which a claim must be filed. Failure to file within the statute of limitations can result in your case being denied. Statutes of limitations are state-specific and depend on the circumstances of your case; however, it is imperative to speak with an attorney about your filing deadlines as soon as possible.
Seymour Johnson Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers
Individuals who have been diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS exposure at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base are encouraged to contact an attorney to discuss their eligibility for filing a lawsuit.
At King Law, our attorneys are well-versed in handling water contamination lawsuits at military bases throughout the United States. Let us help you protect your rights and get the results you deserve. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.