Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Stewart ANGB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Stewart Air National Guard Base (ANGB) is best known as home to the 105th Airlift Wing and dates back to World War II when it opened as Stewart Airfield. When it joined the United States Air Force in 1948, it was renamed Stewart Air Force Base. Through the 1960s, the base supported various air combat and cargo missions until operations slowed down in the 1960s, and the base was deactivated in 1970. It was reopened in 1980 through the New York Air National Guard and has since played an important role in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts worldwide. 

Stewart Air National Guard Base has also contributed to water contamination—not just at the base but in surrounding communities. The military used firefighting foam for decades that contained a group of cancer-causing chemicals, PFAS. It was used at fire training fields, fire departments, hangars, and other areas where there were or could be fires. Those who served at Stewart ANGB, their families, civilians, and residents in communities impacted by spreading contamination in the water are at risk of cancer and other serious conditions. Those who have received a diagnosis related to toxic contamination at this base may be eligible to file a lawsuit for compensation.

Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

May 2024 – King Law Is Reviewing PFAS Claims From Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination 

Military bases across the United States have been impacted by PFAS contamination after decades of using toxic firefighting foam. Those who consumed contaminated water are at risk of illnesses like testicular cancer, bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other serious illnesses. At King Law, we’re dedicated to helping those who have been impacted by contaminated water. If eligible, you could be able to file a lawsuit to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. 

April 2024 – EPA Sets First Enforceable Drinking Water Standards for PFAS

There have never been enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water until April 2024. The non-enforceable goal of PFAS in water is 0, but for PFOA and PFOS, Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are 4 ppt each. For GenX chemicals (PFNA, PFHxS, and HPFO-DA) the MCLs are 10 ppt.

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History of Toxic Exposure at Stewart Air National Guard Base

2020 – Stewart Air National Guard Restoration Advisory Committee is Formed to Address PFAS 

The Stewart Air National Guard (SANG) Restoration Advisory Committee (RAC) was formed in 2020 to support remediation efforts at the base. The RAC advocates for clean water, free of PFAS and other chemicals, through the Newburgh Clean Water Project. 

September 2019 – Final Plan for PFAS Mitigation Released for Stewart ANGB

In September 2019, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District Special Projects Program Management Office released a Final PFOS and PFOA Mitigation Plan. The plan acknowledged levels of PFAS in stormwater that exceeded the 70 ppt lifetime health advisory (LHA). A Temporary Water Treatment System (TWTS) was set up to reduce PFAS levels in affected water, as well as several other initiatives owned by the Air National Guard. 

January 2017 – PFAS Contamination From Base Goes Unaddressed

After Stewart Air National Guard Base was confirmed as the main source of PFAS drinking water contamination at Newburgh, months had still gone by without any cleanup efforts. Residents had been provided with alternate water, but waterways surrounding the base continued to face contamination. 

May 2016 – Newburgh Declares State of Emergency Because of PFAS in Water 

In early May 2016, Newburgh’s city manager declared a state of emergency after concerning levels of PFAS were found in water sources that supply the city’s drinking water. Because PFAS limits were below the EPA’s 70-ppt suggested limit, Newburgh’s mayor felt it wasn’t a major cause for concern. However, residents were provided with alternative sources of drinking water. 

1990s – PFAS Spills and Large Plane Fire Causes Extensive PFAS Contamination 

In 1990, Stewart ANGB accidentally dumped 4,000 gallons of firefighting foam from a hangar sprinkler system. The PFAS-containing foam entered Newburgh’s watershed and settled in Recreation Pond, Silver Stream, Washington Lake, Newburgh groundwater, and New Windsor groundwater. In 1996, this PFAS foam was used to put out a fire from a FedEx plane’s emergency landing, causing additional contamination as the foam seeped into the ground.

Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination Map

The Stewart Air National Guard Base water contamination map shows the layout of the military base and potential sources of PFAS. Close proximity of Recreation Pond, Silver Stream, and Washington Lake contributed to their contamination. Some of the largest levels of PFAS found in surface water were alongside Lake Washington, which was also the largest source of water for Newburgh. 

Contaminants Found in Stewart Air National Guard Base Drinking Water

PFAS has been the largest contaminant concern for Stewart Air National Guard Base. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) 2021 Tap Water Database highlights exceedances of PFAS and other toxins that have been found in drinking water at the base: 

• Chromium: 3.2x EWG Health Guideline 
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5): 200x EWG Health Guideline 
• Haloacetic acids (HAA9): 41x EWG Health Guideline 
• Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHPA): 19x EWG Health Guideline 
• Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS): 63x EWG Health Guideline
• Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS): 150x EWG Health Guideline 
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): 257x EWG Health Guideline

Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals found in various products like food packaging, plastic bottles, cleaning products, and non-stick cookware. It has also been a key component in firefighting foam until recent years when the military has sought safer alternatives. 

PFAS 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

Higher amounts and longer durations of PFAS contamination increase the risk of developing these illnesses because they are “forever chemicals” that build up in the body over time.

Current Water Quality at Stewart Air National Guard Base

PFAS discharges continue to be a problem for Stewart Air National Guard Base and for Newburgh as a whole. Residents have been provided with alternate water until PFAS can be removed from Washington Lake, but remediation continues. Furthermore, individuals have been exposed to contaminated water at the base for decades and continue to develop illnesses. 

Water Treatment Efforts at Stewart Air National Guard Base

Efforts are still underway to address PFAS contamination at and near the base. Multiple agencies are involved in cleanup plans, including the Air National Guard, the Newburgh Clean Water Project, the Quassaick Creek Watershed Alliance, the Newburg Conservation Advisory Council, and others.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Stewart ANGB

PFAS-contaminated Stewart ANGB drinking water can cause a range of symptoms and diagnoses. At King Law, we are currently reviewing cases with claimants who have a diagnosis of:

• 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

If you know you were exposed to PFAS in water at Stewart ANGB, let your doctor know so they can monitor for symptoms. If you develop any symptoms, seek medical care immediately to receive the necessary treatment. If you have concerns about medical bills, a water contamination lawsuit may help you recover compensation.

Eligibility Criteria for Stewart ANGB Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you’re interested in filing a Stewart ANGB PFAS claim, you must meet the following requirements: 

1. You were exposed to PFAS or a similar toxin for at least six months from Stewart Air National Guard Base. 
2. You have a diagnosis related to that exposure and proof of that diagnosis. 

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

If you meet this criteria, reach out today for more information on your legal options. King Law offers a free consultation so we can provide you with knowledge about your eligibility for compensation.

Stewart ANGB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts

Based on similar water contamination claims, we predict Stewart ANGB cases could result in settlements between $30,000 and $500,000 with an average payout of $250,000. 

Circumstances like long-term toxic exposure and diagnosis of a severe illness at a young age can result in higher settlements toward $1,000,000. On the other hand, a lack of evidence and a weak claim may settle closer to $30,000-$75,000. Talk with an attorney to understand how the specifics of your case can influence compensation potential.

How to File an Stewart ANGB Water Contamination Lawsuit

Steps to file a Stewart Air National Guard Base water contamination claim include:

1. Set up a consultation with an attorney who has experience handling toxic torts, such as those at King Law.
2. Gather evidence of your exposure to a toxin at Stewart ANGB and diagnosis of a related illness. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case is likely to be. 
3. Your attorney will build your case and file your claim with the appropriate court on your behalf. Ensure you’re available should they have any questions or needs for additional substantiation. 
4. Your attorney will help you decide whether a settlement or going to trial is best. Many water contamination claims result in settlements. 
5. Successful claims will provide compensation that you can use for medical bills, loss of income, and other damages. 

These cases can take several months or longer to resolve, so schedule a consultation as soon as possible to access the financial support you deserve. 

Evidence to Support Your Stewart Air National Guard Base Claim

Evidence has a direct impact on the success of your toxic exposure claim. Examples of substantiation include: 

• Proof of your diagnosis: Medical records, doctor’s notes, appointment history, and other documentation detailing your symptoms, treatment, and prognosis. 
• Proof of your time at Stewart ANGB: Military records, directives, assignment details, and discharge paperwork showing when and for how long you were at the military base. 
• Proof of your toxic exposure: Water quality reports, press releases, military communications, bloodwork results, and any other records showing that you were exposed to a toxin at the base and for how long.
• Supporting information: Expert testimonies, environmental studies, site assessments, and other reliable sources connecting your toxic exposure to your diagnosis.

Statute of Limitations for Stewart ANGB Water Contamination Claims

Statutes of limitations are deadlines for when you must file a claim for a wrongful death or personal injury case. They vary by type of claim, the circumstances of the case, and the state where you file. Certain circumstances may shorten or extend your timeframe to file a claim, so don’t delay. 

Stewart Air National Guard Base Water Contamination Lawyers

Lawyers have certain areas they specialize in, including when it comes to environmental law. At King Law, our attorneys have experience handling toxic exposure cases, including those that have impacted veterans and their families. By specializing in this type of law, we are able to provide an unmatched level of representation, support, and expertise, with access to resources that will help propel the success of your case. We know the legal process can be daunting, which is why we’re dedicated to supporting you every step of the way, from the moment you schedule a consultation with us until your case is resolved. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If you’re interested in filing a water contamination claim after toxic exposure at Stewart ANGB, read answers to frequently asked questions.