Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]
Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
Travis Air Force Base (Travis AFB) was established in 1943, and is located in Fairfield, California, approximately 54 miles from San Francisco.
Despite placing vets and current residents at serious risk of exposure, it is still an active military installation and has not closed to date. The air force base played a crucial role in World War II as the “Gateway to the Pacific,” serving as a major medical center, logistics base, airlift facility, and passenger terminal for operations in the Pacific theater.
Travis AFB is home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, the 349th Air Mobility Wing, the 621st Contingency Response Wing, and the David Grant Medical Center. It is the busiest Air Force Base in the United States and serves as a major logistics and airlift hub for the Air Mobility Command. Previously identified contaminated areas include three landfills, four fire training areas where combustible wastes were burned, a radioactive burial site, a solvent spill area that used volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to clean metal parts, and a storm sewer system that may have received contaminants from multiple locations.
Currently there are approximately 27,600 people living within one mile of the base. Many veterans who were formerly stationed at Travis AFB have reported long term effects and sickness from being exposed to contaminated water and are considering legal action against the Department of Defense (DOD).
Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates
JUNE 2024 – KING LAW ACCEPTING TRAVIS AFB WATER CONTAMINATION LAWSUITS
King Law has been representing claimants in environmental exposure lawsuits for years. And now, we are reviewing cases associated specifically with water contamination at Travis AFB. If you or a loved one have been exposed to contaminated drinking water from the base and have developed a related illness, contact us today to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
MARCH 2023 – EPA PROPOSES PFAS DRINKING WATER LIMITS
The EPA proposed the first national drinking water standards for six types of per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been detected at Travis AFB.
DECEMBER 2022 – NOTICE OF NONCOMPLIANCE ISSUED
The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board issues a notice of noncompliance to Travis AFB regarding jet fuel discharges into Union Creek.
2018 – TRAVIS AFB ADDED TO SUPERFUND NPL
After being proposed DECADES earlier, Travis AFB was finally added to the EPA’s Superfund NPL in 2018 to facilitate long–term cleanup of contaminated groundwater and soil.
JUNE 1999 – TRAVIS AFB PROPOSED AS SUPERFUND SITE
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed listing Travis AFB on the National Priorities List (NPL) as a Superfund site due to the widespread groundwater contamination.
1994 – RESTORATION ADVISORY BOARD FORMED
A Restoration Advisory Board was established to involve the local community in the environmental restoration decisions at Travis AFB.
EARLY 1980s – CONTAMINATION DISCOVERED AT MULTIPLE SITES
Groundwater contamination from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like trichloroethene (TCE) was first identified at several sites across Travis AFB, resulting from past industrial operations and waste handling practices.
On this page:
History of Toxic Exposure at Travis Air Force Base
Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Map
Contaminants Found in Travis Air Force Base Drinking Water
Current Water Quality at Travis Air Force Base
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Travis AFB
Eligibility Criteria for Travis AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Travis AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
How to File a Travis AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Travis AFB Water Contamination Claims
History of Toxic Exposure at Travis Air Force Base
Travis AFB in Fairfield, California has dealt with extensive environmental contamination issues. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam and industrial activities led to soil and groundwater pollution. Studies in the early 1980s first detected various contaminants like solvents, heavy metals, and PFAS, severely impacting the base’s environmental health. This kicked off ongoing efforts to remediate the widespread contamination at Travis AFB and nearby areas – an uphill challenge that continues today.
Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Map
The above map showcases the extent of water contamination at Travis AFB and the surrounding areas in Fairfield. The solid color shapes show the extent of contaminated drinking water (elevated levels in TCE, CT, and PCE) in various aquifers surrounding the area at their historical peak. The solid color lines with no fill show the current extent of contaminated drinking water. These areas have decreased in size from their max contamination due to cleanup efforts. However, these aquifer plumes continue to have elevated concentrations of toxic chemicals. As shown above, during prior times, water contamination expanded beyond Travis AFB boundaries, contaminating the community’s drinking supply.
Contaminants Found in Travis Air Force Base Drinking Water
PFAS contamination is the focus at Travis Air Force Base.
These persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals pose significant health hazards, with links to various cancers, thyroid disease, and other serious conditions. Groundwater testing has also detected pesticides and heavy metals, further compounding the environmental impact at the base.
The primary surface water contaminant on Travis Air Force Base grounds is trichloroethene (TCE). Organic compounds from past disposal practices have impacted groundwater. The primary groundwater contaminants are TCE, benzene, pesticides, 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA), 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE), and chlorobenzene.
TCE (Trichloroethylene):
TCE is a chlorinated solvent widely used as a degreasing agent and in various industrial processes. It is a known carcinogen and can also cause liver damage, kidney problems, and impaired immune system function if exposed over long periods.
BENZENE:
Benzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon found in gasoline and used in manufacturing plastics, resins, and synthetic fibers. Chronic exposure to benzene can cause leukemia and other blood disorders, as well as reproductive and developmental issues.
PESTICIDES:
Pesticides are substances used to control pests like insects, weeds, fungi, and rodents. Many pesticides are toxic and can cause neurological problems, reproductive issues, and increased cancer risk, especially with prolonged exposure.
1,2-DICHLOROETHANE (DCA):
DCA is a chlorinated hydrocarbon used in industrial processes and as a solvent. It is a potential carcinogen and can also damage the liver, kidneys, and lungs if inhaled or ingested.
1,1-DICHLOROETHENE (DCE):
DCE is a chlorinated olefin used in chemical manufacturing. It is a possible human carcinogen and may also cause liver and kidney damage with long-term exposure.
CHLOROBENZENE:
Chlorobenzene is an aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbon used as a solvent and in manufacturing other chemicals. Exposure can cause neurological effects, liver and kidney damage, and may increase cancer risk.
Current Water Quality at Travis Air Force Base
Recent water quality reports indicate that PFAS levels in the groundwater at Travis AFB continue to breach EPA health advisory limits.
In response, California Water Service (CWS) deny there is a significant problem, but admit there is further investigative work to be done on their end, while also telling residents to be good stewards and look out for themselves while investigations and remediation work continues.
Water Treatment Efforts at Travis AFB
Despite decades of effort, the Air Force’s groundwater remediation actions at Travis Air Force Base have fallen short of adequately addressing the widespread and persistent forever chemicals present in surface and groundwater..
While temporary measures like groundwater extraction and treatment systems have been implemented since the 1990s, toxic forever chemicals (PFAS) remain high across multiple sites.
The highly-touted “final remedies” outlined in the 2016 Groundwater Record of Decision may be perceived to be little more than optimizing existing strategies as pollutant concentrations slowly decline over time.
Highly-publicized initiatives like using solar power and injecting “environmentally-friendly” substrates don’t seem like substantive solutions and provide small comfort to affected victims suffering with cancerous symptoms.
The Air Force’s piecemeal remediation approach has ultimately failed to provide a comprehensive, timely cleanup to protect Fairfield residents sufficiently and the environment from the base’s ongoing pollution and beyond.
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Travis AFB
Prolonged exposure to water contaminated with PFAS at Travis Air Force Base has been linked to a variety of health problems, such as kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disorders, and developmental impacts on children. Medical research and case studies highlight the necessity of routine health check-ups and screenings for individuals affected by the contamination.
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 develop any symptoms after drinking toxic water, you should contact a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Eligibility Criteria for Travis AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you were diagnosed with an illness potentially linked to exposure from contaminated water at Travis Air Force Base, you may have grounds to pursue legal action and receive compensation.
Our legal team at Kings Lawyers can thoroughly evaluate your specific circumstances, which will help determine the viability of filing a claim and the potential value of your case.
- Duration of Exposure: The length of time you were exposed to contaminants is a crucial factor in toxic exposure and water contamination lawsuits. While any level of exposure is concerning, certain toxic substances like PFAS tend to accumulate in the body over time. We typically look for at least six months of documented exposure to the harmful contaminant(s).
- Medical Diagnosis: Our firm is currently investigating cases where individuals have received a diagnosis for conditions such as breast cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or 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
Across the nation, thousands of legal claims are being filed related to drinking water contamination. It is anticipated that these cases, including those against manufacturers of PFAS-containing products, may result in substantial multi-million dollar settlements.
To initiate a military water contamination lawsuit, it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney. During your consultation, be prepared to provide vital evidence such as medical records, military service records, and discharge paperwork, if applicable.
The more comprehensive the information you can provide regarding your medical condition and military service history, the stronger your case will be. Water contamination lawsuits can be complex and may take several months or longer to resolve.
Our attorneys can guide you seamlessly through the entire process, setting realistic expectations and ensuring your rights are protected.
Travis AFB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
Settlement amounts in legal claims related to water contamination at Travis Air Force Base can vary significantly, influenced by several key factors. The degree and duration of exposure to the contaminants, the severity of the resulting health conditions, and the length of time an individual resided or served at the base all play a crucial role in determining compensation.
While historical precedents from similar toxic exposure lawsuits provide a general framework, each case is unique.
Based on past settlements, compensation awards for Travis AFB contamination cases could range from $30,000 to $500,000. However, it’s important to note that some particularly severe cases, involving long-term exposure and debilitating health impacts, may potentially result in even higher settlement amounts. Ultimately, the specific circumstances of each plaintiff’s situation will be carefully evaluated by legal experts to determine the appropriate level of compensation warranted.
How to File a Travis AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Filing a contamination lawsuit involves gathering evidence, consulting specialized attorneys, and submitting a claim. Essential documents include medical records, military orders, and proof of residence. Legal guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of the process.
With King Law’s assistance, filing a water contamination lawsuit related to Travis AFB can be simplified into three main steps:
Case Assessment and Documentation Collection: Contact us via phone, email, or in person for an initial consultation. We will assess your case, verify eligibility, address questions, and guide you in gathering all necessary documentation, including evidence of your time at Travis AFB, exposure details, medical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment costs.
Complaint Preparation and Submission: We will prepare and submit your contamination complaint, detailing your case specifics and identifying those responsible for your toxic exposure.
Settlement Negotiation and Damage Recovery: We will assist in negotiating a settlement or advise on proceeding to trial. Our goal is to secure compensation to cover lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses resulting from your wrongful exposure at Travis AFB.
Statute of Limitations for Travis AFB Water Contamination Claims
The deadline for filing contamination claims related to Travis Air Force Base can vary depending on the state laws and specific case details. Consulting with an experienced attorney is crucial to understand the applicable time limits and ensure you file your claim promptly to remain eligible for potential compensation.
Travis Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers
The legal team at King Law possesses specialized knowledge and extensive experience in handling environmental cases and matters related to military service, with a particular focus on PFAS contamination incidents. Our attorneys have cultivated a deep understanding of the intricate nuances involved in evaluating and building robust claims in such complex cases.
Our proficiency extends to meticulously preparing all necessary documentation and providing comprehensive legal representation throughout the process. This unparalleled expertise proves invaluable for individuals seeking justice and fair compensation for the harm they have endured due to PFAS exposure.