Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]
Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview
The Warminster naval facility in Bucks County, P.A., has a long legacy since the 1930s as the Brewster Aeronautical Corporation, a manufacturer of military aircraft. In 1944, the U.S. Navy assumed full control of the Brewster plant and it became the Naval Air Modification Unit, tasked with adding design modifications to military aircraft produced elsewhere. In 1949 after World War II, the facility was redesignated as the Naval Air Development Center (NADC), with its main mission focused on research, development, testing, and evaluation for naval aircraft systems. In 1993, the name was changed to the Naval Air Warfare Center Warminster (NAWC Warminster) or Warminster Naval Base (Warminster NB) for short.
There are no active military personnel or civilians living or working at the former Warminster naval base, as it has been closed and redeveloped for non-military use by the Bucks County Federal Lands Reuse Authority (FLRA).
Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates
JUNE 2024 – KING LAW ACCEPTING WARMINSTER NB 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 Warminster NB. 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 2021 – FIVE-YEAR REVIEW COMPLETED FOR REMEDIATION
The Navy conducted its latest five-year review of the remediation efforts at the Warminster NAWC site, as required under Superfund, to ensure the implemented remedies remain protective of human health and the environment.
NOVEMBER 2019 – PFAS INVESTIGATION ONGOING AT SITE
The Navy was actively investigating the extent of PFAS contamination found at the Warminster NAWC site, conducting a remedial investigation and implementing interim measures like adding granular activated carbon treatment to address the PFAS in groundwater.
JANUARY 2019 – NO SOIL EXCAVATION PLANNED FOR PFAS
Navy officials stated they did not plan to excavate any PFAS-contaminated soils from the Warminster base, unlike the approach taken at the nearby Willow Grove base, citing challenges with disposing of large volumes of contaminated soil.
1989 – WARMINSTER NAWC ADDED TO SUPERFUND LIST
The EPA designated the Warminster Naval Air Warfare Center as a Superfund site due to groundwater contamination threats from the 8 identified waste disposal areas on the 840-acre former military facility.
1979 – GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION FIRST DETECTED
Initial testing revealed the presence of volatile organic compounds like trichloroethylene (TCE) in the groundwater at the Warminster base, resulting from industrial solvent use and improper disposal practices over decades of operations.
On this page:
History of Toxic Exposure at Warminster Naval Base
Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Map
Contaminants Found in Warminster Naval Base Drinking Water
Current Water Quality at Warminster Naval Base
Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water at Warminster NB
Eligibility Criteria for Warminster NB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Warminster NB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
How to File a Warminster NB Water Contamination Lawsuit
Statute of Limitations for Warminster NB Water Contamination Claims
History of Toxic Exposure at Warminster Naval Base
The former Warminster Naval Base in Pennsylvania has faced extensive environmental contamination issues. The use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams and industrial activities led to widespread soil and groundwater pollution. Initial testing in the late 1970s first detected various contaminants like solvents, heavy metals, and PFAS compounds, severely impacting the area’s environmental health. This discovery triggered ongoing remediation efforts to address the pervasive contamination at the former base and nearby communities – a challenging endeavor that persists today.
Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Map
The above map showcases the extent of water contamination at Warminster NB and the surrounding areas in Bucks County. 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 Warminster NB boundaries, contaminating the community’s drinking supply.
Contaminants Found in Warminster Naval Base Drinking Water
PFAS contamination poses a significant environmental and health concern at the former Warminster Naval Base. These persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals have been linked to various cancers, thyroid disease, and other serious conditions. Widespread use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams during training exercises at Warminster and emergency responses led to extensive groundwater pollution.
While remediation efforts have improved the situation, testing continues to detect residual PFAS compounds, necessitating ongoing monitoring and treatment. Groundwater testing at Warminster has revealed the presence of other contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals, compounding the environmental impact. Past disposal practices and industrial operations also released hazardous substances such as trichloroethene (TCE), benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane (DCA), 1,1-dichloroethene (DCE), and chlorobenzene into the soil and groundwater.
Many of these organic compounds are known or suspected carcinogens and can cause liver, kidney, and neurological damage with prolonged 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
Keep in mind that high amounts and long durations of exposure can increase the above risks. Therefore, individuals with evidence of high levels of long-term exposure often have a stronger case for recovering damages.
Current Water Quality at Warminster Naval Base
Lawsuits have been filed against the U.S. government and manufacturers of firefighting foams due to PFAS contamination of drinking water supplies in surrounding communities like Warminster, Horsham and Warrington townships.
The estimated half life of perfluoroalkyls (PFAS) are anywhere up to 10 years for PFOA
(perfluorooctanoic acid) on the lower end and up to 35 years for PGHxS used in fire -fighting foams (perfluorohexanesulphonic acid). This means our service people and Bucks County community members could have potentially spent almost HALF their lives contaminated with ‘forever chemicals’, suffering lifelong cancer symptoms and daily breathing problems.
Water Treatment Efforts at Warminster NB
Despite decades of effort, the Air Force’s attempts to address the decades long contamination at Warminster Naval Base have fallen short of adequately addressing the long term issue of forever chemicals in the area.
Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Warminster NB
Long-term exposure to PFAS-tainted water at the former Warminster Naval Base has been associated with various health concerns, including kidney and testicular cancers, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues in children. Medical studies emphasize the importance of regular health screenings and check-ups for those impacted by the contamination to detect and address any potential health effects from PFAS exposure promptly.
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
Eligibility Criteria for Warminster NB Water Contamination Lawsuit
If you have been diagnosed with an illness potentially connected to exposure from contaminated water at the former Warminster Naval Base, you may be eligible to pursue legal action and seek compensation. Our legal team at Kings Lawyers possesses the expertise to conduct a thorough evaluation of your unique circumstances, which will help determine the viability of filing a claim and the potential value of your case.
Duration of Exposure: The duration of your exposure to contaminants is a pivotal factor in toxic exposure and water contamination lawsuits. While any level of exposure raises concerns, certain toxic substances like PFAS have a propensity to accumulate in the body over time. We typically seek cases involving 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.
Nationwide, thousands of legal claims related to drinking water contamination are being filed. 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 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
Our attorneys at Kings Lawyers will guide you seamlessly through the entire process, setting realistic expectations and ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Warminster NB Water Contamination Settlement Amounts
While past toxic exposure lawsuit settlements provide a general framework, each case is unique. Based on prior settlements, compensation for Warminster contamination cases could range from $30,000 to $500,000. However, particularly severe cases involving long-term exposure and debilitating health effects may result in even higher settlement amounts.
Settlement amounts in legal claims related to water contamination at the former Warminster Naval Base can vary significantly, influenced by key factors like the extent and duration of exposure, the severity of health impacts, and the length of time an individual lived or served at the base.
Ultimately, legal experts will carefully evaluate each plaintiff’s specific circumstances to determine the appropriate level of compensation warranted.
How to File a Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Lawsuit
Initiating a contamination lawsuit requires gathering evidence, consulting with specialized attorneys, and formally submitting a claim. Essential documents include medical records, military orders, and proof of residence near the affected area. Seeking legal guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of this process.
With the assistance of King Law, filing a water contamination lawsuit related to the former Warminster Naval Base can be streamlined into three main steps:
- Case Evaluation and Documentation Gathering: Contact our firm via phone, email, or in-person for an initial consultation. We will assess the merits of your case, verify eligibility criteria, address any questions, and guide you through collecting all necessary documentation, such as evidence of your time at Warminster NB, exposure details, medical diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment costs.
- Complaint Preparation and Submission: Our team will meticulously prepare and submit your contamination complaint, detailing the specifics of your case and identifying the parties responsible for your toxic exposure.
- Settlement Negotiation and Compensation Recovery: We will skillfully negotiate a settlement on your behalf or advise on proceeding to trial if necessary. Our unwavering goal is to secure fair compensation to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages resulting from your wrongful exposure at the former Warminster Naval Base.
Statute of Limitations for Warminster NB Water Contamination Claims
The statute of limitations for submitting contamination claims associated with the former Warminster Naval Base is contingent upon the relevant state laws and the nuances of each individual case. Seeking counsel from an experienced attorney is imperative to understand how much time you have to file a claim and preserve your legal rights to pursue compensation.
Warminster Naval Base Water Contamination Lawyers
King Law’s legal professionals boast a specialized expertise and extensive track record in navigating environmental cases and matters pertaining to military service, with a particular emphasis on incidents involving PFAS contamination. Through years of dedicated practice, our attorneys have honed an intricate understanding of the nuanced complexities inherent in evaluating and constructing formidable claims within this intricate domain.
Our proficiencies encompass the meticulous preparation of all requisite documentation, coupled with the provision of comprehensive legal representation throughout the entirety of the proceedings. This unparalleled mastery of the subject matter renders our services invaluable for individuals pursuing justice and equitable compensation for the detriment they have endured as a consequence of exposure to PFAS compounds.