Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.

TruLaw does everything possible to make sure the information in this article is up to date and accurate. If you need specific legal advice about your case, contact us by using the chat on the bottom of this page. This article should not be taken as advice from an attorney.

Key takeaways:

  • Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado has reported PFAS contamination levels reaching 299,000 parts per trillion due to firefighting foam, surpassing EPA safety limits and impacting groundwater for military and civilian residents in Aurora.
  • Those who lived or worked near Buckley Air Force Base, used contaminated water, and developed cancer or serious health conditions may qualify to file a lawsuit through TruLaw, which operates on a contingency fee basis.
  • The Colorado Attorney General has filed lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers for environmental damages and cleanup costs, while Buckley AFB has phased out PFAS firefighting foam and adopted EPA-compliant alternatives since 2017.

Measuring PFAS Pollution Damage at Buckley Air Force Base

The discovery of PFAS contamination at Buckley Air Force Base has revealed one of the most severe cases of military-related environmental pollution in Colorado.

These “forever chemicals” have persisted in the environment long after their initial use, raising serious concerns about long-term environmental and adverse health effects.

On this page, we’ll provide an overview of the Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit, PFAS health implications for military and civiliavn life, military response from recognition to remediation, and much more.

Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

Quantifying Contamination Levels

Initial testing at Buckley Air Force Base revealed PFAS contamination levels that shocked environmental experts and health officials alike.

The measurements indicated a severe level of contamination that far exceeded what would be considered safe for human exposure or environmental stability.

Key contamination findings reveal:

  • PFAS contamination measured at up to 299,000 parts per trillion (ppt)
  • Primary source identified as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used in training exercises
  • Contamination levels vastly exceed current EPA health advisory limits

These findings have prompted immediate concern from environmental agencies and local health departments, leading to increased scrutiny of historical firefighting practices at the base and their long-term environmental consequences.

If you or someone you love has been exposed to PFAS at Buckley Air Force Base, you may qualify to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a PFAS claim today.

Table of Contents

Military Response From Recognition to Remediation

Military personnel at Buckley Air Force Base’s response to PFAS contamination represents a significant shift in military environmental policy and practice.

The base has moved from decades of unknowing contamination through firefighting foam use to implementing active measures to prevent further environmental damage.

This transition, while important, has revealed the complex challenges of addressing long-term environmental contamination at military installations.

Timeline of Operational Changes Since 2017

The year 2017 marked a turning point in Buckley Air Force Base’s approach to PFAS contamination.

The base’s decision to phase out PFAS-containing firefighting foam aligned with growing awareness of these chemicals’ environmental impacts and reflected a broader shift in military environmental policy.

Key operational changes include:

  • Complete phase-out of PFAS-containing firefighting foam in 2017
  • Implementation of EPA-compliant foam alternatives
  • Integration of multiple state agencies in monitoring efforts

These changes demonstrate a significant commitment to environmental stewardship, though they come after decades of contamination had already occurred.

The involvement of state agencies provides additional oversight and expertise to the base’s environmental management efforts.

Current Challenges in Base-wide Cleanup Efforts

The path to full remediation at Buckley AFB continues to present unique challenges as the process continues.

Despite recognition of the problem and initial steps toward mitigation, the base faces significant obstacles in implementing comprehensive cleanup solutions.

Major cleanup challenges involve:

  • Limited funding allocation for full-scale remediation
  • Technical difficulties in PFAS removal from soil and groundwater
  • Coordination between multiple federal and state agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, which sets regulations and standards for PFAS levels in drinking water and influences cleanup efforts at military installations

While the base has taken important first steps in addressing PFAS contamination, the long-term nature of these “forever chemicals” and the scale of the affected area continues to pose significant challenges for complete environmental restoration.

Government Actions: Enforcing Accountability

The response to PFAS contamination at Buckley Air Force Base has evolved into a multi-layered legal and regulatory effort involving both state and federal authorities.

These governmental actions represent an unprecedented push to hold manufacturers accountable while establishing new frameworks for environmental remediation at military installations.

Individuals affected by the contamination may be eligible for financial compensation to cover medical expenses and other related hardships.

The complexity of these efforts highlights the challenges of addressing decades of environmental contamination through legal and regulatory channels.

Colorado’s Legal Strategy Against Manufacturers

The Colorado Attorney General’s office has taken an aggressive stance in addressing PFAS contamination through legal action.

This approach marks a significant shift from traditional military environmental oversight to active state-level intervention in seeking accountability from chemical manufacturers.

Legal actions initiated include:

  • Multiple lawsuits against primary PFAS manufacturers
  • Claims for environmental damage compensation
  • Demands for cleanup cost reimbursement

The state’s legal strategy represents a pioneering effort to secure resources for environmental remediation while establishing legal precedents for addressing military-related environmental contamination.

This approach could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges with military installation contamination.

A dedicated law firm can provide essential legal assistance to individuals affected by PFAS exposure, offering expertise and free consultations to potential clients.

Federal Oversight and Investigation Progress

The federal response to PFAS contamination at Buckley AFB exists within a broader national context of military installation contamination.

The Department of Defense has initiated comprehensive investigations across numerous bases, recognizing the systemic nature of the PFAS problem.

Federal investigation developments show:

  • Integration of Buckley AFB into nationwide PFAS studies
  • Coordination between federal and state environmental agencies
  • Implementation of standardized investigation protocols

These federal oversight efforts have helped establish a more comprehensive understanding of the contamination’s scope while providing crucial data for future remediation efforts.

The inclusion of Buckley AFB in these broader investigations ensures that site-specific findings contribute to the national understanding of PFAS contamination at military installations.

PFAS Health Implications for Military and Civilian Life

The PFAS contamination at Buckley Air Force Base has created a web of public health concerns that extend far beyond the base’s perimeter.

The situation highlights the interconnected nature of military operations and civilian well-being in Aurora, Colorado, where base activities have direct implications for human health and community health.

Impact Zones: Base Personnel and Local Residents

The location of Buckley Air Force Base within Aurora’s urban environment has amplified concerns about PFAS exposure among both military and civilian populations, highlighting the significant health risks associated with these contaminants.

The potential contamination of groundwater and drinking water supplies represents a significant public health challenge that crosses traditional boundaries between military and civilian spaces.

Current impact assessments reveal:

  • Potential exposure risks for both active duty personnel and veterans
  • Concerns about civilian drinking water contamination in Aurora
  • Identified risks to local groundwater systems and aquifers

The overlap between military and civilian impact zones has created unique challenges for public health officials attempting to assess and address exposure risks across different populations.

These concerns have prompted increased attention to environmental justice and public health monitoring in the region.

Long-term Public Health Monitoring Initiatives

The recognition of PFAS as a long-term health concern has sparked the development of comprehensive public health monitoring programs.

These initiatives aim to track potential health impacts while addressing environmental justice concerns in affected communities.

Thorough documentation, including medical records, is essential for building a strong claim and navigating the legal complexities of toxic exposure cases.

PFAS monitoring programs focus on:

  • Long-term health surveillance of exposed populations
  • Environmental justice considerations in affected neighborhoods
  • Community-wide health impact assessments and tracking

These monitoring efforts represent an important step in understanding and addressing the long-term health implications of PFAS exposure, while ensuring that all affected communities receive appropriate attention and resources for health protection and monitoring.

If you or someone you love has lived or worked near Buckley Air Force Base, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing for the PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit today.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS water contamination lawsuit claims are being filed by individuals and communities across the country who have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals in their drinking water.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients with PFAS water contamination lawsuit claims.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your PFAS water contamination lawsuit include:

  • If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
  • Expertise: We have years of experience handling environmental contamination cases similar to the PFAS water contamination lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
  • Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or your community has been exposed to PFAS chemicals in your drinking water, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS water contamination lawsuit claim today.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the PFAS contamination levels found at Buckley Air Force Base?

    PFAS contamination at Buckley Air Force Base was measured at up to 299,000 parts per trillion (ppt), far exceeding EPA health advisory limits.

    The primary source was identified as firefighting foam (AFFF) used in training exercises at the base, posing a significant health risk to the community.

  • Who is eligible to file a lawsuit related to Buckley Air Force Base PFAS contamination?

    Individuals who lived or worked near Buckley Air Force Base, used contaminated water, and were diagnosed with cancer or other serious health conditions may be eligible for compensation.

    TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the Buckley Air Force Base PFAS water contamination lawsuit on a contingency fee basis.

  • What operational changes has Buckley Air Force Base made to address PFAS contamination?

    Buckley Air Force Base completely phased out PFAS-containing firefighting foam in 2017 and implemented EPA-compliant foam alternatives.

    The base has also integrated multiple state agencies in monitoring efforts to prevent further contamination.

  • How is PFAS contamination being tracked in the surrounding communities?

    State authorities are conducting extensive groundwater testing and investigating residential well contamination in the Aurora area.

    The investigation focuses on potential migration patterns and the full scope of contamination beyond base boundaries.

  • What legal actions are being taken regarding PFAS contamination at Buckley Air Force Base?

    The Colorado Attorney General’s office has filed multiple lawsuits against primary PFAS manufacturers seeking compensation for environmental damage and cleanup costs.

    These legal actions are part of a broader effort to hold manufacturers accountable for contamination at military installations.

  • What health monitoring programs are in place for affected populations?

    Long-term health surveillance programs have been established to track potential health impacts on both military and civilian populations.

    These initiatives include community-wide health impact assessments and focus on environmental justice considerations in affected neighborhoods.

Published By:
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman
Jessica Paluch-Hoerman

Managing Attorney & Owner

With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three.  She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.

In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.

In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!

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