Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS Lawsuit
- Last Updated: July 17th, 2025
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.
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Key takeaways:
- The EPA has set national drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals, with Illinois enforcing stricter rules for military sites like Great Lakes Naval Station, mandating immediate action if contamination exceeds limits.
- PFAS exposure is linked to serious health issues such as cancer, liver and heart problems, developmental and reproductive issues, with severity based on exposure level and duration.
- Individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at Great Lakes Naval Station may qualify for legal compensation, needing documentation of exposure and related health conditions.
PFAS Contamination Lawsuit: Great Lakes Naval Station Firefighting Foam
The Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS contamination lawsuit investigation focuses on forever chemicals found in drinking water and groundwater at and around the Illinois naval installation.
As part of a broader investigation into military sites in the Great Lakes region, the base has been identified as an area of significant concern for PFAS contamination.
Other military sites, such as Edwards Air Force Base and Wurtsmith Air Force Base, are also facing similar PFAS contamination issues due to the use of military firefighting foams.
Recent studies have revealed “dangerously” high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in groundwater at military bases throughout the Great Lakes region, raising serious concerns about potential health impacts on service members, civilian employees, and nearby residents.
Legal action is being investigated for individuals who consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water at Great Lakes Naval Station and subsequently developed health problems.
Overview of PFAS Contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has established strict health-based guidance levels for PFAS compounds, setting limits of 2 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and 14 ppt for PFOS.
These standards are significantly more stringent than previous federal guidelines, reflecting growing concerns about these chemicals’ health impacts on drinking water supplies and the urgent need for stringent testing and remediation efforts.
Current PFAS contamination data indicates:
- Groundwater contamination: Levels exceeding state safety standards
- Drinking water impact: Multiple water supplies showing PFAS presence
- Regional spread: Contamination affecting Great Lakes fish populations
- Ongoing exposure: Continued detection in current water testing
- Widespread concern: Part of larger military installation PFAS crisis
The contamination has drawn particular attention due to the base’s location near Lake Michigan and its role in potentially affecting Great Lakes fish populations.
Studies have shown increasing PFAS concentrations in Great Lakes fish, with levels varying significantly across the region.
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EPA Standards for PFAS Levels in Water
In April 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first-ever national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals.
These new regulations aim to protect public health by limiting exposure to these toxic substances, which have been linked to various serious health conditions.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has implemented even stricter standards than federal guidelines, particularly for military installations like Great Lakes Naval Station.
These state-specific regulations reflect growing concerns about PFAS impacts on public health and the environment.
The EPA’s regulation requires public water systems to monitor for these chemicals and take immediate action when levels exceed these limits, with particular attention to areas near military installations where PFAS contamination is often most severe.
Health Effects of PFAS Exposure: Serious Health Risks, Symptoms & Conditions
Scientific research has linked PFAS exposure to numerous serious health conditions, particularly concerning for communities around Great Lakes Naval Station where contamination has been documented.
According to medical studies and health agency documentation, PFAS exposure can lead to:
- Cancer (multiple types)
- Liver damage
- Heart complications
- Immune system dysfunction
- Developmental issues in children
- Reproductive problems
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Thyroid disruption
- Kidney disorders
- Birth defects
- Other serious health risks
The severity and likelihood of these health effects correlate with both exposure levels and duration.
For communities around Great Lakes Naval Station, where PFAS contamination has been confirmed, these health risks require careful monitoring and medical attention.
Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits
Several major manufacturers and chemical companies face legal action for their role in PFAS contamination at military installations including Great Lakes Naval Station.
Primary PFAS manufacturers include, but are not limited to:
- 3M Company
- DuPont (and its spinoff, Chemours)
- Tyco Fire Products
- Chemguard
- Kidde-Fenwal
- National Foam
- Buckeye Fire Equipment
These companies manufactured PFAS chemicals despite allegedly knowing about their potential health risks.
The lawsuits argue that these manufacturers continued producing and selling PFAS-containing products without adequate warnings about their dangers or proper guidance for safe disposal.
Military installations like Great Lakes Naval Station used aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing PFAS chemicals from these manufacturers for decades in firefighting operations and training exercises, leading to widespread contamination of soil and groundwater.
Official EPA and Military Reports on Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Defense have conducted extensive investigations into PFAS contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station.
According to recent reports, the base is part of a broader military installation contamination crisis requiring immediate attention. The Environmental Working Group has been involved in analyzing and reporting PFAS contamination data across the United States.
In April 2024, the Department of Defense issued a memorandum prioritizing PFAS chemical cleanup on military bases, responding to the EPA’s new drinking water standards.
This directive specifically addresses contamination at installations like Great Lakes Naval Station.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has completed comprehensive investigations of PFAS occurrence in community water supplies, including areas surrounding the naval station, as part of their statewide assessment program.
Timeline of PFAS Investigation at Great Lakes Naval Station
Environmental agencies and military investigators have documented the progression of testing, analysis, and remediation efforts throughout several decades of operations at Great Lakes Naval Station.
Their findings continue to inform ongoing cleanup efforts.
Key events in the investigation include:
- Pre-2020: Use of AFFF containing PFAS in firefighting operations, leading to contamination from firefighting foams
- 2021: Illinois EPA completes statewide PFAS investigation
- 2023: Military mandate to phase out PFAS-laden firefighting foam
- 2024: Implementation of new EPA drinking water standards
- 2024: DoD commitment to complete base contamination investigation
Expert Testimonies and Scientific Evidence
Environmental scientists and health experts have provided extensive documentation of PFAS contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station through comprehensive studies and analysis.
Scientific studies and expert findings confirm:
- Water contamination: Levels exceeding new EPA safety standards
- Soil impact: Multiple areas showing significant PFAS presence
- Migration patterns: Documented spread through groundwater systems
- Environmental persistence: Long-term chemical stability in soil and water
- Health risk factors: Evidence linking exposure to various medical conditions
- Hazardous substances: The EPA’s classification of PFAS as hazardous substances, emphasizing the implications for liability and cleanup responsibilities for entities, including military bases and businesses
Recent environmental assessments conducted in early 2024 continue to guide remediation efforts, though cleanup plans face challenges due to the nature of PFAS contamination and the need for long-term monitoring.
Do You Qualify for a Great Lakes Naval Station PFAS Lawsuit?
Individuals who were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water at Great Lakes Naval Station may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.
The qualification process requires documenting both exposure to contaminated water and diagnosis of qualifying health conditions.
Recent investigations have confirmed widespread PFAS contamination in drinking water and groundwater systems around the base. Similar legal issues have arisen at Cannon Air Force Base, where lawsuits have been filed regarding PFAS contamination from military activities.
This contamination affects military personnel, civilian employees, and residents who lived or worked at or near Great Lakes Naval Station.
Legal experts are currently reviewing cases for individuals who may have been exposed to contaminated water through drinking, bathing, or other daily activities while at or near the base.
Steps to Take If You’ve Been Exposed to PFAS
The first step for anyone potentially exposed to PFAS at Great Lakes Naval Station is to document their exposure history and seek appropriate medical evaluation. Early detection and documentation of health issues is important for both medical care and legal claims.
Important actions for those exposed to PFAS include:
- Medical screening: Schedule comprehensive health evaluations
- Water testing: Request testing of current water sources if you live near the base
- Exposure documentation: Record dates and duration of time spent at Great Lakes Naval Station
- Symptom tracking: Keep detailed records of any health changes or concerns
- Healthcare provider communication: Inform your doctors about potential PFAS exposure
Taking these steps promptly can significantly strengthen your claim and ensure you receive appropriate medical care.
Many PFAS-related health conditions develop gradually, making early documentation and ongoing monitoring essential for establishing the connection between exposure and health impacts.
Collecting Medical Records for a PFAS Claim
Proper documentation is essential for building a strong PFAS lawsuit case.
Medical records serve as evidence linking exposure to health conditions and documenting the progression of related medical issues.
The documentation process should be thorough and ongoing.
Required documentation typically includes:
- Service records: Proof of military service or employment at Great Lakes Naval Station
- Residency verification: Evidence of living on or near the base
- Medical diagnoses: Records of qualifying health conditions
- Treatment history: Documentation of ongoing medical care
- Expert opinions: Statements from healthcare providers about PFAS-related conditions
Working with experienced attorneys can help ensure all necessary documentation is properly collected and organized.
Legal teams often have established relationships with medical experts who understand PFAS exposure and can help strengthen the connection between contamination and health issues in your claim.
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.
Scientific Research on PFAS at Great Lakes Naval Station
Recent scientific studies have revealed significant concerns about PFAS contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station, which has been designated as a Superfund site due to acute contamination issues. PFAS chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, leading to various adverse health effects, including cancers, thyroid diseases, and infertility.
Environmental agencies and research institutions continue to document the spread and impact of these toxic substances throughout the region.
The base’s proximity to Lake Michigan has drawn particular attention from researchers, as new studies have detected PFAS in Great Lakes precipitation.
This discovery has significant implications for understanding how these chemicals spread through the environment.
These findings will be a key topic of discussion at the 2024 Great Lakes PFAS Summit, where researchers, government officials, and environmental experts will gather to address the growing crisis.
Environmental Impact of PFAS Contamination at Great Lakes Naval Station
Environmental scientists have documented widespread contamination affecting multiple ecosystems around Great Lakes Naval Station.
Their research reveals patterns of chemical migration through soil and groundwater systems, with significant implications for both human health and environmental welfare.
Key environmental findings include:
- Groundwater impact: High levels of PFAS in base water systems
- Lake contamination: Documented spread to Great Lakes waters
- Precipitation concerns: PFAS detected in regional rainfall
- Fish population effects: Increasing PFAS levels in aquatic life
- Soil contamination: Multiple areas showing significant PFAS presence
Recent assessments have confirmed that PFAS chemicals continue to spread through multiple environmental pathways, creating ongoing challenges for containment and remediation efforts.
The contamination affects both the immediate base area and broader Great Lakes ecosystem.
Ongoing Monitoring and Testing of PFAS Levels
Four Great Lakes states have been selected to conduct annual testing of residents for environmental chemical exposure, marking a significant expansion of monitoring efforts.
Current monitoring activities include:
- Regular water testing: Continuous sampling of base water systems
- Precipitation analysis: Monitoring of PFAS in rainfall
- Resident screening: Annual testing of affected populations
- Fish tissue studies: Ongoing assessment of aquatic impacts
- Groundwater monitoring: Regular testing of well systems
The Environmental Protection Agency and Navy continue to collaborate on cleanup efforts, though the task remains challenging due to PFAS’s persistence in the environment and the nature of the contamination.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients with PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit Claims
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.
PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
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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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
