PFAS Military Lawsuit

Legal Action Taken in PFAS Contamination Lawsuits

The Department of Defense faces numerous PFAS lawsuits related to PFAS contamination at military installations across the United States, with cases ranging from individual health claims to large-scale environmental contamination suits.

As of March 2024, the DoD has completed preliminary site inspections for PFAS at 710 military installations and identified over 350 sites requiring further investigation.

In 2019, testimony to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works identified 180 military locations as “superfund sites” with PFAS contamination under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

Military Response to Contamination Reports

The Department of Defense has initiated a comprehensive response program to address PFAS contamination at military installations nationwide.

The military has established a joint sampling project with the EPA to identify PFAS contamination near Army installations, with a commitment to take action when levels exceed the new Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Notable sites of contamination include Edwards Air Force Base and Cannon Air Force Base, where firefighting foams containing PFAS have led to significant environmental concerns and legal disputes over water contamination.

Environmental testing and monitoring programs have been implemented at hundreds of bases, with priority given to locations where drinking water sources may be affected.

Key elements of the military’s response include:

• Implementation of comprehensive testing programs
• Provision of alternative water supplies to affected communities
• Installation of filtration systems at contaminated bases
• Development of remediation plans for highly contaminated sites
• Coordination with state and federal environmental agencies
• Regular public updates on contamination status and cleanup efforts

The military continues to update its response protocols as new information about PFAS contamination emerges.

Compensation Programs and Claims

Multiple compensation programs have been established to address claims related to PFAS exposure at military installations. Legal disputes have arisen at Cannon Air Force Base, where adjacent dairy farms allege environmental harm from PFAS contamination linked to military activities.

PFAS compensation programs cover various categories:

• Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA): The CLJA enables veterans, family members, and civilian workers who were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 to file contamination exposure claims. Settlement amounts vary based on illness severity and exposure duration, with no minimum exposure period required.
• PFAS Medical Monitoring Program: This program provides health screenings and blood testing for individuals living within one mile of contaminated military bases. It covers both military and civilian populations and focuses on early detection of PFAS-related conditions.
• Department of Veterans Affairs Benefits: The VA offers healthcare benefits and disability compensation for veterans exposed to PFAS during military service. Coverage includes priority medical care for veterans and may extend to dependents exposed at military installations.

The military has allocated significant resources to address these claims while continuing to implement preventive measures at active installations.

PFAS Clean-up Efforts and Future Prevention

The widespread contamination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has led to significant clean-up efforts and policy changes aimed at mitigating their impact on public health and the environment.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has been instrumental in researching and advocating for PFAS clean-up efforts, highlighting the extent of contamination and the number of Americans affected.

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence, have been detected in water supplies, soil, and even human bloodstreams.

Current remediation efforts focus on containment, removal, and destruction technologies, while future prevention strategies emphasize regulatory enforcement and safer alternatives.

Current Remediation Efforts

Efforts to remediate PFAS contamination are underway across various sectors, utilizing advanced technologies and innovative strategies to address contamination in water, soil, and air.

A significant source of PFAS contamination being addressed by current remediation efforts is the use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) in firefighting, particularly at military bases.

As scientific understanding of PFAS behavior improves, remediation methods continue to evolve to enhance effectiveness.

To tackle PFAS contamination, several remediation technologies and strategies are currently being employed, including:

• Activated Carbon Filtration: This widely used technique captures PFAS compounds in drinking water through adsorption, although it may require frequent media replacement.
• Ion Exchange Resins: Specialized resins selectively target and remove PFAS from water, offering an efficient alternative to activated carbon filtration.
• Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs): These chemical treatments use oxidizing agents to break down PFAS molecules into less harmful compounds.
• High-Temperature Incineration: While controversial, thermal destruction methods can effectively break down PFAS, although concerns about emissions remain.
• Excavation and Disposal: Contaminated soil is removed and relocated to secure hazardous waste facilities, helping prevent further environmental spread.
• Emerging Bioremediation Techniques: Research is ongoing to explore microbial solutions that could naturally degrade PFAS in environmental settings.

Current remediation approaches face challenges such as high costs, incomplete destruction, and the need for ongoing monitoring to prevent recontamination.

However, continued advancements in treatment methods and federal funding initiatives are helping to scale up these efforts.

Policy Changes and Safety Protocols

Regulatory agencies at federal and state levels have implemented new policies and guidelines to address the serious health risks associated with PFAS contamination, aiming to prevent future exposure and establish clear safety standards.

These measures focus on setting enforceable limits, improving oversight, and encouraging the development of safer alternatives.

Key policy changes and safety protocols being implemented to address PFAS exposure include:

• Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs): The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed enforceable drinking water limits for key PFAS compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS.
• Phase-Out Initiatives: Manufacturers are being required to phase out certain PFAS chemicals and transition to safer, less persistent alternatives.
• Improved Testing and Monitoring: Water utilities and industrial sites must conduct regular testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Liability and Cleanup Funding: Legislation is being introduced to hold polluters accountable and allocate funding for remediation efforts.
• Worker Safety Guidelines: Occupational exposure limits and protective measures are being enhanced to safeguard workers handling PFAS-containing materials.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: Government agencies are increasing outreach efforts to inform communities about PFAS risks and preventive measures.

While these policy changes represent progress, enforcement and compliance challenges remain, particularly in industries with legacy PFAS contamination.

Strengthening interagency collaboration and promoting technological innovation will be critical to ensuring long-term environmental and public health protection.

Efforts to combat PFAS contamination require a multi-faceted approach involving scientific advancements, regulatory action, and community engagement.

Moving forward, continued investment in research and policy enforcement will be essential to effectively address the persistent challenges posed by PFAS pollution.

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, including those seeking redress through a pfas lawsuit.

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.