Travis 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:

  • The Environmental Protection Agency's 2024 standard of 4 parts per trillion for groundwater PFAS contamination levels is exceeded at Travis Air Force Base, potentially entitling victims to significant compensation.
  • Victims of the Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit may receive settlements ranging from $30,000 to $500,000, depending on the duration of exposure and health impacts.
  • In 2015, the Air Force initiated PFAS investigations at Travis AFB, revealing contamination levels that prompted legal action against chemical manufacturers.

Who Qualifies to File a Travis Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

Question: Who qualifies to file a Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit claim?

Answer: Individuals who consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water at Travis AFB (Air Force Base) and subsequently developed health problems may be eligible to file a lawsuit.

The Travis Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit investigation addresses concerns regarding persistent chemical compounds in groundwater and drinking water surrounding the military base in California.

The PFAS chemicals detected in the groundwater at Travis Air Force Base have also spread to the area surrounding the military base – contaminating local drinking water supplies as a result and exposing nearby non-military residents to these toxic substances.

These chemicals are linked to serious health conditions, including (but not limited to):

  • Testicular cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Immune system disorders

On this page, we’ll answer this question in further depth, examine health issues linked to PFAS exposure at military bases, legal options for Travis Air Force Base PFAS victims, and much more.

Travis Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS Contamination Discovery at Travis Air Force Base

The Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit addresses widespread water contamination at this California military installation from toxic forever chemicals used in firefighting foam.

The Air Force detected PFAS levels in groundwater at Travis AFB that exceed EPA drinking water standards of 4 parts per trillion.

These chemicals have seeped into local drinking water supplies impacting both military families and civilian communities in Fairfield and surrounding areas.

If you or someone you love has developed health issues after exposure to contaminated water at Travis 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 Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit today.

Table of Contents

How Can A PFAS Contamination Attorney from TruLaw Help You?

Our PFAS Contamination attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a PFAS Contamination lawsuit.

With extensive experience in chemical exposure cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders to prove how toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and ongoing health monitoring resulting from your PFAS exposure.

We understand the health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead PFAS Contamination Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead PFAS Contamination attorney:

  • Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury litigation to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion dollars on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring a PFAS Contamination lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis — with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.

If you or a loved one experienced health complications from exposure to PFAS-contaminated water that include forms of cancer, immune disorders, liver damage, or thyroid disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.

Health Issues Linked to PFAS Exposure at Military Bases

Military bases nationwide have become focal points of concern due to widespread contamination with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

These synthetic compounds, found in aqueous film-forming foam used to extinguish fuel fires, have leached into groundwater at hundreds of installations.

The Environmental Protection Agency has identified these “forever chemicals” as significant health risks based on their persistent nature and bioaccumulative properties.

Service members who lived on affected bases often unknowingly consumed contaminated water for years, sometimes decades, before the dangers became widely recognized.

Recent testing reveals many installations have PFAS levels exceeding safety thresholds by hundreds or even thousands of times, creating an urgent public health challenge.

The most common pathways for PFAS exposure on military bases include:

  • Drinking contaminated water from on-base water systems
  • Using contaminated water for cooking and food preparation
  • Showering or bathing in contaminated water
  • Inhaling PFAS particles during firefighting training
  • Handling equipment treated with PFAS-containing materials

Testicular Cancer and Other Serious Health Conditions

Studies have established links between PFAS exposure and several severe health outcomes, with cancer heading the list of worries.

Military firefighters face particularly high risks, with research showing they develop testicular cancer at twice the rate of civilians.

Kidney and testicular cancer appear most frequently in medical literature examining PFAS health impacts, alongside thyroid disease, immune system dysfunction, and elevated cholesterol.

The latency period for these conditions means many veterans develop symptoms years after service, complicating the process of connecting their illness to military exposure.

Health monitoring has become crucial for at-risk veterans, as early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes for these life-threatening conditions.

Toxic Exposure Risks for Military Veterans and Families

Comprehensive review of military records shows that toxic chemicals have potentially affected hundreds of thousands of service members and their families.

Children living on bases face heightened vulnerability, as developing bodies are more susceptible to PFAS damage.

Veterans seeking compensation must work through detailed documentation requirements, often needing to prove residence on contaminated bases through service records.

The Department of Defense has begun implementing cleanup efforts at priority sites, though remediation costs will likely reach billions.

Meanwhile, many affected veterans have joined lawsuits against chemical manufacturers, seeking accountability for their suffering.

Congress has responded with legislation aimed at improving healthcare access for those exposed, though many veterans still struggle to receive comprehensive coverage for their PFAS-related conditions.

Water Contamination Lawsuits Against Travis Air Force Base

Travis Air Force Base, recognized as the busiest air force base in the United States and home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, has become the center of significant legal action related to PFAS contamination.

Located in Northern California, 54 miles from San Francisco, Travis AFB serves multiple purposes, including functioning as a medical center, logistics base, airlift facility, and passenger terminal.

Environmental concerns have overshadowed the base’s critical role in military operations as testing revealed alarming levels of toxic chemicals in groundwater surrounding the installation.

Legal actions against the base have emerged as affected service members and civilians seek accountability for health problems allegedly linked to drinking water contamination they were exposed to while living or working at the facility.

The lawsuits primarily target the Department of Defense and chemical manufacturers rather than the base itself, alleging negligence in allowing PFAS contamination to persist despite early knowledge of its dangers.

The San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board has issued a notice of noncompliance to Travis AFB regarding jet fuel discharges into Union Creek, which has exacerbated contamination concerns beyond just PFAS chemicals.

As these legal battles progress, many cases are being consolidated into the larger multidistrict litigation involving PFAS contamination at military installations nationwide, while some plaintiffs are pursuing individual claims based on their specific medical records and exposure histories.

Timeline of PFAS Discovery and Legal Responses

The history of PFAS contamination at Travis Air Force Base follows a troubling pattern seen at many military installations across the country.

The Air Force initiated an investigation of PFAS presence in 2015, discovering levels that exceeded the EPA’s drinking water health advisory.

This initial finding prompted further examination of contaminated groundwater both on and off the base.

The timeline of discovery and response reveals a decades-long awareness of various contaminants at the installation, with PFAS being a more recent focus of environmental investigations.

Key developments in the timeline include:

  • 1980s: Initial detection of various contaminants in soil and groundwater
  • 1989: Travis AFB designated as a Superfund site
  • 1994: Restoration Advisory Board established for community input
  • 2015: Air Force begins specific investigation into PFAS presence
  • 2018: Testing shows PFAS levels of 712,000 parts per trillion, drastically exceeding EPA guidelines
  • 2020: Investigation expanded to off-base drinking water wells
  • 2021: Installation of drinking water treatment systems for affected residents completed
  • 2023-2025: Increasing number of lawsuits filed as medical evidence linking PFAS to specific health conditions strengthens

The slow pace of response has become a focal point in legal arguments.

In 2020, investigations expanded to include off-site drinking water supply wells potentially impacted by contamination, with subsequent testing showing continued excessive levels of PFAS.

This expansion of testing came only after years of potential exposure for service members and nearby communities, fueling claims that the military failed to adequately protect personnel and communicate risks.

Current Status of Travis Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuits

The legal landscape surrounding Travis Air Force Base PFAS contamination continues to evolve rapidly.

Current lawsuits are being investigated for individuals, including military service members and others, who consumed PFAS-contaminated drinking water at Travis Air Force Base and subsequently developed health problems.

These cases focus on several serious medical conditions with established links to PFAS exposure, particularly kidney and testicular cancer, which have been documented at higher rates among those exposed to these chemicals.

The litigation strategy has two main components:

  • Individual lawsuits against chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont
  • Claims for VA disability benefits for veterans exposed during service

Most lawsuits remain preliminary as attorneys gather medical records and environmental testing data to establish causal connections between exposure and illness.

Multiple rulings are expected in early- and mid-2025 that could be favorable to plaintiffs, potentially motivating defendants to consider settlements rather than proceeding to trial.

For affected individuals, the dual path of pursuing both VA benefits and litigation presents a complex but potentially more comprehensive approach to securing compensation for their injuries.

Some progress has been made in addressing the contamination itself, though critics argue remediation efforts remain inadequate.

Despite decades of work, the Air Force’s groundwater remediation actions have fallen short of adequately addressing the widespread and persistent forever chemicals, with PFAS levels in some areas still far exceeding safety standards.

This ongoing contamination motivates new legal claims as more individuals discover potential connections between their health conditions and past exposure to Travis AFB water supplies.

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Public Health Concerns and Community Response

Human health impacts from PFAS contamination at Travis Air Force Base have created mounting concerns among residents and officials alike.

Groundwater contamination at levels far exceeding safety standards has forced local communities to confront potential long-term exposure effects.

Unlike Edwards Air Force Base, where contamination was addressed earlier, Travis officials were slower to acknowledge the full scope of the problem.

Volatile organic compounds initially received more attention than PFAS chemicals, despite the latter posing equally serious threats.

Installing drinking water treatment systems for affected households began only after 2020, when testing confirmed dangerous contamination levels in private drinking water wells near the base.

Common health concerns reported by community members include:

  • Unexplained clusters of thyroid disorders
  • Higher than expected rates of kidney and testicular cancer
  • Reproductive issues and birth complications
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Elevated cholesterol levels despite healthy lifestyle habits
  • Developmental delays in children exposed during critical growth periods

Surrounding communities have organized advocacy groups similar to those at Tyndall Air Force Base, where residents faced comparable contamination issues.

These grassroots organizations have pressed military officials for greater transparency about the extent of PFAS contamination and demanded regular testing of residential water supplies.

Local physicians report seeing patterns of illnesses potentially linked to PFAS exposure, though establishing direct causation remains challenging.

County health departments have begun tracking abnormal disease clusters near the base, particularly thyroid disorders and certain cancers that have been associated with PFAS exposure in scientific literature.

Addressing PFAS Contamination in Surrounding Areas

The Air Force expanded its testing protocol in 2020 to include properties beyond base boundaries after confirming PFAS had migrated through groundwater systems.

This broader approach came after years of complaints from nearby homeowners who suspected contamination had reached their properties.

Areas with contaminated soil have been identified for remediation, prioritizing locations with direct human contact risk.

Regional water authorities have coordinated with base officials to develop containment strategies that protect municipal water sources from further contamination, though these efforts face technical and financial limitations.

Water quality monitoring has been established at strategic points surrounding the base, particularly downstream from areas where firefighting foam was heavily used.

Unlike Tyndall Air Force Base, where hurricane damage complicated cleanup efforts, Travis benefits from relatively stable environmental conditions for remediation work.

The challenge remains identifying all contamination pathways, as PFAS chemicals can travel through multiple environmental media, including groundwater, surface water, and soil.

Cooperation between base officials and California environmental agencies has improved since 2020, though tension persists over responsibility for off-base contamination costs.

Long-term Monitoring of Travis AFB Water Quality

Ongoing monitoring systems now track PFAS levels at multiple locations throughout the base and surrounding areas.

Regular sampling of groundwater wells provides data on contamination movement and concentration changes over time.

The base has installed specialized equipment to track contamination plumes and verify containment measure effectiveness, though groundwater contamination at some test sites continues to show concerning PFAS levels.

California Water Service, which supplies drinking water to many surrounding communities, has implemented additional filtration processes specifically designed to remove PFAS chemicals.

These upgraded systems complement the treatment facilities installed at individual homes with contaminated private wells.

Base officials have committed to quarterly water quality reporting, making data available to both regulatory agencies and the public.

This transparency represents a significant improvement over previous information-sharing practices, though some community advocates argue that monitoring should be conducted by independent third parties rather than military personnel to ensure credibility.

Legal Options for Travis Air Force Base PFAS Victims

PFAS water contamination lawsuits related to Travis Air Force Base exposure continue to gain momentum as medical evidence strengthens.

Veterans and civilians who consumed PFAS-contaminated water while living or working at the base are exploring multiple legal pathways.

Those affected by exposure since World War II operations at the site may qualify for different compensation programs depending on their service timing and subsequent health conditions.

The legal process typically begins with documenting exposure history and collecting medical records that demonstrate health problems consistent with PFAS toxicity.

These earlier cases have helped define the serious health risks recognized in litigation, though each case presents unique exposure circumstances.

Law firms specializing in environmental contamination have established dedicated teams to handle Air Reserve Station cases.

For cases involving severe health conditions like cancer, attorneys typically prioritize claims based on diagnosis timing and contamination level documentation.

Compensation for Affected Military and Civilian Families

Families facing adverse health effects from Travis AFB water contamination may qualify for multiple compensation sources.

VA benefits cover certain conditions with established links to military service exposures, though the burden of proof can be substantial.

Civilian workers and family members generally pursue compensation through litigation against chemical manufacturers rather than directly against the government.

The radioactive burial site and other contaminated sites at Travis present additional complications for claimants attempting to isolate PFAS exposure from other potential toxins.

Settlements in similar cases have covered medical expenses, ongoing health monitoring, property value losses, and pain and suffering damages.

Serious health consequences like kidney cancer and thyroid disease have resulted in larger compensation amounts, reflecting the significant impact on quality of life and earning potential.

The compensation process involves extensive documentation of both exposure history and health risks linked to specific PFAS compounds identified at the base.

Financial recovery rarely happens quickly, with most cases requiring years of litigation before reaching resolution.

Joining Existing Water Contamination Lawsuits

Individuals affected by Travis contamination can join ongoing efforts through class action participation or individual claims.

The consolidated multi-district litigation addressing PFAS contamination at military installations nationwide includes provisions for Travis victims.

Health risks linked to PFAS have been well documented in these legal proceedings, creating a strong foundation for new claimants.

Cases involving significant PFAS contamination typically require specialized legal representation familiar with both environmental law and military procedures.

Law firms handling these cases generally work on a contingency basis, making legal action accessible regardless of financial resources.

The first step involves screening for eligibility based on residence period, proximity to contamination sources, and documented health conditions.

Many advocates recommend pursuing legal action even for those without current symptoms, as some health effects may develop years after exposure.

The ongoing litigation continues to evolve as scientific understanding of long-term PFAS health impacts improves and regulatory standards become more stringent.

TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

PFAS contamination lawsuits are being filed by individuals nationwide who experienced health problems from exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the PFAS contamination lawsuit.

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

  • If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS contamination lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
  • Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic exposure cases similar to the PFAS contamination lawsuit.
  • 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 a loved one suffered health problems related to PFAS-contaminated 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 for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.

PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the average compensation amount in a Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit?

    Most PFAS lawsuit settlements range between $175,000 and $350,000 per plaintiff.

    The exact compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of health impacts, the duration of exposure to contaminated water, and the quality of legal representation in your Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit.

  • What type of drinking water supplies were found at Travis Air Force Base?

    Travis Air Force Base groundwater shows PFAS contamination levels significantly exceeding the EPA’s 2024 drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion (ppt).

    This contamination resulted from decades of using PFAS-containing firefighting foam during training exercises and emergency response activities on the base.

  • What environmental issues is Travis Air Force Base facing?

    Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California faces extensive environmental contamination challenges.

    Years of using AFFF firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals, along with various industrial activities on base, have resulted in widespread soil and groundwater pollution that potentially affects military personnel and nearby communities.

  • Can I file a lawsuit for PFAS exposure at Travis Air Force Base?

    Yes, individuals exposed to PFAS at Travis Air Force Base may have legal grounds to sue the companies that manufactured PFAS-containing products used on base.

    Military personnel, their families, and civilians who lived or worked on the base and suffered health effects may be eligible to seek compensation.

  • What health conditions are linked to polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Travis lawsuit?

    PFAS exposure has been associated with serious health conditions including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and high cholesterol.

    The Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit seeks to connect these health issues to long-term exposure to contaminated drinking water on or near the military installation.

  • How do I know if I qualify for the Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit?

    You may qualify for the Travis Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived or worked on the base for at least one year, consumed contaminated water, and subsequently developed a qualifying health condition.

    An experienced environmental contamination attorney can evaluate your specific circumstances and potential claim eligibility.

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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