Wurtsmith Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit

Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Overview

To better understand how the contamination came about and its current status, let’s review:

• Wurtsmith AFB’s history
• The history of the contamination
• Toxic substances found at the base
• The current contamination status and cleanup efforts

Key Takeaways

• Studies have found toxic contaminants in the water at and near Wurtsmith AFB. Officials continue to assess potential risks.
• Some studies have explored the possible associations between these substances and serious health conditions. Studies are still in progress.
• Individuals who lived on or near the base, such as veterans, military families, and civilians, faced the most significant exposure risk.
• Individuals with certain exposure and medical histories may be eligible to explore legal claims. Each situation is evaluated separately.

History of Wurtsmith Air Force Base

Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda Township, Michigan, operated for 70 years from 1923 to 1993. The base’s primary purpose was as a bomber and combat crew training center.

Wurtsmith AFB was significantly involved in World War II, Vietnam, the Cold War, and the Persian Gulf War. The base was shut down in 1993 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act.

How Did the Water Become Contaminated?

Now let’s explore how the water at Wurtsmith AFB became contaminated.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)

Since Wurtsmith Air Force Base was used as a training ground, there was a constant need to extinguish fires from those activities. The military used the fire suppressant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) to put out the training fires, which contain the chemical PFAS. Unfortunately, the foam was sometimes spilled at the base during operations and seeped into the groundwater.

In 2010, staff from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) took samples at the old fire training area on the base. This testing helped confirm the presence of PFAS contamination.

Other Toxic Chemicals

Regrettably, PFAS isn’t the only chemical contaminant that was subsequently found on Wurtsmith Air Force Base. According to the EPA, leaks from chemical storage tanks and waste disposal activities contaminated the groundwater and soil. Here are some of the other hazardous substances found on the base:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE)
• Benzene
• Lead
• Arsenic
• Chloroform

Here is a list of contaminants found at Wurtsmith AFB from the EPA.

On January 18, 1994, Wurtsmith Air Force Base was proposed for inclusion on the EPA’s National Priorities List (NPL) as a Superfund site, but it was never added. Cleanup is ongoing under Air Force and Michigan EGLE oversight as a non-NPL federal facility.

The Dangers of Toxic Substances Found at the Base

Studies have associated some of the contaminants found at Wurtsmith Air Force Base with severe health conditions. For example:

• PFAS – PFAS (from firefighting foam) is being studied for possible links to cancer. In 2021, the Department of Defense recorded groundwater contamination near Wurtsmith AFB at levels up to 213,000 parts per trillion. For reference, the EPA’s 2024 enforceable drinking water limits are 4.0 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – Used for degreasing in the aerospace field, associated with various cancers from studies with lab animals.
• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – A degreasing solvent that some studies have reported associations with certain cancers.
• Benzene – Found in jet fuel, and has been studied for its potential connection to Leukemia.
• Chloroform – Classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen based on animal studies.

Is Wurtsmith AFB Still Contaminated?

Between July 2020 and July 2022, 228 samples were taken for groundwater well monitoring, with 89 of the wells exceeding EGLE’s maximum PFAS limit.

The Air Force has publicly acknowledged that PFAS contamination has entered other nearby water bodies.

Cleanup Activities

• According to the EPA, some areas of Wurtsmith AFB are still under investigation, and cleanup is still ongoing.
• Groundwater and surface water testing have been happening since 2015.
• In 2018, a new filtration facility was unveiled to combat PFAS contamination. The site uses Granular Activated Carbon to treat the contaminated groundwater before it reaches drinking water sources.
• In 2023, the Air Force announced that it was installing two new treatment systems to prevent the contaminated groundwater from entering a local lake. The Air Force signaled that these were “interim actions,” meaning the situation was ongoing and not yet fully resolved.
• Tests conducted in early 2024 led to an update in remediation plans. Disputes between federal and state agencies over appropriate methods and standards are an ongoing challenge for cleanup efforts.
• As of 2025, the treatment systems are operational and part of a broader cleanup effort. The new Alert Aircraft Area system now treats approximately 320,000 gallons of PFAS-contaminated groundwater daily, contributing to a total daily treatment capacity of around 2 million gallons across all sites. Additional systems are in design or construction and are expected to expand that capacity to 3 million gallons per day.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?

PFAS is an abbreviation for Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

They are man-made chemicals used in consumer products for their resistant qualities (heat, cold, stain, oil, etc). They also have various industrial and military applications, such as in the product Firefighting Foam.

PFAS are nicknamed the “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment for thousands of years due to their slow decay. They are also very difficult for the human body to clear. Multiple studies have reported associations between PFAS exposure and certain cancers, but research is ongoing.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has acknowledged the PFAS risk for members of the military.

Spread to Local Communities and Waterways

As previously noted above, the PFAS contamination from Wurtsmith AFB has entered surrounding water bodies as well. These are four affected water bodies:

• Clark’s Marsh
• Van Etten Lake
• Au Sable River
• Lake Huron

The local wildlife may have also been impacted.

• Water insect-eating tree swallows from Clark’s March had some of the highest concentrations of PFAS ever documented in birds.
• Local hunters were warned against eating deer from near Clark’s March due to PFAS contamination.

Health Problems Associated with Toxins Found at Wurtsmith AFB

Some individuals who spent time at the base have reported health conditions that scientific studies have associated with certain contaminants. PFAS can accumulate in the body over time, and some studies suggest that it may take years for potential effects to become apparent.

Winder Law Firm is collecting inquiries from individuals diagnosed with these conditions, which have been associated with PFAS in scientific studies. Inquiries are shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement for case review. Free consultations are available.

• Thyroid Disease
• Thyroid Cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Testicular Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

You can request a free legal consultation here to learn if legal options exist in your situation.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your doctor about any health concerns.

Other Exposure Risks

Aside from the conditions mentioned above, there are additional conditions that are associated with the contaminants found on the base. Some of these conditions include:

• Bladder Cancer
• Male Breast Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Melanoma
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Liver Damage (in addition to liver cancer mentioned above)
• Multiple Myeloma
• Respiratory Issues
• Hormone Damage
• High Cholesterol
• Immune Suppression
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Pregnancy and Developmental Issues

What to Do if You’re Experiencing Health Issues

If you or a loved one is concerned about possible symptoms and spent time at or near Wurtsmith AFB during the contamination period, contact your doctor immediately.

We recommend:

• Getting a medical screening ASAP
• Keeping detailed medical records (may help with a possible lawsuit)
• Acting as early as possible for the sake of your health

What are the Qualifications for a Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Let’s take a look at who may qualify to sue for Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination and what evidence you might want to gather.

Who May Be Eligible & What Are The Requirements

• Eligible individuals may include veterans, military family members, employees on base, and nearby residents.
• To explore a claim, individuals generally need documentation showing time spent on or near the base during the contamination period. (The DoD began using AFFF in the 1970s, which continued through the closure of the base.)
• Individuals must have a qualifying health condition (see prior section for the list).

Types of Evidence

• Documentation of time spent on or near the base during the contamination period. Examples include military orders, base housing records, and work documents.
• Medical records showing a diagnosis of a condition that scientific studies have reported associations with PFAS exposure.
• Additional Evidence: Water test results, public exposure notices, or expert testimony regarding contamination.

Wurtsmith AFB Lawsuit Compensation and Settlement Amounts

Here is a review of information related to potential Wurtsmith AFB settlements. Compensation in legal claims varies and is subject to individual case factors.

Settlement Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation depends on individual circumstances.

What Compensation May Be Available If Your Case Qualifies

If your case moves forward, you may be able to seek compensation. Any damages awarded depend on the facts of your individual case and are not guaranteed. These damages may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death (if a loved one passed due to a related illness)

How Settlements May Work in Wurtsmith AFB Cases

There are no predetermined settlement amounts. Each case is reviewed individually based on evidence and circumstances.

How to File a Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

Let’s review the process of filing your lawsuit and what may happen after you file.

Claim Process

Here are the steps a qualified individual can take to file a lawsuit:

• Step 1: Contact a water contamination law firm.
• Step 2: Collect Documentation: Military/employment history, medical diagnosis, and water exposure records.
• Step 3: If you qualify, an attorney may file your claim.

Note: You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim, but legal guidance can help you understand your rights and options.

What to Expect After Filing

There is no guaranteed path that a lawsuit will take. Here are some events that may occur after you file:

• The claim may join a larger pool of individuals with similar grievances called multidistrict litigation (MDL).
• There is no set amount of time lawsuits can take. Some take several years to resolve.
• Additional medical monitoring and expert evaluations may be required.

Free Consultation with a Lawyer About Possible Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

Were you or a loved one impacted by exposure to contaminated water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base? Do you want to learn more about your legal options?

If you do, you can request a free case evaluation.