George Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit

Understanding the George Air Force Base Contamination

Key Takeaways

• Studies have found PFAS, TCE, Benzene, Pesticides, and other contaminants in George AFB’s water supply. Health officials continue to evaluate potential risks.
• Some studies suggest these toxic substances may be associated with cancer and other severe medical conditions. Research is ongoing.
• Contamination primarily threatened military families, veterans, and civilians who lived on or near the base at the time.
• Some individuals affected by George AFB’s water contamination may be eligible to file legal claims. Compensation, if awarded, depends on case-specific factors.

To fully understand what happened at George AFB, let’s review:

• The history of the base
• The history of the contamination
• What has been done to clean up the contamination

History of George AFB

George AFB was established in 1941 in Victorville, California, while World War II was underway. It was originally called Victorville Army Flying School. It was renamed Victorville Army Air Field in 1943, and later became George Air Force Base in 1950.

The base’s primary purpose was to provide support and training for tactical fighters and aircrews. It played an important role in aircraft maintenance and tactical fighter training during the Cold War era.

This training continued until the base was decommissioned in 1992 as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Act.

How Military Activities Led to Toxic Exposure

Records from the EPA show that military activities led to chemical leaks into soil and groundwater. Some of the chemicals include:

• PFAS
• Jet Fuel
• Benzene
• Trichloroethylene (TCE)
• Pesticides
• Dioxins
• Radioactive waste

Some of the activities that caused this contamination include:

• Firefighting with Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
• Aircraft maintenance specifically used Trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene for fuel storage and degreasing.
• On-base landfills and disposal pits where waste was dumped. This waste included pesticides, medical waste, lead, and radioactive material.
• Other instances of contamination came from medical waste, construction debris, and various inorganic compounds.

Over time, the chemicals from these activities spread into the soil and groundwater. Some reports suggest these substances may have reached nearby communities, but investigations are ongoing.

Superfund Designation and Cleanup Efforts

George AFB was classified by the federal government as a designated “Superfund Site” in 1990. Superfund sites are highly contaminated areas that have been designated for cleanup so that they can eventually be returned to productive use.

In 1981, the Air Force launched an effort to clean up George AFB. The groundwater and soil were among the areas targeted explicitly for cleanup.

Over $113 million was spent cleaning two aquifers of pesticides, jet fuel, and other solvents. Unfortunately, according to the EPA, the contamination persists despite the cleanup efforts.

In 2015, PFAS was discovered in the base’s groundwater.

In 2024, a New York Post article indicated that the EPA had identified numerous hazardous substances, including radioactive materials, in George AFB’s soil and water. These chemicals all pose a risk to human health or the environment.

What Contaminants Were Found in George Air Force Base Water

Here is a more in-depth look at some of the contaminants found at George AFB.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) & Health Risks

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals used in various military applications and consumer products.

They are popular in consumer goods due to their heat, cold, stain, and oil-resistant qualities.

Among the military use cases was Firefighting Foam, which was used to extinguish fires at the base, usually from training activities.

PFAS have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they are very resistant to breaking down. They don’t quickly decompose in nature or the human body, for that matter. In fact, they can remain in the environment for thousands of years.

Several studies have associated PFAS with various cancers and other ailments, but research is ongoing.

The VA has acknowledged PFAS-related health concerns and continues to evaluate the potential impact on veterans’ health claims.

Other Toxic Chemicals

Here is an overview of some of the other contaminants found at George AFB:

• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – This chemical was used to degrease metal aircraft parts. Some studies have associated it with various cancers.
• Benzene – This is a common chemical found in jet fuel. This chemical is associated with Leukemia in some studies.

Pesticides – Primarily used for vegetation or mosquito control. Specifically, organochlorine-based pesticides (OCPs) were found at George AFB. Studies have associated exposure to these chemicals with an increased risk of cancer in humans.

Now, let’s review how you can file your own George 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.

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Claim

• Step 1: Contact a water contamination attorney for a case evaluation.
• Step 2: Gather military records (or similar if your situation is different), medical documents, and evidence of exposure.

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

Why a Toxic Exposure Lawyer Can Help

A lawsuit can be a very complex process. An attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process.

Can I Afford a Lawyer?

Many firms operate on a contingency basis, which means you don’t have to pay legal fees unless you win.

Contingency Fee Disclaimer: Clients may be responsible for court costs. In some cases, they may also be responsible for opposing parties’ fees if a recovery is not obtained.