Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawsuit

Dangerous, toxic chemicals were discovered in the water at Fort Benning. Some individuals who lived or worked there have reported severe health problems. Research is ongoing to evaluate possible risks.

Reports have confirmed the presence of PFAS chemicals in Fort Benning’s water. Lead was also found at hazardous levels on the base. Lawsuits allege that the responsible parties failed to prevent exposure to the contamination and didn’t warn those at risk. If you lived or worked at or near Fort Benning and developed a health issue, you may be eligible to file a claim. Each case is reviewed individually.

If you or a loved one were exposed, then developed a related illness, you may have legal options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to learn more.

Note: These lawsuits are ongoing. Allegations are based on developing legal claims and have not yet been proven in court.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Studies have found PFAS in Fort Benning’s water supply. Relevant officials continue to evaluate potential risks.
• Some studies have linked the hazardous substances found on base to various cancers and other illnesses. Research is ongoing.
• Contamination was mainly a threat to military families, veterans, and civilians who lived on or near the base at the time of the contamination.
• Some affected individuals may be eligible for legal action. Compensation, if awarded, depends on individual circumstances.

Overview of the Fort Benning Water Contamination Issue

To better understand the issue at Fort Benning, let’s look at the history of the contamination. Then, let’s examine how it happened and what’s been done about it.

What Happened at Fort Benning (Now Fort Moore)?

Fort Benning (briefly named Fort Moore from 2023 to 2025) is an army base in the Columbus, Georgia, area.

The base’s initial purpose was as a training camp for infantry and tank units. Later, it also became a training center for Army Rangers, airborne units, and military dogs.

The military historically used Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam, to put out fires on base. Constant training exercises were a significant source of fires, and using AFFF was standard practice in the past.

Unfortunately, AFFF contained harmful PFAS chemicals that seeped into and contaminated the water supply on base.

Is Fort Benning a Superfund Site?

Due to contamination, Fort Benning was named a Superfund Site. This means it’s part of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) program to clean up contaminated sites and return them to productive use. This includes remediation oversight and health risk tracking.

Fort Benning is currently in the Remedial Investigation phase.

Address Water Contamination with Technology

There is an ongoing effort to clean up the water contamination at Fort Benning.

In 2023, engineering firm Freese and Nichols announced a partnership with Columbus Water Works (CWW). Their project is to evaluate the PFAS treatment technologies for Fort Benning’s drinking water.

The project is in Phase 1 of a multi-phase plan to test and eventually implement PFAS treatment systems. A large-scale pilot study is being conducted at Fort Moore, evaluating 6 tech types, 9 process streams, and 18 sampling locations. Some of the technologies under review include:

• Activated carbon
• Ion exchange
• Reverse osmosis

PFAS Exposure and Lead Found at Fort Benning

Now, let’s examine PFAS chemicals in more detail. We can also review some evidence of lead contamination at Fort Benning, which makes the contamination profile of the base even more severe.

What Exactly Are PFAS Chemicals?

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals. They are primarily used in manufacturing, consumer goods, firefighting, and the military.

PFAS is an abbreviation for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

There are several different types of PFAS; some of the most commonly discussed are:

• PFOA
• PFOS
• PFNA

There are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals.

So, why are PFAS so dangerous?

Because of 2 specific reasons.

1. PFAS exposure has been associated with increased risk of cancer and other illnesses in some studies.
2. PFAS chemicals don’t break down easily in nature or the human body. They can actually persist for thousands of years and are therefore nicknamed the “forever chemicals.”

PFAS has been referred to as “the ‘lead’ of our time” due to its widespread presence and potential health effects. This comparison was made by the Massachusetts Medical Society in the context of public health advocacy.

High Levels of PFOS & PFOA Recently Detected

Unsafe limits of PFAS have been discovered at Fort Benning in recent years. Here’s some data to show the extent of the contamination:

• According to a 2022 report, testing at the Old Fire Station (Building 2452) on Fort Benning found extremely high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in the groundwater. One sample showed PFOS at 13,000 parts per trillion (ppt) and another at 6,300 ppt. For PFOA, the levels were 1,200 ppt and 210 ppt, all far above the EPA’s current safety limit of just 4 ppt.
• As of November 2024, drinking water tested at 9.2 ppt for PFOA and PFOS.
• According to the US Army Environmental Command, the next testing event will occur in December 2027.
• It’s also important to note that the Army purchases privatized drinking water for Fort Benning now.

A Risk to Service Members & Base Residents

PFAS water contamination isn’t only a risk at Fort Benning, it’s a widespread problem for the military.

In 2023, the DoD identified over 455 sites where PFAS chemicals had been detected. They also said over 700 military installations were likely contaminated.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has a map of all the locations contaminated or likely contaminated with PFAS.

This problem has become so widespread that the Department of Veterans Affairs (The VA) recognizes it as a serious concern for military personnel.

Lead Contamination from Military Housing

In addition to the PFAS contamination, there are issues with other contaminants found at Fort Benning.

Another serious contamination problem for the base is lead.

Testing Report of Homes

In 2018, Reuters published a report claiming that five homes at Fort Benning had been tested. All five contained hazardous amounts of deteriorating lead paint. The levels were so toxic in one of the homes that it was 58 times higher than what the federal government considered safe.

Children Exposed to Lead

Over a six-year period, 31 children who had lived on base tested high for lead.

Health Risks from Contaminated Water at Fort Benning

Now let’s review health risks to individuals due to the contamination at Fort Benning.

Health Issues That May Support a Legal Claim

Winder Law Firm is reviewing potential legal claims for individuals diagnosed with certain health conditions. These conditions have been linked to PFAS exposure in scientific studies:

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Testicular Cancer

• Thyroid Disease

• Thyroid Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Contact us for your free consultation.

Cancers and Diseases Linked to PFAS

Here are some diseases not listed above that are linked to PFAS Exposure:

• Bladder Cancer
• Leukemia
• Male Breast Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer
• Immune System Suppression (e.g., reduced vaccine effectiveness)
• High Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
• Hypertension During Pregnancy (also known as preeclampsia)
• Low Birth Weight in Infants
• Delayed Puberty / Hormonal Imbalances
• Decreased Fertility / Reproductive Issues
• Respiratory Irritation
• Autoimmune Conditions
• Neurodevelopmental Delays in Children

Most At-Risk Groups

People who lived, worked, or served on or near the base during the contamination period may have been at risk. This may include:

• Service members, especially firefighters
• Families of service members
• Civilian base workers
• Residents and workers in nearby communities

Women and children are some of the most vulnerable groups to waterborne toxins. According to the EPA, this is because pregnant and lactating women usually drink more water than the average person. Due to this, they may have higher PFAS exposure when its present in their drinking water.

Fort Benning PFAS Lawsuit Eligibility

Let’s review the type of individual who may qualify for a Fort Benning PFAS lawsuit. Then let’s take a look at what kind of evidence can help with your claim.

Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?

People who might qualify for a Fort Benning lawsuit include:

• Military service members
• Family members of service members
• Civilian workers on the base
• Residents and workers in the surrounding communities

Then these two conditions must be met:

1. Individuals filing lawsuits must show they were present on or near base during the period of contamination. For reference, firefighting foam was used by the military fom the 1970s and was required to be phased out by 2024.
2. Next, individuals filing claims should have a qualifying health condition. (Jump to the list)

Proof You’ll Need to Strengthen Your Claim

• Provide documentation that shows time spent on or near the base during the contamination.

• Medical documents proving a diagnosis of a condition listed above linked to PFAS exposure. (Jump to the list)
• Other possible evidence to provide: Exposure notices, results from water tests, and testimony from qualified specialists.

How to File a Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawsuit

Here is a rough description of the process to file a Fort Benning water contamination lawsuit.

Step-by-Step Legal Process

Here’s a rough outline of the steps an impacted individual can take to file a lawsuit:

1. Get in touch with a lawyer.
2. Collect the relevant documentation and evidence.
3. The attorney files the claim.

Working with a Fort Benning Water Contamination Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer to assist with the claim is something that qualified individuals will have to decide for themselves whether they want to do. A few of the things a lawyer might help with are:

• To confirm that your documentation is complete and ready to file the lawsuit
• To make sure you hit deadlines

Settlement Amounts & Potential Compensation

Let’s review some information about possible Fort Benning settlements. Compensation in toxic exposure legal claims varies and is subject to individual case factors.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. All cases are unique, and compensation, if awarded, depends on individual circumstances.

Average Settlement Range for Fort Benning Cases

There is currently no set amount of compensation that victims can expect from a Fort Benning water contamination lawsuit. Every individual case is subject to its own unique factors and the contamination investigation is still ongoing.

Factors That May Impact Payouts

Many factors can possibly impact the compensation amount, if awarded, that an individual could receive in a PFAS-related case. These may include:

• Severity and type of diagnosed medical condition
• Financial losses related to treatment, income, or care
• Impact on family relationships and support (loss of consortium)
• Emotional and psychological suffering
• Long-term impairments or disabilities caused by the illness
• How long and how intensely the individual was exposed
• The quality and amount of evidence linking the disease to contamination

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers regarding the Fort Benning water contamination lawsuits.

What is the Fort Benning water contamination issue?

The Fort Benning water contamination issue involves PFAS found in drinking water due to past military activities.

What health issues are linked to PFAS exposure at Fort Benning?

Some studies have associated PFAS exposure with cancers, thyroid disease, reproductive problems, and other conditions. Research is ongoing.

What is the Fort Benning water contamination lawsuit about?

These lawsuits allege harm from PFAS exposure in Fort Benning’s water. Allegations have not been proven in court.

What documents or proof do I need for a Fort Benning water contamination claim?

You’ll need proof of time on base, medical records, and any evidence linking your illness to the water.

Who is eligible to file a Fort Benning PFAS or lead exposure lawsuit?

Anyone who lived, worked, or served on base and later developed a qualifying health condition may be eligible.

Contact Us Today for a Free Legal Consultation

Note: Our firm reviews claims and helps connect individuals with legal teams. Some cases may be referred to outside law firms. Contact us to discuss your legal options.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with a qualifying condition after living or working at Fort Benning?

We work on a contingency basis. This means we only charge legal fees if compensation is recovered.

To learn more about your legal options, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.

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.