Fort Detrick Water Contamination Lawsuit

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Studies have found PFAS, TCE, PCE and benzene in Fort Detrick’s water supply. Health officials continue to evaluate potential risks.
• Some studies suggest these toxic substances may be linked 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 base at the time of the contamination.
• Some individuals affected by Fort Detrick’s water contamination may qualify for compensation through legal action.

Overview of the Fort Detrick Contamination Lawsuit

Let’s examine the history of the situation at Fort Detrick to better understand the contamination and the implied lawsuits.

Why Are Lawsuits Being Filed?

According to the EPA, Fort Detrick military personnel and their families might have been exposed to toxic drinking water. Health risks were present on base for people who ingested or touched contaminants in soil or groundwater. Some of the chemicals that contaminated the base include:

• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
• Trichloroethene (TCE)
• Tetrachloroethene (PCE)
• Benzene

The Kristen Renee Foundation has also asserted that residents in communities surrounding the base developed cancer due to Fort Detrick. The foundation also claimed independent testing showed evidence of the presence of dioxins on the base that might be linked to the cancers.

Additionally, hazardous waste was buried in the ground on the base, and a treatment system for ultra-hazardous waste malfunctioned.

Due to alleged findings of contaminants that have been linked to various cancers, some individuals in the vicinity of Fort Detrick during the contamination have filed lawsuits.

Who Is Filing These Claims?

In 2010, CBS News reported that the National Cancer Institute showed Frederick County, Maryland, where Fort Detrick is located, had the highest cancer rate in the state.

In 2015, the Kristin Renee Foundation filed a lawsuit against the Army for what it claimed was reckless and negligent handling of toxic chemicals. The lawsuit was dismissed in 2016 because the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case.

People who lived or worked at or near Fort Detrick during the contamination and developed an illness linked to the contaminants may be eligible to file a lawsuit. These can include military members, family members, civilian base employees, and nearby residents and workers.

Fort Detrick’s Role in the U.S. Military

Fort Detrick is an Army base located in Frederick, Maryland.

The base was built on the old site of the former Frederick Airport. Starting in 1931, it was used as a military airport known as Detrick Field. The Army transferred it to the base during World War II and renamed it Camp Detrick.

In 1943, Fort Detrick became the United States’ center for offensive and defensive biological warfare research. This practice continued until President Nixon declared offensive biological warfare research illegal in 1969. To this day, though, Fort Detrick continues to host defensive biological warfare research.

The Contamination of Area B

According to the Maryland Department of the Environment, “Area B” of Fort Detrick was used as a hazardous disposal site and biological testing ground.

The Army dumped materials in unlined trenches. Some of the materials included:

• Waste from the decontamination system sludge
• Discarded lab chemicals and industrial solvents
• Containers of hazardous liquid waste
• Burned biological materials
• Chemically treated animal remains
• Herbicidal compounds
• Construction waste

Discovery of Cancer-Linked Contaminants

Several substances linked to cancer have been detected at Fort Detrick. Here is a brief history of their discovery on base:

• Fort Detrick is one of more than 700 military facilities where PFAS may have seeped into the groundwater or soil. The source of the PFAS contamination is likely the previous use of Firefighting Foam or Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) at the facilities.
• The army has acknowledged that Agent Orange testing occurred on the site of Fort Detrick.
• In 1987, trichloroethane (TCE) was discovered in a production well at Fort Detrick used for studying fish.
• Groundwater sampling in 1998 also confirmed the presence of TCE and tetrachloroethane (PCE).

Cleanup Efforts & Superfund Site Designation

• Between 1970 and now, more than 160 wells have been sampled in contamination investigations.
• From 2000 to 2004, the Army removed waste and contaminated soil from the B-11 Disposal Pits at Fort Detrick.
• In 2009, Area B Groundwater was added to the National Priorities List, becoming a Superfund site.
• In 2010, the EPA and the US Army signed a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA). This agreement outlined the procedures for investigating and, if necessary, remediating contaminated sites at Fort Detrick in accordance with relevant laws.
• In 2016, the Fort Detrick water treatment plant completed renovations. The renovations included a newly installed Ultraviolet (UV) system for water disinfection. The renovations cost $16.1 million and also upgraded the treatment facility from manual operation to a computer-networked controlled system.
• In 2021, the Army started operating a pump and treatment system that was built.
• According to the EPA, cleanup efforts continue to this day.

Contaminants Found in Fort Detrick’s Water

Now, let’s review some of the specific contaminants found in the water at Fort Detrick.

PFAS and Firefighting Foam (AFFF)

As stated above, PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. Its presence in the water at Fort Detrick is likely due to the use of AFFF Firefighting Foam on base.

PFAS are man-made chemicals; they aren’t just used in AFFF, they are actually used in a variety of everyday products.

PFAS have been nicknamed “forever chemicals” due to their resilience in the environment and human body. They can take thousands of years to break down.

PFAS have been linked to various cancers and other illnesses, but research is still ongoing.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recognized PFAS as a serious health risk for military members.

It’s worth noting that recent Army water testing concluded that finished drinking water at Fort Detrick does not currently contain PFAS above EPA advisory levels.

TCE, PCE, and Benzene

Let’s check out some of the other primary contaminants found at Fort Detrick.

• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – An industrial degreaser. Has been linked to cancers. According to ATSDR, based on PCE concentration levels at Fort Detrick, it’s unlikely this specific contaminant produced harmful health effects.
• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – An industrial degreasing solvent. Has been linked to cancers. According to the EPA, eight 55-gallon drums of TCE were disposed of on base in 1968.
• Benzene – A component of aircraft fuel. Has been linked to leukemia.

Some other notes for additional context on the possible extent of the alleged contamination:

• In 2022, groundwater samples were taken from monitoring wells on the adjacent Waverley View property. Some wells contained TCE and chloroform in quantities exceeding the safety limits.
• The limestone aquifer under Area B-11 exhibits karst conditions. This basically means that due to porous features, surface-level water can trickle down into the water reserves. According to the EPA, this increased the probability that disposed waste would be released into the groundwater.
• TCE was also discovered in a residential well on the adjacent Shookstown Road.

Additional Toxic Substances (DCBP, Chloroform, Nitrate, etc.)

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), testing from 2018 to 2023 showed Fort Detrick’s drinking water contained 15 contaminants, 8 of which were above health guidelines.

Contaminants that exceeded EWG health guidelines:

• Bromochloromethane – 13.8 ppb (230x EWG limit)
• Bromodichloromethane – 14.2 ppb (236x EWG limit)
• Chloroform – 62.1 ppb (155x EWG limit)
• Dibromochloromethane – 2.26 ppb (23x EWG limit)
• Haloacetic acids (HAA5) – 23.6 ppb (236x EWG limit)
• Nitrate – 3.03 ppm (22x EWG limit)
• Nitrate & Nitrite (combined) – 1.32 ppm (9.4x EWG limit)
• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) – 58.0 ppb (387x EWG limit)

Others detected, but below EWG health guidelines:

• Atrazine
• Barium
• Bromomethane
• Chloromethane
• Dalapon
• Fluoride
• Naphthalene

Health Conditions Linked to Fort Detrick Exposure

Now, let’s look at some of the health conditions linked to contaminants found at Fort Detrick.

Winder Law Firm is reviewing potential legal claims for individuals diagnosed with certain health conditions. Research is ongoing but some studies have found links between PFAS exposure and the following conditions:

• Thyroid Disease

• Thyroid Cancer

• Ulcerative Colitis

• Testicular Cancer

• Prostate Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Liver Cancer

• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

Cancers Most Commonly Reported

Aside from the illnesses listed above, here are some cancers associated with contaminants found at Fort Detrick. Research is still ongoing, though:

• Bladder Cancer
• Male Breast Cancer
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Colon Cancer
• Melanoma
• Leukemia
• Lymphoma
• Multiple Myeloma

Other Illnesses

In addition to cancers, here are some other conditions that have been linked to contaminants found at Fort Detrick. Research is still ongoing, though:

• Liver damage
• Respiratory issues
• Hormonal disruption / endocrine system damage
• High cholesterol
• Immune suppression (including reduced vaccine response)
• Cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart attacks, stroke)
• Pregnancy and developmental complications (e.g., birth defects, low birth weight)

Am I Eligible to File a Fort Detrick Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Lets review who may qualify for a Fort Detrick water contamination lawsuit and what evidence may be required.

Eligibility Requirements

• Individuals who may qualify for a lawsuit include people who worked or lived on or near Fort Detrick. This may include military members, military family members, civilian base workers, plus residents and workers in the surrounding communities.
• To qualify, one must show they were present on or near base at the time of contamination. (The military started using AFFF in the 1970s and was required to phase it out by 2024.)
• Lastly, individuals must have a qualifying health condition. (see the list above)

Evidence to Support a Claim

• Documents proving time spent on or near the base during the contamination period.

• Medical documents showing the individual was diagnosed with one of the conditions above linked to PFAS exposure.
• Other evidence: Public exposure notices, water testing results, and testimony from qualified experts regarding the contamination.

Potential Compensation in Fort Detrick Cases

Lets go over some information related to possible Fort Detrick settlements. Compensation in legal claims varies and is subject to individual case factors.

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

Average Settlement Amounts

There is currently no settlement or payout amount that victims can expect from a Fort Detrick water contamination lawsuit. Each case is unique and subject to its own specific factors, investigations into the contamination are ongoing.

What Factors Affect Payouts?

There are several factors that may impact the amount of compensation an individual receives in a toxic exposure case. These can include:

• Duration and level of exposure
• Type and severity of illness
• Economic damages
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Disability
• Strength of supporting evidence

Legal Help for Victims of Fort Detrick Water Contamination

Now let’s review the process of filing a Fort Detrick lawsuit and getting legal help.

Process of Filing a Claim

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

1. Contact a lawyer.
2. Collect the relevant documentation and evidence.
3. Your attorney will then file your claim.

Can a Fort Detrick Water Contamination Lawyer help with my claim?

Hiring a lawyer is your own decision. Some of the things a lawyer might help with are:

• Ensuring your documentation is adequate for filing a lawsuit
• Making sure you hit deadlines
• Understanding how to navigate a toxic exposure claim

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Fort Detrick water contamination.

Is the water at Fort Detrick safe today?

Recent test results from the EWG show the tap water from Fort Detrick was “in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards”. The report also noted 8 contaminants found in the water were above the limits.

What are the main toxins found at Fort Detrick

Contaminants such as PFAS, TCE, PCE, and benzene have been discovered at Fort Detrick.

How long will the lawsuit take to resolve?

There is no set amount of time a Fort Detrick lawsuit could take to resolve.

Can family members of veterans file a claim?

Yes, spouses, children, and anyone exposed while living on or near base during the contamination may qualify.

Contact Us For a Free 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.

Were you or a loved one diagnosed with a serious illness after living or working near Fort Detrick?

Our firm works on a contingency basis. This means legal fees are only charged 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.