Wurtsmith Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit

Toxic chemicals have been discovered in the water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan. Some individuals who lived, worked, or were stationed there or nearby have developed severe health conditions. Ongoing investigations are assessing the contamination and its impact on human health.

Environmental testing has identified harmful substances, including PFAS, trichloroethylene (TCE), and other hazardous compounds in the water sources. Legal claims allege that responsible parties failed to adequately prevent contamination or warn those at risk.

If eligible, individuals may be able to pursue compensation through legal action. Every case is unique and will be evaluated individually based on its facts and evidence.

If you believe you or a loved one were exposed to contaminated water at Wurtsmith Air Force Base and were later diagnosed with health issues, you may have legal options. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Note: These are active lawsuits; allegations are still unproven and based on ongoing litigation.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Studies have found toxic contaminants in the water at and near Wurtsmith AFB. Officials continue to assess potential risks.
• Some research suggests these toxic substances may be linked to cancer and other severe medical 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.
• Some individuals impacted by Wurtsmith AFB’s water contamination may qualify to pursue legal claims. The facts of each case will determine the amount of compensation if awarded.

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

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. That’s when officials became aware of the 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 too. 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 officially classified as a Superfund Site and proposed to the National Priorities List.

The Dangers of Toxic Substances Found at the Base

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

• PFAS – Used in Firefighting Foam (AFFF), associated with various cancers. In 2021, records from the Department of Defense showed PFAS in the groundwater samples from the vicinity of Wurtsmith AFB had PFAS levels of 213,000 parts per trillion. For reference, the Federal PFAS limit announced in 2024 is 4 parts per trillion in drinking water.
• Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) – Used for degreasing in the aerospace field, associated with various cancers from studies with lab animals.
• Trichloroethylene (TCE) – Another degreasing solvent, associated with various cancers.
• Benzene – A common component in jet fuel, linked to Leukemia.
• Chloroform – Common in many products and sometimes an issue for waste disposal sites. Has been linked to cancer in studies with lab animals and, according to the EPA, is a probable human carcinogen.

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 has 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 reaching 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.

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, and as stated above, have been associated with various cancers in studies.

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 Linked to Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination

Due to the presence of contaminants linked to health risks at Wurtsmith Air Force Base, individuals who spent time there have reportedly developed various conditions. PFAS builds up in the body over time, so its effects can sometimes take years to show themselves.

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 and government studies:

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

Contact us today for your free consultation.

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 are 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.
• Individuals must show they were present on the base at the time of the contamination. (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 show a diagnosis of one of the conditions above linked to 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.

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

What Eligible Victims May Recover

If successful, compensation in toxic exposure cases may include damages. Depending on the facts of each case, these 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 related illness)

Estimated Settlement Amounts

There is currently no established or set amount for possible payouts from Wurtsmith AFB water contamination lawsuits. Investigations are ongoing, and each individual case is subject to its factors and evidence.

How to File a Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

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 their own lawsuit:

• Step 1: Contact a water contamination law firm. Contact us for a free legal consultation.
• Step 2: Collect Documentation: Military/employment history, medical diagnosis, and water exposure records.
• Step 3: The attorney will then file your claim.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is it safe to drink the water near Wurtsmith AFB today?

PFAS contamination has been confirmed in bodies of water near the base. The base itself is no longer in operation.

How do I know if I’ve been exposed to PFAS?

A blood test can detect PFAS in the human body.

How long will my case take?

There is no set time limit for how long cases can take.

Get Help from a Wurtsmith AFB Water Contamination Lawyer

Note: Our firm evaluates potential claims. We may also refer cases to other law firms when appropriate. Contact us to discuss your legal options.

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, contact our law firm for a free case evaluation.