Extensive PFAS contamination at Barstow Marine Base has sparked serious concerns about the long-term environmental and health risks facing military personnel, civilian workers, and surrounding communities.
These toxic substances, often referred to as forever chemicals, have been linked to drinking water contamination and groundwater pollution due to their persistence in the environment and resistance to breakdown.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Barstow Marine Base in 2018:
- PFOA: 35 ppt
- PFOS: 68 ppt
- PFOS + PFOA (combined): 103 ppt
These concentrations significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, indicating serious environmental and public health concerns related to past use of firefighting foams and other PFAS-containing materials.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at Barstow Marine Base
The primary source of PFAS contamination at Barstow Marine Base stems from the extensive use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting suppressant heavily used during training exercises, emergency response, and depot operations.
This foam contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—toxic chemicals now linked to serious health consequences and persistent environmental pollution.
Over decades, repeated use of AFFF at the Marine Corps Logistics Base, including the Yermo Annex and industrial complex, led to groundwater contamination, affecting both on-base drinking water systems and private drinking water wells in surrounding communities.
Additional PFAS exposure sources may include spills, storage site leaks, and the disposal of hazardous substances associated with military depot maintenance activities.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing environmental investigations have confirmed elevated PFAS levels, placing the base on the PFAS contamination list and prompting federal scrutiny under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Barstow Marine Base
Individuals who lived, worked, or served at Barstow Marine Base may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water through drinking, cooking, or bathing.
This includes military service members, civilian workers, and contractors stationed at the base or operating within its storage and industrial facilities.
Personnel involved in firefighting, training exercises, or equipment maintenance were likely at higher risk due to direct contact with PFAS-containing products.
Residents in surrounding communities, especially those relying on private drinking water wells near the Yermo Annex or base headquarters, may also face an increased risk of PFAS exposure and potential health risks, including thyroid disease, developmental issues, and certain cancers.
Given the widespread nature of PFAS pollution at military installations, individuals with potential exposure at Barstow Marine Base are encouraged to pursue medical testing, monitor for adverse health effects, and consider legal action to seek financial compensation and ensure appropriate cleanup actions are taken to protect public health.
