Fort Drum PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Detected at Fort Drum

Widespread PFAS contamination at Fort Drum has sparked serious concern over the long-term environmental and health risks facing military personnel, civilian workers, and nearby communities.

These highly toxic “forever chemicals” are known to accumulate in groundwater, drinking water, and the human body, leading to prolonged exposure even years after the initial contamination.

Ongoing exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including certain cancers, thyroid disorders, and developmental issues.

Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Fort Drum in 2019:

• PFOA: 40.0 ppt
• PFOS: 13.0 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 Fort Drum

Fort Drum has become a site of serious concern due to widespread PFAS contamination originating from multiple military-related sources.

A primary contributor is the historical and routine use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which was deployed during firefighting exercises and emergency response training at designated fire training areas throughout the base.

This foam contains highly toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOS and PFOA, which are resistant to breaking down in the environment.

These forever chemicals leached into the soil surrounding Fort Drum and entered the groundwater, resulting in confirmed PFAS contamination of drinking water supplies.

Leaking underground storage tanks and other waste-handling practices at the military installation may have released hazardous chemicals and further exacerbated water contamination.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other agencies have flagged Fort Drum as a potentially contaminated site, where PFAS levels pose ongoing environmental and public health risks.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Fort Drum

A wide range of individuals may have been exposed to PFAS chemicals at Fort Drum, including active-duty military service members, civilian workers, support personnel, and contractors who lived or worked on base.

Service members involved in fire training, aviation, and hazardous materials handling may have experienced higher levels of direct toxic exposure through contact with contaminated soil or firefighting foam.

Off-base residents and surrounding communities may also be at risk if they relied on drinking water drawn from aquifers affected by PFAS pollution.

The presence of PFAS in contaminated water and soil means that even indirect exposure—such as bathing, cooking, or gardening—could contribute to long-term health consequences.

Because these polyfluoroalkyl substances accumulate in the human body and do not break down easily, exposure risks persist over time and may lead to adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and other serious conditions linked to PFAS exposure at contaminated military bases like Fort Drum.

Do You Qualify for the Fort Drum PFAS Lawsuit

If you lived, worked, or served at Fort Drum and were exposed to contaminated drinking water, you may qualify to join the Fort Drum PFAS lawsuit.

Individuals who developed health problems—such as thyroid disease, certain cancers, or other serious health consequences—after exposure to PFAS chemicals may be eligible to seek financial compensation.

This includes military service members, civilian workers, and nearby residents who may have consumed drinking water contaminated by PFOS, PFOA, or other highly toxic chemicals.

Because PFAS exposure can lead to long-term adverse health effects, those with documented toxic exposure at Fort Drum, especially in areas near fire training zones or leaking underground storage tanks, should explore their legal options.

The lawsuit aims to hold accountable those responsible for the contamination and help affected individuals recover damages related to medical care, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

Building a strong case in a Fort Drum PFAS lawsuit requires gathering detailed and credible evidence of both exposure and harm.

Key documents include military records showing time spent at Fort Drum, medical records that document health issues linked to PFAS exposure, and any test results that show PFAS levels in your blood or local drinking water.

Individuals who lived near known sources of contamination—such as areas where aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was used—should also collect environmental testing data or official findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

Evidence of contaminated drinking water, groundwater contamination, or PFAS detected at the Fort Drum site may be used to support claims of toxic exposure.

In complex water contamination lawsuits like this, working with a legal team experienced in environmental and military PFAS litigation can help ensure all relevant documentation is gathered to strengthen your case.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating the Fort Drum Lawsuit

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at Fort Drum, a military installation in New York where toxic chemicals have been confirmed in the groundwater and drinking water supplies.

Our legal team is focused on helping military service members, civilian workers, and nearby residents who may have been exposed to highly toxic PFAS chemicals—such as PFOS and PFOA—through the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) and other PFAS-containing products.

With mounting evidence of serious health consequences, including thyroid disease, certain cancers, and other adverse health effects linked to contaminated water, we are committed to holding responsible parties accountable.

TorHoerman Law leverages scientific studies, medical records, and government findings from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Environmental Working Group to build strong PFAS water contamination cases.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to PFAS exposure at Fort Drum, contact us today for a free consultation to learn your rights and explore your legal options.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

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