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PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Facts
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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.
