Fort Ord PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Fort Ord Contamination Overview: Severe Health Issues Linked to PFAS Contamination

Fort Ord, a former U.S. Army base located in Monterey County, California, was used for military training operations for decades before it was closed in the early 2000s.

Fort Ord’s legacy includes severe contamination of its groundwater, primarily due to the use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which contains toxic PFAS chemicals.

These chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” do not degrade naturally, leading to persistent contamination of the surrounding environment, including the drinking water.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Fort Ord contamination in groundwater was at the following levels in 2017:

• PFOA: 270 ppt
• PFOS: 72 ppt
• PFOS+PFOA: 334 ppt

These levels significantly exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) legal safety limits for drinking water, putting both military service members and local residents at risk for a variety of severe health issues linked to prolonged PFAS exposure.

Sources of PFAS at Fort Ord

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Fort Ord was the extensive use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) in firefighting exercises and training operations.

AFFF, which contains high levels of PFOS and PFOA, was regularly used to simulate real-life firefighting situations at the base.

These chemicals seeped into the groundwater and surrounding environment, contaminating both the soil and the water supply.

In addition to firefighting foam, industrial activities at Fort Ord, including maintenance, cleaning, and other operational processes, contributed to the widespread presence of PFAS chemicals at the base.

Even though the base closed in 2000 and was transferred to the community, the lingering effects of PFAS contamination continue to pose a significant risk to the health of nearby communities and military personnel who served there.

Impacted Populations at Fort Ord

The populations most at risk from PFAS contamination at Fort Ord include military service members, civilian workers, and residents of the surrounding areas.

Those who served at the base, especially during the years when firefighting foam was in active use, are at a particularly high risk of health problems due to prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals.

Civilians who worked on the base, including contractors and maintenance workers, also face significant risks of exposure through direct contact with contaminated water or soil.

The surrounding communities that relied on the base’s water supply are at risk, especially if they consumed drinking water contaminated with PFAS.

The impact on vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions may be particularly severe due to their increased susceptibility to the harmful effects of PFAS chemicals.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Fort Ord

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at Fort Ord are ongoing, with both state and federal agencies involved in monitoring and remediation activities.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) have been working together to identify and clean up PFAS contamination at the site.

Water treatment systems have been installed to remove PFAS from the local drinking water, but these efforts are not a complete solution, as PFAS chemicals are persistent and can be difficult to eliminate from the environment.

The cleanup process is costly and complicated, and it will take years before the site is fully remediated.

Military sites like Fort Ord are often subject to complex legal frameworks, which further complicates the speed and effectiveness of remediation efforts.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of human-made chemicals known for their water- and grease-resistant properties.

They are commonly found in firefighting foam, nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent fabrics, and other industrial and consumer products.

The two most well-known and widely studied PFAS chemicals are PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid).

What makes PFAS chemicals particularly dangerous is their persistence in the environment and human body.

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally, meaning they can accumulate in water, soil, and living organisms for decades.

Their stability and resistance to degradation make them widespread environmental contaminants, posing long-term health risks to humans and wildlife alike.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous due to their ability to persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body over time.

Unlike many other chemicals, PFAS do not naturally break down, leading to long-lasting contamination of water systems, soil, and air.

Once they enter the human body—whether through drinking water, contaminated food, or direct exposure—they can remain there for years, causing significant health risks.

The danger of PFAS lies not only in their persistence but also in their ability to cause harm at very low levels of exposure.

Even trace amounts of these chemicals can lead to severe health issues, making them a widespread public health concern.

As these chemicals continue to contaminate water supplies and the environment, the risks associated with PFAS exposure remain critical.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to numerous serious health issues, many of which have long-term and life-threatening effects.

The most common health risks associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Cancer: PFAS chemicals have been strongly associated with certain types of cancer, particularly kidney, liver, and testicular cancers. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PFAS increases the risk of developing these cancers.
• Liver Damage: PFAS exposure can lead to liver toxicity, liver damage, and an increased risk of liver disease. Elevated levels of PFAS in the body have been linked to liver dysfunction and other associated complications.
• Thyroid Disease: PFAS chemicals can disrupt the thyroid gland’s ability to regulate hormones, leading to thyroid disease, hypothyroidism, and other related disorders.
• Immune System Disruption: PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and respond to vaccines.
• Reproductive Health Issues: In pregnant women, PFAS exposure can adversely affect fetal development, potentially causing low birth weight, developmental delays, and other complications. For men, PFAS exposure may reduce fertility.
• Cholesterol and Metabolic Problems: PFAS chemicals are associated with elevated cholesterol levels and may contribute to metabolic disorders like obesity and diabetes.

These serious health risks highlight the importance of addressing PFAS contamination and reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental impact of PFAS contamination is extensive and ongoing, largely due to the persistence of these chemicals in ecosystems.

PFAS do not naturally break down, meaning they remain in the environment for decades, accumulating in water, soil, and wildlife.

This persistence leads to long-term environmental harm and poses a significant challenge for remediation efforts.

Some of the key environmental impacts include:

• Water Contamination: PFAS chemicals infiltrate both public and private water systems, contaminating groundwater and surface water supplies. This contamination affects local communities, wildlife, and ecosystems.
• Soil and Groundwater Contamination: PFAS have been detected in soil and groundwater at military sites, industrial locations, and residential areas, leading to widespread contamination. These chemicals can spread over vast areas, impacting agricultural land and natural habitats.
• Harm to Wildlife: As PFAS chemicals persist in water sources, they can be absorbed by fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to bioaccumulation. These chemicals then enter the food chain, impacting not only wildlife but also humans who consume contaminated fish and seafood.
• Disruption of Ecosystems: The presence of PFAS chemicals in ecosystems disrupts biodiversity, as affected species struggle to survive in contaminated environments. Plants and animals that rely on clean water are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of PFAS.

Given the long-lasting nature of PFAS contamination, the environmental consequences of these chemicals require ongoing attention and remediation to mitigate further damage to ecosystems and human health.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS litigation has rapidly grown due to the severe health and environmental risks posed by PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals.”

Lawsuits are primarily filed against chemical manufacturers to hold them accountable for PFAS contamination of water, soil, and air due to their products.

These cases focus on linking PFAS exposure to serious health issues, such as cancer and liver damage, and demand compensation for victims’ medical costs, pain, and suffering, as well as environmental cleanup.

PFAS litigation is particularly prevalent in military installations, where firefighting foam containing PFAS has been widely used.

As awareness of the contamination expands, the number of lawsuits continues to rise, pushing for stronger regulations and faster cleanup efforts.

Victims can turn to PFAS litigation to seek justice and address the long-term effects of exposure.

Do You Qualify for the Fort Ord PFAS Lawsuit?

If you lived, worked, or were stationed at Fort Ord, California, and have been exposed to PFAS contamination, you may qualify for the Fort Ord PFAS lawsuit.

PFAS chemicals, commonly found in firefighting foam used by military installations, have been linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system dysfunction.

To qualify for the lawsuit, you must have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water or groundwater around Fort Ord or while working or living on the military base.

If you’ve been diagnosed with health problems such as cancer, kidney disease, thyroid issues, or other conditions potentially linked to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible for financial compensation.

Consulting with an experienced attorney can help you understand your rights and determine if you qualify for a claim.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

When pursuing a PFAS lawsuit related to Fort Ord contamination, gathering strong evidence is crucial to proving your case.

Types of evidence that will be essential include:

• Medical Records: Documentation of any health conditions that may be linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, and immune system issues.
• Water Testing Results: Evidence showing the presence of PFAS chemicals in the drinking water or groundwater near Fort Ord, confirming the contamination.
• Employment and Service Records: Documentation proving that you were stationed at or worked on Fort Ord during the period of PFAS exposure. This helps establish your exposure to these toxic chemicals.
• Environmental Reports: Studies or reports from government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), detailing the extent of PFAS contamination at Fort Ord.
• Witness Testimonies: Statements from fellow service members, civilians, or local residents who were exposed to PFAS at Fort Ord or nearby areas.

An experienced attorney can help you gather this evidence and build a strong case, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Claims at Fort Ord

At TorHoerman Law, we are committed to investigating and pursuing justice for those affected by PFAS contamination at Fort Ord.

Our experienced legal team specializes in environmental contamination and personal injury claims, particularly those involving the toxic chemicals commonly found at military installations, like PFAS.

We understand the profound health risks associated with PFAS exposure, including various cancers, thyroid disease, and liver damage.

Our team is dedicated to thoroughly investigating these claims to ensure that those responsible for the contamination at Fort Ord are held accountable.

Whether you are a military service member, a civilian employee, or a resident who lived near the base, we are here to help you navigate the complex legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with health problems linked to PFAS exposure at Fort Ord, contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for the potential Fort Ord Lawsuit instantly.