Naval Air Station South Weymouth PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

At the former Naval Air Station (NAS) South Weymouth in Massachusetts, environmental investigations have uncovered significant contamination by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS).

These substances, commonly found in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) used for firefighting, have been detected at alarming levels in groundwater samples.

In 2018, groundwater testing revealed PFOA concentrations reaching 25,000 parts per trillion (ppt) and PFOS levels at 27,000 ppt.

The combined concentration of PFOA and PFOS was reported at 256,000 ppt, vastly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory limit of 4 ppt for these chemicals.

The primary sources of this contamination include historical firefighting training exercises and accidental spills of AFFF on the base.

Notably, in 1987, an estimated 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of AFFF were spilled, contributing significantly to the PFAS levels observed today.

The persistence of these chemicals in the environment poses ongoing risks to both human health and the ecosystem, necessitating comprehensive remediation efforts.

The Navy, in collaboration with state and federal environmental agencies, has initiated investigations and remediation plans to address the contamination, including the testing of private drinking water wells in surrounding communities to assess potential exposure.

These efforts are crucial to mitigate the long-term impacts of PFAS contamination originating from the former NAS South Weymouth site.​

Detectable levels of PFAS pollution at NAS South Weymouth, published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), are as follows:

• PFOA: 25,000 ppt
• PFOS: 27,000 ppt
• PFOS+PFOA: 256,000 ppt

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Water at NAS South Weymouth?

Individuals who lived, worked, or trained at NAS South Weymouth may have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water due to the widespread use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) on the base.

Military personnel, civilian employees, and nearby residents relying on private wells or groundwater sources face potential exposure risks.

Testing has detected high levels of PFAS in groundwater, raising concerns about long-term health effects for those who came into contact with contaminated water.

Those who ingested, bathed in, or used water sourced from the base or nearby affected areas could face an increased risk of PFAS-related health issues.

Potentially exposed groups include:

• Military personnel stationed at NAS South Weymouth before its closure.
• Firefighters and emergency responders involved in AFFF training and firefighting operations.
• Base employees and contractors who handled or were near contaminated water sources.
• Families of service members and base workers who lived in on-base housing.
• Residents in surrounding communities relying on groundwater or private wells near the base.
• Individuals who worked at or visited redeveloped areas of the former base.

Has PFAS Contamination Been Detected in Drinking Water Systems Near NAS South Weymouth?

​The Navy initiated a private well investigation near the former Naval Air Station (NAS) South Weymouth in November 2020 to assess potential PFAS contamination in drinking water sources.

This investigation targeted private wells within a designated sampling area, focusing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to past use of firefighting foams at the base.

Sampling results indicated that certain wells contained PFAS concentrations exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory levels, prompting the Navy to provide alternative water sources to affected residents.

The Navy continues to monitor and address PFAS contamination to ensure the safety of local drinking water systems.

NAS South Weymouth: Among the Hundreds of Contaminated Military Installations

The former NAS South Weymouth is one of more than 700 military installations across the United States identified with PFAS contamination from decades of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) use.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the widespread presence of these toxic chemicals at air bases, training facilities, and military depots.

PFAS contamination is particularly concerning at decommissioned bases like NAS South Weymouth, where redevelopment projects on and around these facilities may have exposed new populations to lingering pollution.

Testing at other military sites has revealed similar patterns of contamination in groundwater and nearby drinking water systems.

Communities surrounding military bases in the United States have reported health concerns, water restrictions, and some have filed lawsuits aimed at holding responsible parties accountable.

Those who suffered direct exposure to AFFF firefighting foam and developed health problems may be eligible for the AFFF Lawsuit, which is filed in federal court.

While cleanup efforts are underway at countless military installations across the United States, the mere persistence of these high levels of PFAS in the environment makes remediation a long-term challenge that requires substantial funding and oversight.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals first developed in the 1940s for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them useful in industrial, military, and consumer applications.

Among their most notorious uses was in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting agent developed by the U.S. Navy and 3M in the 1960s to suppress fuel fires at military bases, airports, and industrial sites.

The widespread adoption of AFFF led to massive PFAS contamination, as firefighting training exercises and emergency responses saturated soil and water sources with persistent chemicals.

These compounds do not break down naturally, meaning they accumulate in groundwater and drinking water supplies, exposing service members, firefighters, and nearby communities to long-term contamination.

Internal documents from 3M and DuPont reveal that manufacturers were aware of the health risks linked to PFAS exposure decades ago but failed to disclose the dangers.

Now, lawsuits against chemical manufacturers filed both by individuals and governmental entities are seeking compensation for individuals who developed cancer, thyroid disorders, and other serious illnesses after exposure to contaminated water.

The ongoing AFFF multi-district litigation (MDL) is being pursued by individuals who developed cancer, thyroid disorders, and other serious illnesses after exposure to contaminated water

Despite the legal progress, cleanup efforts remain slow and expensive, and many contaminated sites have yet to be fully addressed.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

In recent years, research studies have linked PFAS exposure to severe and long-term health consequences, particularly for individuals who have consumed contaminated drinking water or worked in environments where AFFF was heavily used.

These synthetic chemicals accumulate in the body over time, meaning that even low levels of exposure can lead to serious medical conditions after prolonged contact.

Studies have shown that PFAS disrupt hormone regulation, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of multiple cancers, making them a significant public health threat.

Military personnel, firefighters, and residents living near contaminated bases are among the groups most at risk, with many suffering from illnesses now linked to PFAS-contaminated water.

The range of health effects linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Increased risk of cancer – Strong links to liver, kidney, and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disorders – PFAS disrupt hormone regulation, leading to thyroid disease
• Immune system suppression – Reduced vaccine effectiveness and higher susceptibility to infections
• Liver and kidney damage – PFAS accumulate in organs, causing long-term harm
• Reproductive and developmental issues – Low birth weights, birth defects, and pregnancy complications
• Elevated cholesterol levels – Associated with high blood pressure and heart disease
• Neurological effects – Potential impacts on cognitive function and neurodevelopment in children
• Hormonal disruption – Linked to early puberty, fertility problems, and metabolic disorders

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water is a growing crisis, and individuals suffering from these health effects may be eligible for legal action to seek compensation for medical costs and other damages.

Individuals who lived, worked, or served at NAS South Weymouth and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water may qualify for legal action.

Military personnel, civilian employees, and nearby residents who relied on groundwater or well water contaminated by AFFF firefighting foam runoff are among those most at risk.

If you have been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness, such as kidney or testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or immune disorders, you may have grounds to file a PFAS Lawsuit.

Legal claims are being pursued against chemical manufacturers that produced PFAS-containing products, both in individual PFAS Lawsuits and also in the AFFF MDL.

Medical records linking PFAS exposure to a serious health condition are crucial for strengthening a claim, as is proof of residency, employment, or military service at or near the base during contamination periods.

If you were affected, consulting with a PFAS attorney can help determine your eligibility for compensation related to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term health monitoring.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires thorough and organized evidence to demonstrate exposure and its effects.

Key documents, such as medical records and water testing results, help establish the link between

PFAS contamination and health issues.

Gathering this evidence is essential to support your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records documenting health conditions linked to PFAS exposure
• Water testing results showing PFAS contamination in local or household water sources
• Employment or residency records proving time spent near contaminated sites
• Expert testimony connecting health effects to PFAS exposure
• Environmental reports or studies indicating contamination levels in your area

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PFAS contamination at NAS South Weymouth and its impact on military personnel, veterans, civilian employees, and nearby residents.

The widespread use of AFFF firefighting foam at the base has led to severe environmental contamination, exposing thousands of people to toxic PFAS chemicals through groundwater and drinking water sources.

Scientific studies have linked PFAS exposure to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disorders, and other serious health conditions, placing those who lived and worked near the base at significant risk.

If you or a loved one developed a PFAS-related illness after exposure at NAS South Weymouth, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.

Our firm has extensive experience handling environmental contamination lawsuits, and we are committed to holding chemical manufacturers and responsible entities accountable.

Contact TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

You can also use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation and to determine your eligibility for the NAS South Weymouth PFAS lawsuit.