Significant PFAS contamination has been confirmed at the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Port Hueneme, a U.S. Navy installation in California.
According to data published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), groundwater at Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Port Hueneme contained PFAS levels that dramatically exceed federal health guidelines.
In 2017, the combined level of PFOS and PFOA in on-base groundwater was measured at 1,080,000 parts per trillion (ppt)—270,000 times higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 4 ppt.
This extreme level of contamination raises serious concerns for environmental safety and potential exposure risks to those who lived, worked, or trained at Port Hueneme.
The use of aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) during training and emergency response operations is believed to be the primary cause of this PFAS contamination.
These forever chemicals, known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water, have been linked to toxic substances that do not easily break down in the environment.
There are growing concerns about the long-term exposure risks faced by military personnel, civilian workers, and surrounding communities.
Sources of PFAS Exposure at NCBC Port Hueneme
The main source of PFAS exposure at NCBC Port Hueneme is the historical use of fire fighting foams, specifically PFAS-containing AFFF, used for training exercises and aircraft fire suppression.
These synthetic chemicals contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are highly persistent and can leach into soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies.
In addition to firefighting applications, PFAS chemicals may also have entered the environment through industrial runoff, maintenance operations, and wastewater discharges.
Given the confirmed PFAS levels in groundwater, there is concern that contamination may have spread beyond the base, potentially affecting private drinking water wells and public water systems in the surrounding communities.
This widespread contamination poses a direct threat to public health and requires further environmental testing, remediation, and government accountability to address PFAS pollution.
Who may Be Exposed to PFAS at NCBC Port Hueneme
Individuals who lived, worked, or served at NCBC Port Hueneme may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated drinking water or direct contact with PFAS-containing products.
This includes military service members, civilian contractors, Navy personnel, and even local residents near the military installation.
Those who spent time on base may have ingested PFAS-contaminated water, inhaled dust containing toxic chemicals, or absorbed these substances through the skin.
Because PFAS chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, even short-term exposure can lead to serious health concerns, including thyroid disease, immune system disruption, and certain types of cancer.
Anyone who was stationed at or lived near the base should consider undergoing PFAS blood testing and seek legal guidance to determine their eligibility for compensation under environmental and Superfund laws.
