Widespread PFAS contamination at Picatinny Arsenal has raised serious concerns about long-term environmental damage and health risks for military personnel, civilian workers, and surrounding communities.
These toxic “forever chemicals” are highly persistent in groundwater, drinking water, and even the human body, meaning individuals may face continued exposure risks long after initial contact with PFAS-contaminated water or soil.
Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in groundwater at Picatinny Arsenal in 2018:
- PFOA: 11.0 ppt
- PFOS: 67.0 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 Picatinny Arsenal
At Picatinny Arsenal, a longstanding military installation in New Jersey, the primary source of PFAS contamination is the extensive historical use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)—a specialized firefighting foam used in training drills, emergency response, and munitions testing.
This foam, which contained toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) like PFOA and PFOS, was commonly deployed during fire suppression exercises and accidental fuel spill responses throughout the base’s operational history.
These forever chemicals are incredibly resistant to environmental breakdown and have leached into the surrounding soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies, including private drinking water wells.
In addition to AFFF, other PFAS-containing products used at the base—such as lubricants, sealants, coatings, and cleaning solvents—likely contributed to the spread of these toxic substances across the site.
Investigations conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have documented confirmed PFAS contamination at Picatinny Arsenal, with elevated PFAS levels posing serious contamination concerns for both on-base activities and surrounding communities.
Given the Arsenal’s role in munitions research, weapons development, and military testing, the site has experienced complex chemical exposure events involving multiple hazardous substances, further complicating the cleanup process.
Ongoing remediation efforts and federal oversight are now focused on addressing the long-term impacts of this contaminated military site and ensuring future protection for local water systems and public health.
Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Picatinny Arsenal
Military personnel, civilian employees, contractors, and military service members stationed at or working on Picatinny Arsenal may have experienced direct or indirect PFAS exposure during their time on base.
Individuals engaged in firefighting, munitions development, explosives testing, or maintenance operations were at heightened risk of encountering PFAS chemicals through skin contact, inhalation, or consumption of contaminated drinking water.
Surrounding communities, especially residents relying on private drinking water wells, may also have been exposed due to groundwater contamination and runoff from heavily contaminated areas of the installation.
These exposures raise significant concerns about the development of serious health consequences, including thyroid disease, certain cancers, and other adverse health effects associated with long-term PFAS exposure.
Additionally, family members, children, and veterans who spent time living on or near the base may carry elevated PFAS levels in their blood.
The presence of widespread contamination and forever chemicals in the drinking water and environment surrounding the base underscores the need for PFAS blood testing, medical screening, and potential eligibility for PFAS water contamination lawsuits.
As with other contaminated military bases, the legal and health implications are significant, and impacted individuals may consider seeking guidance from an experienced law firm handling PFAS-related claims.
