Picatinny Arsenal PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

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.

You may qualify for the Picatinny Arsenal PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served at or near the base and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water through drinking water, groundwater, or soil contact.

This includes military personnel, military service members, civilian workers, and family members who may have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals found in the base’s drinking water supplies, especially prior to contamination being publicly confirmed.

Those who have since developed health issues such as thyroid disease, certain cancers, or other serious health consequences may be eligible to pursue legal action.

Victims may be able to join PFAS water contamination lawsuits filed against chemical manufacturers and other responsible parties.

If you believe you were exposed to PFAS contamination, it’s important to speak with a qualified law firm that understands the complexities of military site contamination cases and can help determine your legal options.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

To build a strong case for a PFAS lawsuit related to Picatinny Arsenal, it is crucial to gather detailed evidence of your exposure history and medical impact.

Start by collecting documentation that proves your connection to the base—such as military records, work history, or residency information—and identify your proximity to known contaminated sites or water systems.

You should also request PFAS blood testing and compile medical evidence of any related health issues, especially cancers, thyroid disorders, or other adverse health effects linked to PFAS exposure.

Environmental reports from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)showing confirmed PFAS contamination, elevated PFAS levels, or widespread groundwater contamination at Picatinny Arsenal can also serve as critical supporting evidence.

Records of contaminated drinking water, firefighting foam (AFFF) usage, and the presence of forever chemicals on-site can help establish liability.

A legal team with experience handling PFAS water contamination cases can assist in gathering this information and building a comprehensive claim on your behalf.

At TorHoerman Law, we are actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at Picatinny Arsenal, one of many military installations where the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) has led to serious environmental and health consequences.

Decades of using this firefighting foam, which contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), have contributed to contaminated drinking water, contaminated soil, and groundwater pollution on and around the base.

Data from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)confirm the presence of toxic chemicals at levels far exceeding safe limits.

Military personnel, military service members, civilian workers, and residents in surrounding communities may have unknowingly been exposed to forever chemicals, putting them at risk for a range of adverse health effects, including thyroid disease, certain cancers, and other serious health consequences.

Our law firm is committed to helping victims hold chemical manufacturers, major PFAS manufacturers, and other responsible parties accountable through PFAS water contamination lawsuits and other legal avenues.

If you or a loved one were stationed at or lived near Picatinny Arsenal and have since developed health issues potentially linked to PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to find out if you qualify for a PFAS contamination claim instantly.

TorHoerman Law offers free consultations to help determine your legal options and guide you through the legal process of seeking financial compensation.