Tobyhanna Army Depot PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

Dangerous Levels of PFAS Contamination Detected at Tobyhanna Army Depot

Tobyhanna Army Depot, a critical military installation in Pennsylvania, has been identified as a site with notable PFAS contamination, raising alarms for public health and environmental safety.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are toxic “forever chemicals” known for their persistence in water, soil, and the human body.

Testing conducted and reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) between 2020 and 2021 revealed PFAS concentrations in groundwater and drinking water at levels far exceeding what is considered safe by environmental health experts.

PFAS levels at Tobyhanna Army Depot were reported by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) in 2020-2021 as follows:

• PFOA+PFOS in Drinking Water On-Base: 10 ppt
• PFOS (groundwater on-base): 1,300 ppt
• PFOA (groundwater on-base): 630 ppt
• PFBS (groundwater on-base): 880 ppt

These levels greatly surpass the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for both PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

The data reflect a concerning pattern of exposure that could lead to serious health consequences for individuals on or near the base.

Sources of PFAS at Tobyhanna Army Depot

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Tobyhanna Army Depot is believed to be the historic use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam widely used on military installations for training and emergency responses involving flammable liquid fires.

These foams contain high concentrations of toxic PFAS compounds, which can seep into soil and groundwater over time.

Additional sources may include maintenance operations, chemical storage areas, and runoff from PFAS-containing products historically used across the facility.

These activities have allowed hazardous substances to leach into the local water supply and surrounding environment.

Impacted Populations at Tobyhanna Army Depot

Populations most at risk of PFAS exposure at and around Tobyhanna Army Depot include military personnel, civilian employees, and local residents in surrounding communities.

Individuals relying on potentially contaminated drinking water—whether from public systems or private wells—may face increased risks of serious health conditions, including thyroid disease, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and immune system suppression.

Vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, and individuals with preexisting conditions may be especially susceptible to the long-term health effects of prolonged exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at Tobyhanna Army Depot

In response to PFAS contamination, federal and local agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have initiated testing, risk assessment, and remediation activities at Tobyhanna Army Depot.

Remedial measures may include groundwater monitoring, soil testing, and the installation of filtration systems to prevent the spread of contamination.

Despite these steps, environmental and public health advocates argue that cleanup efforts need to be accelerated and expanded to fully protect affected communities.

Continued transparency, regulatory enforcement, and PFAS exposure prevention are essential to addressing this ongoing environmental health crisis.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at Tobyhanna Army Depot

The contamination at Tobyhanna Army Depot reflects a larger issue of PFAS pollution across U.S. military installations, where firefighting foams and industrial activities have introduced toxic chemicals into the environment for decades.

This site is one of many that underscores the urgent need for national PFAS regulations, improved oversight, and accountability from chemical manufacturers and federal agencies.

The health risks and environmental damage caused by PFAS exposure are long-term, and Tobyhanna’s situation highlights the importance of swift action to reduce contamination, safeguard human health, and ensure clean drinking water for all impacted communities.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and What Makes Them Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals developed in the mid-20th century for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil.

Found in a wide range of consumer products such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, stain-resistant fabrics, and firefighting foams, PFAS have become widely used across both civilian and military sectors.

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

Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally, which means they can accumulate in soil, groundwater, and living organisms over time—posing long-term risks to public health and ecosystems.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because they are both bioaccumulative and resistant to environmental degradation.

Once introduced into the environment—particularly through contaminated drinking water or firefighting foam—they can travel far from their original source and remain active for decades.

Inside the human body, PFAS bind to blood proteins and accumulate in organs such as the liver, kidneys, and thyroid.

Their toxic properties can disrupt hormone levels, immune function, and cell regulation even at low concentrations.

Unlike many pollutants that dissipate or break down, PFAS persist, making even small exposures potentially hazardous over time.

Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure

Scientific studies, including those from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have linked PFAS exposure to a number of serious health issues.

Documented health risks include:

• Kidney and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease and hormonal disruption
• Elevated cholesterol and liver damage
• Suppressed immune response and reduced vaccine efficacy
• Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia and low birth weight
• Increased risk of breast cancer and other hormone-related illnesses

Because PFAS accumulate over time, individuals with prolonged exposure—such as those living near military installations like Tobyhanna Army Depot—may face an increased risk of developing these serious and often life-altering conditions.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

The environmental consequences of PFAS contamination are both extensive and persistent.

These chemicals have infiltrated soil, groundwater, and surface water near manufacturing sites and military installations where aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) has been used.

Once in the environment, PFAS spread easily and resist traditional water treatment processes, making remediation difficult and costly.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS—such as fish, birds, and mammals—may suffer reproductive harm, growth abnormalities, and organ toxicity.

Contaminated ecosystems can take decades to recover, if at all, underscoring the urgent need for long-term environmental monitoring and cleanup strategies.

The Need for Urgent Action

The ongoing PFAS crisis demands immediate and comprehensive action from federal agencies, state governments, and industry leaders.

Despite growing awareness and tighter EPA regulations, many affected communities still lack access to reliable testing, clean water, or health monitoring.

Sites like Tobyhanna Army Depot are stark reminders of the risks posed by decades of unchecked chemical use and insufficient oversight.

To protect public health and restore environmental integrity, it is essential to accelerate PFAS remediation efforts, eliminate non-essential uses of PFAS, hold polluters accountable, and invest in safer alternatives.

Without swift intervention, the damage caused by these toxic “forever chemicals” will continue to compound across generations.

Do You Qualify For the Tobyhanna Army Depot PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the Tobyhanna Army Depot PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or served on or near the base and were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water or groundwater.

Individuals who relied on local water supplies in surrounding communities — particularly before PFAS testing and regulation were implemented — may have unknowingly ingested toxic substances through daily use.

If you have since developed serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, or immune system disorders, you may be eligible to pursue financial compensation.

Legal action may also be appropriate if your property value has been impacted by environmental contamination.

Speaking with an experienced attorney can help determine whether your exposure history and medical background meet the criteria for a PFAS-related personal injury or environmental lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence for PFAS Lawsuits

Building a strong case in a PFAS lawsuit requires thorough documentation that connects your exposure at or near Tobyhanna Army Depot to your health issues or other damages.

Key evidence includes proof of residence, military service, or employment at the facility during periods of known PFAS contamination.

Medical records diagnosing PFAS-linked illnesses are critical, as are water test results showing elevated PFAS levels in your home’s supply.

Supporting documentation may also include expert testimony, environmental sampling data, and official findings from government agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

An experienced legal team can help gather, organize, and present this evidence to support your claim for compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Tobyhanna Army Depot

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating legal claims related to PFAS contamination at Tobyhanna Army Depot and other military installations, where toxic “forever chemicals” have been detected in drinking water and groundwater at levels that may pose serious health risks.

Our team is committed to helping individuals who lived, worked, or served at or near the base and may have been exposed to hazardous PFAS substances through contaminated water supplies or direct exposure on-site.

With a long history of handling complex environmental litigation, we understand the devastating impact that toxic exposure can have on individuals and families.

We work alongside scientific experts and medical professionals to build evidence-based claims and pursue justice for those affected by PFAS pollution.

Our investigation seeks to hold accountable the chemical manufacturers and other responsible parties who allowed these dangerous substances to contaminate water sources, damage public health, and disrupt lives.

If you or a loved one developed health issues potentially linked to PFAS exposure at Tobyhanna Army Depot, contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action.