Vance Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2026 Update]

Alarming levels of PFAS contamination have been confirmed in groundwater samples collected from Vance Air Force Base, highlighting serious concerns about the base’s water supply and surrounding environment.

Published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS chemicals were detected at the following levels in Vance Air Force Base groundwater in 2018:

• 6:2 FTS: 71,000 ppt
• 8:2 FTS: 1,200 ppt
• NEtFOSAA: 1,000 ppt
• NMeFOSAA: 1,000 ppt
• PFBS: 18,000 ppt
• PFDA: 1,000 ppt
• PFDoA: 1,000 ppt
• PFHpA: 12,000 ppt
• PFHxA: 62,000 ppt
• PFHxS: 190,000 ppt
• PFNA: 1,800 ppt
• PFOA: 39,000 ppt
• PFOS: 290,000 ppt
• PFOS + PFOA: 329,000 ppt
• PFTrDA: 1,000 ppt

These concentrations far exceed the Environmental Protection Agency 2024 Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.

The use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF)—a firefighting substance rich in polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—is believed to be the primary contributor to the contaminated drinking water at this Air Force base.

Over time, these forever chemicals have infiltrated the groundwater and on-base drinking water, raising urgent public health and environmental concerns.

The sheer scale of PFAS contamination at Vance AFB mirrors patterns seen at other military sites, reinforcing the need for environmental protection measures and legal accountability.

Sources of PFAS Exposure at Vance Air Force Base

The primary source of PFAS contamination at Vance Air Force Base is the widespread and long-term use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) during firefighting training exercises and emergency response operations.

This specialized foam, designed to suppress jet fuel fires and other flammable liquid hazards, contains high concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

When discharged onto the ground or during simulated drills, AFFF allowed PFAS chemicals to seep into the soil and groundwater, contaminating the base’s on-base drinking water and surrounding water systems.

Other potential contributors to PFAS pollution at this military installation include storage and disposal of PFAS-containing products, leaks from firefighting equipment, and runoff from contaminated areas.

The persistence of these synthetic chemicals—commonly referred to as forever chemicals—means that toxic substances like PFOS and PFOA remain in the environment for decades, continuing to pose a threat to both public health and the ecosystem.

The Environmental Working Group and other watchdog organizations have flagged Vance AFB as a site of significant PFAS contamination, prompting calls for immediate remediation and accountability.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS at Vance Air Force Base

Individuals most at risk of PFAS exposure at Vance Air Force Base include military personnel, civilian workers, and contractors who served on the base while AFFF was in use.

Those who consumed or used contaminated drinking water from on-base water supplies are particularly vulnerable.

Family members living in base housing—especially pregnant women, children, and other sensitive populations—may face increased health risks from exposure to these hazardous substances.

Residents of surrounding communities, particularly those relying on private drinking water wells or off-base water systems, may have also been unknowingly exposed to PFAS-contaminated water as a result of groundwater migration.

Exposure to high PFAS levels has been associated with serious health problems, including thyroid disease, kidney and testicular cancers, developmental delays, and immune system dysfunction.

If you were exposed to contaminated drinking water at or near Vance Air Force Base, you may qualify to participate in a PFAS lawsuit.

Those most likely to qualify include military personnel, civilian workers, contractors, and family members who lived or worked on the base during periods of known PFAS contamination, particularly when aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) was in regular use.

Individuals in surrounding communities who relied on private wells or public water systems near the base may also have been exposed to dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals.

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water has been linked to serious health problems, including thyroid disease, kidney cancer, immune system disorders, and other chronic conditions.

To determine your eligibility, it’s important to assess whether you lived, worked, or trained at or near Vance AFB and whether you were exposed to PFAS chemicals through on-base drinking water, groundwater, or other water systems with confirmed PFAS concentrations that exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2024 maximum contaminant levels (MCLs).

Legal eligibility may also hinge on factors like time of exposure and medical documentation of related health concerns.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

Building a strong case for a PFAS water contamination lawsuit requires collecting credible and well-documented evidence of both exposure and harm.

This typically includes proof of residence, military service, or employment at Vance Air Force Base, as well as records indicating reliance on contaminated drinking water or groundwater from on-base or off-base water supplies.

Medical records detailing health issues such as thyroid disease, certain cancers, or developmental delays can be critical to linking PFAS exposure to adverse outcomes.

Additional supporting documentation might include Environmental Working Group contamination reports, EPA testing results, and PFAS levels detected in your local water system.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been exposed to polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or PFAS-containing products near Vance AFB, an experienced law firm can help you navigate the legal process, ensure your rights are protected, and pursue the financial compensation you may deserve.

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating claims related to PFAS contamination at Vance Air Force Base, where dangerously high concentrations of forever chemicals like PFOS and PFOA have been detected in the drinking water supply.

These polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—commonly found in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) used for suppressing jet fuel fires—have infiltrated the groundwater, posing significant health risks to military personnel, civilian workers, and nearby communities.

Our legal team is evaluating cases for individuals who were exposed to PFAS through on-base drinking water, private drinking water wells, or off-base water systems and have developed serious health problems, including thyroid disease, kidney cancer, and other PFAS-related conditions.

With extensive experience handling environmental contamination lawsuits, TorHoerman Law is committed to helping victims understand their legal options, gather vital evidence, and hold responsible parties—including chemical manufacturers and the Department of Defense—accountable.

If you or a loved one has suffered from PFAS exposure at Vance AFB, our firm is prepared to fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.

Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation.

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