Fort Campbell Water Contamination

Overview of Water Contamination at Fort Campbell  

Fort Campbell, on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, has been a vital military installation for more than 80 years. Established during World War II as a training camp, it became a permanent base in 1950. It also once housed Clarksville Base, a former top-secret nuclear facility. Today, Fort Campbell is home to the 101st Airborne Division and other notable military units. It is home to over 30,000 active-duty personnel and 51,000 family members. A further 6,400 civilians work on the base.

Unfortunately, Fort Campbell’s history also includes significant water contamination issues, especially involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). A growing body of research links the contaminants to serious health risks. In turn, they may endanger not only service members and their families but also nearby communities. Moreover, veterans may still suffer the consequences of exposure after leaving the service. If you or a loved one have been affected, you may be able to seek compensation. MilitaryHazards.org can connect you with attorneys experienced in military base water contamination cases. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to explore your legal options.

Timeline of Fort Campbell Water Contamination

1942: Fort Campbell is established as a training camp during World War II.

1948: The Clarksville Base, a top-secret nuclear facility, is established within the boundaries of Fort Campbell. It will operate until 1965.

1950: Fort Campbell Becomes a permanent military base.

1950s – 1980s: Extensive chemical usage adds contaminants like PFAS to Fort Campbell’s environment and water. Poor disposal practices and lax oversight often enable contamination to become extensive.

1974: The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is enacted. The bill sets new standards for drinking water quality nationwide, including on military bases. However, many sources of contamination are not subject to regulation.

1990s – 2000s: Growing concerns about environmental hazards cause closer scrutiny of water contamination and pollution on military bases. Fears about the threats posed to service members, veterans, and their families also come to the forefront.

2000s: The public at large becomes increasingly aware of the potential dangers posed by PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, within drinking water.

2009: The EPA establishes the first provisional health advisories for PFOA and PFOS — two types of PFAS chemicals — in drinking water.

2010s – 2020s: The government and military begin implementing task forces to study, document and remediate water contamination on military bases.

2016: The EPA’s provisional health advisories are upgraded to lifetime health advisories.

2020-2021: Substantial PFAS contamination is found in the water of Christian County, Kentucky, near Fort Campbell.

2024: Fort Campbell becomes part of a joint pilot program between the EPA and the Army to further identify PFAS contamination near various bases.

History of Water Contamination at Fort Campbell

Chemicals widely used in military operations (along with other contributors) have allowed various contaminants to enter Fort Campbell’s water for decades. Improper disposal, spills, runoff, and limited oversight often made it easy for such pollution to occur. Too often, the dangers of these contaminants were unknown, and sometimes, overlooked. However, growing research and public awareness have highlighted the issue of water contamination at military bases.

Over the years, numerous contaminants have been detected in Fort Campbell’s water. Some of these contaminants occur naturally and others may be linked to base activities. More recently, the primary contaminants of concern are PFAS. Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are a group of substances that are highly resistant to breakdown. They can therefore persist in the environment and the human body for years.

The presence of PFAS and other chemicals in Fort Campbell’s water has exposed those in the vicinity to increased health risks. These may include an increased risk of various cancers, organ damage, and other chronic conditions. Despite ongoing remediation efforts, concerns over contaminated water at the base remain.

Areas Affected by Water Contamination at Fort Campbell

Rising concerns about PFAS and other chemicals in drinking water have prompted the military, government, and environmental authorities to more closely test water sources near military installations. PFAS and other chemicals continue to appear in the groundwater and in wells around Fort Campbell. Monitoring continues, with the map below showing the locations of these sites to date.

Common Toxins in Fort Campbell’s Water  

Among the most notable contaminants found in Fort Campbell’s water are PFAS. There are various types of PFAS chemicals. They are all known for their extreme resistance to heat, cold, oil, and water. They can persist in the environment and human body for years without breaking down. In turn, they may increase the risk of certain cancers and other chronic health issues.

A primary cause of PFAS contamination on military bases is the firefighting foam AFFF. Used for decades on military installations, this foam—often applied as a spray—could easily contaminate the surrounding environment. Yet, AFFF is not the only source of PFAS contamination. PFAS compounds are present in other chemicals used in military operations, and they have also been used in everyday items such as non-stick cookware, food packaging, and cosmetics. Although efforts to reduce the use of PFAS-containing materials in military settings are underway, contamination incidents can still occur.

Other potential toxins found in the water may include:

Similar to PFAS, prolonged exposure to these chemicals may lead to life-threatening conditions.

Is Fort Campbell’s Water Safe?  

According to Fort Campbell’s 2024 Water Quality Report, the base’s water complies with all applicable safety standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The report detected only nine contaminants, all below levels that would require action. However, contaminants are still present. Some sensitive groups may face higher risks of illness or injury as a result.

Regarding PFAS specifically, several of these substances were noted in the water report. Those present included the chemicals PFOA, PFBS, and PFOS. However, PFAS are currently classified as unregulated contaminants by the EPA. As a result, there are not yet actionable maximum contamination limits for them. Nonetheless, efforts are ongoing to better control contaminants in the base’s water.

PFAS Monitoring and Cleanup Efforts at Fort Campbell  

There are ongoing efforts by the military, government, and other authorities to control the threat posed by PFAS and other water contaminants at Fort Campbell. For example:

• The military is phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
• The U.S. Army regularly samples water on military installations to ensure PFOS and PFOA levels remain below 70 parts per trillion (ppt). If levels exceed 70 ppt, the Army takes prompt action. This may include supplying bottled water, shutting down wells, installing treatment systems, or connecting to alternative water sources.
• The Department of Defense (DoD) has established task forces to study PFAS contamination, fund cleanup efforts, and raise awareness about the dangers of these chemicals.
• In July 2024, the EPA and the Army launched a joint sampling project to identify PFAS contamination near various bases, with Fort Campbell selected for this pilot program.

Moreover, the military is required to comply with all applicable federal and state safe water regulations. They must also follow strict regulations regarding cleanup of contaminated areas. Still, despite these efforts, health risks may remain for service members and veterans.

Health Conditions Linked to Fort Campbell Water Contamination

The various contaminants found in Fort Campbell’s water have been linked to higher risks of numerous health conditions. These include:

If you have served at Fort Campbell, it’s important to continue regular medical care even after leaving the service. Many of these conditions may not present symptoms immediately, and you might have moved on from your time at Fort Campbell before noticing any issues. The same applies to family members of service members and civilians who have lived near or worked on the base. Catching a condition early may increase your chances of a successful outcome.

All the same, these conditions can cause significant financial hardships for those affected. If you are one of them, you may wonder about your options for compensation. With the help of MilitaryHazards.org, many past and present service members have pursued legal action.

Do I Qualify for a Fort Campbell Water Contamination Lawsuit?  

If you believe PFAS or other toxins in Fort Campbell’s water have affected your health, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Typically, this requires meeting certain qualifications. You may have to provide proof of residence or service at Fort Campbell during known contamination periods, often for a minimum of six months. You may also need to provide medical evidence linking your condition to PFAS or other contaminants.

Additional evidence may be necessary, and each water contamination lawsuit is unique. It’s important to consult with an experienced legal professional about the viability of your case.

How Much Money Will I Get From My Fort Campbell Water Contamination Lawsuit?  

Your water contamination lawsuit may result in a financial settlement. However, settlements are not guaranteed. Also, the final amount may vary based on multiple factors. These may include your age, the length of exposure, and the severity of the health issues you’ve sustained. Common settlements range from $30,000 to $500,000. The average settlement is around $250,000, while cancer-related claims generally settle for $100,000 to $300,000. Cases involving minor injuries or limited exposure may settle for $30,000 – $75,000.

These figures are only estimates. Actual settlements depend on the specifics of each case. Keep in mind that if your case doesn’t settle, it may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome. Trials may increase your chances of a higher claim, but they also carry the risk of being awarded nothing at all.

Steps for Filing a Fort Campbell Water Contamination Lawsuit  

To file your water contamination lawsuit, you will need to work with an attorney experienced in environmental law, personal injury law, and military cases. The process may be complex and involve multiple steps, including:

It’s also important to realize that these cases may take at least several months from start to finish. However, your attorney will keep you advised on each step of the litigation process.

Evidence To Support Your Fort Campbell Water Contamination Lawsuit

With strong evidence, you can better support your water contamination lawsuit. Your attorney will guide you in assembling materials. These may include medical records documenting any health conditions linked to water contamination, as well as military records verifying your service at Fort Campbell. Additional documents may include environmental or water reports outlining contamination in the area.

You may also need to submit personal statements about how the illness has impacted your life. These statements can provide further context on the effects of the water contamination. You might be able to obtain expert testimony explaining the link between contaminated water and specific health conditions. Together, these various puzzle pieces will help build a compelling case to show the harm caused by Fort Campbell’s toxic water.

Deadlines for Fort Campbell Water Contamination Claims  

Water contamination cases are usually subject to statutes of limitations. If you do not file your lawsuit before the statute expires, you will not be able to file it later. Generally, the statute in these cases is two years from the date of your diagnosis with a contamination-related health condition. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible after your diagnosis, as this timeline may vary.

Get Help with Your Fort Campbell Water Contamination Case  

If you or a loved one have suffered health issues related to water contamination at Fort Campbell, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out today to connect with legal experts who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—consultations are free, and your time to file a claim may be limited.

Sources

1. “Fort Campbell,” U.S. Army Environmental Command, https://aec.army.mil/PFAS/KY/FCPB
2. “EPA and U.S. Army Announce Joint Sampling Project to Identify PFAS Contamination Near Army Installations,” United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-us-army-announce-joint-sampling-project-identify-pfas-contamination-near-army
3. “Fort Campbell Water Quality Report,”  Fort Campbell Water System, https://home.army.mil/campbell/3117/1630/1215/FCP_CCR_2023_Final.pdf
4. “Fort Campbell,” EWG’s Tap Water Database — 2021 Update, https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/system.php?pws=KY0241001
5. “Fort Campbell | Base Overview & Info.” Military OneSource, https://installations.militaryonesource.mil/in-depth-overview/fort-campbell#:~:text=Active%20Military%3A%2030%2C113,Contract%20Employees%3A%202%2C179 
6. https://eec.ky.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water/Reports/Reports/2021-PFASSourceWaterReport.pdf