Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination

Chanute Air Force Base served as a pilot training facility and storage depot for aircraft engines when it was first constructed in 1917. It later served as a training school for Air Force Mechanics and then provided technical training operations during World War II. Following the war, Chanute Air Force Base became a training installation for aerospace and weapons system support personnel, becoming designated as the Chanute Technical Training Center in 1959 and later, the 3330th Technical Training Wing. In 1993, all military operations ceased at the base and the facility was used for other civilian and commercial purposes. 

Located on over 2,100 acres in Rantoul, Illinois, the decommissioned Chanute Air Force Base has had a history of environmental contamination to the soil and groundwater due to the hazardous materials used when training activities were performed throughout the site. This contamination has led to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placing Chanute Air Force Base on their Superfund National Priorities List, a list of sites of national priority known for releasing hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants throughout the country.

Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination Updates

2023-2024: Long-term monitoring and remediation efforts of the contamination at Chanute Air Force Base continues, with the Air Force responsible for addressing any ongoing concerns about environmental impacts. 

2020: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain closely monitored at Chanute Air Force Base and surrounding areas as concerns continue to grow regarding PFAS contamination and the long-term health risks it poses to those exposed. 

2017: The Air Force releases reports discussing the ongoing cleanup efforts to remove PFAS and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and benzene, from groundwater at Chanute Air Force Base after contamination is found in several areas throughout the base, including landfills, firefighting training areas and industrial sites. 

2014: When the Air Force begins testing for contamination at Chanute Air Force Base, samples reveal PFAS levels at 644,000 parts per trillion. These levels are far above the EPA’s advisory level of 4 parts per trillion. 

History of Contamination at Chanute Air Force Base

The use of hazardous substances through Chanute Air Force Base’s operational years have led to contamination issues that are ongoing to this day. In the 1980s, the United States Air Force began investigating environmental contamination at military bases throughout the country, including Chanute. 

When Chanute Air Force Base was used for operational training during the 1940s through the 1990s, the use of firefighting forms, which contained PFAS, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous waste from fuels and solvents contaminated the soil and groundwater. Additionally, many of these substances were improperly disposed of and for many years, nothing was being done to remediate the contamination issue.

As environmental concerns and awareness began to increase in the 1980s, the United States military launched an initiative to start investigating contamination at its facilities. It became clear that many sites, including Chanute Air Force Base, were heavily contaminated from the operations performed at them over the years. After the base was closed in 1993, the EPA and Air Force began their investigations and cleanup efforts of the contaminated soil and groundwater. 

Where Was the Water Contaminated at Chanute Air Force Base?

Groundwater contamination occurred in several key areas throughout Chanute Air Force Base. The areas where fire training took place was a major source of the contamination, as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which contains PFAS, was used in fire suppression exercises and led to significant contamination of the nearby groundwater.

Additionally, aircraft maintenance facilities on the base used large amounts of hazardous chemicals, such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and other solvents, for cleaning aircraft parts. It was common for fuel leaks and spills to occur in the fuel storage areas, releasing harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene into the environment and groundwater.

Chanute Air Force Base also had several landfills onsite that were utilized to dispose of hazardous waste and other industrial materials. Due to the fact that these landfills, specifically Landfills 1, 2 and 3, were not properly lined, volatile organic compounds like TCE and PCE were able to leach into the soil and groundwater.

What Contaminants Were Found at Chanute Air Force Base?

The main contaminants discovered at Chanute Air Force Base include PFAS and several types of VOCs.

Contaminants discovered in the groundwater at Chanute Air Force Base include:

These contaminants can lead to long-term, serious health conditions, including several types of cancer.

What Is the Current Water Quality at Chanute Air Force Base?

The water quality at Chanute Air Force Base and the Village of Rantoul, Illinois remains a concern due to the contamination from PFAS, which in some areas of the base were recorded as high as 644,000 parts per trillion. While cleanup efforts have been in progress for several years, much work is still to be done. The Air Force has installed water filtration systems and continues to monitor the quality of the water.

Advanced Treatment Efforts at Chanute AFB

Current water treatment efforts include:

• Installation of advanced filtration systems, including granular activated carbon (GAC) filters and pump-and-treat systems to filter out contaminants like PFAS, TCE and other VOCs.
• Ongoing monitoring of groundwater and continual water sampling to track contamination plumes and evaluate the level of contaminants.
• Removal, disposal and treatment of contaminated soil from landfills, industrial zones and firefighting training sites.

What Health Risks Are Associated with Drinking Contaminated Water at Chanute Air Force Base?

Individuals exposed to water contaminated with PFAS, VOCs or other hazardous chemicals can experience serious health conditions, and while long-term exposure can impact anyone, some individuals may be more vulnerable such as the elderly, children and pregnant women. Regular checkups are crucial to help manage any serious conditions and reduce the likelihood of future health complications.

Some common health risks associated with drinking contaminated water at Chanute Air Force Base include:

• Several types of cancer, such as testicular, kidney, prostate, thyroid, lung, skin cancers 
• Endocrine issues like hormonal disruption and endocrine disorders
• Reproductive health problems like pre-eclampsia, birth defects and low fertility levels
• Organ and metabolic concerns such as kidney problems, changes in liver enzymes, increased cholesterol levels
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurological issues
• Compromised immune system 

Water Contamination Lawsuits Are Being Filed – Who Is Eligible?

To determine your eligibility for a lawsuit related to water contamination at Chanute Air Force bases, there are several factors that need to be taken into consideration. For starters, you should have resided or worked at or near Chanute during the period of water contamination. You should also have a diagnosis of a health condition that was caused by exposure to the contaminated water. 

If you are wondering if you meet the qualifications for a water contamination lawsuit, it’s recommended to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your eligibility. 

What Will the Settlement Be For a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The average settlement for a lawsuit involving exposure to water contamination is around $250,000. However, settlements and payouts can vary based on the extent of the injuries and the exposure. 

Settlements and payouts for water contamination lawsuits can range from $30,000 to $500,000, with some cases with extreme circumstances exceeding one million dollars. Individuals who are younger when they receive a diagnosis linked to drinking contaminated water could see larger settlements, as well as those who have proof of extended, significant exposure to the contaminated water. A lower settlement between $30,000 to $75,000 could be awarded to individuals if the injuries are minor or if there’s less proof the injuries are related to water contamination at Chanute Air Force Base. 

Keep in mind that while settlements may be lower than potential trial verdicts, you could risk receiving nothing at all if the case does go to trial. 

5 Steps To File a Chanute AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

Follow these steps to file a Chanute Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit:

1. Consult an attorney: As soon as possible, schedule an initial consultation with an attorney who specializes in environmental law, specifically water contamination lawsuits. An attorney is essential in helping to evaluate your situation, determining your eligibility and validating the strength of your claim.
2. Collect the necessary evidence: Gather all relevant documents needed to support your case. Essential evidence includes medical records and diagnosis of health conditions, environmental studies that confirm water contamination in the area, and proof of residency or employment in the impacted area.
3. File the lawsuit: Your attorney will draft and submit the necessary legal documents to formally initiate the lawsuit. They will also ensure your claim is filed in the appropriate timeline, or statute of limitations, for your specific state.
4. Enter negotiations: Once the lawsuit has been filed, your attorney will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the responsible parties. Keep in mind that many water contamination lawsuits are settled before they go to trial. 
5. Prepare for trial: If negotiations fail to result in a settlement, you will need to get ready for trial. Your attorney will guide you through this process, but remember that the outcome of a trial is not guaranteed.

What Evidence Is Needed to Support a Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination Claim?

To improve your odds of a favorable outcome in a Chanute Air Force Base water contamination case, you’ll need to provide strong evidence to support your claim. 

The type of evidence needed to strengthen your claim includes the following:

• Medical records confirming diagnosis of certain health conditions caused by exposure to contaminated drinking water
• Copy of your military orders
• Environmental studies and/or water sample results linking contaminated water to Chanute Air Force Base
• Expert opinions and statements from witnesses or other individuals exposed to water contamination

What Is The Deadline to File a Chanute Air Force Base Water Contamination Claim?

Deadlines to file may vary based on the circumstances if your case.

Consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible to help ensure your water contamination lawsuit is filed within the required timeframe. 

Who Should You Contact About Your Water Contamination Case?

If you have been exposed to contaminated drinking water at Chanute Air Force Base and were later diagnosed with a serious health condition related to PFAS, you may be eligible for compensation. Our team is here to help. We are able to connect you to a qualified, experienced attorney who specializes in water contamination lawsuits at military bases around the country, such as Chanute Air Force Base. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn more about your eligibility today.