George Air Force Base Water Contamination

George Air Force Base was established by the United States Army Air Corps as an Advanced Flying School in June 1941. Located around 90 miles northeast of Los Angeles and originally called Victorville Army Airfield, the base trained pilots and bombardiers during World War II. After the war, flying operations ceased and the training base was used to store various types of aircraft. It was reopened in 1950 during the Korean War and first Fighter Interceptor Wing was stationed there, as well as the 131st and 146th FIghter Bomber wings. Over four decades, George Air Force Base served as a training ground for fighter pilots until it was closed in 1988 and decommissioned in 1992. 

The routine aircraft maintenance tasks and training operations held at the base throughout its active years unfortunately led to potentially hazardous materials, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), jet fuel, paints and solvents contaminating the area soil and groundwater. In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) added George Air Force base to its National Priorities List and under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), or Superfund, remedial actions to clean up the site must be taken and paid for by the Air Force.

George Air Force Base Water Contamination Updates

2023-2024: PFAS contamination remains an ongoing concern, and remediation efforts by the Air Force are expected to last for several decades.

2020: The Air Force continues to work to remove and contain contaminants at George, installing groundwater treatment systems and monitoring the contamination plume that still contains TCE, PFAS and other toxic chemicals.

2012: Legal battles for compensation and medical care begin as former residents and veterans claim long-term exposure to the contaminated water have caused an array of illnesses such as cancer, respiratory diseases and birth defects. 

2000s: Groundwater testing at George Air Force Base reveals the presence of PFAS in the soil and water supply, along with additional toxins such as volatile organic compounds like trichloroethylene (TCE) and pesticides. 

Background of Water Contamination at George Air Force Base

It’s estimated that throughout George Air Force Base’s years of operation, over 100,000 people were potentially exposed to hazardous and toxic materials on or around the base. There were a total of 84 Installation Restoration Program (IRP) sites identified at the base with potential chemical contamination. 

The first major concerns over contamination at George Air Force Base arose in the 1980s, when the EPA identified toxic substances in the soil and groundwater. Contamination was caused by leaking storage tanks, improper disposal of industrial solvents and other pollutants leaking into the water table. 

In the 1990s, the first Remedial Investigation Report was conducted, confirming additional contaminants have been found in the groundwater, such as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), pesticides and heavy metals. Shortly after this discovery, in the early 2000s, veterans and former residents of the base began to raise concerns about the potential serious health risks they have been facing. They claim these conditions could have been caused by exposure to contaminated drinking water while they were living or working on the base. 

In the mid-2010s, veterans and other affected individuals began to seek compensation and healthcare benefits from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) for illnesses they claim are related to being exposed to contaminated water at George Air Force Base. The Air Force continues monitoring and remediation efforts to help reduce contamination levels, but full cleanup is expected to last for several decades. 

Where Was the Water Contaminated at George Air Force Base?

Several key areas around George Air Force Base were identified as sources of water contamination due to the military operations and training procedures held throughout the site. For instance, the aircraft maintenance and repair facilities where industrial solvents were heavily used for cleaning and degreasing aircraft parts. These materials were improperly disposed of and seeped into the groundwater.

Additionally, the fire training areas, where firefighting foams containing PFAS were used regularly for training purposes were a main location for contamination, along with landfill and waste disposal sites located in multiple areas throughout the base. Leaking underground storage tanks in these locations also contributed to the spread of hazardous chemicals into the water supply. 

What Contaminants Were Found at George Air Force Base?

PFAS and several types of volatile organic compounds were the main contaminants discovered at George Air Force Base. Cleanup efforts have been complicated due to the geology, dry climate and the ground’s general sensitivity to water, as the area receives an average of six inches of rain or less annually.

The groundwater at George Air Force Base was contaminated with the following toxic substances:

Is The Water at George Air Force Base Safe?

Lingering water contamination at George Air Force Base is an ongoing concern, despite the cleanup efforts that have been made since the base was declared a Superfund site in 1988. Although the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) determined that exposure levels may be low after conducting several health assessments, former residents and veterans continue to come forward with illnesses they relate to their exposure to contaminated water at George. 

Until treatment measures have been completed, the groundwater at George Air Force Base has been deemed unsafe for use. 

How Is The Contaminated Water Being Treated at George Air Force Base?

Current water treatment efforts at George Air Force Base involve removing the toxic solvents, jet fuel, PFAS and other hazardous chemicals from the groundwater and soil. Key treatment efforts by the Air Force include:

• Using pump-and-treat systems, which involves pumping groundwater through extraction wells where contamination plumes have been located, treating the water once it is extracted through air stripping, or installing granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration to remove chemicals and PFAS, and then returning the clean water back into the groundwater or local drainage systems. 
• Monitoring wells to regularly test the groundwater and containing contamination plumes to prevent additional contamination of clean water sources.
• Removing or repairing underground storage tanks and pipes that were storing, and subsequently leaking, contaminants like fuels, solvents and other hazardous materials.
• Injecting oxidizing agents such as ozone or hydrogen peroxide directly into contaminated groundwater to break down VOCs like TCE and PCE into less hazardous substances, like carbon dioxide.

What Are Health Risks Associated with Exposure to Contaminated Water at George Air Force Base?

Many of the toxins found in the groundwater at George Air Force Base can lead to a variety of serious, long-term health conditions. Individuals exposed over extended time periods, such as military personnel and their families or civilian workers, may be at an increased risk for illnesses. To reduce the possibility of future health complications and manage any serious conditions, it’s recommended to undergo regular checkups and screenings.

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

Are You Eligible for a George Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Several factors must be considered when determining if you are eligible for a lawsuit related to water contamination at George Air Force Base.

Two of these important factors include:

1. Proof of residency or employment during the contamination period at George Air Force Base; you must have lived, worked or frequently visited the base or surrounding areas during the time when the water was contaminated, which spans from the 1940s to the base’s closure in 1992.
2. Health diagnosis linked to the contaminated drinking water at George Air Force Base, such as cancer, a neurological disorder, reproductive issues, a weakened immune system and more. You will also need to provide medical and environmental evidence that your diagnosis was caused by the contaminants at the base. 

If you believe you were exposed to contaminated water at George Air Force Base and have since developed a related health condition, it is strongly recommended that you consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in environmental contamination and toxic exposure cases. An attorney can help evaluate your specific circumstances, gather necessary evidence, and determine whether you meet the qualifications to file a lawsuit.

How Much Will the Settlement Be For a George Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit?

Most settlements for a water contamination lawsuit are anticipated to range between $30,000 to $300,000, with the average settlement being around $250,000. Several factors can influence settlement amounts, such as the type of documented health conditions, the length of time spent in the affected location, and the extent of the exposure. 

Some extreme cases have reached settlement values at or near one million dollars, most previous cases are often settled in the $100,000 to $300,000 range. Some of the factors that may result in a higher settlement amount include:

• Age of the impacted individual, as younger victims could see larger settlements
• Longer duration of the illness or more long-term exposure to contaminated water

Lower settlement amounts are usually linked to lesser health concerns or less proof of connection to the illnesses being linked to drinking contaminated water at George Air Force Base. 

If you’ve been affected by contaminated drinking water, it’s recommended to consult with a legal expert as soon as possible to understand your potential settlement amount.

How To File a George Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a George Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit, take the following steps: 

1. Speak with an attorney specializing in water contamination lawsuits: Arrange an initial consultation with an attorney who specializes in environmental law, particularly cases involving water contamination. An attorney will help assess the specifics of your case, determine your eligibility and whether your situation meets all the criteria for a strong lawsuit.
2. Gather evidence to support your claim: The most critical evidence includes medical records that substantiate exposure to contaminated drinking water has led to various health conditions, environmental reports confirming water contamination at the location where you lived or worked, and proof of residency or employment during the contamination period, such as lease agreements or utility bills.
3. Initiate the lawsuit: Once all evidence has been collected, the attorney will initiate the lawsuit by drafting and submitting the appropriate legal documents within the statute of limitations for your specific state.
4. Enter negotiations for a settlement: After the lawsuit has been filed, your attorney will engage in negotiations with the responsible parties to ensure a fair settlement can be reached, covering expenses such as medical bills and lost wages. 
5. Prepare for trial: Many water contamination lawsuits are settled before they ever go to trial. However, if negotiations fail to result in a settlement, the case may proceed to trial. Your attorney will support you through each step of trial preparation.

Necessary Evidence to Support a George Air Force Base Water Contamination Claim?

To improve your odds of a favorable outcome in a George 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:

How Long Do I Have To File a George Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit?

The timeline for a water contamination lawsuit may vary based on your specific situation. If you neglect to file your lawsuit within this timeline, you could lose your right to receive compensation for your injuries. 

It’s recommended to schedule a consultation 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 after being stationed at George Air Force Base and were later diagnosed with a serious health condition related to PFAS or other hazardous materials, you may be eligible for compensation. Contact our team to schedule a consultation and learn more about your eligibility today. We are here to listen, to help and we can connect you to a qualified, experienced attorney who specializes in water contamination lawsuits at military bases around the country.