Peterson Space Force Base Water Contamination

Peterson Space Force Base Water Contamination

Opening as the Colorado Springs Army Air Base in 1942, Peterson Space Force Base has a long, storied history. Sitting at an altitude of 6,035 feet in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the military installation was renamed Peterson Army Air Base shortly after its opening in honor of celebrated WWII pilot and Colorado native 1st Lieutenant Edward J. Peterson. The base was shortly inactivated by the U.S. Army before being taken over by the Air Force and renamed Peterson Air Force Base. 

Today, the installation is home to the 21st Space Wing and operates under the name Peterson Space Force Base. It serves over 8,700 active-duty service members and 23,000 retirees. The base has come under scrutiny recently as high levels of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS were detected in wells near the installation.

Individuals who have been diagnosed with a condition related to water contamination after being stationed at or near Peterson Space Force Base are strongly encouraged to contact a military base water contamination attorney. At MilitaryHazards.org, we connect veterans to attorneys that have extensive experience securing compensation for military service members and their families who have been affected by exposure to toxic water at bases across the United States. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Water Contamination Updates at Peterson Space Force Base

May 2024: Investigations into the effects that PFAS exposure has on humans and the environment continue. Individuals who have been stationed at Peterson AFB are strongly encouraged to engage in routine health check-ups and screenings to ensure early detection of PFAS-related conditions.

November 2023: The Department of Defense (DoD) announces unsafe levels of PFAS have been detected at over 100 wells near Peterson Space Force Base. In some instances, the levels exceed 75x of the recommended safety standards released by the EPA.

March 2023: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces a new safety standard for the acceptable level of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water nationwide. The new guidance states that the PFAS level should not exceed 4 parts per trillion.

Peterson Space Force Base Toxic Exposure Information

In June 2022, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on “forever chemicals” detected at Peterson Space Force Base, formerly known as Peterson Air Force Base. The report indicated that residents near the military installation had elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood. 

PFAS were also detected in the groundwater near the base. It is widely believed that PFAS detected in humans and the environment is the result of the military’s widespread use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a fire suppressant known to contain PFAS. Runoff from the fire suppressant is suspected to have seeped into the ground and water supply. 

Where Water Contamination Is Present at Peterson Space Force Base

A sampling of over 100 wells near Peterson Space Force Base by the Department of Defense between 2021 and 2023 confirmed the presence of PFAS at levels significantly exceeding the EPA’s advisory health standards. In dozens of the wells tested PFAS levels exceeded 75x the safety standard. 

Contamination at and around the site has led to multiple lawsuits, including one filed by the Pikes Peak Community Foundation (a small nonprofit organic vegetable farm located near the base) and the Security Water District. 

What Contaminants Were Found in Peterson Space Force Base Drinking Water?

The primary contaminants found in groundwater at or near Peterson Space Force Base are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), along with other toxic chemicals. In some cases, the level of contamination is 75x the recommended safety standards set by the EPA. 

It is suspected that the contamination is the result of the military’s use of AFFF, a fire suppressant used to extinguish petroleum-based fires. AFFF was used for decades by the Air Force and other agencies not only to extinguish active fires but also for training purposes. AFFF is known to contain high levels of PFAS. It is alleged that runoff from AFFF contaminated not only the groundwater below the base but also the water supply of nearby residents. 

Is Peterson Space Force Base Water Safe to Drink?

Monitoring of over 100 wells near Peterson Space Force Base indicates that there are PFAS levels that exceed EPA guidelines. Exposure to PFAS can result in an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer and other adverse health conditions. The Department of Defense has undertaken extensive cleanup efforts to remove the contaminants in the groundwater at and near the base. 

What Has Peterson Space Force Base Done to Protect the Water?

The Department of Defense has spent approximately $50 million in water treatment efforts at Peterson Space Force Base. The military is assisting a nearby water district in covering the cost of a new pipeline to secure water from an uncontaminated source. Additionally, a new water treatment facility is being installed, and they continue to monitor and provide in-home filtration for affected residents. 

Risks of Drinking Water at Peterson Space Force Base

There are substantial health risks and symptoms associated with drinking water contaminated by unsafe levels of PFAS. For some, PFAS exposure can lead to an increased risk of certain kinds of cancer. Individuals who were stationed at or near Peterson Air Force Base are strongly encouraged to seek regular health check-ups and screenings to ensure prompt detection of PFAS-related conditions. 

Conditions related to PFAS exposure:

Can I File a Lawsuit Against Peterson Space Force Base for Contaminated Water?

In order to file a Peterson Space Force Base water contamination lawsuit, individuals must meet certain eligibility criteria. For example, only some conditions related to the contaminated water at the base will qualify for compensation. A legal evaluation by an experienced attorney is crucial for assessing whether you should pursue a claim and the potential value of your case. 

What Are the Eligibility Requirements to File a Lawsuit?

• Duration of exposure: Duration of exposure is a key factor in determining whether you may be eligible for compensation. Typically, exposure to toxic substances should be at least six months.

• Proof of specific diagnosis: You must show proof of a specific diagnosis linked to the toxic exposure at Peterson Air Force Base, including certain kinds of cancer or thyroid diseases. 

It is important to note that water contamination lawsuits may take several months to a year or more to complete. An experience military base water contamination attorney can provide the necessary guidance and help set realistic expectations for the lawsuit’s timeline and outcome. 

Potential Settlements From a Peterson Space Force Base Lawsuit

Peterson Space Force Base water contamination settlement and payout amounts are expected to vary substantially depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Most settlements are anticipated to be between $30,000 and $500,000. Individuals who are younger at the time of diagnosis or have an extended duration of active illness could receive higher compensation. There is the potential for some cases to reach values at or near $1,000,000.

Claimants with minor injuries or those with less proof of connection to Peterson Space Force Base toxic water exposure might see settlements ranging from $30,000 to $75,000. In general, settlements will be lower than jury verdicts. However, there is no guarantee of a successful outcome if the matter goes to trial. 

How Can I Start to File a Peterson Space Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit?

There are several steps that you must follow in order to file a Peterson Space Force Base water contamination lawsuit. The best way to ensure that you follow the process correctly is by consulting with an attorney as early as possible. 

Steps to file a Peterson Space Force Base water contamination lawsuit:

• Determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements. The first step in filing a Peterson Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit is to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria. An attorney can provide you with a legal evaluation to ensure you meet the qualifications. 

• Collect the necessary evidence. A critical part of any military base water contamination lawsuit is collecting the evidence necessary to prove your case. 

• File the paperwork. The next step is to file the documents to start the lawsuit. An attorney can help ensure you meet all legal requirements and that it is filed in the appropriate jurisdiction.

• Negotiate a settlement. Throughout the case, your attorney may try to negotiate a fair and full settlement on your behalf.

• Set the matter for trial. If a favorable settlement cannot be reached, the matter may have to be set for trial. 

How Can I Prove My Case?

Evidence often proves critical in Peterson Space Force Base (formerly Peterson Air Force Base) water contamination lawsuits. 

Evidence that may support your claim includes:

Are There Deadlines to File a Peterson Space Force Base Water Claim?

All Peterson Space Force Base water contamination claims are subject to a statute of limitations. A statute of limitations is a state-specific timeline in which a person must file a lawsuit. Failure to file within the statute of limitations may result in your claim for compensation being denied. In general, most claimants have one to two years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim, although some states allow up to six years for PFAS-related lawsuits.

It is imperative to work with an attorney from as early in the process as possible. An attorney can help ensure that all applicable legal deadlines are met. The statute of limitations in your case may depend on a number of factors, including the individual circumstances of the claim. 

Peterson Space Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers

At MilitaryHazards.org, we can help connect servicemembers to attorneys that have extensive experience in Peterson Space Force Base water contamination lawsuits. Our organization has helped assist several environmental and military-related lawsuits, particularly for PFAS contamination, across the country.

Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation with a qualified attorney. Our legal team can help provide an in-depth claim evaluation to determine how to proceed with the case.