Fort Lewis Water Contamination

Fort Lewis, initially known as Camp Lewis, was built during World War I about nine miles southwest of Tacoma, Washington, where the 91st Division and the 13th Infantry Division trained before the end of the Great War. After falling into disrepair following the war, in 1927 Camp Lewis was redesignated a fort, later adding an 1,800-acre site north of the base for an Army Air Corps field named McChord Field. Today, Fort Lewis is known as Joint Base Lewis-McChord, or simply JBLM, after merging with McChord Field in 2010.

Fort Lewis now comprises more than 40,000 service members, 14,000 full-time civilian employees and 90,000 family members, veterans and retirees. Unfortunately, Joint Base Lewis McChord has struggled with contaminated drinking water. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals due to their inability to break down in the environment, have been found at extremely high levels in the drinking water supply at this military base. 

Fort Lewis Water Contamination Updates

2023-2024: Several types of PFAS were detected in the drinking water at Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base, according to the 2023 Annual Water Quality Report. Groundwater continues to be monitored to help remediation efforts. 

2021: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) finds that drinking water at Joint Base Lewis McChord contained PFOA at levels 456 times above their Health Guideline.

2018-2019: The Pentagon creates a task force to address PFAS contamination at more than 90 military bases throughout the United States after a 2018 report found extreme groundwater contamination at 87 out of 131 military sites surveyed. Joint Base Lewis McChord is identified among these sites after high levels of PFAS are found in 77 groundwater samples.

2016: Together with American Water Military Services Group, Joint Base Lewis McChord begins voluntary sampling of JBLM drinking water sources to help understand the levels of PFAS that may be occurring in the water supply. This is in response to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issuing its first health advisory for limiting PFAS in drinking water to 70 parts per trillion (ppt).

History of Toxic Exposure at Fort Lewis

Firefighting and emergency response training took place at both Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base in the 1980s, which utilized aqueous film-forming form (AFFF). As this foam was sprayed during trainings on runways and other areas, it seeped into the soil and groundwater, contaminating it with PFAS. Firefighting trainings were still taking place as late as the 2000s, further contaminating the groundwater. 

Fort Lewis includes the 650-acre Fort Lewis Logistics Center, where, in the mid-1980s, site operations included activities such as repairing and refurbishing weapons and more. Many of these activities contaminated the groundwater and soil with hazardous chemicals, including trichloroethylene (TCE), which was found to be leaking from drums in a nearby landfill known as Landfill No. 2.

Additionally, the grounds were contaminated from  JBLM’s East Gate Disposal Yard, where they disposed of waste from equipment degreasing and cleaning. The site also contained a landfill, known as Landfill No. 4, for solid waste disposal for a twenty-year period spanning the 1940s through the 1960s. This landfill was located only a quarter mile away from the main water supply wells for the base.

Finally, during a preliminary assessment and site inspection at JBLM, the Army investigated 20 areas of potential interest, taking 77 groundwater samples to analyze for PFAS compounds. During this sampling effort, they detected PFOS and PFOA exceeding the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s risk levels.

Where Was the Contamination at Fort Lewis?

There were several contamination sites throughout Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base. In 1980, JBLM established the Installation Restoration Program to help monitor and remediate environmental cleanup sites throughout the military base and the Yakima Training Center. Of the 118 sites initially identified through investigations, only 23 active sites remain.

Contaminants at these sites, such as at the Logistics Center and the American Lake Garden Tract, comprising several small solid waste landfills originally located on the McChord Airfield, include TCE and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs). PFAS were found in 11 fire training areas and material storage areas at McChord Airfield, with wells around the Fire Training Area FT033 showing PFOS levels up to 640 ppt.

Additionally, groundwater contamination from JBLM spread to nearby communities, affecting areas such as the city of Lakewood.

What Was Contaminating the Water at Fort Lewis?

The main contaminants discovered at Joint Base Lewis McChord include VOCs and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), such as PFOS and PFOA. 

Additional contaminants include: 

• Trichloroethane
• Arsenic
• Chloroform
• Chromium
• Dichloroethene
• Lead
• Nickel
• Tetrachloroethene

What Is the Current Water Quality at Fort Lewis?

According to the 2023 Annual Water Quality Report released by the American Water Military Services, the results of all drinking water tested at Fort Lewis and McChord Field complied with all state and federal drinking water requirements. 

However, PFAS contamination remains a concern at JBLM. In 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) set a lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOS and PFOA in drinking water. When water supply wells were initially tested in 2016 at JBLM, the results exceeded this advisory level at 237 ppt. Alternative water was supplied to the area and the wells were shut down, then water treatment systems were put in place to remove the hazardous chemicals. As of May 2023, PFOA and PFOS were found at 9.9 ppt in the drinking water. 

How Has Fort Lewis Tried to Treat the Water?

Providing safe drinking water is a top priority for JBLM, and several treatment efforts have been established to remove contaminants from the water supply. Additionally, extensive monitoring is conducted annually to ensure water continues to meet all water quality standards. 

The JBLM Installation Restoration Program has been performing contamination cleanup activities under Federal, State and local regulations under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) and several other programs. 

Current water treatment efforts include:

• The closure of wells located on the military base where PFAS contamination levels exceed the EPA’s health advisories to reduce exposure.
• The installation of granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration systems to help remove PFAS from drinking water supplies
• Ongoing monitoring of groundwater conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to identify the pathways of contaminated water and where additional remediation efforts may be necessary. 

What Are the Health Risks Associated With Drinking Water at Fort Lewis

Long-term exposure to water contaminated with PFAS or other hazardous chemicals can impact anyone, but some individuals may be more at risk for certain health conditions, such as children or the elderly. Scheduling regular checkups with a health provider is vital to managing any serious conditions and helping to lower the risk for future health complications.

Some common health risks associated with drinking contaminated water at Joint Base Lewis McChord include:

Are You Eligible for a Fort Lewis Water Contamination Lawsuit?

You might be entitled to compensation through a lawsuit if you meet certain eligibility requirements. For instance, you will need proof of diagnosis of a health condition related to water contamination at Fort Lewis. You also will need to prove the exposure occurred at the military base.

Meeting these requirements help strengthen a legal case and increase the likelihood of compensation. It’s recommended to consult with an attorney experienced in environmental law and water contamination lawsuits as soon as possible to learn more about your eligibility. 

What Are the Potential Settlement and Payout Amounts From Fort Lewis Water Contamination?

Several factors can determine the settlement amount for a Fort Lewis water contamination lawsuit. For instance, the extent of the exposure and how serious the injuries are can impact how much of a settlement may be awarded. 

Historically, most water contamination lawsuits have been settled between a range of $100,000 to $300,000, with the average settlement around $250,000. Some exceptional cases could see settlements near or exceed one million dollars, while those with minor injuries or less proof of the injuries being connected to contaminated drinking water resulting in settlements between $30,000 to $75,000. However, cases that involve more significant exposure and more serious injuries over a longer duration of time could result in higher compensation of upwards of $300,000.

How to File a Joint Base Lewis McChord Water Contamination Lawsuit

Follow these steps to file a Joint Base Lewis McChord water contamination lawsuit:

1. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible: Schedule an initial consultation with an attorney specializing in environmental law and water contamination cases to help assess the strength of your claim and determine your eligibility.
2. Gather evidence to substantiate your claim: You will need to support your case by providing documents such as medical records, military orders, proof of residency or employment in the impacted area, and environmental reports.
3. File your claim: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary legal documents to start the lawsuit process.
4. Enter into negotiations: Your attorney will help negotiate a settlement amount throughout the duration of the case.
5. Get ready for trial: If a settlement cannot be reached, prepare for trial. Keep in mind that there is no guarantee the verdict will be in your favor. 

Evidence Needed  to Support Your Joint Base Lewis McChord Water Contamination Claim

Providing strong evidence to support your claim in a Joint Base Lewis McChord water contamination case is essential for strengthening your odds of receiving fair compensation. 

The following evidence should be gathered and submitted to help build a stronger case:

• Medical records
• Military orders
• Environmental reports
• Expert opinions
• Witness statements
• Water sample results

How Long Do You Have to File a Fort Lewis Water Contamination Claim?

Each state sets their own specific statute of limitations for water contamination claims, including those involving Fort Lewis or McChord Air Force Base. This statute of limitations is the timeline that must be met to qualify for compensation, and it could vary based on the specifics of your case.

In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit is three years from the date of the injury. It’s vital that you consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your water contamination lawsuit is filed within the required timeframe. 

Who Should You Contact About Your Water Contamination Case?

You may be eligible for compensation if you have been diagnosed with a serious health condition following exposure to contaminated water at Fort Lewis, McChord Air Force Base or the surrounding area. Contact our team to schedule a consultation today. We have years of experience assisting service members and veterans to qualified lawyers with expert knowledge of lawsuits surrounding military bases, especially water contamination lawsuits. We can help determine your eligibility and offer guidance throughout the entire process.