Contaminated Water Exposure at Camp Lejeune

Camp Lejeune is one of America’s premier amphibious military training facilities. Since its beginnings in 1941, Marines have trained here for important combat missions in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. For much of Camp Lejeune’s history, asbestos and other toxic substances that existed on the base put individuals at risk of developing cancer and other illnesses.

Camp Lejeune’s water contained several types of toxic chemicals between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987. Contaminants included volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a variety of sources. VOCs that contaminated the water included trichloroethylene (TCE), tetrachloroethylene or perchloroethylene (PCE), trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (DCE), benzene and vinyl chloride.

Several of the base’s water supply plants were impacted by contaminated water. Improper disposal of PCE by an off-base dry cleaner led to contamination of the soil and groundwater that supplied the Tarawa Terrace water treatment plant. Over time, Hadnot Point’s water treatment plant’s supply wells were also contaminated. The sources of water contamination at Hadnot Point included leaking underground storage tanks, industrial spills and waste disposal sites. Hadnot Point also occasionally supplemented the Holcomb Boulevard treatment plant. As a result, areas served by the Holcomb Boulevard plant received contaminated water intermittently.

---

Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Health Issues

There are nearly 40 types of health issues currently associated with the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. The water has been connected to many different types of cancer such as bladder cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer and liver cancer. Reproductive issues, including birth defects and miscarriages, were also linked to the contaminated water. Individuals exposed to the base’s water have also developed neurologic disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, and blood disorders, such as leukemia.

If you have been diagnosed with any of the following cancers or other injuries, you may be entitled to compensation, even if you are already collecting VA benefits:

Blood Disorders Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

Cancers Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

Kidney Diseases Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

Neurologic Disorders Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

Reproductive Issues Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

Other Diseases Associated With Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water

---

Camp Lejeune Lawsuits and Claims

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022 is part of the larger Honoring Our PACT Act. President Biden signed the bill into law in August 2022. This act establishes a two-year window to file a lawsuit. Any person who lived, worked or served at Camp Lejeune for 30 or more days between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987, will be eligible to file a lawsuit against the United States Government. This bill also applies to those who were in utero during the qualifying time period.

The 2022 Act addresses several hurdles that individuals injured at Camp Lejeune had faced in the past. The government has waived its immunity regarding contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. This now gives Camp Lejeune victims an opportunity to file a claim for additional compensation. Connecticut veterans may also receive additional support from the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress.

Additionally, the 2022 Act will override a North Carolina statute that had time-barred legal action for victims. This now gives victims a two-year window to file a lawsuit after the bill’s passage. Anyone who believes they have been injured from exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune is encouraged to act now.

Get Started