Camp Lejeune is a 246-square-mile United States military training facility located near Jacksonville, North Carolina. This base is unique thanks to its 14 miles of beaches, making it ideal for amphibious assault training. Because it lies between two deep-water ports on the east coast, the military uses it to quickly deploy Marines. Unfortunately, scientists discovered contamination with VOCs in three water treatment facilities at Camp Lejeune prior to 1988. Due to this contamination, anyone who lived or worked on this base for more than 30 days is now eligible to receive compensation from the federal government.
Related: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Linked to Cancer, Other Issues
Am I Eligible to File for a Federal Payment?
If you lived at Camp Lejeune prior to January 1, 1988 for more than 30 days, you may qualify to receive a payment. It does not matter if you served in the military.
IMPORTANT: More people besides active military stationed at Camp Lejeune before 1988 can file claims.
Here are some examples of people who can file:
- Your mother was pregnant with you while your father was stationed there.
- You worked on the base in a civilian role, but were not active military or in service during your 30+ day stay.
- Your spouse was an active service member stationed at Camp Lejeune.
- You were a child at the time and your parents worked or served at Camp Lejeune in the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s.
The PACT Act just passed by Congress provides funding for payments through fiscal year 2024. Please note once again that you do not need to have served in the military to receive compensation. The only requirement is that you lived or worked on the base for more than 30 days prior to the start of 1988.
3 Camp Lejeune Water Treatment Plants Test Positive for Poisonous Chemicals
Three water treatment plants had a history of contamination. These are:
Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water Plant #1: Hadnot Point
This plant began operation in 1942 and served the Mainside barracks, Hospital Point family housing, and family housing at Midway Park, Paradise Point, and Berkeley Manor until June 1972. The main contaminant at this facility was TCE (trichloroethylene). The maximum TCE level detected in drinking water was 1,400 parts per billion (ppb) in May 1982 while the current limit for TCE in drinking water is 5 ppb.
Other contaminants detected included PCE (perchloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene), DCE (trans-1,2-dichloroethylene), vinyl chloride, and benzene. This contamination came from leaking underground storage tanks and waste disposal sites. The military shut down the most contaminated wells by February 1985.
Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water Plant #2: Tarawa Terrace
This facility, which began operation in 1952, shut down in March of 1987. While operating, it served Tarawa Terrace family housing at Camp Lejeune as well as the Knox trailer park. PCE was the main contaminant here. While the maximum PCE level detected in drinking water was 215 ppb in February 1985, the current limit for PCE in drinking water is 5 ppb. Experts determined that the source of contamination was ABC One-Hour Cleaners, an off-base dry-cleaning firm.
PCE concentrations from this plant exceeded the current EPA maximum contaminant level in drinking water from November 1957 through February 1987.
Contaminated Camp Lejeune Water Plant #3: Holcomb Boulevard
This water facility served family housing at Midway Park, Paradise Point, Berkeley Manor, and Watkins Village. It also served Tarawa Terrace family housing after March 1987. It began operation in June 1972; these wells generally didn’t test positive for any contaminants. However, the HB plant briefly shut down from January 27 to February 7, 1985. During this shutdown, contaminated water from the HP water treatment plant supplied the HB drinking-water system.
Contaminated water from the HP water treatment plant was used intermittently to supplement the HB drinking-water supply during dry spring and summer months when demand was high between 1972 and 1985.
You May Qualify for Compensation
If you or a loved one spent 30 days or longer at Camp Lejeune before December 31, 1987, you may qualify for financial compensation. You may still be eligible even if you were never in the military as an active duty servicemember.
Due to the recent passage of the PACT Act in Congress, you have two years to file. Complete the form at the link above to see if you may qualify. Act soon to get a cash settlement for your life-threatening contaminated water injuries.
Want to speak with someone right now about your claim? Call 24/7 to speak with an expert and see if you may qualify: 1-866-904-5812.