Fort Ord California - Did Polluted Base Expose Veterans?

California’s Fort Ord Army Base

For nearly 80 years, California’s Fort Ord Army base served as both home and training ground for millions of military personnel and veterans, spanning over 27,827 acres along the coast of Monterey Bay, California. However, alongside its proud legacy of service, Fort Ord holds a troubling history of environmental contamination that continues to affect veterans and civilians who once lived there. Polluted groundwater, containing chemicals now known to be hazardous, seeped into the base’s drinking water wells, potentially impacting the health of soldiers and residents who relied on these water sources daily. In this article we will explore Fort Ord toxic exposure history and what to know if you need to seek legal compensation, not from the military, but from those responsible for the products made with asbestos and other toxins.

We will also dive into the history of Fort Ord’s toxic exposure, exploring the primary sources of contamination, such as PFAS, asbestos exposure, and other harmful chemicals, and the health risks associated with them, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. We’ll examine the efforts by the EPA, Army, and local agencies to manage the cleanup, as well as the ongoing concerns that underscore the lasting effects of these exposures. For those affected, we’ll also discuss legal and compensation options, providing guidance for individuals seeking assistance.

History of Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated Fort Ord as a Superfund site due to the extensive contamination of its surface soil and groundwater from military activities, including the disposal of explosives and the use of hazardous cleaning chemicals. This classification placed Fort Ord among the most polluted areas in the country, as contaminants were found to pose significant health risks to those who lived and trained on the base. Since Fort Ord’s decommissioning, hundreds of veterans have reported serious illnesses, linking their health issues to their time stationed there.

The problem of toxic exposure at military bases like Fort Ord is part of a broader, long-standing issue affecting service members across the nation. Prolonged exposure to hazardous substances, such as asbestos, fuel residues, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), has caused various health complications for veterans, often surfacing years after exposure. While a 1996 public health assessment attempted to evaluate contamination levels in Fort Ord and surrounding areas like Marina, understanding these toxic effects has since evolved, further underscoring the need for ongoing assessment and support for those impacted.

Where is Fort Ord?

Fort Ord is located in Monterey County on the central coast of California. The base neighbors Marina Bay and Salinas, the county’s largest city. With a location on the central coast of California, forest areas and dunes surrounded Ford Ord barracks and firing ranges. Fort Ord pictures show barracks along the coast and military personnel among the greenery in Monterey County, similar to Veterans in shipyards.

Activities and Occupations at Fort Ord California

Fort Ord was established as a key military installation by the U.S. Army, serving multiple purposes, including a maneuver area and field artillery target range. The maneuver area facilitated aircraft operations such as takeoff, landing, and maintenance, while the target range provided essential training for short and long-range artillery practice. Military personnel stationed at Fort Ord engaged in basic training at the barracks, where they honed their skills in weapon handling and developed essential soldiering attributes like leadership, discipline, and teamwork. This comprehensive training environment prepared countless service members for their roles, contributing significantly to their military readiness and effectiveness.

Possible Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

During their time at Fort Ord, veterans frequently trained in designated target ranges and canyons, including areas known as “mortar alley,” where they conducted live grenade exercises. Unfortunately, these training environments were contaminated with harmful chemicals from cleaning solvents, scrap metal, and ammunition fragments. As a result, toxins seeped into the soil and ultimately drained into communal drinking wells, significantly raising the risk of toxic exposure for the military personnel stationed there. This hazardous environment not only compromised the health of those training on-site but also posed a long-term threat to their well-being through potential contamination of drinking water supplies.

Did Soldiers Drink Contaminated Water at Fort Ord?

In 1985, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) assessed Fort Ord’s military water supply for contamination levels. Through chemical analysis of groundwater samples from the Marina County Water District, they detected low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including trichloroethylene (TCE), dichloroethene (DCE), and benzene. TCE is a solvent used for cleaning metal, DCE serves as a solvent for wax and dyes, while benzene is associated with plastics and resins, likely used by armories and gunsmiths.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) for TCE and benzene is zero mg/L, and for DCE, it’s 0.07 mg/L. However, the public health assessment from the Department of Health and Human Services concluded that the dilution of these contaminants in Fort Ord’s drinking water wells resulted in levels posing little to no health risk. Ultimately, the ATSDR determined that past and future contaminations at the site do not pose a significant threat to health.

Fort Ord Stormwater Outfalls

Fort Ord Beach features seven stormwater outfalls, which act as drainage points for contaminants from sewers and rivers into the ocean. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) collected samples from these outfalls and found low levels of contamination. Waste drainage events are infrequent, and any human contact with the water is likely accidental. As a result, the ATSDR concluded that the stormwater outfalls do not pose significant health hazards like asbestosis.

However, the beach ranges at Fort Ord present another potential risk, as bullet fragments have contaminated the ground with lead. While some areas exhibit light to moderate coverage, others show heavy contamination. In response, the ATSDR assigned cleanup crews to address regions with high lead levels and restricted access to zones with lower contamination to ensure safety.

Present Day Fort Ord Toxic Exposure

Fort Ord is not an active army base today. In 1990, the EPA put Fort Ord on the National Priorities List (NPL) requiring further examination of the Superfund site. In 1991, the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) proposed the closure of Fort Ord, then the units moved to Fort Lewis, Washington.

The Fort Ord Army base officially closed in 1994, and the area became Fort Ord Dune State Park. Visitors can now hike, bike, or ride horses along the trails of the Fort Ord National Monument on the grounds. Cleanup crews placed the current drinking water wells far from the sites of contamination and drilled deeper into the ground to prevent toxic exposure. This isn’t the first military site to close in California and is reminiscent of Hunter’s Point Naval which was shut down in 1994.

Is Fort Ord a Superfund Site?

Yes, Fort Ord is a Superfund site. Therefore, officials dumped any waste, chemicals, or debris collected into holes or tanks underground. At the time, the possible effects of harsh solvents or metal fragments were not a concern, and leaks from waste dumping caused contaminants to travel away from the dump sites and into the residential areas of Fort Ord.

Possible Connection to Recent Veterans Cancer Diagnosis

Several years later, Fort Ord veterans have been diagnosed with rare blood cancers. In general, veteran cancer rates prove to be higher than the ordinary population nationwide. However, the Associated Press (AP) found that Fort Ord veterans have a 35 percent higher rate of multiple myeloma diagnoses.

Can I File a VA Medical Claim If I Served at Fort Ord?

Despite findings indicating that toxic exposure levels at Fort Ord were not deemed health-threatening, veterans who served there may still be eligible for VA medical claims related to other health issues. While the VA does not provide compensation specifically for toxic exposure linked to Fort Ord’s drinking water, its website outlines various active cancer claims eligible for compensation. Veterans experiencing cancer diagnoses resulting from military service, including those from other forms of toxic exposure, can seek treatment and care at medical centers in Western Los Angeles, which specialize in supporting veterans facing such health challenges.

Best Way to File A Claim with the VA Claims Department

Veterans diagnosed with an illness linked to military service may qualify for a VA claim or seek treatment at a facility within the Palo Alto Health Care System. The VA website offers helpful resources for submitting claims and understanding the process. For tailored support, contact us to connect with legal experts who can assist in navigating your claim and link you to a treatment specialist for your healthcare needs. Your health and well-being matter; reach out today for the support you deserve.