Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [December 2024 Update]

PFAS Chemicals at Dangerous Levels in Buckley AFB Groundwater

Buckley Air Force Base (AFB), located in Aurora, Colorado, has been identified as a significant source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, primarily due to the extensive use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency response activities.

Investigations have revealed that PFAS from AFFF have infiltrated the soil and groundwater at Buckley AFB, raising concerns about potential exposure to base personnel and surrounding communities.

In response, the Air Force, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), initiated sampling of water wells within a one-mile radius north and west of the base to assess the extent of contamination.

Despite these efforts, as of 2022, Buckley AFB was listed among the “Filthy 50” military sites with significant PFAS contamination, with no active cleanup operations underway.

The Environmental Working Group reported combined PFOS and PFOA levels at the base reaching 205,000 parts per trillion (ppt), vastly exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) health advisory level of 4 ppt.

The levels detected at Buckley AFB are therefore 47,500 times higher for PFOA and 24,750 times higher for PFOS than the new EPA standards.

The lack of remediation efforts at Buckley AFB has prompted environmental advocacy groups and local residents to call for immediate action to address the contamination and mitigate potential health risks.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels at Buckley Air Force Base are as follows:

• PFOA: 190,000 PPT
• PFOS: 99,000 PPT
• PFOS+PFOA: 205,000 PPT
• PFBS: 19,000 PPT

Who May Have Been Exposed to PFAS in Drinking Water at Buckley Space Force Base?

Individuals living, working, or spending significant time at Buckley Space Force Base (formerly Buckley AFB) may have been exposed to PFAS through contaminated water sources.

The contamination primarily stems from the use of firefighting foam (AFFF), which has impacted groundwater and potentially nearby private wells.

People in surrounding communities who rely on unmonitored water sources may also face risks of PFAS exposure.

Groups Potentially Exposed to PFAS at Buckley Space Force Base:

• Military personnel and their families stationed at Buckley
• Civilian employees and contractors working on the base
• Residents living near the base who use private wells
• Individuals relying on groundwater near the base for drinking or irrigation
• Veterans who were previously stationed at Buckley AFB
• Children and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to PFAS-related health risks

Are PFAS Chemicals in Public Drinking Water Systems or Wells Near Buckley AFB?

Yes, PFAS chemicals have been detected in public drinking water systems and private wells near Buckley Air Force Base (AFB) in Aurora, Colorado.

The Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) initiated sampling of off-base drinking water sources within a one-mile radius north and west of Buckley AFB to assess potential contamination.

In 2018, the South Adams County Water & Sanitation District shut down three wells after detecting high levels of PFAS in the water supply near Interstate 270 and Quebec Street, approximately six miles northeast of Buckley AFB.

While on-base drinking water sources have been reported as unaffected, the presence of PFAS in nearby public and private wells indicates a broader environmental impact.

Residents relying on private wells in the surrounding communities may be at risk of exposure to these contaminants.

Buckley AFB: Among the Hundreds of Military Sites with Dangerous PFAS Contamination

Buckley Air Force Base (AFB), now Buckley Space Force Base, in Aurora, Colorado, is one of many U.S. military installations facing significant PFAS contamination.

The Department of Defense has identified hundreds of military sites where PFAS have been released into the environment, primarily due to the long-term use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting training and emergencies.

At Buckley AFB, groundwater testing has detected alarming levels of PFAS, far surpassing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new health advisory limits, raising concerns for military personnel, their families, and surrounding communities.

The health effects associated with PFAS exposure are severe and well-documented, including cancers, liver damage, immune suppression, and thyroid disorders.

Nearby communities relying on private wells or groundwater may unknowingly face elevated health risks, as PFAS contamination has the potential to migrate beyond the base.

While the Air Force and state agencies have initiated monitoring and water sampling programs, effective remediation remains a challenge due to the persistence of PFAS in the environment.

Legal actions have already been taken nationwide to hold manufacturers accountable for the damage caused by these chemicals.

What is the EPA Standard for PFAS Levels in Water?

In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established the first national, legally enforceable drinking water standards for six specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

EPA Issued PFAS Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) are:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): 4 parts per trillion (ppt)
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate): 4 ppt
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): 10 ppt
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate): 10 ppt
• HFPO-DA (commonly known as GenX Chemicals): 10 ppt
• PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate): Regulated through a Hazard Index approach

The Hazard Index is a tool used to evaluate the combined risk of exposure to multiple PFAS when they co-occur in drinking water. It accounts for the additive effects of these chemicals, ensuring that the total exposure does not exceed safe levels.

These regulations aim to protect public health by reducing exposure to these persistent chemicals, which have been linked to various adverse health effects, including certain cancers, liver damage, and immune system impacts.

Public water systems are required to monitor for these PFAS and take necessary actions to comply with the established MCLs.

About Buckley Space Force Base (Formerly Buckley Air Force Base)

Buckley Space Force Base (Buckley SFB), located in Aurora, Colorado, has a rich history and remains a critical asset for military operations, intelligence gathering, and defense.

Originally established as Buckley Field in World War II, the installation was named in honor of 2nd Lt. John Harold Buckley, a Colorado pilot who died in combat during World War I.

Over the decades, the base has evolved to become a vital hub supporting multiple branches of the U.S. military, including the Colorado Air National Guard, the Navy Operational Support Center, and the Army Aviation Support Facility.

The base was once home to Naval Air Station Denver, which served as a key training and support center for Navy aviation operations in the mid-20th century.

Buckley SFB hosts key tenants like the Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado (ADF-C), which plays a pivotal role in national security by providing critical intelligence to U.S. combatant commands and four Commonwealth international partners.

The base also supports the Air Reserve Personnel Center and Space Delta units, which are integral to the Buckley Garrison’s mission under the U.S. Space Force.

Buckley SFB’s strategic location near the Rocky Mountains provides a clear range for aerospace monitoring, offering unparalleled access and visibility for intelligence operations and satellite communications.

Beyond its military functions, Buckley Space Force Base significantly contributes to the local economy by employing thousands of active-duty personnel, contractors, and civilian employees.

The installation has become a cornerstone for military families and a joint transportation network connecting the city of Denver to various resources and locations.

The base’s infrastructure includes facilities for administration, training, and support, all of which serve its multifaceted role in defense and security.

In recent years, Buckley SFB has faced environmental challenges, particularly with PFAS detected in groundwater due to the historical use of firefighting foam for emergency response and training.

Efforts are ongoing to create sustainable solutions for remediation while protecting the health and safety of both personnel and nearby communities.

Today, Buckley Space Force Base stands as a modern, forward-looking installation supporting aerospace data facilities, military readiness, and collaboration with international partners, while continuing its historic legacy as a vital military resource for the United States and its allies.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are they Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals used in various industries due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

Often called “forever chemicals,” PFAS do not break down naturally and can remain in the environment and human body for decades.

These chemicals were initially used in products like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and firefighting foams, particularly in high-risk areas like military bases and airports.

The stability of PFAS means they easily enter and persist in soil, water, and air.

When used in firefighting foams, PFAS can seep into groundwater, contaminating drinking supplies for surrounding communities.

People exposed to PFAS through contaminated water face elevated health risks, including certain cancers, liver damage, thyroid disease, immune system suppression, and reproductive issues.

These health risks come from the ability of PFAS to accumulate in the body over time, compounding their toxic effects.

The dangers of PFAS go beyond personal health; they disrupt entire ecosystems.

Animals exposed to PFAS experience similar health impacts, which can then transfer up the food chain to humans.

This cycle makes PFAS not only an immediate health risk but also an ongoing environmental threat.

Addressing PFAS contamination requires extensive cleanup efforts that are costly and technically challenging.

Health Effects of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in water has been linked to an increased risk of various serious health conditions, even at low levels. PFAS are known to accumulate in the body over time, gradually intensifying their impact on human health.

Research has shown that PFAS can interfere with hormone function, weaken the immune system, and cause long-lasting damage to major organs.

Individuals exposed to PFAS through drinking water may face a greater likelihood of developing cancers and chronic diseases.

Vulnerable groups, such as pregnant women and children, are at particularly high risk of health issues due to PFAS exposure.

Given PFAS’s persistence in the body, even brief exposure can lead to prolonged health effects, posing significant risks to public health.

Potential health effects of PFAS exposure in water include:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver damage
• Immune system suppression
• High cholesterol
• Developmental effects in fetuses and infants
• Reduced vaccine efficacy in children
• Hormonal disruptions
• Reproductive issues

Independent studies have linked exposure to perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and other PFAS to several adverse health effects, including increased cholesterol levels, thyroid disease, liver damage, and certain cancers.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has detected PFAS in the blood of the vast majority of the U.S. population, indicating widespread exposure.

PFAS Litigation: An Overview

PFAS manufacturers and chemical companies are facing lawsuits from individuals and governmental agencies due to the widespread health and environmental impacts of these chemicals.

Plaintiffs in these cases argue that companies failed to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS, despite being aware of their toxicity and persistence.

Lawsuits often seek compensation for medical expenses, environmental cleanup costs, and damages related to property devaluation.

Contaminated drinking water has been a primary focus of PFAS litigation.

DuPont, the first major PFAS manufacturer, settled over 3,000 personal injury claims from residents living near the Washington Works factory in Parkersburg, West Virginia for more than $670 million.

Communities near military bases face similar struggles as those in Parkersburg, West Virginia, as PFAS from firefighting foam continues to contaminate local water sources.

The extensive use of AFFF on military installations has left a lasting impact, with PFAS seeping into groundwater and posing long-term health risks to both service members and nearby residents.

Legal actions are not only aiming to secure compensation for affected individuals but also to drive change in how these chemicals are managed and regulated.

Who are Potential Defendants in PFAS Lawsuits?

Potential defendants in PFAS lawsuits include some of the largest chemical and manufacturing companies that produced, supplied, or used PFAS in consumer products and firefighting foam.

These companies are being sued for the alleged harm their products have caused to public health and the environment, particularly through contamination of drinking water sources.

Plaintiffs argue that these companies knew of PFAS’s toxicity yet continued to manufacture and distribute these chemicals.

Notably, lawsuits are targeting companies involved in the production of AFFF, widely used at military bases and industrial sites.

Key Potential Defendants in PFAS and AFFF Litigation include:

• 3M
• DuPont (and its spinoff, Chemours)
• Tyco Fire Products
• Kidde-Fenwal
• Chemguard
• Dynax Corporation
• Corteva, Inc.
• AGC Chemicals
• Archroma
• BASF Corporation
• Arkema
• Solvay Specialty Polymers
• Daikin America
• Clariant Corporation

Do You Qualify for a Buckley Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

Exposure to PFAS in water brings serious health risks, as these persistent chemicals accumulate in the body over time, leading to increased chances of cancers, immune disorders, and liver damage.

The presence of PFAS in drinking water means that families and entire communities may be unknowingly affected, facing potential long-term health issues from daily use.

This ongoing exposure, especially in vulnerable populations, underscores the urgent need for clean, safe water and immediate action to reduce PFAS contamination in our environments.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water at or around Buckley Air Force Base (AFB), contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and for a free case evaluation.

Lawyers are actively investigating the potential for PFAS Litigation against manufacturers who may be responsible for rampant contamination at and around military sites.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Claim

Building a strong PFAS claim requires thorough and organized evidence to demonstrate exposure and its effects.

Key documents, such as medical records and water testing results, help establish the link between

PFAS contamination and health issues.

Gathering this evidence is essential to support your claim and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome.

Evidence in a PFAS Lawsuit may include:

• Medical records documenting health conditions linked to PFAS exposure
• Water testing results showing PFAS contamination in local or household water sources
• Employment or residency records proving time spent near contaminated sites
• Expert testimony connecting health effects to PFAS exposure
• Environmental reports or studies indicating contamination levels in your area

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at Buckley Space Force Base (Formerly Buckley Air Force Base)

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Buckley Space Force Base.

PFAS pollution is a national health concern, and is especially relevant near military sites where firefighting foam was used.

Exposure to PFAS contaminated water has been linked to a number of human health problems and environmental damage.

Our PFAS Lawyers are currently investigating lawsuits against chemical companies and PFAS manufacturers who knew about the risks of health effects but failed to warn the public.

If you’ve suffered from the serious health risks of exposure to PFAS at Buckley AFB, you may be eligible to file a claim.

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

Use the chat feature on this page for an instant case evaluation to find out if you qualify for a PFAS claim instantly.