Ellsworth Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Detected at Dangerous Levels in Ellsworth Air Force Base Water

Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB), located near Rapid City, South Dakota, has been identified as a significant site of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

The primary source of this pollution is the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting training and emergency responses.

AFFF, known for its effectiveness in suppressing fuel fires, contains high concentrations of PFAS, which are persistent in the environment and resistant to natural degradation.

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS Levels Detected at Ellsworth AFB in 2016 were as follows:

• Combined PFOS and PFOA in off-base drinking water: 182 parts per trillion (ppt)
• Combined PFOS and PFOA in off-base groundwater: 33,900 ppt
• PFBS in on-base groundwater: 217,000 ppt
• PFOA in on-base groundwater: 321,000 ppt
• PFOS in on-base groundwater: 1,100,000 ppt

In response to these findings, the Air Force initiated a comprehensive drinking water well survey in areas adjacent to Ellsworth AFB to assess the extent of PFAS contamination in private wells.

Residents whose water sources exceeded the EPA’s advisory levels were provided with alternative drinking water solutions, including bottled water and connections to municipal water supplies.

Specifically, more than 20 off-base residential wells were found to have PFAS concentrations above the EPA’s health advisory levels.

Remedial actions included connecting affected residences to the base water supply or city water systems, installing ion exchange systems at impacted locations, and supplying bottled water where necessary.

Despite these efforts, concerns remain regarding the long-term environmental and health impacts of PFAS contamination at and around Ellsworth AFB.

The persistence of these chemicals in the environment necessitates ongoing monitoring, transparent communication with affected communities, and the development of effective remediation strategies to mitigate potential risks.

Who May Be Exposed to PFAS Contamination at Ellsworth Air Force Base?

PFAS contamination at Ellsworth Air Force Base has raised serious concerns about exposure risks for individuals on and around the base.

Decades of using PFAS-containing firefighting foam have led to significant groundwater contamination, affecting nearby communities and those working at the base.

Individuals who may be exposed to PFAS contamination at and around Ellsworth Air Force Base include:

• Military members: Personnel stationed at Ellsworth AFB who may come into contact with contaminated water sources during their service.
• Defense civilians: Civilian employees working on the base who might be exposed through occupational activities or consumption of local water.
• Residents of Box Elder: Community members living near the base, particularly those using private wells, some of which have been found to contain PFAS levels exceeding EPA advisories.
• Inhabitants of the Black Hills region: Individuals residing in areas surrounding the base who rely on groundwater that could be affected by the spread of contaminants.
• Facility maintenance workers: Staff responsible for the upkeep of base infrastructure, including firefighting training areas where PFAS-containing foams were historically used.

These groups are at risk due to the historical use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams at Ellsworth AFB, leading to contamination of local water supplies.

Ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts are essential to mitigate exposure risks for these populations.

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

Yes, public drinking water systems and private wells near Ellsworth Air Force Base (AFB) have been affected by PFAS contamination.

In 2016, the U.S. Air Force detected per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private drinking water wells near the base, with some wells showing PFAS concentrations exceeding the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lifetime health advisory levels.

Specifically, 26 private wells outside of Box Elder were found to have PFAS levels at ten times the amount the EPA advises as safe.

The contamination plume, primarily affecting groundwater, is estimated to extend approximately 25 miles from the base.

Ellsworth Air Force Base is Among Hundreds of Military Sites with Extreme PFAS Contamination

Ellsworth Air Force Base is one of over 700 U.S. military installations identified with significant PFAS contamination.

Decades of using firefighting foams containing PFAS have left a legacy of environmental damage, with groundwater and soil contamination posing risks to nearby communities.

These bases, including Ellsworth, face challenges in addressing exposure risks for military personnel, their families, and surrounding residents.

High PFAS levels at many sites underscore the widespread nature of this issue, often leading to health risks like cancer, thyroid disorders, and immune suppression.

The sheer scale of contamination across military facilities highlights the urgent need for comprehensive cleanup efforts and stronger regulatory oversight to protect affected populations.

What are PFAS Chemicals and Why are they Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil.

These chemicals have been integral in manufacturing non-stick cookware, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and industrial products.

One of the most significant uses of PFAS has been in firefighting foams, particularly Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), which the military has used extensively to suppress fuel fires.

While PFAS are effective in these applications, they are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and inability to break down naturally over time.

A key danger of PFAS lies in their ability to bioaccumulate, meaning they build up in the bodies of humans and animals over time.

This accumulation increases the risk of severe health issues, including cancers, liver damage, immune system suppression, and developmental delays.

PFAS contamination has been detected in soil, water, and air around military bases and industrial sites, posing risks not only to those working directly with the chemicals but also to surrounding communities.

Once introduced into the environment, PFAS can leach into groundwater and spread over vast areas, affecting drinking water sources.

In military contexts, PFAS use has left a legacy of contamination at hundreds of installations across the United States.

The persistence of these chemicals means that even decades after their initial use, they continue to threaten ecosystems and public health.

Addressing PFAS contamination requires advanced remediation technologies and stricter regulations to limit future use and exposure.

Without concerted efforts, the risks associated with these chemicals will continue to grow, affecting countless individuals and the environment.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

Exposure to PFAS chemicals has been linked to a variety of serious health risks, making them a significant concern for individuals and communities near contaminated sites.

These chemicals accumulate in the body over time, even at low levels, increasing the likelihood of long-term health problems.

Vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions, face heightened risks from PFAS exposure.

Health effects of PFAS exposure include:

• Cancers: Elevated risks of kidney, testicular, and pancreatic cancers.
• Immune system suppression: Reduced ability to fight infections and weakened vaccine responses.
• Thyroid disorders: Hormonal imbalances caused by thyroid dysfunction.
• Reproductive issues: Infertility, pregnancy complications, and developmental delays in children.
• Liver damage: Long-term damage and elevated liver enzymes.
• Elevated cholesterol: Increased LDL levels, contributing to cardiovascular risks.
• Neurological impacts: Potential effects on cognitive development, especially in children.
• Kidney disease: Links to chronic kidney conditions and reduced renal function.

Do You Qualify for an Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth 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 Ellsworth AFB

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Ellsworth Air 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 Ellsworth 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.