McClellan Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Contamination Detected in McClellan AFB Groundwater

McClellan Air Force Base, a former military installation located near Sacramento, California, has been identified as a site of serious PFAS contamination.

Groundwater testing has revealed elevated levels of PFAS chemicals — man-made substances commonly found in firefighting foams and industrial products — far above current health advisory limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

These “forever chemicals” pose long-term environmental and health risks, especially to those who relied on contaminated water sources near the base.

Given the persistence of PFAS in soil and groundwater, contamination from past military operations continues to threaten drinking water supplies in surrounding communities.

According to data collected by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), PFAS levels in groundwater at McClellan Air Force Base as of 2018 are as follows:

• PFOA: 2,100 ppt
• PFOS: 3,000 ppt
• PFOS+PFOA: 5,100 ppt
• PFBS: 2,080 ppt
• PFHxA: 3,680 ppt
• PFHpA: 1,370 ppt
• PFNA: 6.8 ppt
• PFDA: 3.6 ppt
• PFTEA: 1.3 ppt

These PFAS concentrations significantly exceed the EPA’s proposed maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for drinking water, which are set at just 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS.

The data highlights the urgent need for comprehensive testing, remediation, and public health intervention in and around McClellan AFB.

Impacted Populations At McClellan AFB

Those most at risk of PFAS exposure at McClellan AFB include former service members, civilian employees, and nearby residents who may have relied on local drinking water supplies or private wells for daily use.

Because PFAS compounds accumulate in the human body over time, individuals living near the base may have been exposed for years without adequate warning.

Particularly vulnerable populations include children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health conditions, as prolonged PFAS exposure has been linked to kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune dysfunction, and other serious health problems.

Addressing PFAS Contamination at McClellan AFB

Efforts to address PFAS contamination at McClellan AFB are part of a broader environmental investigation under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as Superfund.

The Department of Defense is responsible for environmental monitoring and cleanup, but progress has been slow, and local communities continue to push for transparency and accountability.

Addressing the contamination requires extensive groundwater remediation, PFAS testing in private wells, and long-term medical monitoring for those affected.

Advocates are also urging lawmakers to enforce stricter PFAS regulations and secure funding for public health resources in impacted communities.

Broader Implications of PFAS Contamination at McClellan AFB

The PFAS pollution at McClellan AFB underscores the nationwide crisis of chemical contamination at military sites across the United States.

As one of many installations facing similar issues, McClellan reflects the broader environmental and public health failures tied to decades of unregulated PFAS use in firefighting foams and military operations.

The legacy of contamination raises critical questions about how the U.S. government and military address hazardous substances, protect surrounding communities, and respond to known health risks.

The McClellan AFB PFAS Lawsuit may serve as a crucial step toward holding responsible parties accountable and securing justice for those harmed by toxic exposure.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products since the 1940s.

Known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, PFAS are found in everything from non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing to firefighting foams used on military bases like McClellan Air Force Base.

Their nickname, “forever chemicals,” reflects their resistance to natural breakdown, meaning they can persist in the environment — and the human body — for decades.

This durability, combined with their ability to migrate into soil, groundwater, and drinking water supplies, makes PFAS uniquely dangerous.

Once released, they are nearly impossible to remove without advanced remediation technologies.

Why Are PFAS Chemicals Dangerous?

PFAS chemicals are dangerous because they do not degrade in the environment or the human body, allowing them to accumulate over time.

Once ingested, inhaled, or absorbed, PFAS bind to proteins in the blood and concentrate in vital organs, including the liver and kidneys.

Even at low levels, long-term exposure can lead to serious health complications.

What makes PFAS particularly concerning is their widespread presence — studies have found detectable levels of PFAS in the blood of nearly every American.

Combined with mounting evidence of their toxicity, this makes PFAS one of the most urgent chemical threats to public health today.

Health Risks Associated With PFAS Contamination

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to numerous health problems, especially when it occurs over long periods or at elevated levels.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS exposure may increase the risk of:

• Kidney and testicular cancer
• Thyroid disease and hormonal imbalances
• High cholesterol and liver damage
• Immune system suppression and reduced vaccine response
• Pregnancy complications and low birth weight
• Reproductive and fertility issues

These risks are especially concerning for vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

Because PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body, health effects may not surface until years after exposure, making long-term monitoring critical.

Environmental Impact of PFAS

PFAS contamination has far-reaching environmental consequences that affect entire ecosystems.

These chemicals can leach into soil and move easily through groundwater, contaminating rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies.

Wildlife exposed to PFAS, including fish, birds, and mammals, often suffer from developmental, reproductive, and immune system damage.

At sites like McClellan Air Force Base, PFAS released from firefighting foam has polluted the environment for decades, putting not only nearby residents but also regional water systems at risk.

The resilience of PFAS in natural settings makes cleanup extremely difficult and costly, leaving many contaminated areas without a clear path to recovery.

The Need For Urgent Action

Given the serious health and environmental threats posed by PFAS contamination, urgent action is needed to protect affected communities.

Federal agencies like the EPA have proposed enforceable drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS, but regulatory gaps remain for thousands of other PFAS compounds.

At contaminated sites such as McClellan AFB, delayed cleanup efforts and limited public transparency have left residents vulnerable and frustrated.

Immediate steps are necessary — including widespread PFAS testing, full disclosure of contamination levels, accessible medical screening, and expedited remediation.

Without swift and comprehensive intervention, PFAS will continue to jeopardize public health and pollute natural resources for generations to come.

Do You Qualify For The McClellan Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for the McClellan Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit if you lived, worked, or were stationed at or near the base and were exposed to contaminated drinking water containing dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals.

Individuals who later developed serious health conditions—such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, immune system disorders, or fertility issues—may be eligible to pursue financial compensation.

Eligibility typically depends on your proximity to McClellan AFB, the duration of your exposure, your medical history, and whether PFAS was present in your water source at levels exceeding EPA health guidelines.

Former military personnel, base employees, family members, and nearby residents relying on private drinking water wells or local water systems may all be impacted.

If you experienced health issues following prolonged exposure to PFAS-contaminated water, legal action could help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health care needs.

Consulting with an experienced environmental attorney can help determine whether you meet the criteria to join the McClellan AFB PFAS lawsuit.

Gathering Evidence for a PFAS Lawsuit

To build a strong PFAS contamination claim, it is essential to gather clear and compelling evidence linking your exposure at McClellan Air Force Base to the health problems you experienced.

Key documentation may include medical records showing diagnoses of PFAS-related conditions, proof of residence or employment near the base, and water quality test results confirming elevated PFAS levels.

Blood testing that reveals high PFAS concentrations can also serve as valuable supporting evidence.

Additional materials such as military service records, environmental reports from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and expert evaluations may strengthen your case.

Attorneys may also use scientific studies and site contamination data to connect your exposure to known PFAS releases from firefighting foams and other sources used at McClellan AFB.

An experienced PFAS lawyer can help collect, organize, and present this evidence to support your claim for compensation.

TorHoerman Law: Investigating PFAS Lawsuits at McClellan Air Force Base

TorHoerman Law is actively investigating PFAS lawsuits related to contamination at McClellan Air Force Base, where dangerously high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in the groundwater.

These “forever chemicals,” commonly found in firefighting foam used on military installations, have been linked to serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders.

Our legal team is committed to holding responsible parties—including chemical manufacturers and government agencies—accountable for the environmental and health impacts caused by decades of unregulated PFAS use at military sites.

With years of experience in environmental litigation and toxic exposure cases, TorHoerman Law is dedicated to helping affected veterans, base employees, and nearby residents seek justice.

We are currently offering free consultations to evaluate claims from individuals who may have been exposed to contaminated drinking water in and around McClellan AFB.

If you or a loved one has experienced health issues linked to PFAS exposure, contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options for pursuing compensation.