Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

PFAS Contamination at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point

Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) is the largest military transfer point for weapons, ammunition, and military equipment on the East Coast, playing a critical role in national defense logistics.

Established in the 1950s, the port serves as a secure shipment hub, ensuring the safe transport of vital supplies to support U.S. military operations worldwide.

Strategically located in North Carolina along the Cape Fear River, MOTSU remains an essential facility for the nation’s armed forces, handling explosive materials with stringent safety protocols.

Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) has been identified as a site with significant per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, primarily due to the historical use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) in firefighting operations.

AFFF, widely used by the military for its effectiveness in suppressing fuel-based fires, contains high concentrations of PFAS compounds, which are persistent in the environment and pose potential health risks.

Investigations into PFAS contamination at MOTSU have revealed elevated levels of these toxic substances in groundwater sources.

Detected PFAS Levels in On-Base Groundwater at MOTSU (2020), according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG):

• PFOS: 23,000 ppt​
• PFOA: 770 ppt​
• PFBS: 980 ppt

Despite these high concentrations in groundwater, the Army reports that finished drinking water supplies at MOTSU, which is purchased from external sources, has not exceeded the EPA’s lifetime health advisory levels for PFOS and PFOA.

Are Private Drinking Water Wells Near MOTSU Impacted by PFAS Pollution?

​As of recent reports, there is no publicly available information indicating that private drinking water wells near Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) have been impacted by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.

As mentioned above, the U.S. Army purchases finished drinking water for MOTSU, and testing has shown no exceedances of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) lifetime health advisory levels for PFOS and PFOA.

However, the Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged PFAS contamination at numerous military installations, leading to concerns about potential impacts on nearby private wells.

In response, the EPA and the U.S. Army have initiated joint sampling projects to test private drinking water wells near certain Army installations for PFAS presence and initiate appropriate cleanup actions when deemed necessary.

MOTSU is Among Hundreds of Military Sites with PFAS Contamination

Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU) is one of more than 700 military sites across the country where PFAS releases have been documented, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.

The widespread use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for firefighting at these bases has led to persistent hazardous substances contaminating groundwater and drinking water sources.

The maximum contaminant levels for PFAS set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are extremely low, yet many military sites—including MOTSU—have recorded concentrations far exceeding these limits.

This contamination threatens surrounding communities, particularly those reliant on private drinking water wells or nearby public water systems.

Ongoing investigations aim to assess the extent of pollution at these sites, but remediation remains a slow and costly process.

Many affected locations are struggling with how to contain and remove these long-lasting chemicals, which do not break down naturally.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged the significant risks associated with military-based PFAS contamination and has committed to cleanup efforts, but progress has been uneven across different locations.

PFAS Chemicals: An Overview

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of human-made chemicals developed in the mid-20th century for their water-, heat-, and grease-resistant properties.

First created in the 1940s, PFAS quickly became key ingredients in industrial processes and consumer products, including nonstick cookware, water-repellent fabrics, and food packaging.

These chemicals are highly persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans and animals, earning them the label “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down naturally.

By the 1960s, the military and aviation industries began incorporating PFAS-based products into firefighting foams, electronics, and protective coatings, further increasing their widespread use.

One of the most significant contributors to PFAS contamination is Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam developed by the U.S. Navy and 3M to combat jet fuel and petroleum-based fires.

AFFF was rapidly adopted by military bases, airports, and fire departments, where it was used in training exercises and emergency response situations, leading to PFAS releases into the soil and groundwater.

Military sites, in particular, became epicenters of contamination, as large-scale firefighting drills and accidental spills introduced high concentrations of PFAS into water systems.

Decades of unregulated AFFF use have left significant environmental and public health risks, with PFAS now detected in drinking water, private wells, and surrounding communities near contaminated bases.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have worked to assess PFAS risks, many contaminated sites still require long-term remediation.

With AFFF as the primary source of PFAS pollution at military bases, its past and continued use remains at the center of litigation, regulatory action, and public health concerns.

Health Risks Posed by PFAS Exposure

PFAS exposure has been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer, reproductive issues, immune disorders, and more.

These chemicals accumulate in the human body over time, increasing the likelihood of long-term health consequences.

Scientific studies have found measurable levels of PFAS in nearly all tested blood samples, indicating widespread exposure among the general population.

Because PFAS do not break down easily, they persist in drinking water, food sources, and the environment, leading to chronic exposure risks.

Research suggests that even low levels of PFAS exposure can interfere with hormone regulation, metabolism, and organ function, potentially contributing to serious health conditions.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other regulatory bodies continue to study the full scope of PFAS health risks, though existing data already show a strong correlation between PFAS and disease.

Health conditions linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Cancer (breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, kidney cancer)
• Thyroid disease and other endocrine disorders
• Immune system suppression, reducing vaccine effectiveness
• Elevated cholesterol levels and metabolic disorders
• Reproductive issues, including reduced fertility and birth complications
• Liver damage and altered liver enzymes
• Developmental issues in infants and young children
• Increased risk of high blood pressure and preeclampsia in pregnant women
• Neurological effects, including potential links to cognitive decline and neurodevelopmental disorders
• Gastrointestinal problems, including ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel diseases

Do You Qualify for a Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point PFAS Lawsuit?

PFAS chemicals pose significant human health and environmental risks.

The use of fire fighting foams at military sites across the country has exposed countless military personnel, family members of military service members, surrounding communities, and others to high levels of PFAS pollution.

If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS pollution at MOTSU and developed health problems, you may be eligible to file a claim and seek financial compensation.

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

Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chat feature on this page to get in touch with our law firm and receive a free case evaluation.

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 Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in water in and around Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point (MOTSU).

PFAS pollution is a national health concern, and is especially relevant near military installations where fire fighting foams were deployed.

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

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

If you’ve suffered from the serious health risks of exposure to PFAS at Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, 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.