Nearly one million people were exposed to harmful chemicals in contaminated water at Camp Lejeune Marine Corps Base between 1953 and 1987. If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during this time and have since suffered from serious health issues, the time to file your claim and get the compensation you deserve is now.
Contact our contaminated water attorneys ready to take your case today. Get your free case review or give us a call at 1-888-392-5392 to schedule a callback.
What Are the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Dates?
From August 1, 1953 to December 31, 1987, all those who lived and worked at the U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina were exposed to dangerous chemicals and toxins in contaminated water. This water was used by everyone at Camp Lejeune for drinking, bathing, and cooking, and came from two main water treatment facilities.
In 1980, Camp Lejeune started testing its water for specific pollutants as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency, and additional toxins were found. Sources say that the concentration of these toxins was between 240 to 3400 times greater than safe levels for humans.
What Is the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Timeline?
1941: U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is established.
1953: The year the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that one water treatment facility, Hadnot Point, began to be contaminated with harmful chemicals and toxins.
1957: The year the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) estimates that another water treatment facility, Tarawa Terrace, began to be contaminated with harmful chemicals and toxins.
1974: The Safe Drinking Water Act is published and enacted by Congress.
1979–1981: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes suggested drinking water levels for a chemical most known for use in dry cleaning, perchloroethylene (PCE), and drinking water standards for trihalomethanes (THMs). Camp Lejeune then tests a sample of drinking water for toxins and other chemicals interfere with results.
1982–1985: Continued testing at Camp Lejeune for toxins is conducted and specific chemicals are found. A comprehensive drinking well water test is initiated, and affected water wells are removed from service. News of contamination becomes public knowledge.
1987: The year that sources say the drinking water at Camp Lejeune was safe to consume and use. December 31, 1987 marks the end of eligibility for any claims or lawsuits.
1999: The U.S. Marine Corps begin to notify residents and workers at Camp Lejeune who resided there from 1953 to 1987 that they may have been exposed to dangerous toxins and chemicals. No legitimate or understandable reason has been given for the delay to date.
2009: The first contaminated water lawsuit against Camp Lejeune is filed.
2012: President Obama signs the Camp Lejeune Families Act of 2012 into law. With this act, affected families and Marines can start receiving health care benefits from Veterans Affairs.
2017: Veterans Affairs begins to accept claims for compensation, though many eligible veterans were denied any support or compensation.
2021: The Camp Lejeune Justice Act is introduced in Congress.
2022: President Biden signs the Camp Lejeune Justice Act into law.
2024: Those looking to file a claim or lawsuit and receive compensation from their damages due to the Camp Lejeune water contamination must start the process by August 10, 2024.
Is Water at Camp Lejeune Still Contaminated?
No. The water at Camp Lejeune is no longer contaminated and safe to drink for everyone. According to the U.S. Marine Corps and multiple agencies and departments dedicated to water safety, Camp Lejeune’s water supply has been safe to drink since 1987, and regulations have only gotten more strict since then.
Learn More About Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Cases
If you or someone you know were at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 for more than 30 days and have suffered from health issues, you deserve justice and compensation. Thanks to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022, you can submit a claim to receive compensation today. Victims can finally submit claims and file lawsuits and start to emotionally and mentally recover from their damages.
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we have dedicated attorneys ready to review your cases and get you the help and justice you need. Contact us at 1-888-392-5392 or fill out our online contact form to get a free Camp Lejeune case review today.
