Updates & Timeline for Camp Lejeune

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August 2026 - Camp Lejeune

We want to start by saying this: we see your patience, and we know it has not been easy. You or your loved one served this country - and in return, you were poisoned by the water on the very base where you lived. The process of getting justice has been far too slow. But as of today, August 25, 2026, there are real and meaningful signs of progress - and we want to make sure you understand what is happening and what comes next.

What Is This Case About?

From 1953 to 1987, the drinking water at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina was contaminated with dangerous industrial chemicals linked to serious illnesses including several types of cancer, Parkinson's disease, and kidney disease. The CDC estimates over one million people may have been exposed. In 2022, Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA), giving veterans, families, and civilian workers the legal right to sue the federal government for the harm caused by that water. Your claim is part of that effort.

Where Things Stand Right Now

Here is the honest truth: this case has moved more slowly than any of us wanted. We share your frustration. But as of today, the litigation is entering a decisive phase:

Lawsuits filed: 3,759 cases have been filed in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, overseen by a panel of four federal judges. The vast majority of those cases are still active and moving forward.

Elective Option (EO) Program: The government has a program called the Elective Option (EO), through which it may extend a settlement offer directly to certain claimants based on their illness and time at Camp Lejeune. We want to be clear: we cannot accept an EO offer on your behalf, and you cannot accept one on your own without our guidance. The government must first extend the offer to you. If and when that happens, our office will contact you promptly to walk you through your options so you can make a fully informed decision. Do not respond to any government communication about a settlement without calling us first.

CURRENT CASE STATUS AT A GLANCE

Court: U.S. District Court, Eastern District of North Carolina

Total Lawsuits Filed: 3,759 (as of July 2026)

Elective Option Program: Active - government extends offers on a case-by-case basis

Bellwether Test Cases: 25 cases in pretrial phase - expert witnesses largely approved

What You Need to Do Right Now

The biggest reason claims are delayed is missing paperwork. The government has said that more than 88% of claims submitted lack enough supporting documentation to process. Please take these steps:

Gather your records. We need proof that you were present at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 - military orders, housing records, and dependent records - as well as your complete medical records documenting your diagnosis.

Tell us if your health has changed. A new or worsening diagnosis can affect the value and category of your claim. Please let us know right away.

Do NOT respond to any government communication without calling us first. If you receive anything from the government or the Navy regarding your claim or a potential offer, contact our office immediately before taking any action. Any acceptance is permanent and cannot be undone.

Keep your contact information current. Make sure we have your current address, phone number, and email so we can reach you quickly - especially as the October 30 deadline approaches.

You Have Waited Long Enough. We Are Pushing Hard.

You served your country. Your family sacrificed. You have spent years waiting for the government to do right by you - and now, for the first time, the courts are holding everyone to a real deadline. We are fighting every single day to make sure your claim is as strong as possible when it comes time to resolve this. We will keep you informed every step of the way. Our door is always open.

May 2026 - Camp Lejeune Update

We want to give you a straightforward update on where the Camp Lejeune litigation stands. We know many of you have been waiting a long time, and we appreciate your patience. Below is a summary of the most significant recent developments.

1. Where the Lawsuit Stands - 3,744 Cases Filed

There are now 3,744 Camp Lejeune Justice Act lawsuits filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The expert testimony phase - where both sides present scientific evidence about the contaminated water and what illnesses it caused - is largely complete. The litigation is now moving into the next critical stage: deciding which evidence will actually be allowed at trial, how damages will be calculated, and how the first trials will be structured.

This is the part of the process where the government works hardest to limit what victims can present in court. It is frustrating, especially for those of you who have already waited decades. But this stage is also where real pressure begins to build on the government to settle cases fairly.

2. Which Diseases Are Being Tried First

The cases moving to trial first - called "Track 1" - involve five specific illnesses: bladder cancer, kidney cancer, Parkinson's disease, leukemia, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These cases are being used to test the big legal and scientific questions that affect everyone: What does the evidence show? What expert testimony will be allowed? What are the cases worth?

If your illness is not one of these five, we understand it can feel like your case is being left behind. It is not. The rulings in these first cases will shape how the government handles all the claims that follow. A strong outcome in Track 1 helps everyone. Our team is watching these cases closely and will keep you informed.

3. We Are Fighting to Keep the Science in Your Case

The government is challenging the expert witnesses that plaintiffs' attorneys have brought in to prove that Camp Lejeune's contaminated water caused these illnesses. This is a common tactic - if the government can get the scientific evidence thrown out, it becomes much harder for victims to win at trial.

Plaintiffs' attorneys are fighting hard to keep that evidence in. These are critically important legal battles. If we win, it strengthens the path to trial and increases the pressure on the government to compensate victims fairly. We will update you as rulings come in.

4. We Are Challenging the Government's Inflated Offset Numbers

One of the most important recent legal fights involves something called "offsets." When the government calculates how much it owes a plaintiff, it tries to subtract the value of future medical care it claims you will receive through programs like Medicare, the VA, or TRICARE. The idea is that if the government is already paying for your care through those programs, it should not have to pay for the same care again in a lawsuit.

That sounds reasonable in theory. In practice, the government's experts produced wildly inconsistent numbers based on assumptions they may have never actually analyzed or verified.

Plaintiffs' attorneys have filed a formal motion asking the court to throw out these offset calculations entirely. One of the government's own experts, when shown the calculations his colleague produced using his data, admitted he did not even know what assumptions she had made. That is not reliable expert testimony - and the court should not allow it to reduce what victims are owed.

5. We Are Fighting to Protect Your Right to Present Current Medical Evidence

The government wants the court to set a hard deadline after which plaintiffs cannot submit any new medical evidence. Our side is pushing back, and here is why this matters to you personally.

Many Camp Lejeune illnesses continue to get worse over time. Cancer treatments change. Parkinson's disease progresses. Medical costs grow. If a strict cutoff is imposed, a plaintiff whose condition worsened in the weeks before trial could be forced to go to court showing only how sick they were months earlier - even if the jury is looking at them in a very different state. That is not fair, and it does not reflect reality.

6. What About the Early Settlement Option?

The government set up an "Elective Option" - an early settlement process for claims that meet certain standards, including having enough supporting documents and a qualifying injury. Right now, only about 3% of all administrative claims meet those standards. That is a very small number.

Our position is simple: the government will eventually have to make this process more accessible, or it will be litigating these claims for generations. We are watching this closely and will advise you on whether the Elective Option becomes a realistic path for your case as the standards evolve.

A Word About the Pace of This Litigation

We acknowledge that the pace of this litigation has not reflected the urgency that so many of our clients rightfully feel. A significant number of plaintiffs in this case are elderly, seriously ill, or pursuing claims on behalf of deceased family members. The government's continued opposition - challenging expert testimony, contesting causation standards, and seeking to limit damages - has extended proceedings that Congress intended to provide meaningful and timely relief to those harmed by contamination at Camp Lejeune.

Notwithstanding these obstacles, the litigation is advancing. The case is now entering the phase in which expert admissibility rulings, damages determinations, and trial preparation converge to create substantial settlement pressure on the government. Our attorneys are actively engaged in all aspects of these proceedings, including motions practice, evidentiary disputes, and bellwether trial preparation, and remain committed to pursuing the full and fair recovery to which our clients are entitled.

Should you have any questions regarding the status of your individual matter, wish to provide updated medical information, or need to make changes to your contact information, please do not hesitate to contact our office. We will continue to keep you informed as significant developments arise.

February 2026 - Camp Lejeune Update

We want to share an update on the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation and what it means for your claim. Although there are currently no significant changes to the administrative claims process, the volume of filed claims remains high and continues to slow overall processing timelines. As the litigation moves forward in federal court, however, several recent rulings are helping clarify the path ahead and shape how both settlements and trials are likely to develop.

On settlements, there is not much new to report. The Navy's portal now reflects approximately 150,000 claims with supporting documents, but only about a third of those claims contain conditions eligible for streamlined resolution under the Elective Option.

The path to trial is becoming clearer, and trials are what typically drive meaningful settlement movement. The first group of trials - Track 1 cases involving leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - are moving forward. Discovery is in its final phases, with expert depositions largely complete across three areas: water contamination, general causation, and specific causation. A pivotal ruling in October 2025 also clarified that both plaintiffs and government experts are restricted to previously disclosed scientific evidence in court, ensuring fairness and preventing either side from introducing new expert theories at the last minute.

In addition, during the first federal government shutdown, the Department of Justice sought to pause the litigation - a request the court denied. More recently, the CLCU again paused its review during a second shutdown, following the earlier disruption months ago. Despite these interruptions, the court emphasized that timely justice is especially critical for aging and terminally ill victims and made clear that the litigation will continue to move forward. As a result, the defendants remain behind and cannot rely on further delay to slow the progress of the case.

For those considering the Navy's Elective Option, eligibility is limited to specific conditions, including bladder cancer, kidney cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma, Parkinson's disease, systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma (not localized), kidney disease or end-stage renal disease at stages four or five, and liver cancer. If your diagnosis is on this list, an expedited settlement review may be available; if not, your claim proceeds through the standard process.

Whether you pursue the Elective Option or the standard route, complete documentation is essential. Please ensure we have authority-to-file documents, including signed retainers and any paperwork establishing an agent's legal capacity where applicable. For deceased claimants, court-issued letters of administration or testamentary are necessary. We also need proof of qualifying injury through medical records, treatment notes, test results, billing records, death certificates where relevant, or a physician letter. For timing requirements, the diagnosis should predate August 2022 and fall within the general latency window of more than two years after first exposure and less than thirty-five years after last exposure. Finally, we need proof of presence at Camp Lejeune between August 1953 and December 1987. If exposure is based on residence with a service member, please also provide documentation of the service members housing or employment and proof of relationship.

If any records are missing, the Navy can place the claim in a neutral pause until the documents are supplied. The fastest way to keep your claim moving is to send any outstanding materials to our office so we can submit them on your behalf.

If your medical condition changes, please let us know. And if you or a family member with a claim is nearing age eighteen, reach out so we can update any required documents to maintain eligibility for representation.

November 2025 - Camp Lejeune Update

On settlements, there is not much new to report. The Navy's portal now reflects approximately 158,680 claims with supporting documents, but only about 51,298 involve conditions eligible for streamlined resolution under the Elective Option.

The path to trial is becoming clearer, and trials are what typically drive meaningful settlement movement. The first group of trials - Track 1 cases involving leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - are moving forward. Discovery is in its final phases, with expert depositions largely complete across three areas: water contamination, general causation, and specific causation. A pivotal ruling in October also clarified that both plaintiffs and government experts are restricted to previously disclosed scientific evidence in court, ensuring fairness and preventing either side from introducing new expert theories at the last minute. The court has set important motion practice for September 2025, including Daubert challenges and summary judgment briefing that will determine what evidence and expert opinions reach trial.

In addition, the Department of Justice's recent attempt to pause litigation during the federal government shutdown was denied by the judge. The court emphasized that timely justice is especially critical for aging and terminally ill victims, and the litigation will continue to progress despite such delays.

Thank you for your continued trust. Please contact Environmental Litigation Group, P.C. with any questions or if you need assistance gathering documents.

October 2025 - Camp Lejeune Update

We want to share an update on the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation and what it means for your claim.

First, we want to make you aware that due to a lapse in federal funding, operations within the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) and the Treasury Judgment Fund are temporarily paused. This means claims processing and settlement disbursements are delayed until the federal government resumes normal operations. Once appropriations are restored, the Department of Justice and Department of the Navy will review pending matters to ensure that claimants are not disadvantaged by this delay.

Thank you for your continued trust. Please contact

with any questions or if you need assistance gathering documents.

September 2025 - Camp Lejeune Update

We want to share an update on the Camp Lejeune water contamination litigation and what it means for your claim. On settlements, there is not much new to report. The Navy's portal now reflects approximately 158,680 claims with supporting documents, but only about 51,298 involve conditions eligible for streamlined resolution under the Elective Option.

Looking ahead, we will continue to monitor your claim and will contact you if you become eligible for the Elective Option, if additional information is needed, or if there are material updates on settlement opportunities. Progress can feel slow because much of it is procedural, but each step brings us closer to resolution. Our focus remains on keeping your claim strong and ready for the opportunities ahead. If your medical condition changes, please let us know. And if you or a family member with a claim is nearing age eighteen, reach out so we can update any required documents to maintain eligibility for representation.

Thank you for your continued trust. Please contact Environmental Litigation Group, P.C., with any questions or if you need assistance gathering documents.

August 2025 - Camp Lejeune Update

Client Update: Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Claims

We want to share the latest developments in the Camp Lejeune water contamination claims process. The review and resolution process is moving forward, and we want to make sure you have a clear understanding of how your claim may proceed - particularly if you may qualify for the Navy's Elective Option settlement program.

Where Things Stand Now

Since Congress passed the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, hundreds of thousands of claims have been filed by veterans, their families, and civilians who were exposed to contaminated water at the base. The Department of the Navy's Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) is reviewing these claims in a structured process designed to ensure consistent, fair handling.

The CLCU has reminded claimants that, in order to expedite processing, complete and accurate documentation must be provided. Before a decision can be made, the CLCU must confirm that:

1. The claimant is an individual the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is intended to benefit.

2. The facts and supporting evidence allow for a damages award under the law.

The Elective Option

The Navy has created a streamlined settlement program called the Elective Option to resolve certain claims more quickly. This option applies only to specific medical conditions:

- Bladder Cancer

- Kidney Cancer

- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

- Leukemia

- Multiple Myeloma

- Parkinson's Disease

- Systemic Sclerosis / Systemic Scleroderma (not localized)

- Kidney Disease / End Stage Renal Disease (Stage 4 or 5)

- Liver Cancer

Out of roughly 400,000 claims filed, about 51,298 qualify for this program. If your condition is on this list, your claim may be eligible for an expedited settlement review. If it is not listed, your claim will continue through the standard claims process.

Requirements for Qualification

To be considered for the Elective Option - or to proceed with a standard claim - you must provide the following:

1. Authority to File

- Signed retainer agreement by the claimant or authorized agent.

- If an agent or legal representative filed the claim, documentation showing their title and legal capacity (for example: court appointment as personal representative, executor, or administrator; or power of attorney).

- For deceased claimants, a court-issued Letters of Administration or Letters Testamentary (PDF copy with visible court seal).

- Signatures of the claimant and any authorized agents.

2. Proof of Qualifying Injury

- Signed and certified medical documentation confirming diagnosis of a covered condition.

- Acceptable documentation includes VA medical records, civilian medical records, treatment notes, test results, billing records, death certificate, or a letter from a physician.

3. Onset and Latency Requirements

- Diagnosis date before August 10, 2022.

- Diagnosis must have occurred more than 2 years after first exposure and less than 35 years after last exposure.

4. Proof of Exposure at Camp Lejeune

- Evidence showing the claimant was at Camp Lejeune between August 1, 1953 and December 31, 1987 (e.g., DD214, military discharge papers, Chronology of Service, Record of Service, Fitness Reports, Evaluations, Award Citations, Permanent Change of Station orders).

- Veterans should indicate whether they have applied for VA benefits related to Camp Lejeune water exposure.

- If exposure is claimed through residence with a service member, proof of the service member's housing or employment documentation and proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate) must be provided.

Why Your Documents Matter

If any of these records are missing, the CLCU can pause your claim ("neutral" status) until they are received. Providing complete, accurate, and timely documentation is the fastest way to keep your claim moving.

Please send any outstanding documents to our office as soon as possible so we can submit them on your behalf.

Looking Ahead

We will continue monitoring your claim and will notify you immediately if:

- You become eligible for the Elective Option

- Additional information is needed to advance your claim

- There are updates on settlement opportunities

While progress may sometimes feel slow, each step builds toward resolution. Our focus remains on keeping your claim strong and ready for the opportunities ahead.

February 2025 - Camp Lejeune Update

The Camp Lejeune Water litigation continues to make significant progress since the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. Several important developments have recently occurred that will shape how these cases move forward.

As a reminder, these cases will be overseen by four judges in the Eastern District of North Carolina rather than traditional jury trials. The judges are well-equipped to handle a case of this scope and have created ways to digest its complexity with time. In fact, these judges have issued a scheduling order, which is a detailed timeline and set of instructions that outlines how the cases should proceed to ensure smooth and efficient handling.

Currently, the litigation is now in the discovery phase, where both sides gather and exchange critical information on those exposed and the area of exposure. The judges are particularly focused on causation - specifically, how the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune led to the diagnosis of various illnesses in Marines and their families. This process involves expert testimony from scientists, doctors, hydrologists, and other specialists who can explain how water exposure in different forms can cause diseases like cancer.

After discovery, the court will begin bellwether trials. These initial trials will help establish the strengths and weaknesses of different types of claims, serving as important guidelines for future cases in this litigation.

Additionally, the banning of toxic chemicals such as TCE and PCE are continuing to gain traction as the Federal Government has recently recognized these chemicals as harmful to human health. Both substances were present at Camp Lejeune. These new regulations may not be directly presented at trial; however, they help demonstrate the government?s recognition of an issue. This represents an important step in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Finally, the deadline to file an administrative claim with the Department of the Navy was August 19, 2024. Currently, the government is reviewing the almost 550,000 claims. Thus, this process will take time. To streamline the process, however, the Camp Lejeune Claims Unit (CLCU) will begin intensified processing of all pending claims after January 13, 2025. Our office will contact you if the Navy requests any additional documents or information about your claim. In the meantime, please continue to keep records of all medical visits related to your condition. We appreciate your patience as we work through each necessary phase.

December 2023 - Government to ban jury trials

The government could be preventing Camp Lejeune victims from having jury trials. The Plaintiff's Executive Committee filed a declaration naming reasons against the government's motion.

The Camp Lejeune victims' attorneys called the government's effort toward banning jury trials "misguided".

In a motion, the lead plaintiffs' attorneys argued that the Camp Lejeune Justice Act passed last year by Congress, distinctively wanted to give Camp Lejeune victims a chance to bring their cases in front of a jury to better tell their stories.

March 2023 - 260 Camp Lejeune lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina

Since the beginning of this month, 22 more toxic exposure victims have filed civil lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. By the end of the month, approximately 260 Camp Lejeune civil lawsuits were filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina since the first claims brought under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act had become eligible to bring civil cases over one month ago.

February 2023 - over 15,000 toxic exposure victims filed a Camp Lejeune claim

Over 15,000 Camp Lejeune toxic water claims have been filed by veterans, family members, and civilians under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. A recent article from Bloomberg News suggests that there could be up to 500,000 claims until the deadline, which is August 2024. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry study estimates that the number of people who spent time at the military base and developed cancer and other serious health problems is roughly 200,000. Therefore, a reasonable estimate of Camp Lejeune toxic water claims is 100,000 to 200,000.

Additionally, the VA is urging Camp Lejeune toxic exposure victims to file claims for VA disability benefits, even if they are pursuing a claim under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act. The VA's Office of the General Counsel recently issued a statement assuring veterans "that VA is not going to reduce or deny your benefits" if you pursue a claim under the new law. The VA statements aim to clarify that disability benefits are still available to those who bring lawsuits under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

January 2023 - Camp Lejeune settlement estimated payouts

The Congressional Budget Office estimates that Camp Lejeune claims will cost "$6.1 billion over the next ten years." This is based on the CBO cost analysis issued in February 2022 when the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was first introduced. However, the CBO subsequently issued another report that revised its estimate. Even if we consider this number and assume that the total claim number will be approximately 20,000, that would equate to roughly $305,000 per claim.

By January 9, up to 14,000 Camp Lejeune toxic water claims had been filed since the Camp Lejeune Justice Act became law. The total number of toxic exposure claims might easily reach 75,000 in 2023. Lastly, 4 more Camp Lejeune legacy cases were dismissed for failing to re-submit an administrative claim to JAG before filing a civil suit. Only a small handful of the legacy cases remain pending, and they will likely be rejected on the same basis soon.

December 2022 - up to 14,000 Camp Lejeune toxic water claims are filed

According to the Navy JAG Tort Claims Unit, the number of claims filed by toxic exposure victims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is up to 14,000. This number is expected to double over the next few months. Furthermore, in all Camp Lejeune legacy cases, the court clerk entered a note on the docket stating that the government's motion to dismiss for failure to refile administrative claims has been "submitted to District Judge Terrence W. Boyle." This could mean that the motion in all Camp Lejeune legacy cases will be subject to a single decision and ruling by Judge Boyle.

Finally, a judge in the Eastern District of North Carolina dismissed 8 of the Camp Lejeune legacy cases for failing to refile administrative claims with JAG after the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was enacted. Judge James C. Denver, III, ruled that when the bill was passed in August, it created new legal claims that could not be related to the prior lawsuits filed by the legacy plaintiffs. Although this ruling applied to only 8 of the 22 legacy cases, it will most likely be followed by the other judges in their cases.

2021-2022 - the Camp Lejeune Justice Act

Proposed by Representative Matt Cartwright on March 26, 2021, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act is meant to allow certain individuals to file claims and lawsuits and recover damages for harm from exposure to toxic chemicals at Camp Lejeune that occurred between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. However, this action is available only to people exposed to harmful chemicals for at least 30 days. The bill also forbids the U.S. government from asserting immunity from litigation in response to such a lawsuit.

On June 16, 2022, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, bill number H.R. 2192, passed, and now, military veterans, their family members, and civilians have access to the court systems. It enables everyone whose health was affected by living and working at Camp Lejeune to exercise their constitutional right to take legal action against the U.S. government for toxic exposure on the base.

2016-2019 - the latest cleanup activities of the U.S. Navy at Camp Lejeune

A Record of Decision (ROD) was issued in 2018 and referred to Site UXO-06 (OU24), which includes a borrow pit once used as a target for military practice and three adjacent cantonment areas. The remedies were institutional controls and munition surface clearance, which were implemented in 2019.

A ROD was also issued in 2019 concerning Site UXO-24 and Site 37 (OU26). They include undeveloped property and a former surface dump. The remedy for Site UXO-24 was institutional controls. Remedy implementation for various areas of Camp Lejeune continues to this day.

2017 – the VA releases a definitive rule offering Camp Lejeune's toxic exposure victims access to over $2 billion

In early 2017, the VA released a definitive rule providing veterans, reservists, National Guard members, and their surviving spouses access to more than $2 billion in disability benefits. With this rule came a list of eight diseases for which the department says there is enough medical evidence to be connected to Camp Lejeune's toxic exposure to cancer chemicals.

Also, in 2017, Congress passed another statute that allowed veterans to receive compensation on a presumption of exposure. A presumption of exposure means that a veteran has qualifying service, and as a result, the VA presumes that they were exposed to certain harmful chemicals or environmental hazards. Presumptions of exposure replace the requirement for service connection that requires veterans to have in-service events or symptoms that caused their current condition. In these instances, the VA counts in-service exposure as the event.

2016 - Camp Lejeune veterans and their family members filed 800 water contamination lawsuits

In 2016, Marine Corps veterans and their family members filed 800 Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuits per the Federal Tort Claims Act. It allows individuals to sue the government for personal injuries or death caused by the negligence of a federal employee. The lawsuits were consolidated into multidistrict litigation in federal court as per state law. The Camp Lejeune litigation was still ongoing in 2018, and no trial date had been set for these first lawsuits.

2010-2015 - more sites at Camp Lejeune undergo cleanup by the U.S. Navy

During this time, the cleanup activities of the Navy included three removal actions at Site 6 (OU-2), UXO-01, and UXO-23. The remedy for Site UXO-19 was institutional controls to limit exposure to contaminated soil.

2012 – the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act and the Janey Ensminger Act

In 2012, Congress passed the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act. This granted a series of benefits to the family members who were exposed to chemicals at Camp Lejeune. It also provided healthcare benefits to veterans who were on active duty at Camp Lejeune, as well as to their family members.

Furthermore, that year, President Obama signed the Janey Ensminger Act. This law, named after the daughter of a serviceman stationed at the camp who lost her life to cancer at 9 years old, authorizes medical care to military personnel and their family members who were stationed at Camp Lejeune and developed conditions linked to contamination. This law could apply to up to 750,000 people.

2001-2009 - the U.S. Navy’s cleanup efforts at Camp Lejeune continue

Between 2001 and 2009, the U.S. Navy led a pilot-scale treatability study using electrical resistance heating to clean up the areas containing dense non-aqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) and completed a removal action using low-level heat to destroy the contaminants in soil. Roughly 48,000 pounds of VOCs were removed from the soil during the study. The Navy completed cleanup at:

OU-7 (Sites 1, 28, and 30)
OU-4 (Sites 41 and 74)
OU-16 (Site 93)

2008 - the National Defense Authorization Act

In January 2008, President George W. Bush signed the National Defense Authorization Act. This act included a requirement that the Department of the Navy, together with ATSDR, conduct a health survey of individuals possibly exposed to hazardous chemicals at Camp Lejeune.

1992-2001 – the U.S. Navy carries out the first cleanup endeavors

Under the supervision of the EPA, the U.S. Navy began the cleanup at Camp Lejeune. During this period, it removed and disposed of the following from areas throughout the military base:

contaminated soils
drums
above-ground storage tanks
underground storage tanks
batteries
waste liquids

The Navy also installed a bio-treatment cell for contaminated soil.

1989 - Camp Lejeune and ABC One-Hour Cleaners are deemed Superfund sites

On October 4, 1989, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) listed Camp Lejeune and ABC One-Hour Cleaners as Superfund sites and added both to the National Priorities List.

1982 - the Marine Corps find volatile organic compounds at Camp Lejeune

Located in North Carolina, U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune was established in 1942. Although contamination with toxic chemicals began occurring at the military base after 1953, it was only in 1982 that specific volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were found lurking in the environment of the installation by the Marine Corps.

Perchloroethylene (PCE) is another hazardous chemical that was present at Camp Lejeune, posing a serious risk of developing terrible diseases to everyone stationed there. It was eventually discovered that the source of contamination with PCE was the waste disposal practices of ABC One-Hour Cleaners, a dry-cleaning firm situated off-base.

In May 1982, the highest trichloroethylene (TCE) level detected at Camp Lejeune was 1,400 parts per billion (ppb) when the safe limit is just 5 ppb. The maximum level of PCE detected at Camp Lejeune was 215 ppb in February 1985, when the safe limit is also 5 ppb. Other dangerous chemicals found polluting the military base are benzene and vinyl chloride. Contamination with TCE and benzene was the result of years of improper use and disposal of chemicals on the military base employed for cleaning weapons and equipment.

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