Known officially as the Fleet and Industrial Supply Center, Oakland, the naval facility occupied 531 acres along the Oakland waterfront. The host command handled logistics operations, and the facility was recognized throughout the Bay Area as a vital component of Pacific Fleet operations. Thousands of military personnel, civilians, and contractors were stationed at the Naval Supply Depot during its operational years.
Unfortunately, widespread chemical contamination has emerged as a critical concern at this location, as military personnel consistently utilized AFFF throughout the depot’s operational period to combat various fire emergencies involving fuel and petroleum products. Although this foam was highly effective at suppressing fires, it discharged significant amounts of PFAS chemicals into the soil and groundwater. Regulatory authorities face substantial challenges in remediating these persistent chemicals, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals" because they do not degrade naturally.
What toxic substances were found at the Naval Supply Depot?
Several environmental assessments conducted at the Naval Supply Depot have revealed extensive contamination. PFAS levels in groundwater exceeded EPA advisory limits by nearly 5,000 times, according to monitoring. Inhalation and ingestion are the two most common methods of exposure to these chemicals. Even though military firefighters face the greatest risk, everyone who worked and lived at the facility was exposed to these hazardous substances. A number of toxic substances have been identified, including:
- PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid)
- PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
- PFBS (perfluorobutane sulfonic acid)
- 1, 1, 1-trichloroethane
- 1, 1-dichloroethylene
- Various heavy metals from industrial processes
It should be noted that diseases resulting from PFAS exposure can take years or decades to manifest, as these chemicals gradually accumulate in tissues and cause organ damage. Naval Supply Depot veterans should monitor their health carefully and seek medical attention if they experience unusual symptoms. PFAS exposure cases are a specialty of our law firm, and we strongly encourage you to contact us if you receive a related diagnosis.
What health conditions can veterans develop from PFAS exposure?
PFAS exposure has been scientifically linked to multiple types of cancer and other serious diseases that may severely impact your health. Longer exposure periods increase your chances of developing a serious disease. Only certain diseases qualify for PFAS claims, as there must be a definitive connection between your diagnosis and PFAS exposure.
If you developed any of the following diseases while stationed at this naval facility for 1 cumulative year or longer, please contact us:
Family members of veterans who lived at the Naval Supply Depot and developed one of these diseases are also eligible for compensation and can file PFAS claims as well.