Naval Surface Warfare Center Annapolis specializes in supporting fleet readiness by overseeing mechanical, electrical, and hull systems. Over the years, this facility has been involved in various naval research, testing, and training activities, but its extensive operational history has resulted in severe environmental contamination that threatens the health of military personnel and their families.
How did PFAS contamination reach dangerous levels at NSWC Annapolis?
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been used for decades by NSWC Annapolis for firefighting training, equipment testing, and emergency response procedures. It contains PFAS chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, which accumulate in the environment and humans over time. The pollution caused by these “forever chemicals” has leaked into soils and groundwater systems, posing ongoing risks to anyone who is exposed to them.
Groundwater sampling conducted in 2018 revealed PFOS and PFOA combined concentrations as high as 70,000 parts per trillion, approximately 17,500 times higher than the EPA’s 2024 maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion for PFAS in drinking water. Concentrations of PFOS in shallow groundwater reached up to 234,000 parts per trillion around the former fire-testing pad area. From 2016 until present, the Navy has conducted extensive environmental assessments at the facility, including sampling of groundwater, soil, and surface water.
PFAS and other toxic contaminants are also detected in groundwater and surface water near Bay Head Park, a public area near the former Navy weapons testing site. It is clear that this widespread contamination has serious implications for personnel at the base and nearby communities who could be exposed to this contamination through contact with groundwater or surface water.
What medical conditions are connected to PFAS exposure?
Exposure to PFAS can lead to serious health conditions years or decades after exposure. Those who were at NSWC Annapolis during periods of active contamination face significant health risks due to extremely high levels of contamination documented there.
Veterans who served at NSWC Annapolis for 1 cumulative year or longer and developed any of the following conditions may be eligible for compensation:
It may be possible for you to receive compensation if you developed qualifying conditions after living on or consuming contaminated water on base.