Sioux City Air National Guard Base in Iowa has become an unintentional source of contamination. Aqueous film-forming foam containing PFAS chemicals was extensively used for firefighting training operations on the installation and aircraft emergency response protocols. Due to decades of use, these synthetic compounds have accumulated in soil and groundwater, threatening private wells and municipal water systems. There should be compensation for the health consequences caused by this toxic exposure for military personnel and their families.
How severe is the PFAS contamination at Sioux City Air National Guard Base?
PFAS contamination at Sioux City Air National Guard Base reaches extraordinarily dangerous levels that pose severe health risks to anyone exposed. Testing of groundwater near the main hangar found concentrations of PFAS exceeding federal safety guidelines by 8,610 parts per trillion. This chemical migration from the base has contaminated soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater throughout the surrounding area, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Drinking water supplies have been particularly affected by contamination. In Sioux City’s municipal water system, PFAS levels exceeded current EPA health advisory limits, with PFOS detected at 4.4 parts per trillion and PFOA detected at 5.7 parts per trillion. These concentrations exceed the EPA’s maximum contaminant levels of 4 parts per trillion for PFOS and 2 parts per trillion for PFOA. The contamination affects the Southbridge Regional Water Treatment Plant, which accounts for approximately one-quarter of the city’s total water capacity.
Community-wide exposure has created widespread health risks extending far beyond the base perimeter. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has identified approximately 189 private wells within one mile of the base that may be affected by contamination. According to groundwater flow patterns, the contamination plume moves southwest from the base, potentially affecting additional water sources.
Which health conditions qualify for PFAS exposure compensation?
Scientific research has established clear connections between PFAS exposure and numerous serious health conditions that can manifest years or decades after initial contact with these toxic chemicals. The extremely high contamination levels documented at Sioux City Air National Guard Base significantly increase disease risks for anyone who spent time at the installation. Veterans and their families should seek immediate medical evaluation if they experience any symptoms related to PFAS-linked conditions.
Veterans who served at Sioux City Air National Guard Base for 1 cumulative year or longer and developed any of the following diseases may qualify for compensation:
Compensation may also be available to family members who lived on base or consumed contaminated water from affected municipal systems.
