Fort Ord
Base Background
Throughout its 77-year history as a U.S. Army installation, Fort Ord had significant contamination issues, from its military training activities as well as the use of landfills and burn pits. Residents and veterans have reported various health issues, including cancer, potentially linked to toxic exposure. The base was designated as a Superfund site in 1990 and cleanup and monitoring is still ongoing.
Fort Ord Toxic Exposure
Contamination from Military Training Activities (1917-1994):
- Extensive use of ammunition and explosives caused lead contamination of the soil
- Military vehicle maintenance resulted in petroleum and solvent contamination
- Small arms ranges and artillery training areas left unexploded ordnance
- Chemical weapons training areas used toxic agents including tear gas
Toxins from Landfills, Disposal and Burn Pits (1940s-1980s):
- Multiple landfills contained household waste, construction debris, and military refuse
- Documented disposal of chemicals, solvents, paint, oil, and industrial waste
- Burn pits were used to dispose of munitions and other hazardous materials
Groundwater Contamination:
- Trichloroethylene (TCE) and other volatile organic compounds detected in groundwater
- Multiple groundwater plumes identified beneath the base
- Contamination affected local drinking water wells in Marina and seaside areas
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the toxins associated with this military location and the potential effects of exposure.*
| Toxin | Potential Effects | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strong | Good | Limited | ||
| PFAS (Firefighting Foam) | Potential Effects | - | - | Testicular cancer, Renal (kidney) cancer, Prostate cancer |
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.
If you were stationed at Fort Ord during military service and later experience adverse health effects, you may be eligible for compensation.
Can You Make a VA Disability Claim for PFAS Contamination?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes toxic exposure during military service as potentially eligible for disability benefits. Veterans who were stationed at the base and later experienced adverse health effects may receive compensation by making a VA claim. Both veterans and non-veterans can also start or join a lawsuit for PFAS exposure.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a condition related to toxic contamination following service at Fort Ord (please note the illness list above may be incomplete), get in touch for a free evaluation of your case.