Fort Richardson
Base Background
Fort Richardson was established in 1940, merging with the Elmendorf Air Force Base in 2010. Soldiers stationed at the base learned winter survival and tactical skills, such as snow combat and vehicle operation.
According to the EPA, the base has also experienced multiple contamination incidents connected to waste management. This included the discharge of used solvents, oil, and fuel. There were also reports of burnt waste oil, buried chemicals, and mixed solvents. These activities lead to contaminated groundwater, surface water, and soil. The U.S Army and EPA signed a Federal Facilities Agreement to begin cleanup in 1994.
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 | ||
| Heavy metals (misc.) | Potential Effects | Pneumonitis hypersensitivity | - | Multiple myeloma, Chronic renal disease |
| Perchloroethylene (PCE) | Potential Effects | - | - | - |
| Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) | Potential Effects | Rhinitis irritant | - | - |
If you worked or trained at Fort Richardson, you may be eligible for compensation for medical conditions associated with contamination and toxic exposure.
*Effects are according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry unless otherwise noted.