Griffiss Air Force Base
Base Background
Griffiss Air Force Base opened in 1943 in Rome, New York. Spanning 3,552 acres, the site’s mission was the maintenance, repair, and modification of aircrafts. It also served as a storage facility. The military gave the base its current name in 1947. Throughout the 20th century, the base focused on aerial refueling, electronic research, and bomber training. Griffiss AFB officially closed in 1995 and its site now hosts the Griffiss International Airport.
Toxic Exposure at Griffiss Air Force Base
The contamination issues at Griffiss Air Force Base first came to public attention in the late 1980s when residents in the town of Floyd, NY, located just east of Rome, raised concerns about contaminants discovered in their groundwater wells. The Environmental Protection Agency recognized the severity of the situation and placed the site on the Superfund Program’s National Priorities List (NPL) in July 1987, designating it as a priority for environmental cleanup efforts.
During its 50 years of operation, Griffiss AFB generated significant amounts of hazardous waste from numerous military activities. Aircraft operations produced various petroleum-based contaminants and maintenance chemicals that leached into the soil. Testing and maintenance of military equipment involved industrial solvents, degreasers, and lubricants that were often improperly disposed of or accidentally released.
VOCs Contamination
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a major category of contaminants at Griffiss AFB, with trichloroethene (TCE), dichloroethene (DCE), and vinyl chloride being particularly prevalent. These chemicals, widely used as industrial solvents and degreasers for military equipment, have contaminated the groundwater and pose serious health risks to anyone exposed. TCE in particular can cause irregular heartbeat, organ damage, liver cancer, kidney cancer, and lung cancer with long-term exposure. It has also been linked to Parkinson’s.
PFAS Contamination at Griffiss AFB
Since 1970, fire-fighting training exercises at the base utilized aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) containing Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), which are known for their extreme persistence.
A 2015 Site Investigation of the base fire training area tested for 14 PFAS compounds in soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment, finding levels in groundwater and surface water exceeding the EPA Health Advisory Level of 70 parts per trillion for PFOS and PFOA combined. Beyond the fire training area, PFAS contamination likely originated from aircraft crash sites and fire areas where emergency response involved AFFF application, dedicated AFFF storage and testing areas, and fuel spill locations where firefighting foam was deployed.
If you developed health issues related to exposure to PFAS, VOCs or other toxins after living or working at or near Griffiss AFB, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options.
Known Toxins
The following chart outlines the medical conditions associated with toxic exposure at this base, classified by the strength of evidence required (strong, good or limited).* Please keep in mind that it is not a complete list.
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.
Getting Compensation: VA Claims and Lawsuits
Veterans and civilians who lived or worked at or near Griffiss Air Force Base may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would require:
1. Documenting the time spent at the base using service records and other documentation
2. Gathering comprehensive medical evidence
3. Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between diagnosed medical conditions and exposure to contaminants found at Griffiss AFB
4. Filing a VA disability claim or a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from an experienced disability lawyer who can fight on your behalf and maximize compensation.
For a free case evaluation, please call us on 1-888-477-2363. We specialize in disability law and work on a contingency basis, with no upfront fees.