Griffiss Air Force Base

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.