Marine Corps Air Station Tustin
Base Background
Located in Orange County, California, approximately 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles, MCAS Tustin was established in 1942 as Santa Ana Naval Air Station. The station oversaw military blimps, which were used to patrol the coast during World War II. The Marine Corps took over operations in 1951. Up until its closure in July 1999, the base served as a helicopter base. This station housed about 4,500 residents and employed 5,000 civilians and military personnel.
Toxic Exposure at MCAS Tustin
The contamination at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin stems from decades of military operations involving toxic substances. During the base’s active years, pesticides from agricultural uses on and around the facility seeped into the soil and groundwater. Many pesticides are designed to resist environmental degradation, meaning they can remain in the environment for years or decades after application.
Various industrial solvents (often volatile organic compounds or VOCs) used in maintenance operations and aircraft servicing have been identified in soil and groundwater testing. The base’s primary mission of supporting aircraft operations has also led to jet fuel contamination. Fuel spills, leaks from storage tanks, and routine handling losses resulted in hydrocarbon contamination of soil and groundwater. These petroleum products contain benzene, toluene, and other chemicals linked to health conditions.
Tustin’s PFAS Contamination
Firefighting training and suppression activities were a major source of contamination at MCAS Tustin. The regular use of firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals created concentrated areas of contamination that continue to impact the environment today.
Metal plating operations are another contamination pathway. California Water Boards indicates that the DoD uses materials that may contain PFAS in the vapor suppression systems necessary for metal plating.
If you developed a medical condition related to exposure to PFAS, VOCs or other toxins after living or working at or near MCAS Tustin, 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 near the base in Tustin, California may be able to receive compensation if they developed health conditions associated with toxic exposure. This would require:
1. Gathering medical evidence, service records and other documentation
2. Obtaining expert medical opinions to establish a link between diagnosed medical conditions and exposure to the toxic substances found at MCAS Tustin
3. Filing a VA disability claim or pursuing a lawsuit
To win your case, you will likely need assistance from an experienced disability lawyer in California 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.