Naval Air Station Whidbey Island
Oak Harbor, WA
Known Toxins1
Years of Operation1942-Present
Base Background
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island was established during World War II as an airfield. This location is now one of the key naval aviation sites in the Pacific Northwest. Base personnel focus on areas including air traffic control, air terminals, ground electronics, search and rescue, fuels, and naval weapons systems training.
Whidbey Island Water Contamination
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island has been identified as a significant source of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination in the surrounding communities. These “forever chemicals,” which have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s due to their resistance to grease, oil, water, and heat, were present in the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) used for firefighting and training purposes at the base.
Beyond PFAS contamination, Whidbey Island’s groundwater faces other threats including potential saltwater intrusion and nitrate runoff from fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems, prompting increased focus on testing the island’s wells.
PFAS Contamination
In early 2017, testing by the U.S. Navy near NAS Whidbey Island revealed PFAS levels above the EPA’s lifetime health advisory level of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) PFOA/PFOS. One well showed contamination as high as 2,516 ppt, more than 35 times the advisory level. A more recent Navy sample taken in 2022 showed a certain cancer-causing particulate in drinking water at levels 30,000 times higher than what the EPA considered safe.
The Navy is currently conducting investigations at multiple locations including the Area 6 Landfill, Ault Field, OLF Coupeville, and Seaplane Base.
291 wells have already been tested near Ault Field, Area 6, and Coupeville. The Navy reported 18 contaminated wells, though it’s unclear how many homes these wells served and there may be many other drinking water sources likely to be contaminated.
PFAS exposure has been linked to various types of cancers and serious health issues, raising significant public health concerns for residents in the affected areas. If you developed a medical condition after living or working at or near NAS Whidbey Island, 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.
NAS Whidbey Island VA Claims and Lawsuits
You may be entitled to compensation if you were stationed or worked at NAS Whidbey Island and developed medical conditions associated with dangerous chemicals. You should:
- Gather medical evidence connecting your health issues to chemical exposure
- Obtain expert medical opinions establishing a link between your condition and the known toxins
- File a VA disability claim or pursue a lawsuit
To win your case, you may need assistance gathering and interpreting complex medical and scientific evidence, addressing denials and ensuring all deadlines are met. An experienced Washington attorney accredited by the VA 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.