Otis Air National Guard Base/Camp Edwards

Base Background

The base opened in 1938 as Otis Field, part of the Massachusetts National Guard. This facility was the largest Aerospace Defense Command in the world until the early 70’s. It currently focuses on intelligence missions. Other base missions include engineering, installation, homeland defense, and combat communications. Otis Air National Guard Base and Camp Edwards are now part of Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC).

Toxic Exposure at Otis Air Force Base

The water contamination at Otis Air Force Base dates back to the early 1980s. In 1984, the U.S. Geological Survey made the first detection of contaminants in monitoring wells near the base, raising concerns about potential environmental impact.

By the late 1980s, the situation had worsened as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were discovered in monitoring wells located near the base’s fire training area, indicating contamination from firefighting activities. These toxic chemicals weren’t confined to the base itself; VOCs were later detected in several hundred private wells used by local residents and even contaminated a town well, which was shut down due to safety concerns. The severity of the contamination led to the base being listed on the National Priorities List (NPL) in 1989.

PFAS and Cape Cod Water Contamination

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are one of the main contaminants at the base. The primary source of PFAS contamination has been traced to Fire Training Area-1 (FTA-1), where firefighting foam containing these chemicals was regularly used in training exercises. Additional sources include the flightline areas where aircraft operations took place and the Tanker Truck Rollover Sites where spills occurred.

A large PFAS plume has been spreading through groundwater for decades toward North Falmouth and Mashpee, threatening water supplies in these communities. Investigations are ongoing.

The chemical 1,4-Dioxane, a likely human carcinogen, has also been detected in four existing groundwater plumes. This industrial solvent was commonly used as a stabilizer in fuel and has proven difficult to remove from groundwater once present. Lead and various fuel-related chemicals, resulting from spills and routine operations at the base, further contribute to the overall contamination of the groundwater and soil.

If you developed health issues related to exposure to PFAS, VOCs (such as TCE), lead or other contaminants after living or working at or near Otis Air Force Base / Joint Base Cape Cod, you may be eligible for compensation. Get a free case evaluation here to explore your legal options.