Camp Lejeune, a 246-square-mile Marine Corps base located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, has played a pivotal role in the training and deployment of expeditionary forces since its establishment in 1941. With 14 miles of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the base offered the ideal setting for amphibious assault training, making it a vital asset for the Marine Corps.
The base was named after the 13th Commandant of the Marine Corps, Lieutenant General John A. Lejeune, and quickly became a hub for various Marine Corps commands, as well as a major Navy command and a Coast Guard command. Today, Camp Lejeune, along with its satellite facilities, houses the largest concentration of Marines and Sailors in the world, serving as a true “Home of Expeditionary Forces in Readiness.”
The Discovery of Water Contamination
In the early 1980s, a shocking discovery was made at Camp Lejeune: the drinking water had been contaminated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as trichloroethylene (TCE), a metal degreaser, and perchloroethylene (PCE), a dry cleaning solvent. The contamination, which had begun in the 1950s, was attributed to improper waste disposal practices on the base.
As news of the contamination spread, concerns grew about the potential health risks faced by the thousands of Marines, their families, and civilian employees who had lived and worked on the base during the affected period. It was estimated that up to one million people may have been exposed to the contaminated water.
Health Risks and Effects on Veterans and Families
The exposure to VOCs like TCE and PCE has been linked to various health issues, including several types of cancer, birth defects, and neurological disorders. Veterans and their families who resided at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987 have reported higher rates of conditions such as adult leukemia, aplastic anemia, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Parkinson’s disease.
The impact of the contamination extended beyond physical health, as affected individuals and their families grappled with emotional and financial burdens. Many struggled to receive proper medical care and compensation, while others lived with the constant worry of potential long-term health consequences.
The Fight for Recognition and Justice
In the years following the discovery of the contamination, affected individuals and advocacy groups fought tirelessly to bring attention to their plight and demand accountability from the government. Despite mounting evidence of the health risks associated with the contaminated water, obtaining recognition and compensation proved to be a long and arduous battle.
Lawsuits were filed against the military, but many were dismissed due to statutes of limitations and other legal technicalities. Nonetheless, the resilience of the affected community and their supporters ultimately led to significant progress, culminating in the passage of the Camp Lejeune Justice Act in 2022.
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act Explained
The Camp Lejeune Justice Act, part of the larger Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, provided a legal pathway for individuals exposed to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune to seek compensation from the federal government. The act allowed veterans, their families, and others who lived or worked on the base between 1953 and 1987 to file claims for harm caused by the exposure.
The act addressed a longstanding legal barrier by removing the statute of limitations and allowing claims to be filed retroactively. It also established an alternative dispute resolution process, allowing claimants to bypass lengthy legal battles and potentially receive settlements directly from the Navy.
Support and Compensation for Affected Veterans
In addition to the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has implemented various programs and initiatives to support affected veterans and their families. The VA offers disability compensation and healthcare services for qualifying individuals diagnosed with one of the presumptive conditions associated with the contaminated water.
The Janey Ensminger Act, named after the daughter of a retired Marine who died from leukemia linked to the contamination, provides healthcare coverage for certain conditions related to the exposure. This coverage extends to qualifying veterans, their family members, and civilian employees who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune during the affected period.
Environmental Restoration Efforts at Camp Lejeune
In addition to addressing the health impacts and legal issues, significant efforts have been undertaken to restore the environmental integrity of Camp Lejeune. The base has worked closely with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify and remediate contaminated sites, implement water treatment systems, and conduct ongoing monitoring.
The ATSDR has conducted numerous studies to assess the potential health effects of the contamination and provide guidance on exposure prevention and treatment. These studies have played a crucial role in understanding the long-term impacts of the contamination and informing future remediation efforts.
Navigating Health Benefits and Claims
For veterans and families affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, navigating the complex system of benefits and claims can be daunting. The VA has established dedicated resources and assistance programs to help individuals understand their eligibility and navigate the claims process.
Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) and legal professionals specializing in Camp Lejeune claims can provide invaluable guidance and support throughout the process. It is important for affected individuals to seek out reliable sources of information and assistance to ensure they receive the benefits and compensation they are entitled to.
Educational Resources and Advocacy Groups
Several organizations and advocacy groups have been instrumental in raising awareness, providing support, and advocating for the rights of those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination. These groups offer educational resources, host community events, and work to ensure that the voices of affected individuals are heard.
Notable organizations include The Few, The Proud, The Forgotten, a grassroots advocacy group, and the Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Water website, which provides comprehensive information and updates on the contamination and its implications.
Future Implications and Ongoing Investigations
Despite the progress made through legislation and support programs, the Camp Lejeune water contamination incident continues to have far-reaching implications. Ongoing studies and investigations aim to shed light on the long-term health effects and ensure that affected individuals receive the care and compensation they deserve.
As more claims are processed under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act, it is expected that the financial and legal ramifications for the government will become clearer. Additionally, the lessons learned from this tragedy may shape future policies and practices related to environmental protection and hazardous waste management on military installations.
For those affected by the Camp Lejeune water contamination, the road to justice and healing has been long and challenging. However, the resilience of the affected community, coupled with ongoing efforts to provide support and accountability, offers hope for a future where the sacrifices made by these individuals are fully recognized and their well-being is prioritized.