In the mid-90s, the U.S. government discovered toxic contamination in the groundwater and soil at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point in North Carolina. MCAS Cherry Point is now part of a massive cleanup effort led by the EPA. However, as recently as 2022, water at the base still tested positive for high levels of contamination. If you served at the base, you’ll want to know about Cherry Point toxic exposure and what it may mean for your health.
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In this article about MCAS Cherry Point water contamination and toxic exposure:
Cherry Point toxic exposure
Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point is a 29,000-acre base in Havelock, North Carolina. The base, which opened in 1942, provides aviation training and support for the Marine Corps and Navy.
Today, more than 38,000 people live at MCAS Cherry Point, including active duty and retired Marines, the civilian workforce, and their families.
The base has a history of toxic exposure related to contaminated groundwater and soil, which occurred because of past practices of hazardous material disposal.
Because of these toxins, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared MCAS Cherry Point a Superfund site in 1994. Receiving designation as a Superfund site means the EPA has identified the base as one of the most contaminated places in the nation and is focusing funds and efforts on cleanup.
Some of the toxins found in Cherry Point contaminated water and soil are:
- PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are synthetic chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment. They’re found in products like waterproof clothing, paint, and cleaning supplies. PFAS are also used to make aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), which is used by civilian and military firefighters. Exposure to and build-up of these chemicals may result in health complications including reproductive issues, developmental delays in children, and an increased risk of cancer.
- Pesticides, which can lead to different adverse health effects depending on the type. For example, some pesticides can affect the nervous system, hormone, or endocrine system, while others may cause cancer.
- VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are human-made chemicals used in products like paint, gasoline, and cleaning supplies. Exposure to VOCs can cause severe health issues including damage to the central nervous system and organs. Exposure to some VOCs can cause cancer.
- PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, are man-made organic chemicals that were used for nearly 50 years until their production was banned in the U.S. in 1977 due to their potential to cause cancer and build up in the environment. They were ingredients in coolants and lubricants in transformers, fluorescent lighting, microscope oil, and hydraulic fluids, among other things. Exposure to PCBs can cause skin conditions, liver damage, damage to the immune system, and cancer.
Other potentially harmful contaminants found at the base include:
- Heavy metals
- Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (CDDs)
- Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)
You can see a full list of toxins found on the base here.
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MCAS Cherry Point and Agent Orange
The VA has no record of Agent Orange being sprayed directly at MCAS Cherry Point, and the base is not listed as an Agent Orange exposure site. This means veterans stationed at the base who believe they have been exposed to Agent Orange aren’t eligible to receive presumptive VA disability benefits for exposure to the pesticide.
However, some veterans who served at MCAS Cherry Point have argued and proven they were exposed to Agent Orange on base while working with or transporting chemicals. These veterans were able to successfully establish service connections to Agent Orange-related illnesses.
These cases mean that veterans who can prove they were exposed to Agent Orange while serving at MCAS Cherry Point may be eligible for VA disability benefits for related conditions.
MCAS Cherry Point water contamination VA claims
Unfortunately, despite evidence of Cherry Point contaminated water and soil, the VA does not recognize any adverse health conditions associated with service at the base. However, this does not mean you can’t get the disability compensation you deserve.
Any veteran who believes their condition is tied to MCAS Cherry Point toxic exposure may still be eligible to receive VA disability benefits if they are able to service connect their condition. To do this, the veteran must provide a medical nexus, or a professional medical opinion linking the diagnosis to an in-service cause. Additional supporting evidence including your military records and lay statements can also help support your claim and prove service connection.
Because claims of toxic exposure at MCAS Cherry Point can be difficult to prove, you may want to hire an accredited VA disability lawyer to help build your case.
How Woods & Woods can help
The VA-accredited attorneys at Woods &Woods have helped thousands of veterans nationwide get the disability benefits they deserve. Call us today for a free case evaluation. You won’t pay us a dime unless we win your case.
Talk to Us About Your Claim:
(812) 426-7200
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes. Cherry Point water was contaminated and as recently as 2022 still shows high levels of contamination.
Any veteran who believes their condition is tied to MCAS Cherry Point contaminated water may be eligible to receive VA disability benefits if they are able to service connect their condition. To do this, the veteran must provide a medical nexus, or a professional medical opinion linking the diagnosis to an in-service cause. Additional supporting evidence including your military records and lay statements can also help support your claim and prove service connection.
Neil Woods
VA disability attorney
Woods & Woods
Neil Woods is the firm’s owner and president. He received his law degree from Western Michigan University.
