Camp Lejeune's Water Supply Possibly Contaminated pre 1987

If you lived, worked, or was stationed at Camp Lejeune prior to 1987, you may be at risk for possible contamination through various water ways located on base.

More specifically, from around 1968 through 1987, with possible effects of the exposure resulting in birth outcome of mothers who were living at Camp Lejeune (or working there) during the conception and/or birth of their child.

During 1982, belief that the use of asbestos-coated cement piping in the Tarawa Terrace water lines on Camp Lejeune had resulted in PCE concentrations in water samples.

Camp Lejeune continued to monitor samples through 1982 by analyzing over 200 samples. The consumable water systems were found to be in full complianace at that time.

During January of 1982, the NACIP (Naval Assessment and Control of Installation Pollutants) Program began to identify potentially contaminated sites on base, and in 1983, published their findings. This study set the course for further samplings of individual wells in 1984. After confirming the wells impacted by VOCs (volatile organic compounds), they were shut down in 1984 and early 1985.

In 1998, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) completed a study on births resulting from women who had either given birth or conceived while at Camp Lejeune and concluded that the drinking water contaminated may be associated with decreased birth weight to a generalized group of women, (over the age of 35 or intitally had a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

A follow up study in 1999 of birth outcomes, focused on childhood diseases among children born to the same group of women while at Camp Lejeune from 1968 to 1985. ATSDR released this report in 2003, based on information received from the participants that had been verified through medical records. The results were mailed to participants and those interested.

However, according to James Kelley of VA Benefit Blog , the report completed in 2009 did not find sufficient evidence linking contaminated water at Lejeune to disease. The report also stated further research was not likely to find clearer results.

The Marine Corp encourages everyone who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune before 1987 to register to receive notifications regarding the Historic Drinking Water. If you would like to register for more information or for exposure confirmation (when possible), please contact the Camp Lejeune Historic Drinking Wate Site for more information.

It is unclear as of yet whether compensation would be considered, but if you're in the group from this span of years, it would be a good idea to register to find out more information. You can also learn more by visiting their FAQ page, and even follow them on Facebook for current and up to date information.