SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — North Carolina senators are urging the U.S. government to act swiftly in settling lawsuits for the nearly 3.5 million people impacted by contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
The U.S. legislators wrote it is “imperative” for the Navy to ensure individuals receive justice.
The Jacksonville-based Marine Corps base, 60 miles north of Wilmington, admitted dangerous chemicals were found in its drinking water in 1982. The contamination began in 1953 and continued to expose base workers, service members and their families until 1987, according to the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
While most contaminated wells were removed from service in February 1985, thousands of people were impacted during the 30-year span.
In August 2022, President Joe Biden signed into law the Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act, which addresses issues that affect veterans who were exposed to toxic materials during service. Within it, the Camp Lejeune Justice Act was enacted. As a result, those with adverse health effects from drinking the water can seek compensation and recover damages.
