Blog Summary: Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, Michigan has been contaminated with PFAS chemicals, also known as "forever chemicals," at levels over 50,000x the EPA's proposed safe limit (Department of Defense). These toxic chemicals have been linked to serious health conditions like cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. The Downs Law Group is currently investigating claims for individuals exposed to PFAS from this site and offers free legal consultations nationwide.
Wurtsmith Air Force Base (AFB), located in Oscoda, Michigan, was officially closed in 1993, but the environmental impact of its operations continues to this day. The site was added to the EPA’s Superfund list on January 18, 1994, due to toxic contamination. Testing revealed extreme levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," in local soil, groundwater, and wildlife.
These found contaminants, particularly PFOS and PFOA, were widely used in firefighting foams during training exercises at the base. According to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), PFAS concentrations near Wurtsmith have reached up to 213,000 parts per trillion (ppt), which is a staggering number compared to the EPA’s proposed safe limit of 4 ppt (Source: EPA).
If you or a loved one lived, worked, or served near Wurtsmith, you may be at risk for serious health conditions and could qualify for compensation.
Who is at Risk of PFAS Exposure Near Wurtsmith AFB?
Residents, service members, veterans, and civilian workers who lived or worked near Wurtsmith Air Force Base may have been exposed to PFAS if they:
- Lived on or near the base (especially Clarks Marsh or the Au Sable River)
- Consumed local fish, deer, or wild game
- Used groundwater or well water near the base
- Were a fetus exposed in utero (your mother was exposed during pregnancy)
Studies show contaminated groundwater migrated away from the base, impacting private wells and local waterways, including Clarks Marsh and the Au Sable River. Even individuals living several miles away could be exposed even if they did not consume water directly from the site, according to the State of Michigan Government.
Examples of confirmed environmental impacts:
- In 2018, Michigan tested 128 deer across the state, including 20 deer near Clark’s Marsh. One deer from that zone showed an elevated PFOS level of 547 ppb in muscle tissue, prompting a “Do Not Eat” advisory within a 5‑mile radius of the marsh near the base (Source: Michigan PFAS Action Response Team).
- Subsequent testing in 2019 and 2020 identified multiple samples with detectable PFOS in deer liver tissue, with one record reaching 2,970 ppb in liver and 82.6 ppb in muscle tissue, well above thresholds considered safe and causing the advisory zone to be reduced to 3 miles for added safety (Sources: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan PFAS Action Response Team).
- As a result, Michigan’s Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continue to recommend avoiding consumption of deer organs today (especially liver and kidney), as these accumulate PFAS at much higher concentrations than muscle tissue, even if muscle tests appear low or nondetectable.
These examples provide strong evidence of off‑site exposure pathways (not limited to drinking water), including bioaccumulation in local wildlife and migration through soil and surface water.
Supported Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Exposure
The scientific community has identified numerous health risks associated with PFAS exposure. According to findings from the C8 Science Panel and the CDC, PFAS may cause or increase the risk of:
- Liver damage
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Thyroid disease
View Wurtsmith Groundwater PFAS Maps
The State of Michigan’s PFAS Response team has provided the following linked maps for residents and users to view concentrations of toxic chemicals in drinking water throughout the Air Force Base’s area:
- PFHxS Concentrations in Groundwater
- PFNA Concentrations in Groundwater
- PFOA Concentrations in Groundwater
- PFOS Concentrations in Groundwater
Legal Rights and PFAS Lawsuit Eligibility
Individuals exposed to PFAS near Wurtsmith AFB may qualify for compensation. You may be eligible to file a claim if you:
- Lived, worked, or served at or near the base (including Clarks Marsh and Au Sable River area)
- Have a diagnosis of a PFAS-related illness
- Consumed contaminated water or local wildlife
- If you were exposed as a fetus in utero (your mother was exposed during pregnancy).
The lawsuit targets manufacturers of PFAS chemicals (such as 3M and DuPont) and not the federal government. These claims fall under toxic tort and product liability law.
The Downs Law Group helps victims file individual or mass tort claims based on injury and exposure history at no cost to begin!
The Downs Law Group Leads PFAS Claims in Michigan
The Downs Law Group is currently investigating PFAS exposure cases nationwide, with a focus on highly contaminated sites like Wurtsmith AFB. We represent hundreds of cases involving illness, injury, or financial loss due to chemical exposure, winning over $1 billion for over 35 years.
- FREE case evaluation
- No upfront fees – we only get paid if you win!
- Nationwide representation
- Deep experience in environmental tort litigation
- Personalized legal support with real results
If you or a loved one lived, worked, or served near Wurtsmith AFB and have since been diagnosed with a PFAS-related condition, contact The Downs Law Group for a FREE Military Base PFAS Lawsuit review as soon as possible.
Call (305) 444-8226 or Request a Free Case Review today.
There are time limits to file a claim. Don’t wait. Call today!