The Camp Lejeune water contamination lawsuit is picking up steam, thanks to a major shift from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On December 19, 2024, the Plaintiffs’ Leadership Group (PLG), which represents people suing over the toxic exposure, informed a North Carolina federal court that they plan to use the EPA’s latest findings to support their case.
What’s the EPA Rule All About?
The EPA recently announced a total ban on two harmful chemicals—trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE)—both of which were found in Camp Lejeune’s water supply during the contamination period (1950s to 1987). The rule cites Camp Lejeune as a key example of the damage these chemicals can cause, linking them to serious health risks like cancer and neurological disorders.
The new regulations will end all uses of TCE and PCE, with most bans taking effect within a year. This decision carries more weight because these chemicals are at the heart of these mass tort lawsuits against the federal government.
How Does This Affect the Lawsuits?
The PLG plans to rely heavily on the EPA’s findings to back up their argument that TCE and PCE exposure caused widespread health problems for people who lived and worked at the base. In their court filing, they pointed out that the EPA’s final rules came out the same day they were required to submit expert reports about the chemicals. To avoid any claims of unfair surprise by the government, they’re formally notifying the court that they’ll use this new evidence.
It’s worth noting that the PLG isn’t asking the court for any immediate action based on the EPA rule—at least not yet. For now, it’s about laying the groundwork for their arguments as the cases move forward.
The Big Picture: Camp Lejeune MDL Lawsuit Updates
The legal fights over Camp Lejeune's toxic water stand out as some of the largest of their kind in U.S. history. By the August 2024 deadline, the Navy had received over 500,000 claims from individuals stating the contaminated water harmed them. However, progress has been slow. Out of hundreds of thousands of claims about 58 cases have concluded, and more than 2,000 lawsuits have begun by those whose official claims remain pending.
The initial court trials are set to begin in 2025, marking a crucial step forward in the quest to secure justice for the impacted families.
Legislative and Legal Developments
Meanwhile, politicians have been working to simplify the legal process. Congress introduced the Camp Lejeune Justice Corrections Act earlier this year to speed up claim reviews and reduce system bottlenecks. These delays have added stress to an already difficult fight for accountability for many claimants.
What This Means Going Forward
The EPA's new rules banning TCE and PCE could impact these cases. By acknowledging the dangers of these chemicals and citing Camp Lejeune as an example, the EPA has provided plaintiffs with strong evidence to support their claims.
Even with ongoing trials and unsettled claims, resolving this issue will take a long time. Right now, the main focus is to give affected families a chance to tell their stories and hold responsible parties accountable.