Lawsuit Will Be Filed Over Camp Lejeune Water Contamination

The lawsuit will allege that regulations in place as early as 1963 prohibiting the contamination were not followed.

Overview of the Marine Corps base at Camp Lejeune, N.C. Image courtest: ASTDR

(WINSTON/SALEM, N.C.) - The law offices of Anderson Pangia & Associates, PLLC (offices in Washington, D.C. and Winston Salem, North Carolina) and Smorto, Persio, Webb & McGill (of Ebensburg, Pennsylvania), will file on Monday July 6th a lawsuit arising from the toxic drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune.

The lawsuit alleges that the United States Government, through agents within the Department of Defense, knowingly exposed hundreds of thousands of Marines, sailors, their family members, and civilian employees to highly contaminated drinking water on the base at Camp Lejeune, while at the same time actively disseminating disinformation to those exposed in an effort to minimize the significance of the exposure.

The complaint, to be filed in federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, attaches numerous documentary exhibits in support of its allegations that the government knowingly, recklessly and/or negligently violated its own standards, rules and regulations by permitting the exposure to continue after the government was specifically warned the drinking water was "highly contaminated with . . . solvents!" and advised that "these appear[] to be at high levels and hence more important from a health standpoint. . . "

The lawsuit will allege that the Department of the Navy had regulations in place as early as 1963 which prohibited the contamination and which would have averted it had those regulations been obeyed; subsequently in 1974 the Commanding General of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina put in place additional regulations governing the proper disposal of the very same chemicals which were discovered later to be contaminating the drinking water; had these regulations been obeyed, the contamination likewise would have been prevented. This same 1974 base order declared these "organic solvents" to be hazardous, the lawsuit states.

Many scientists have called the drinking water contamination at Camp Lejeune the worst in the nation's history. The contaminated drinking water was consumed by an estimated one million people.

The lawsuit will allege that exposure to the toxins caused numerous health problems including cancers, reproductive disorders and birth defects, among other maladies.

Joseph Anderson, Michael Pangia and Kevin Persio, the lawyers responsible for filing the suit, will answer questions of the media at a press conference to be held in front of the North Carolina State Capitol building, 1 East Edenton St. Raleigh, NC 27601 at 1:30 p.m. on Monday July 6, 2009. Call (336) 414-7958 for more information.

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My family and I lived at Tarawa Terrace I where reports stated that Tarawa Terrace was the worse contaminated area! I'm outraged because to this day I struggle coping with my son's health condition from the posibile affect brought on from the contaminated water at Camp Lejune. I want to be apart. I can be contacted at: treed037@hotmail.com Thank you.

I WAS STATIONED AT CAMP LEJEUNE FROM 1979-1988 AND I KNOW FOR A FACT I WERE EXPOSED TO AND DRANK THAT CONTAMINATED WATER AND CHEMICALS BACK THEN. I FEEL THE ONLY WAY WE marines are going to get any help is if we come together and put pressure on the government, the marine corps, navy and the veteran administration. VYF 39

I was stationed at Le Juene and El Toro and now have lung cancer,probably copd and emphesema. Please contact me on joining lawsuit with contact imformation @ gregoryfrancisje@aol.com

I have numerous health issues, including cancer. I lived at MCAS from 1979-1987. Please contact me @ tweetyluvr1170@yahoo.com.

I was stationed at New River Air station right in back of Lejeune 1981 . I been having health issues ranging from kidney,liver,memory lost,and vision rapidly going bad, should I suspect this could be because of the water I drank and bathed inwhile stationed on the East Coast victordixon7123wabash@yahoo.com.au And there are a lot of Marines and service people not aware of the conditions we were exposed to . can something be posted on Facebook are classmates ,seems like a lot of folks are into those 2 sites thes days

I was there from 88 to 93.  Having numerous health issues now.  please contact me at c4marvinr@comcast.net for more info on this lawsuit.

My father was in the marines for 3 years and recently passed away from various different things and i think it could of been from the water contamination...if there is anyone who can help or talk to someone in charge of the lawsuit please email me at amberrusyn123@yahoo.com

I WAS THERE IN 1984 FOR 8 MONTHS TRAINING AND I HAVE BEEN TREATED FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER, KIDNEY AND LIVER PROBLEMS.. I HAD TO MAJOR SURGERIES WHICH I WAS GIVEN 2 YEARS TO LIVE. BUT THE SURGERIES WAS A SUCCESS BUT STILL HAVE HEALTH ISSUES AND IS ON CONSTANT MEDS.. WHO DO I SPEAK WITH TO GET LEGAL HELP.. RICC_D@YAHOO.COM

my father was stationed there between 1969 - 1984, he has serious helth problems. please contact me at deathsseraphim@gmail.com thank you

I was born at Camp lejeune May 8th 1974 with hole in my heart had to have open heart surgery lost partial moter skills which have never develeped. Contact me at bman29@msn.com or 260 - 310 - 0527 Thank You.

To the Editor. Thank you for all you are doning. But we need a answer soon on this matter. Many Mariners are dieing and this matter is still there. This Law frim needs to get more lawyers on board to help before time runs out.

My husband was stationed there from 1965 until 1969. He has numerous health conditions and our oldest daughter was born there in 1966 and she has a lot of health issues. What do I need to do to find out on all of this. We lived in Knox Trailer Park next door to Tarawa Terrace

I have tryed time and time again to talk to the law firm about this. Have not been able to make any contact. Is there another way to make contact with anyone on this matter. for some time is running out fast.

Editor: Jodie, I only spoke to the attorney once, and I knew he was overloaded, but agreed to talk to new clients.  Things certainly could have changed.  I will try to get organized and write a story asking for attorneys to raise their hands and become involved.  Thanks.

Hello, I'm 21 years old and have had leukemia since I was born here in Jacksonville, NC which is the town most people live in if they work on Camp Lejeune, such as my parents. If possible could someone contact me with a little more information on this class action law suite? my3_and_7@yahoo.com

im 35 my father was stationed there in the early 70s my mother was there during her prenancy and i lived there from infancy till around 2 or 3 i had a hyterectomy at 27 renal cancer at 32 lung nodles and a pacreatic tumor what are my rights contact me waidechristina@yahoo.com

i am 35 my father was stationed there in the early 70s my mother was pregnant with me at the time i lived there till i was about 2 mabe 3 i had a hysterectomy at 27 stage 2 renal cancer at 32 lung nudles and a pancratic mass what are my rights

Is this a class action law suite and how do I include my family members? We lived in Tarawa Terrace in 70-72. Dad was a very healthy man up until the last 10 years of his life he suffered from a terminal lung disease, had a pace maker and heart disease, many cancers of the skin resulting in removal of large portions of his ear, forhead, arms, nose. He suffered from the lung disease until a sudden rupture of his bowel which he died from. My mom has had a large portion of her bowel removed and skin cancer. I have had severe depression for many years, bowel problems, precancer skin removed. Thank you for anwers you may have on how to proceed.

I was Station at camp Lrjeune From 1974 to 1976 Have some health problems, need to know who i need to talk to. I can be reach at 251-635-6485 I was in 2nd Eng. Baltalion, 2nd marine Div.2nd Dsg, FmF. Main Side

Please contact me concerning the lawsuit. My family and I lived in Tarawa Terrace II in the 60's and 70's. I have questions and concerns about health issues. Thanks. cook.t@verizon.net

My father was stationed at camp lejune and I have been having medical problems since I was nine years old. can you please contact me at ...

Editor: LaShunda, I have emailed you and I suspect you did not want your email published, so I have removed that part, thanks.

I was there 84 to 88,india co.My son two kids were born with defects,and I asked the V.A. about my family and a connection to the water at Camp Lejuene, nothing. Can a lawyer please contact me, tigger.cottingham@gmail.com

Lives in midway park in 86' it was off base housing across the street from base. I have a lot of stomach medical issues could this be related to the water? Christina_brown2008@live.com please any help would be great

yup another Marine - served 1980 -1984 lived at Tarawa Terrace 2885 Hagaru Drive from 3-1983 till 8-1984 with wife and son born 4-1984 unreal - I have read most of the information on this water issue - The Marines - under the direct supervission of the Navy were neglegent in the entire issue - they need to be held responsible - as we were as enlisted Marines I would like to be involved in a class action suit my son and I have severe medical issues I beleive could be related to the toxins that were fed to us in the drinking water. Peterlavis@aol.com Peter L Davis 152 terrane ridge Peachtree City, Ga 30269

I WAS STATIONED AT CAMP IN 1969 AND I HAVE LOTS OF MEDICAL PROBLEMS.PLEASE HELP

I was there from 1967 to 1968 for trainning. I have lung cancer. . Could that be a reason. How do I sign up for this lawsuit contactme at jimwillis50@aol.com

My brother-in-law, Fred Messer was stationed at Camp Lejeune in 76-78. Unfortunately, Fred passed away at Christmas time in 2008, leaving a young wife and a 5 year old daughter. Fred had cancer of the kidney. What a shame!

i was stationed there in 72-74 at the camp lejeaune base,and like many others who became ill,i was in good shape and very active til a year ago i dont smoke or drink i came down with a very serious acute respiratory problems i have had the problems shortly after i was discharged from the marine corps but jusr recently it has sky rocketed,i see doctors after doctor and jumpin from va medical center to another JUST TO HAVE THEM SAY THEY CANT FIND NOTHIN WRONG,AND WHEN MENTIONED ABOUT THIS WATER CONTAMINATION THING THEY TOLD ME IT DONT EXCIST MMM FUNNY ISNT IT!!!!!

I was stationed there on & of form 1986 - 1991 and have gone through stomach problems for the last 10 years or so.  After reading some of these stories - you wonder how many other things have been "covered" up.  Is a dollar really more important than a human life ?  Minnie2024@hotmail.com

Editor: Thanks for your comment, Salem-News.com is always here to help Marines as we have been doing for years, all Marines from Lejeune and El Toro should email our newsroom and reach out.  Some day there could be very positive developments and we will never let our guard down on this.  newsroom@salem-news.com 

I waS born at camp lejeune on April 12, 1974. I have lived a normal life until a few years ago and have realized some abnormal renal issues that my doctors say will limit my lifespan...unfortunately. Iron in my blood, damage to my kidneys and liver among other issues will be my demise. Being a man of above average health I found this troubling and my father sent me some information that was more than troubling. My legs bleed my hands have blisters and bleed, my Docs tell me that my expectancy is short.....I am disapointed but happy to find the cause of my issues...Originally the docs said it was hereditary, but no one in my family has ever had such a situation...I give blood because these hereditery situations are usually handled by giving blood (high Iron). my iron is out of control, blood pressure out of control, legs and hands bleeding out of control, I'm 36 and dying form this situation. I hope you all hold the responsible parties accountable....

ME AND MY FAMILY WERE STATIONED THERE OFF BASE IN ONE OF THOSE HOUSING PROJECTS. FROM 1969 TO 1971. MY GIRL CAME UP POSTIVE OWN SOME TEST FOR THAT,BECAUSE OF THAT WATER. WHO DO I CONTACT TO GET HELP ? E-MAIL ME , churchrubyblue@yahoo.com

My mother was pregnant with me in 1966-1967 and was stationed at Lejune. I was born with major medical problems (2 months premie, severe asthma, bronchitis, allergies, calcified tumors in my lymphatic system (all over)and seizures that they could never find the reason behind them. Please email me info: sexyctsgirl1@yahoo.com

There were several member of my family stationed at Camp lejeune from 1970 through 1989. We lived at the Tarawa Terrace base housing. Contact me at signsgraphics55@yahoo.com

Stationed on Lejeune from 07 to present. Our daughter was premature and only weighed 1lb 10oz. She has several medical complications due to this. Is the water still contaminated? dylan_dail@yahoo.com

My parents were stationed there, my sister and I have many serious medical conditions please contact me asap christine.beckman@live.com

Stationed there 74-75 Contact me at wgonzalez@centurylink.net for further info

Was stationed @ Lejuene from 72 - 75. Contact me for any personal info.

I received a letter from the Marine Corps about me living there. I lived in base housing, Midway Park with my wife and son from 1978 - 1982. drader@bop.gov or draderbulldog@yahoo.com

My husband was born in 1972 in Camp Lejeune and was born with a heart defect he's had several heart attacks starting at the age 14. He needs to know how to sign a patition to this law suit you can email me at userlo5243@yahoo.com

Was stationed at Lejeune from 1972-73 just self,With Family wife two children 1976-1977 TT1, with Family wife two children 1981-1983 TT1. In 1982 I sarted to have Nero problems and my career was cut shot because of this, I was seen by a Navy Doctor and told that I was having anziety attack. I went to a Civilian Doctor in Philadelphia Pa.and was diagnosed with a Nero.problem which started at Camp Lejeune and I have been told by my Nero Doctor that these Chemicals can cause my problem.

willie copeland,i was there from 83-85,i suffer from severe gout.please contact me at ...wgcope41@yahoo.com....706-465-2010

My family and I was stationed at Camp Lejune from 1988 until 1999. We lived in Tarawa Terrace I housing where the water was stated to be the worst contaminated area. My wife suffered from a reproductive disorder causing her to have a hysterectomy, meaning that we can no longer have anymore childeren. We did have two children. They both were born with heart murmors. I will like to have my situation looked into for a possible case regarding this matter. Please e-mail me at: creed@barclaycardus.com Thank you for your time.

I was stationed at Camp Lejeune from 1957 to 1959 and had severe stomach problems during most of that time. I habe tried contacting (what I thought were the appropriate people). I guess not. What can I do to get someone to pay attention to me. I want to sue these idiots too. Two of my sons were also at Camp lejeune (Camp Geiger) during this time). You can contact me at: fbandito@hotmail.com or 1-919-580-4045. Thank you.

My husband was stationed there from 1984 to 1988 and having some pretty serious health problems. I also had a miscarriage due to the fetus not growing back in 1999. He has registered with the ASTDR. Is there a class action lawsuit being filed at this time? Thank you for your reply.

reading this storie makes me feel for my brother love David

I was there from 1974 to 1978 and for the past ten years I have developed numerous health problems. Please E-Mail at desmondosmith@yahoo.com

Are former members of the Military allowed to be part of this class Action? I was the (almost continously) between 1974 and November of 1981 I lost a kidney due to cancer my email is jgoo770956@netzero.net

Tim King: William, as former military we are blocked from taking action against the government by the Ferris Doctrine.  Don't ever give up hope over it, there are VA decisions being made in the favor of Marines.   

I was stationed there from 1982-1984. But the question is does this include all of the water at the Base or just parts of it???

My father was there from 82-85, i was born without any bone structure in my left ear. Spent over $500,000 on 5 surgeries to have ribs removed so the problem would be fixed which to this day i still can not hear out of it. So, if anyone knows who to contact about the lawsuit please contact me. JDorley1389@yahoo.com

My complaint is base on my son Rontonio M.James who is permantly disabled which may be the cause of the contaminated water at camp lejeune.

i was there in 69,71,72 and suffer from several of the condictions published!

I am the son of a deceased veteran. I must have been between 8-10 when I lived there. I was wondering if it could have caused my mother at 44 and my father at 51 the diseases that killed them. I there is anyone who I could talk to please contact me via e-mail shane.glaze@millercoors.com Thank You Shane Glaze

I was station there in 1973. I now have CML - CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA in the Accelerated Phase, I was just diagnosed in Oct.2009

Tim King: Doug, please feel free to send me an email at <a href="mailto:tim@salem-news.com">tim@salem-news.com</a> I can hook you up with some people who are great resources regarding Lejeune. 

I was station there in 1973. I now have CML - CHRONIC MYELOGENOUS LEUKEMIA in the Accelerated Phase, I was just diagnosed in Oct.2009

was there 69-70-71-72 plenty of health problems brain tumors mass in chest many tumors removed ant to join lawsuit

I was there from 1982-1985. Who is handling the official class action lawsuit? please contact me at vanking@sbcglobal.net

I was there 1970-1972; 1976-1978; and 1981 through 1983; I was ill often while living there, etiology unknown until recently I was diagnosed with RCC. Thanks for bringing this to our attention

I was there in 85 and 86 and being in the infantry I drank lot's of water.

Anyone interested in signing a petition to get Congressman Hinchey of NY to presnt to the floor the TCe/PCE Reduction Act of 2009, please E-Mail me at JDAVIS92840@SBCGLOBAL.NET

was there in '66, after reading these articles I feel luckey to be alive today. Please continue airing this development. Any chance of declaring Rush Limbaugh a "toxic waste site" as well? The clean up would be massive.I couldn't help myself as the emperor wears no clothes.

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