Fort Detrick (Area B)

Frederick, Maryland, USA · Maryland

Army

EPA Superfund site: former disposal areas contaminated groundwater with industrial solvents; historic biological research mission.

StratForge Group is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or Department of Defense. Information in the Military Toxic Exposure Map is provided for research and educational purposes. The presence of a contaminant or environmental hazard at a military installation does not establish that an individual veteran was exposed or that a medical condition is service connected. Veterans should review the cited government sources and their individual service and medical records.

Documented hazards

TCE and PCE in groundwater at the Area B disposal site

TCE / PCE and industrial solvents
Documented period
Primary disposal era approximately 1955–1970; cleanup ongoing
Potential exposure pathways
Groundwater, Soil, Chemical storage

What is documented

Laboratory chemicals and solvents were buried in Area B pits, and EPA documented solvent contamination of groundwater. The area was added to the Superfund National Priorities List and remains under cleanup.

Documented hazard — not a VA presumptive exposure location

VA has not established a location-based presumption of exposure for this installation and period. Service here does not by itself establish exposure or service connection.

Historic biological research and disposal materials

Biological agents
Documented period
U.S. biological warfare program era, 1943–1969
Potential exposure pathways
Occupational handling, Soil

What is documented

Fort Detrick housed the former U.S. biological warfare research program until 1969, after which the mission converted to biological defense. Materials from that era were disposed on the installation.

Documented hazard — not a VA presumptive exposure location

VA has not established a location-based presumption of exposure for this installation and period. Service here does not by itself establish exposure or service connection.

Compare my service dates

Enter the years you were stationed at Fort Detrick (Area B). StratForge compares your dates with the documented activity periods above.

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