Wurtsmith Air Force Base (former)

Oscoda, Michigan, USA · Michigan

Air Force

One of the earliest and most studied PFAS contamination sites at a U.S. military installation.

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

PFOS and PFOA in groundwater and surface water from AFFF

PFAS / PFOA / PFOS
Documented period
AFFF use beginning in the 1970s; investigation ongoing since 2010
Potential exposure pathways
Firefighting foam, Groundwater, Drinking water

What is documented

Fire training areas and hangar systems released aqueous film-forming foam. State and federal agencies documented PFAS in groundwater, surface water, and nearby drinking water sources.

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.

TCE from aircraft maintenance operations

TCE / PCE and industrial solvents
Documented period
Operational period through 1993 closure
Potential exposure pathways
Groundwater, Fuel or solvent handling

What is documented

Solvent handling and disposal contaminated groundwater beneath portions of the installation; remediation systems have operated for decades.

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 Wurtsmith Air Force Base (former). StratForge compares your dates with the documented activity periods above.

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