Federal government hides the truth about Agent Orange contamination at dozens of bases in the US
VA and DOD refuse to admit the use of massive amounts of the carcinogen at Fort Ord and locations across the country.
Veterans are denied care.
By Pat Elder
April 23, 2024
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Findings of Fact:
1. The veteran did not serve in the Republic of Vietnam and was not exposed to Agent Orange during his periods of service.
2. Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia were not incurred or aggravated during the veteran’s active military service, nor may they be presumed to have been so incurred.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia are considered by the VA to be “presumptive diseases” associated with Agent Orange. Veterans and their survivors ought to be eligible for benefits for these diseases but many thousands are being denied.
The Veterans Administration (VA) announced on February 12, 2024, that 17 locations in 12 states are presumed to be areas of exposure to Agent Orange and other herbicides. It is wonderful to witness this development because this is the first time the VA has moved to take care of many thousands of veterans exposed to Agent Orange within the U.S.
Regrettably, the VA and the Department of Defense (DOD) refuse to bestow presumptive benefits status to veterans and their dependents and children who served at Fort Ord, California where substantial Agent Orange contamination has been clearly documented. Meanwhile, the VA and the DOD continue to exclude almost 4 dozen bases/locations (44 and counting) from the list of presumptive installations where the carcinogens were used.
Although the VA waited until hundreds of thousands of the Vietnam-era soldiers suffered and died, there are still multitudes who came after them. They lived on military installations and were sickened. This includes veterans, their dependents, and children born years later who were also affected and continue to suffer from the consequences of the contamination today.
They suffer and die without the help they deserve. This is one of the great injustices in all of American history.
The Department of Defense (DoD) and the Veterans Administration (VA) announced in February that they have developed criteria for what constitutes a location where tactical herbicides were tested, used, and stored in the U.S. “Tactical herbicides” include Agent Orange.
About Agent Orange and the “Rainbow Herbicides”
Agent Orange is a 50:50 mix of the herbicides 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). 2,4,5-T was banned in 1979. 2,4-D is still widely used throughout the U.S.
2,4-D is currently used in commercial sprays available in hardware stores. Over 1,500 herbicide products contain the toxin. The EPA has resisted attempts to ban the chemical. It is apparent that the EPA champions its industrial and military clients over human health.
It’s been 12 years since the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) sued the EPA over 2,4-D. NRDC senior scientist Dr. Gina Solomon explained in 2012, “This dangerous pesticide is lurking all over the place – from ball fields and golf courses to front lawns and farms – exposing an enormous amount of the American public to cancer and other serious health risks.”
Apparently, the human body is captive to the chemical industry. Our blood and bones are mere commodities in a giant chemical market. They poison us and they pump us with more of their chemicals to keep us alive. The American chemical industry is poisoning us and fleecing us and they’re becoming enormously wealthy.
2,4-D is associated with dozens of diseases: (NIH / PubChem)
Anxiety Disorders, Asthma, Brain Injuries, Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Colorectal Neoplasms, Demyelinating Diseases, Depressive Disorder, Edema, Cardiac, Embryo Loss, Fetal Growth Retardation, Heart Defects, Congenital, Heart Injuries, Hypothyroidism, Infertility, Male, Kidney Diseases, Lung Injury, Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin, Myotonia, Orthomyxoviridae Infections, Pneumonia, Pregnancy Complications, Rhinitis, Allergic, Testicular Diseases, Abnormalities, Drug-Induced, Anxiety Disorders, Arthritis, Rheumatoid, Bone Diseases, Bone Resorption, Cartilage Diseases, Cerebrovascular Disorders, Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic Pain, Cleft Palate, Depressive Disorder, Dermatitis, Edema, Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental, Erythema, Granuloma, Hashimoto Disease, Hemorrhage, Hepatic Insufficiency, Hyperalgesia, Hyperemia, Hyperplasia, Hypersensitivity, Delayed, Inflammation, Movement Disorders, Myositis, Necrosis, Neural Tube Defects, Nociceptive Pain, Osteoporosis, Splenic Diseases, Synovitis, Weight Loss.
The 2,4,5-T part of the Agent Orange equation is much worse. It is in a league of its own.
The research facility of Tu Du Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, keeps many bodies of the babies who died from Agent Orange. The dioxin in 2,4,5-T causes gruesome birth defects. It is a testament to its power.
The 2,4,5-T in Agent Orange contains 2,3,7,8-Tetra-chloro-dibenzo-dioxin or 2,3,7,8-TCDD, often known as dioxin, one of the deadliest substances known.
Agent Pink and Agent Green were also extensively used in the U.S. Their only active ingredient was 2,4,5-T so they were deadlier than Agent Orange.
Like Agent Orange, Agent Purple was also a 50:50 mixture of the 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Agent Blue contained a mixture of cacodylic acid, sodium cacodylate, and water. Agent White was a 4:1 mixture of 2,4-D and picloram.
Exposure to dioxin can include simple inhalation. Exposure can occur from fires, trash, and fuel burning. The half-life of dioxin in the soil is from 60 to 80 years with decades-long persistence as it seeps into the soil and sediments, and migrates into the vegetation and aquatic life, poisoning the food chain.
It’s worse than PFAS in many ways.
Consider these conditions associated with the dioxin in the 2,4,5-T found in Agent Orange. These have been identified by the National Institutes of Health. They are not to be confused with the VA’s list of presumptive diseases.
AL Amyloidosis, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Atrophy, Brain Diseases, Chloracne (or similar acneform disease), Chronic B-cell Leukemias. Diabetes Mellitus, Diabetes Mellitus Type 2, Eczema, Heart Valve Diseases, Hodgkin's Disease, Hypertension, Hypothyroidism, Ischemic Heart Disease, Liver Diseases, Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance - MGUS, Multiple Myeloma, Myocardial Ischemia, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Parkinsonism Parkinson's Disease, Peripheral Nervous, Peripheral Neuropathy, Early-Onset Porphyria Cutanea Tarda, Prostate Cancer, Prostatic Neoplasms, Radiculopathy, Respiratory Cancers (includes lung cancer), Retinal Diseases, Soft Tissue Sarcomas.
You’d think that sick and dying people who were exposed to these deadly toxins while they lived on DOD installations would be compensated for their misery, but that’s not the case. The DOD and the VA have designed and implemented a criminal system of callous disregard.
Let’s look at the 17 sites known to have Agent Orange that fit the criteria laid out by the VA and discussed below. Here, people who are sick with a presumptive disease may finally be entitled to compensation!
Herbicide Tests and Storage inside the U.S.
Alabama US Army Gulf Outport, Port of Mobile, Alabama
Arkansas Fort Chaffee
Florida Avon Park Air Force Range, Eglin AFB, Apalachicola National Forest, near Sopchoppy
Georgia Fort Gordon Georgia Power Company: Valdosta-Thomasville line and Bonaire line near Macon
Indiana Vigo Plant CWS, Terra Haute
Maryland Aberdeen Proving Ground, Fort Detrick, Fort Ritchie
Mississippi Naval Construction and Battalion Center, Gulfport
Montana Bozeman
New York Fort Drum
Tennessee Power line from Hiwassee Dam, NC to Coker Creek
Texas Kelly AFB
Utah Dugway Proving Ground
The Pentagon has developed a criteria for what constitutes a location where tactical herbicides were tested, used, and stored in the U.S.
The criteria decided by the VA and the DOD includes official documents, such as scientific reports documenting contamination, congressionally required reports, etc. The relevant locations include military installations and lands under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the DoD. Relevant chemicals include the “rainbow” herbicides: Orange, Pink, Blue, White, Green, and Purple. The relevant types of testing, application, or storage include laboratories and individual plants. It includes greenhouses, garden plots, filed trials, aerial spraying, and storage locations.
People who are sick with a presumptive disease and are denied care may point to these activities on a base where they lived and claim the right to compensation. This cannot happen on a new base unless the VA/DOD adds a location to the current list of 17.
The VA refuses to address potential Agent Orange and other herbicidal contamination at several dozen bases and locations where use of these agents has been documented.
In compiling the list of 17, the DoD says it reviewed thousands of government documents from a variety of sources to include the National Archives and Records Administration, Air Force Historical Research Agency, United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Library and Defense Technical Information Center to identify bases where the herbicides were used.
Either they need help with their research methods, or they need help telling the truth.
The Pentagon has directed the Armed Forces Pest Management Board (AFPMB) to maintain and update the infamous list “to ensure that it is current and accurate.” The DOD now decides whether to add additional bases. Civilian control of the military in this important realm has collapsed. The lack of transparency in this agency suggests the only “pests” they are controlling are sick veterans and their advocates.
U.S. Bases/locations that are not on the new list
2,4,5-T is the ingredient in Agent Orange that contains 2,3,7,8-TCDD, the killer dioxin.
Alabama
Fort McClellan Veterans exposed to toxic chemicals at Alabama base. Agent Orange is involved. Effort to get Congress to act gaining support ABC 10 News, 2015 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYaKdbZQhtA (Read the comments)
Fort McClellan VA Citation Nr: 1108696 Decision Date: 03/04/11 DOCKET NO. 09-16 193 On appeal from the Department of Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Nashville, Tennessee
Veteran states that while photographing a training exercise during Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at a "Tiger Village" mock-up of a village in Vietnam, he repeatedly walked through an area that had been cleared using Agent Orange. He additionally alleges that Agent Orange was in widespread use around the base for weed control and landscaping, such as at the golf course. Finally, he states that Agent Orange (as well as Agents Blue and White) were present and being tested in the same building where he worked.
In a May 2010 response to VA inquiries, the Department of Defense (DoD) has certified that a "review of the DoD documentation does not show any use, testing or storage of tactical herbicides, such as Agent Orange, at any location in Alabama, to include Fort McClellan." The DoD also stated, however, that records would not reflect "small scale non-tactical herbicide applications" such as routine base maintenance activities like range management, brush clearing, or weed killing.
Alaska
Bear Creek Alaska February 22, 2002 - “However, other sites possibly exist that have not been identified or recollected by community members. Contaminants at these sites range from diesel range organics, gasoline range organics, agent orange, dry cleaning fluids, solvents, asbestos, PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyl, insecticides, pesticides, and DDT.” https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search* (See the research note below regarding to difficulty in accessing Air Force records.)
Elmendorf AFB AK June, 2003 “Silvex - 2,4,5-T was detected at a maximum concentration of 520 mg/kg at 8 to 10 feet below ground surface in boring SB-01.” Silvex is commercial name for 2,4-D. “Silvex – 2,4,5-T” is AO. https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
California
Beale, CA 10/25/95 Community Relations Plan Digging through potential disposal areas to lay structure foundations may expose medical wastes, chemical agents e.g., M-5 ointment, Agent Orange, armament, or other less "exotic" materials. https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Beale - DTSC Letter to Base Concerning Review of Use, Handling, Testing, and Storage of Agent Orange 6/12/2000 “DTSC had also previously receìved a report from Mr. Richard Hendrickson, a former Beale employee, that the United States (U.S.) Army was using the huts at Environmental Restoration Program Site 7, the former U.S. Army Biological Production Area to transfer Agent Orange from railroad tank cars into trucks to be transported for disposal (Hendrickson, 1999). In addition, Mr. Hendrickson stated that a news article ran in the Marysvìile Appeal Democrat newspaper in the éarly1970's which included a photo of a railroad tank car on Beale AFB which contained Agent Orange.”
https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Camp Pendleton “Available data indicate that groundwater and surface water may be contaminated in the Santa Margarita River Basin (SCS Engineers 1984).
The herbicide Silvex was measured in surface water at concentrations of 13 µg/l and in groundwater at concentrations of 73 µg/l near the pest control facility drainage ditch leading to the Santa Margarita River. Other pesticides have been detected in surface water from this river, including 2,4-D (98 µg/l), 2,4,5-TP (51µg/l), and methoxychlor (6 µg/l). Methoxychlor, the only one of these pesticides with an ambient water quality criteria value, exceeds its freshwater chronic AWQC of 0.03 µg/l. Mercury has also been measured at 2.6 µg/l in surface water and 49 µg/l in groundwater, exceeding its freshwater chronic AWQC of 0.012 µg/l (EPA 1986).” P. 94 2,4,5-TP is 2-(2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy) propionic acid. It contains 2,3,7,8 TCDD
“Low levels of ethylbenzene, xylene, methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), five different chlorinated herbicides (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid [2,4,5-T]; 2,4-dichlorophenoxybutyric acid [2,4-DB]; were detected. https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Fort Ord Agent Orange and pure 2,4,5-T were sprayed on thousands of acres here for 20-30 years. It is likely to be worse here than anywhere, with the possible exceptions of the Panama Canal Zone and Okinawa where the Pentagon and the DOD are also in denial about the thousands who were poisoned and still suffer. https://www.militarypoisons.org/latest-news/evidence-of-toxic-herbicide-use-including-agent-orange-at-fort-ord-ca-3
Hamilton Air Force Base- CA p. 11 “Discussed a possible site visit with Larry Gallagher, former facility manager, and Ron Frazier. public citizen to inspect Agent Orange disposal area.” - State Water Resources Control Board Division of Clean Water Programs, Sacramento, CA https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Salton Sea Test Range Groundwater 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol 3,000.0 ppb https://projects.propublica.org/bombs/installation/
San Diego Naval Station Groundwater Landfill 2,4,5-T Groundwater 30 ppb Contaminants: 2,4,5-T 30.0 ppb 2-(2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxy) 50.0 ppb
All data comes through FOIA request received by ProPublica from the Defense Environmental Restoration Program. Updated, December 5, 2017
https://projects.propublica.org/bombs/installation San Diego NS
Tracy Defense Depot Contaminant Name - Contaminated Media - Area of Site Found 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid OVERALL SITE (01) 93-76-5
https://projects.propublica.org/bombs/installation Tracy
Travis Air Force Base Memorandum for Distribution 7/21/16 In November 2014, subsequent to reviewing the historical reports/records associated with Site SD031, Mr. Lonnie Duke of the AFCEC Environmental Installation Support Team (IST) interviewed several long-time personnel of the Civil Engineer Maintenance Inspection and Repair Team (CEMIRT), which is stationed in Building 1205 at Site SD031.
The results of the interviews indicated that the area with the soil staining is in the vicinity of where interceptor planes were parked and washed from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Additionally, transport planes returning from southeast Asia during the Vietnam Conflict were parked in the area of the stained soil to be washed to remove chemicals that the planes were exposed to, which may have included Agent Orange.”
https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Florida
Bushnell Army Airfield, FL The Army tested 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. As a result, the U.S. began a full-scale production of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and would have used it against Japan in 1946 during Operation Downfall if the war had continued.
Young AL (2009). The History, Use, Disposition and Environmental Fate of Agent Orange. Springer. https://books.google.com/books?id=1iCHpk2fZksC&q=bushnell#v=snippet&q=bushnell&f=false
Homestead ARB, Florida “The data suggests that ammonia, uranium, and Agent Orange are elevated in some Military Canal sediments “ https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Jacksonville, NAS Florida Department of Environmental Protection - Hazardous Waste Facility Electronic Documents Listing1990.02.26 OUTGOING CORRESPONDENCE STORAGE OF 2,4,5-T AT BUILDING 144
https://fldeploc.dep.state.fl.us/www_rcra/reports/handler_results_docs.asp?epaid=FL6170024412 Jacksonville NAS July 18-21, 1962 Agent Purple, and Fuel Oil Mix. The HIDAL was used successfully on an H-34 helicopter to spray herbicidal materials. Therefore, it had not been calibrated previously. Spray tests were performed to do so. This was done under order by OSD/ARPA. (Note: Agent Purple is made up of 20% 2,4,5-T, whereas Agent Orange is made up of 50% 2,4,5-T.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Jacksonville, Florida Dates: 7/18/1962 - 7/21/1962 Project Description: The HIDAL was used successfully on an H-34 helicopter to spray herbicidal materials. Therefore, it had not been calibrated previously. Spray tests were performed to do so. This was done under order by OSD/ARPA. Agents: Purple, Fuel Oil, Mix.
Tyndall Air Force base “Hazardous waste generated from undefined base-wide sources (i.e. lithium batteries from calculators, cameras, etc.; Agent Orange) may be collected in a centralized satellite accumulation area. This satellite area must be under the control of a person(s) who makes the determination that the waste is a hazardous waste. The area must be secured and under the control of that same person(s). One 55-gallon drum is allowable per wastestream. Drums will not need to be dated until the drum is full or moved to the hazardous waste storage area. Documentation of the source and rate of the accumulation of the wastes is recommended.”
Florida Department of Environmental Protection Pensacola, Florida HAZABDOUS WASTE INSPECTION REPORT 6/30/93
https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Georgia
Moody AFB Georgia A storage yard containing 55-gallon barrels was located in the wooded area near Mission Lake. According to the interview, everyone at the time said the barrels contained Agent Orange. Although he did not know the actual contents of the barrels, he said it was highly toxic. He knew the substance was not DDT. He said 100 to 400 barrels of this substance was put in long term storage in this yard. Due to the leaking and rusty condition of the barrels, the barrels and surrounding dirt were loaded up and taken to the north side of the Base and buried in approximately 1975 or 1976.
The burial site was not in a landfill, and was located in an area near where the road curves around the runway on the east side. He recalled that the substance in the barrels was not used at the Base with the following two exceptions. He said the Water Treatment and Sewage Treatment Plants infrequently sprayed this substance around the digester and trickling filter to kill weeds.
He also said that the Roads and Grounds used this substance at various places around the Base on an infrequent basis. He indicated that many people at the Base knew about the barrels, it’s supposed identity, and the burial of the barrels at the Base. https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Robins AFB, GA “In describing the history of the landfill, it should be noted that various portions of the landfill surface were utilized for activities which could have resulted in the release of hazardous constituents. Specific activities documented in EPD files include storage and dismantling of aerial herbicide spray apparatus containing Agent Orange residue and the storage of deteriorating drums of “defective paint-stripping compound”. References have also been made to a drum crushing operation on the landfill. It would therefore be appropriate to recognize that sources of contamination possibly existed other than the solid waste actually incorporated into the landfill.” Letter - Georgia Department of Natural Resources 2/15/90 https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Hawaii
Kauai, Hawaii Dates: 1967 Project Description: Field tests of defoliants were designed to evaluate such variables as rates, volume of application, season, and vegetation. Data from aerial application tests at several CONUS and OCONUS locations are provided in tables. Agents: Orange
Kauai Branch Station near Kapaa, Kawai, Hawaii Dates: 6/1967, 10/1967, 12/1967, 2/1968 Project Description: During the period of 12/1966 - 10/1967, a comprehensive short-term evaluation was conducted by personnel from Fort Detrick's Plant Science Lab in coordination with contract research on formulations by chemical industry and field tests by USDA and U of HI. Agents: Blue, diquat, paraquat, Orange, PCP, Picloram, White, HCA, 2,4,5T, Endothall
Hickam Hawaii KNMD-EA07: PESTICIDEHERBICIDE VEHICLE WASH RACK (BLDG. 1208) (found under Bellows)
“In the 1950s, the herbicides "2,4,5-T and 2,4-D were used (2,4,5-T and 2,4-D have been described as being similar to Agent Orange). 2,4,5-T and 2,4D were banned from use in the 1970s. Currently, the herbicides Round-up, Rodeo (aquatic), and Oust are used at the base. The potential concerns at the site are pesticides, herbicides, and rodenticides in the subsurface soils at the wash rack area. It is also possible that any chemical residues washed off the entomology vehicles were flushed through the storm drain and into the Kumuman'u Canal.” https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Fort Shafter Table 1 – Well #1 Analyzed 5/14/95 2,4,5-TP - .002 mg/L
Wheeler Army Airfield Waiawa Drinking Water well Analyzed 5/14/95
2,4,5-TP (Silvex) 3.6 ug/l
Shafter & Wheeler - Groundwater Use Permits - State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources COMMISSION ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Honolulu, Hawaii GROUNDWATER USE PERMIT May, 1995 https://www.higp.hawaii.edu/csav/WaterWells/Oahu/3-2053-013/3-2053-013.pdf
Honolulu Oahu Ocean 20000808-0905 Improper storage of 2,4,5-T (Silvex) and Mirex. 8/7/2000 Received report of drums Notified Grace Simmons of Unknown containing cancelled the Hazardous Waste 2,4,5-T (Silvex) Section of the DOH's and Mirex SHWB who knows about the incident. 8/8/2000 Allegations of 7 x 55-gallon drums containing 2,4, 5-T (Silvex) and Mirex on Gay and Robinson's property. Use of pesticides are cancelled; disposal will be classified as a hazardous waste. Spoke with Grace Simmons who indicated that the pesticides have been disposed of appropriately as hazardous wastes. Grace Simmons will contact Ann Kam of Dept. of Agriculture, Pesticides Branch, to provide her with the information. 10/30/00: SOSC received a call from Howard Greene, Gay & Robinson, Inc., to clarify the allegations. He stated that the drums were not dumped; there were storage and mismanagement issues with regards to discontinued pesticides. However, the drums have been disposed of appropriately. No further action at this time.
REPORT TO THE TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE STATE OF HAWAII 2002 IN COMPLIANCE WITH HAWAII REVISED STATUTES CHAPTERS 128D AND 128E ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF HAZARD EVALUATION AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND USE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSE REVOLVING FUND PREPARED BY: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH STATE OF HAWAII
https://health.hawaii.gov/heer/files/2019/10/rpt2002.pdf
Investigation Preliminary Hickam Petroleum, Preliminary FINAL Derived Waste Management Assessment/Site Oil, Lubricants and Assessment/Site Inspection 15 Air Base Wing Installations
2,4,5-T 400 mg/l concentration in leachate
TABLE 3-I - MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION OF CONTAMINANTS FOR THE TOXICITY CHARACTARISTIC LEACHING PROCEDURE
Illinois
Chanute On August 22, 2013, a member of the RAB once again raised the issue of the alleged use and disposal of Agent Orange at Chanute AFB. The RAB member cited Florida resident Mr. Michael Glasser as the source of his information. Mr. Glasser served at Chanute AFB as an entomology specialist in 1963 and 1964. Illinois EPA interviewed Mr. Glasser on August 28, 2013.
Mr. Glasser reported using the herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and asserted they were the same as Agent Orange. 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T were commercially available herbicides widely used in the 1960s, and 2,4-D is still in use today. Use of 2,4,5-T has since been banned.
Agent Orange was a 50-50 mixture of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T manufactured by Dow Chemical, Monsanto and Diamond Shamrock during the Vietnam War. The 2,4,5-T used to produce Agent Orange was contaminated with 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) , which was formed as a byproduct of the high temperature chemical reaction process that was used to synthesize 2,4,5-T.
On October 16, 2013, Linda K. May, who introduced herself as an international toxics expert, reported that private wells located south of Chanute AFB had been sealed due to contamination by dioxins. Ms. May requested that someone resample these wells for dioxins.
The Air Force sampled residential wells south of the former base from 1998 to 2004. The Air Force detected trace levels of dioxins and furans, but determined this to be instrument noise rather than an accurate representation of water quality.
https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/community-relations/sites/chanute-afb.html
International Waters
At Sea, Summer 1977 The U.S. Air Force incinerated 2.22 million gallons of Agent Orange at sea in an operation entitled PACER HO. Extensive industrial hygiene sampling efforts supporting the transfer operations at Gulfport, Miss., and the Johnston Island atoll in the South Pacific indicated all exposures were inconsequential (2-3 orders of magnitude below the TLVs for 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T).
https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Kentucky
Fort Knox
“In support of his claim, Mr. Poplewski submitted Board decisions in the cases of two other veterans, who claimed exposure to herbicides while serving at Fort Knox. In the first (2002) decision, the veteran asserted exposure at Fort Knox between October 1965 and March 1966.
The Board cited a letter from the Chief of the Environmental Management Division, Directorate of Base Operations Support at Fort Knox, indicating that pesticides (both herbicides and insecticides) were used “throughout the installation” between October and December 1965—that is, in dining facilities, living quarters, barracks, administration buildings, ranges, golf courses, and greenery adjacent to buildings. R. at 1004. The pesticides used included “DDT; chlordane; 2,4,5-T; diazinon; and malathion.” Id. The Board, noting that the chemical 2,4,5-T is a component found in Agent Orange, see 38 C.F.R. § 3.307 (a)(6) (2019); concluded that the veteran was at least as likely as not exposed to an herbicide agent “for which presumptive service connection attaches” and awarded service connection for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on a presumptive basis.”
Mississippi
Stennis Space Center Bay St. Louis, MS Site Inspection Work Plan November, 1990. According to C. B. Poolson, the Global Associates contractor who was in charge of the disposal crew for the Agent Orange-contaminated wastes, there were also drums in Conex boxes, as well as loose drums disposed in the trench. At least one drum was reportedly punctured by a drag line operator in order to make it sink in the standing water in the trenches since it was only partially full. The drum contained a reddish-brown liquid that had a chemical odor which forced the operator to leave the equipment until the odor had dissipated. It is not known whether both of the trenches contained standing water or whether standing water, which is believed to be from ground water seepage, was found only in certain sections of the trenches. Mr. Poolson stated that approximately 15 of the 35 total drums had bung-tops and thus probably had liquid in them, but he knew nothing about the petroleum sludges referenced in Table 1.1. The drums floated in water as they were only partially full, so concrete slabs were put on top of them to hold them down prior to burial. The larger of the two trenches which is closest to the railroad tracks reportedly received all of the drums.” https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
New Mexico
Cannon ABB January, 1993 Diesel, total recoverable petroleum hydrocarbons (TRPH), 2,4,5-T, dichloroprop, MCCP, acetone, methylene chloride, toluene, and xylenes were detected in one or more of the samples from this site.
2,4,5-T reported at < 6.2 ug/kg at Cannon Landfill. https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Holloman AFB New Mexico TABLE F-4: Holloman Pond C: 2,4,5-T https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Ohio
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio
Workplan for the Installation Restoration Program, August, 1988.
“LF-12 is a 3,000-square foot, cyclone-fenced disposal area that has operated from 1968 to 1973. Initially, LF-12 was used as a chemical disposal site and an acid neutralization area. Trenches approximately two feet wide by three feet deep were used to dispose hazardous chemicals. Acids were neutralized with lime in small tanks. The pH was monitored, and neutralized wastes were poured out and were allowed to percolate into the soil. During the 1970's, LF-12 was used as a storage area for waste chemicals, including materials contaminated with the herbicide, Agent Orange. These materials reportedly were not opened within the storage area and were later: removed and disposed off-site.” https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Puerto Rico
Las Marias, Puerto Rico February-December 1967 Various, including Agent Orange. During the period of December 1966 through October 1967, a comprehensive short-term evaluation was conducted by personnel from Fort Detrick’s Plant Science Lab in coordination with contract research on formulations by chemical industry and field tests by USDA and the University of Hawaii.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Las Mesas Mayaguez, Puerto Rico February-June 1956 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, pentachlorophenol ammate, weedazol, endothal Harvestaid, Butyne -1,4-diol.Nine chemicals were evaluated on 16 genera tropical woody plants. The chemicals were sprayed to duplicate small branches, using a microsprayer.
September-December 1956 6-Ca-4, Loijn Oil, 2,4,5-T, B-1613, B-1638, Ammate, V-C1-186, endothal, Shed-A-Leaf, M-118, Y-F, esteron, 2,4-D, F3, F4, F5, F6 Sixteen compounds with defoliating properties were evaluated using 28 different tropical woody plants, each representing a separate genus.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
La Jagua, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
February-June 1956 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, pentachlorophenol ammate, weedazol, endothal Harvestaid, Butyne -1,4-diol. Nine chemicals were evaluated on 16 genera tropical woody plants. The chemicals were sprayed to duplicate small branches, using a microsprayer.
September-December 1956 6-Ca-4, Loijn Oil, 2,4,5-T, B-1613, B-1638, Ammate, V-C1-186, endothal, Shed-A-Leaf, M-118, Y-F, esteron, 2,4-D, F3, F4, F5, F6 Sixteen compounds with defoliating properties were evaluated using 28 different tropical woody plants, each representing a separate genus. The chemicals were applies to duplicate small branches with a microsprayer and to single larger branches or whote trees with a two-gallon knapsack sprayer. https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Joyuda, Puerto Rico June-September 1956 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, potassium cyanate, amiendo, F-2, 6-Ca-4, Y-F Tree and Brush Killer, ACP M-118, Shed-A-Leaf. Nine chemicals were evaluated on 16 genera tropical woody plants. The chemicals were sprayed to duplicate small branches, using a micro sprayer.
September-December 1956 6-Ca-4, Loijn Oil, 2,4,5-T, B-1613, B-1638, Ammate, V-C1-186, endothal, Shed-A-Leaf, M-118, Y-F, esteron, 2,4-D, F3, F4, F5, F6
Sixteen compounds with defoliating properties were evaluated using 28 different tropical woody plants, each representing a separate genus. The chemicals were applied to duplicate small branches with a microsprayer and to single larger branches or whole trees with a two-gallon knapsack sprayer.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Guanica Insular Forest at Guanica, Puerto Rico
June-September 1956 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D, potassium cyanate, amiendo, F-2, 6-Ca-4, Y-F Tree and Brush Killer, ACP M-118, Shed-A-Leaf. Nine chemicals were evaluated on 16 genera tropical woody plants. The chemicals were sprayed to duplicate small branches, using a micro sprayer.
September-December 1956 - 6-Ca-4, Loijn Oil, 2,4,5-T, B-1613, B-1638, Ammate, V-C1-186, endothal, Shed-A-Leaf, M-118, Y-F, esteron, 2,4-D, F3, F4, F5, F6 Sixteen compounds with defoliating properties were evaluated using 28 different tropical woody plants, each representing a separate genus. The chemicals were applies to duplicate small branches with a microsprayer and to single larger branches or whole trees with a two-gallon knapsack sprayer.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Loquillo, Puerto Rico April 1966, October 1966 Agent Orange Field tests of defoliants were designed to evaluate such variables as rates, volume of application, season, and vegetation. Data from aerial application tests at several CONUS and OCONUS locations are provided in tables.
Rhode Island
Kingston, Rhode Island July 26, 1949; 1950-51Trieth.2,4,5-T, butyl 2,4,5-T, The experiments were directed mainly towards the investigation of plant inhibitors applied as sprays or to the soil in the solid form to be taken up by the roots. Experiments were carried out under supervision of T.E. Odland Rhode Island State College.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Texas
Corpus Christi Army Depot
UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT No. 00-41341 RODNEY A. MILLER, Plaintiff. Oct., 2001. The case recognized the use of Agent Orange at the base.
https://www.ca5.uscourts.gov/Opinions/unpub/00/00-41341.0.wpd.pdf
Jefferson Proving Grounds, IN
Weslaco, Texas May 1967-January 1969 Arsenic compounds, Agent Orange, cacodylic acid, sodium cacodylate. 71 new arsenic compounds were tested in primary screening against 6 plant species in greenhouse tests. Then, five of the most active compounds were tested in field trials against Red Maple and compared to formulations of cacodylic acid and a 50:50 blend of Agent Orange and sodium cacodylate. The Ansul Co. for the Department of Defense.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Utah
Utah Test and Training Range
MONITORING ACTIVITY AND WASTE DISPOSAL REVIEW AND EVALUATION AT HILL AIR FORCE BASE OGDEN, UTAH 10/2/84
“Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) Waste handling facilities at the UTTR include three landfills (Landfill No. 5 among them), a chemical disposal pit which received quantities of oil and solvent in the early 70's, a demolition area, and an Agent Orange biodegradation test area. Approximately 35 pounds of the herbicide orange were applied over the 900 square foot area.”
https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
Virginia
Fort AP Hill, Virginia (great narrative here)
“The A.P. Hill Directorate of Facilities Engineering (DEH) mixed and stored the herbicides 2,4D and 2,4,5-T in a storage shed (Building 225) in the Mahone area from 1962 to 1968. The herbicides were used throughout the reservation to clear fields of fire on weapons ranges.
Contractors performed the defoliation between 1968 and 1978, providing their own chemicals. The unused DEH-procured herbicides were retained in Building 225. The surplus herbicides slowly corroded their storage containers and then leaked onto the floor and through the floorboards to the ground. The chemicals were repackaged and disposed of in 1978, and the building was vacated in 1978 following the recommendations of the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency (USAEHA) after an installation pest management survey.
The extent of contamination to the soil under the building was not addressed by the USAEHA. The possibility of soil contamination under and around Building 225 was officially identified by the U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency in early November 1984, in a followup to the USAEHA survey, prior to the news release. Further testing and analysis revealed dioxin contamination under and around the building.
After a series of fact-finding and cleanup planning meetings, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accepted responsibility for the cleanup on November 21, 1984. Work was completed by February 22, 1985.
A HISTORY OF FORT A.P. HILL LIEUTENANT COLONEL GERALD T. EVANS United States Army Reserve USAWC CLASS OF 1993
https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA263889.pdf
Washington
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island - Navy Whidbey Island Clean Up Dioxin Detected Groundwater, soil, sediment. - Washington State Dioxin Source Assessment July 1998 https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/documents/98320.pdf
Wisconsin
Marinette, Wis. May 1967-January 1969 Arsenic compounds, Agent Orange, cacodylic acid, sodium cacodylate. 71 new arsenic compounds were tested in primary screening against 6 plant species in greenhouse tests. Then, five of the most active compounds were tested in field trials against Red Maple and compared to formulations of cacodylic acid and a 50:50 blend of Agent Orange and sodium cacodylate. The Ansul Co. for the Department of Defense.
https://www.vetshq.com/herbicide-tests-usage-storage-outside-vietnam/
Neither the VA nor the DOD recognize that certain herbicide agents were used, tested or stored in Panama and Okinawa, Japan while the evidence clearly shows otherwise. The same is true in many other locations around the world.
Research note
Although the US Air Force Civil Engineer Center’s Administrative Record creates URL’s for files documenting toxic contamination, clicking on the links returns the error shown here. Therefore, it is necessary to search the administrative record to verify much of the information herein.
· Start here: https://ar.afcec-cloud.af.mil/Search
· Select: Active Duty, Air National Guard, or BRAC (closed base).
· Select an installation.
· Enter “Agent Orange,” “2,4,5-T,” “Silvex,” etc.
· Scroll down for results.
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Increasingly, the Navy requires the public to file Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for basic information. The process often results in perpetual delay. The Army is the least transparent of the branches and provides no information, as we have seen at Fort Ord.
I will be travelling to Ireland in July and Japan in August to meet up with environmental activists to test surface waters draining from industrial and military sites. It draws attention to the issue! Please help us! Each test kits costs $79. Please make a note that your contribution is for testing waters in Ireland and Japan. - Thanks, Pat
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