In an epic display of appreciation, the United States Marine Corps knowingly allowed Marines and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, North Carolina to ingest and bathe in contaminated water. Contaminated water was in use from 1953 to 1985, with concentrations up to 3400 times the level permitted by safety regulations. Residents demanded answers over high rates of miscarriages, breast cancer in males, childhood cancer and birth defects occurring on the base. A study conducted by Grainger Laboratories in 1982 confirmed contamination and supported another study already conducted by the US Army. Both warned of health risks, but the Marines continued to permit use of the water. The contaminated wells were shut down in 1985 but it wouldnt be until 1999 that the USMC would start to notify former base residents that they may have consumed contaminated water. An investigation conducted by the US Department of Justice regarding the handling of the situation by the USMC found no fault. However, an EPA representative testified that obstruction of justice charges should be filed against some base officials. More than 70 chemicals were ultimately identified in the contaminated water and the military has been hit with $4 billion dollars in claims.
