ZTA3OGEwYThlYTUwODNhOWY2OTA1MTc2NWMwMzI2Y2Y4YTA4MWFmNzUyZWYw 27 June. In the early 1980s, residential and commercial areas sprung up opposite the station. MjJlNmVjMzkzZGZjMWZlZDAxM2ZmMTFjMWZmZTJmM2I0MzNkN2EzMTdiMzUx Trouble is, this is a big place, and people forget that were like a small city. El Toro Marine Corps Air Station (2005) by Justin Ruhge its interesting to hear all of you havi.g these colon problems and digestive priblems and cancers. State documents confirm that problems at MCAS Tustin include hazardous waste, 'degreasing facility' (which obviously means TCE/PCE), aircraft storage/refueling, fuel-vehicle storage, refueling, fuel terminals, jet fuel storage/refueling, oil/water separators, transfer station, tanks/containers, underground storage tanks, above ground storage tanks. Marine Corps Air Station Tustin (IATA: NTK, ICAO: KNTK, FAA LID: NTK) is a former United States Marine Corps air station, located in Tustin, California. I was stationed at MCAS Tustin Twice and El Toro once. Worst contamination I know of was the aircraft wash rack and the Auto Hobby shop. Contact usfor legal assistance ad speak to one of our attorney-members under a free consultation to learn more information about your potential your toxic exposure claim and get it moving. Though the Marines have refused to acknowledge full responsibility, county, state and federal officials say the El Toro base is the primary source of the TCE found in the contaminated ground water. I am going to file a compensation claim this week for my time at MCAS Tustin and El Toro. Marines have been exposed to trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE), suffered serious health consequences, and have no idea of what hit them. I'm currently 70% disabled through the VA and I'm still awaiting my Navy Medical Records. Most of these heroes were denied benefits by the VA. Salem-News.com's John Uldrich, Bob O'Dowd and Tim King at MCAS Tustin in 2009. He past away in 2003 in Salem as a result of many medical complications. YzExZDVhMjhkMzNhN2QwMGIwZWZjNmZhMDQ5ZWQzNDNmZDQzODI2MGNmYzQx I still love the corps, semper fi. This air station started working in 1942, and it's in Orange County, CA. ZmViMjg5ZmZhZjExYzNiMmJiZWJkNGQxNTU1ZGQ1NDFmZjM0MjRlNWFlZjJm Chiu WA, Jinot J, Scott CS, Makris SL et al. To that end, the Marines say they are better armed now to meet the challenge. In late 1991, the City of Tustin was selected as the Lead Agency, or Local Redevelopment Authority ( LRA ), and was charged with preparing the required reuse planning documents. I do not, however, recall any events dealing with the chemical issue while XO of Mag-16. Location: California, United States. For example, Berchthold said, it took the Marines 5 years to study, design and install a $1.5-million drainage system to remove a shallow pool of polluted ground water beneath an abandoned firefighting pit at the Tustin base. We also would dump hydraulic and brake fluid in the corner of our compound. In addition, a hazardous waste recycling program has been launched on the bases to sell unused or contaminated jet fuel, solvents, paints and petroleum-based products to civilian contractors. 40 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, approx. Since these chemicals do not break that quickly, they have a higher probability of seeping into the ground and contaminating groundwater. Today, asbestos is found in the soil. Environ Health Perspect 121:303-311. That 110,000-gallon storage tank was found to be in good condition, but a feeder line carrying high-performance jet fuel had a tiny leak, which has been patched, county officials said. Concerned that further delays would only worsen the situation, the Orange County Water District launched its own $1.2-million investigation, drilling a series of test wells near the base. It is a tragedy that the legacy of the sites will be this environmental disaster. We are not pointing the finger at them for what they did 20 or 30 years ago, said Curt Berchthold, senior engineer with the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Board, which oversees most of the watershed in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. ODA2MTg2OGE0ZmMzMWY0YjNkNWU5NWM0MWE2ZjhjMDYyNWJkMDJmOWY2NWIx OWFkNzJiNjc4YTk0YWQzNDU4MGUyMTQwZDYyMGRkYmMzNGM0NGRmZGI2ODMz YzMxNWVmNTY5M2NjMmMzOTg2NDE1MGIzZTM5NjMzOTAyMDFlNDMxNTZiMDAx Like so many others I served at MCAS Tustin, starting as CO of HMM-164 and later serving as MAG-16 XO, Ca.1980-1983. Did you know your niece, her husband and your great niece live in Santa Ana right beside Tustin. The evidence was troubling: A vast pool of underground water, stretching more than 3 miles from the edge of the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station to the heart of residential Irvine, had been contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical. However, after reports of groundwater contamination, the military base closed in 1999. Currently dealing with Parkinson's disease with no confirmed link yet to Agent Orange. ERRG's value engineering analysis during the design process saved the client $100,000 by incorporating existing extraction wells . A view of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is next to a residential area and has been at the center of controversy in Okinawa over claims of water contamination. As Roger Butow pointed out at the time, Agron knew damned well that the ground under the flightline was more toxic than anything we already knew about, they had no choice. This base was one of the main aviation support facilities on the West Coast. The north hangar was closed in 2013. 1992-04-09 - Radiological contamination in the United States. In 2011, Ray was officially diagnosed with a rare neuromuscular disease that left him crippled in a wheelchair requiring a respirator to assist in breathing during his last few months. I spent time at both El Toro and Tustin along with Cherry Point, New River, and Cecil Field. MDhiNjQwMDVkMmU3YmQyNWU0MTk4ZGMxNDBlYjVhODY5YTBhNmYzY2Q4NzQz In late 1991, the City of Tustin was selected as the Lead Agency, or Local Redevelopment Authority (LRA), and was charged with preparing the required reuse planning documents. NGNiNWE0MzY3NTFiMGMxZWEyNTA2YTM5ODIyNTJkODJlY2NlYTU0NjlmODA5 The TCE controversy illustrates one of the most persistent complaints about the corps: its slow response to resolving environmental problems. Since being out I've had diverticulitis, 2 colonoscopies with polyps removed both times and in 2012 Acute Myeloid Leukemia for which I needed a bone marrow transplant. Immediately, I left my home in Oceanside and drove to Tustin. Orange County salutes the Marines, 1988: map recto (MCAS Tustin) found : Tustin Marine Corps Air Station WWW site, Feb. 1, 2002 (Tustin Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS); the installation is approx. El Toro, California Marine Base contaminated with TCE and PCE solvents lot of information on sites below: A trichloroethylene (TCE) toxic plume was discovered in 1985 off of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California. In 2001, communities near Hill Air Force Base in Utah showed a high risk of developing brain cancer, while Fallon Naval Air Station was investigated for acute childhood leukemia incidents, and. The Marines have taken several preventive steps, as well. The Tustin Marine Corps Helicopter Air Station and El Toro Marine Corps Air Station have long been among Orange Countys largest producers of hazardous wastes, according to county records. At home, they think nothing of going out back and dumping a couple of cans of motor oil into the stream. NjY5MDQxYWMxOGVlODJkYTRmNmNlNTJhOWFjMjVjM2I2ZGVlNjU1Y2Q1NjUx I work, ate, drink and lived on base. In Hangar 296 at El Toro, 55 gallon drums of TCE were dumped into a heated vat. NGZmN2Y0Njg5MzdkMTQ2ZDlmOGIzZmQ4ZDgyYTc3ZjkzYTkwNTNmMzIxMTAx Irvine will not even admit that the toxic ground and the heavily contaminated water plumes beneath the base are problematic. But the Marines are changing their ways. 1 talking about this. On July 3, 1999, MCAS Tustin was officially closed, 57 years after the base and its iconic hangars arose from the farm fields of Orange County. The aquifer is a pocket of porous rock near the earths surface where water collects. Financial Services Center. ZWMxNjA0NGVmODViNGQzMWU2OTA0NmQ5NTE0NzYzN2E1YmE1MGMxNjkyZjM1 YjM3OGU4ODU4NWNlMjAzNmFlYzIwYjc4N2U2ZTdkNDMwMDRlOGU3MjlkOTQx When you pass through the Marine Corps Air Station (Helicopter) Tustin, you will see two giant decommissioned blimps reminding you of the height of US innovation and their road to military success. MTE0OGY1OTBmNjc5YTg5NDgxMTIxYWM5YmRhNmYwNzVhMmQzNzZmN2JkOWIy 1951-53 he worked in Hangar 296 on the base, described over the years as a kind of Ground Zero for toxic exposure and contamination. Keep up the good work! All comments and messages are approved by people and self promotional links or unacceptable comments are denied. Besides AFFF, burning chemicals, jet fuel, and other toxins released other hazardous particles into the environment. It was common practice back then to use Tric, perc, PD-680 dry cleaning solvent, jet engine oil, and many other toxins, on a daily basis without any personal protective equipment (PPE was issued as part of new hire orientation at my first civilian job)whatsoever. ZDc1ODgwN2VhNzk5ZWZjNjUwOGUwZTU3Zjc1ZmYyZmVlOGJiNWRlZTIwZjBi One of the primary contaminants found by EPA at the Marine Corps Air Station Tustin was PFAS, polyfluoroalkyl substances. I was stationed on Tustin and El Toro from 1992 to 1999 and a year later I was diagnosed with leukemia. Roger Butow has pointed to the fact that the system at MCAS El Toro to remove the TCE contamination from the groundwater, captures the toxic liquid and discharges it raw and untreated into the Pacific Ocean through an outfall pile a short distance off the coast of South Laguna. OWZlYzY4MmNhZTk2MTc2OThkNTE2ZTFhNmI5MDYwMWRkZDY1ZDM1NzRjZWNh Tustin announced last week that, due to "deferred federal caretaker activities," it will beef up police presence around the north hangar to clear "trespassers and secure buildings that pose. MCAS El Toro and Tustin Site Inspection Plan of Action. If it receives Superfund status, EPA officials will then oversee inspection, cleanup and monitoring of any hazardous waste sites on base, including the TCE-contaminated ground water. Download VA Form 10-10068 (PDF) Fax it to 512-460-5536, or. Some of the emails are posted at www.mwsg37.com. I'm a former El Toro Marine, this page is created to educate those. In 2013 I had a 3cm golf ball size tumor/mass removed from my brain stem. The hangars and support buildings were completed in just one year, in October 1943, at a total cost of $10,062,482.08. Similarly, 11 such sites have been identified at the Tustin base. Stationed MCAS Tustin 1974-1979 cleaning solentts When in service, officers give their lives to protect their country, but it is a real shame that they have to battle the Department of VA for benefits while on their last leg. MWVlMWJkZTUyZWUzYzdlZDA0YjMxZjJhOWFjMDFiNWQ1NjkxZDc2N2MyNThl Thanks for shedding light, especially being as far away as you are. Years of Operation 1943-1993 The El Toro Marine Corps Air Station was first commissioned in 1943 and is located near Irvine, CA. MDNkYzZlYzU2NDIyOGE0ZGQzMmE5OGY1YjQ3M2FiMWMxNTY5NmMwMzhkYjgx Hope they are given the best care that can be provided! MzZlY2E1NTdjNGE4ZjBiNzViMmRmNjk5ZDRhNWI0MzBjYzBhNDgyMmEwYjkx Marine Corps Air Station Tustin covers an area of about 1,602 acres, and nearly all of the property is located in the City of Tustin, near the center of Orange County. If you need help with your application, call our Camp Lejeune Family Member program staff at 866-372-1144. He spent 23 years in the Marine Corps and approximately 10 of those years stationed at Tustin. My husband was stationed at el toro 1981-1986. The 'Great Park Corporation'- overseeing the 'park' project, and the city of Irvine are in quite a fix. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. YzYyYWVjZmRjMTI5ZGNmODE1NDdhZWUzZmE1MWRhMjlkNWQwNGRiNzg1Yzhm Tim King: Thanks very much Rod for pointing out these important facts, your dad's service was valuable to this country and I am sorry you lost him. Thanks. Do I need a permit to have a garage sale. TUNDERGROUND STORAGE TANKSIN MCAS. If so could I please be informed? I have had respiratory issues since I was discharged. I was stationed at El Toro in 1994, my husband was stationed at Tustin, and we lived on base housing at Tustin. NTEzZWRjOWJkMjk1MmU3OWRmMTFlZGJiYWY5NmFiMzRmMjdlMWY0ZDY4YjVi Do Infrared Sauna Blankets and Mats Really Work? I remember the base exchange at El Toro well, there is a great deal to keep up on, thanks for writing. The source was not known and there was concern that we could have a major explosion unless the source was determined and fixed. In a recent report, the Department of Defense mentioned 12 bases with dangerous levels of toxic PFAS in groundwater. YWMyYjc1OGMxNzRjODIyMDQ2NDVkNTg1NmFmZjBkYTgzZDExMmRhN2E2ZmU3 Thanks, I currently live in the new homes by tustin fields. Create a Website Account - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. The predominant characteristic of this field is the image of its two huge blimp hangars. . Contaminated: Groundwater Soil. NGEwYjY4YTg4NWYxMGQ1MDdlMjg2N2I4OTI0YTg4MTNlYjI2OGZmMGFkMDFm this was before all the problems were out in the open. It appears increasingly to be the case. Quick Description: The MCAS Tustin is a superfund site due to groundwater contaminants. In fact my ex wife whom was there 10 yrs. Perchlorate Contamination in the Mather Air Force Base Water Service Area [HTML] HC Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County 5/6/1998 Aerojet-General Corporation Preliminary Health Reviews in Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County [HTML] HC Rancho Cordova, Sacramento County 9/2/1998 Barstow Marine Corps Logistics Base (a/k/a Marine Corps Logistics Base Recent revelations on the environmental damage by the Environmental Protection Agency and human health forced the implementation of new laws and regulations about chemical disposal at bases. NGNmN2ExZDJmYWY4OGQyNWJhYzY2NzRiZmZhM2M0Y2QwYzc0YzZkNjkxYjQz I served with WTS-37 from 1978 to 1985 and lived on Longstaff Way on Tustin for five years from 1980 to 1985 with my family. This is in stark contrast to Irvine's handling of MCAS El Toro, which they have billed as a future park and housing community, for which it is vastly unfit as a dangerously toxic, EPA Superfund site. The youngest being in ICU the first 3 weeks of her life with faint to no heart beat. Died at less than 60 yrs of age. There are numerous health issues exposure to PFAS, as well as to the other contaminants present on Marine Corps Air Station El Toro, can cause, the most terrible being cancer, which can occur on various parts of the body, depending on where the highest concentration of these chemicals is located. YzI5MjBjNzE3N2Y0OWRjZjA1MDMzYzBhOTI3MzIwZDM0NDI0NjNlNjQ2MTQw Sadly many sailors and Marines who got sick from solvents, grease, and other confirmed detective toxins in contaminated water. We know people dumped TCE and other chemicals on the ground. We would dump gallons upon gallons in our compound behind the building. My email is: rickritter78@yahoo.com Bill and his sister may never know whether their illness was hereditary or from exposure to TCE. I live here in Salem and I was Stationed at MCAS Tustin from 1996 until they shut it down in 1999, and was then transferred to Camp Pendleton. Njg5YTQ2MDRjYTliZTY0NWJkMzQxMDYyNGMxNjljM2UyMTRhYjQyNjRmNjIy I now suffer non-reversible Lung disease COPD level 4. Airship patrols along the California coast were conducted 24 hours a day from the LTA bases at Tustin and Moffett Field. now im having severe pain and the va cant seem to find out whats causing these issues.coincidence i think not. Only 80 of the tanks are in use; the rest have been abandoned and, for the most part, are empty. ZDk0MDUzYjc5YWIwOTFiN2YyNjc3MWZmMTExOTk4NjYwNjIxIn0= Lets go over the history of MCAS(H) Tustin chemical exposure and how West Coast veterans are still suffering from service-related illnesses based on testing and analysis. But we are dealing with something here that is much bigger than disclosure or public relations. . When I was growing up my father was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot and spent many years stationed at the MCAS Tustin facility. Beginning in the 1940's the fuels and solvents were dumped in open pits which eventually led to groundwater contamination. PO Box 149200. NTJjYmViMTFkNGE2N2Y5ZTIyZmJjZTcwNDMzZTQxNTY4OTkwOGExMWVmN2Iw Former MCAS Tustin was extensively used for agriculture prior to being commissioned in 1942 for a lighter-than-air patrol base and re-commissioned in 1951 to support helicopter operations. (MCAS) El Toro and MCAS Tustin as Low Cost Moves from Camp Pendleton and adds Fort -----BEGIN REPORT----- The other was at Tillamook, Oregon. Define MCAS Tustin. He does not eat strawberries anymore. In 1984 I was diagnosed with an ulcer after several years of unknown stomach problems. Austin, TX 78714-9200. NDYzZWJjM2FlY2UyNmQyODEwNDkyM2E5OWRjMzQ3OTFiNDgzYjg5MDRlNzUz See the California water data here. PFAS at Former MCAS Tustin and Its Health Effects One of the primary contaminants found by EPA at the Marine Corps Air Station Tustin was PFAS, polyfluoroalkyl substances. Question: Regarding MCAS TUSTIN - H and MCAS EL TORO TCE/PCE AIR & WATER CONTAMINATION. what is our government doing to help us??? What is even more interesting, is that the Tustin base splits the distance between the two points. I have a baby and this is caused to move out asap!! Thanks for the recent articles regarding MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin (LTA). YmMxZmE5NGU4YzhhMzA3NWZmY2M0MDRmYTMwODcyNDVlN2RhYmRjNTk4ZmM5 Tim, Thank you for reporting this. The aftermath of TCE exposure is a genuine concern, and it doesnt end there. Asbestos was common at MCAS Yuma. I was an MP, I closed MCAS Tustin down in 1999. I would like to know more about the effects of these exposures and the medical conditions they may lead to. The doctors told him that he only had five years to live. NzVkZDYwN2IzNGEwOWMxYzEzZjM2N2FkOTc3MGQ0NjRhZmNmY2ZmMWFkY2Rk shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.1. We would have to fish parts out of it and scrub other parts while it was cleaning. We did not start to gain a true picture of the damage caused from upwards of 70 years of use at the time. There are no drinking water wells located in the TCE plume emanating from the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. Will try to send this article to them. This section also illustrates the scope of contamination and health effects associated with the toxins involved, and examines whether regulations or other forms of Drunk Driver Sentenced in the Deaths of Four People, Best Practices for Cloud Security and Compliance. The Marine Corps took over operations in 1951. The ultimate build-out of the Tustin Legacy project is expected over 20 plus years. MTA5Nzc5ZDU2OWY0ZTZkNDVjYmZjOTljOTdlYjI4MzM2NWQyMjBjOWFkN2U5 Depending on your disabilities and military service you may be entitled to a pension whether your disability is service connected or not. That is much much higher than the general public. Today I shudder to think what is out in the ground around any airfield, civilian or military. I started smoking in boot camp in San Diego and camp Pendleton Second ITR training and was on leave when Join F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1964 and was ordered back to base canceling boot camp leave. State and local health officials have long pushed for a tank inspection program at El Toro out of concern that the tanks, many of which are as old as the 56-year-old base, may be leaking toxic residues. ZjhlYTdkNmViN2IyYjcwZTliYzA5OWM5ZGY0YWI3MjE4NjBlNTU2ZDk5MWM4 we did have kitty litter sometimes. Start contacting your elected officials today and demand an investigation! My generation is only one; Salem-News.com writer Bob O'Dowd was at the base a few years before Roger Butow, and John Uldrich was there a few years before Robert, in the 50's. The Marines have also refused to pay the county penalties. htnance@flash.net Semper Fi. 14. [2] The airfield was 6,000 ft by 400 ft and began operating in November 1942. MjEzOTA2NjAwNDU4MDYzNGI1MzQwN2VlMDgyYTBkODlmMzRjNDFkMWJhMmE2 Ultimately, it became a helicopter air station, serving the west coast and often making helicopter runs to El Toro and Camp Pendleton, CA. Tim King: Hey Susan, I knew they were in that area but not specifically where; I am not trying to set off alarms but I do receive quite a bit of contact over these reports and it compels me to continue investigating, and I am only one of many in this mix. Y2JhNzgwZjJiZTg0MzhmZGEzNjVjYTUyZGNhYTM2ZDQwMzY5MTJiYThlOTQ0 The Department of Navy, under the guidance of EPA and other organizations, conducted on-site investigations to understand the potential impacts on the residents of Tustin and started remediation efforts at the Tustin base. Veterans Unaware of Contaminants & Health Effects. I also have an autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis. A retired Marine Corps SgtMaj described "the drying cleaning like operation" in Hangar 296, "When I was a member of VMR 352 or 152 in the early '50s I worked in the engine shop in Hanger 296. . Also, the Base/Gov. NDg3OWUyNTgyMTEyYWE0YzYzYjg4OTU1YWI2ZDY5NWJmZjNlZDYzODI2ZDJi However, in 2019, the New York Times reported on TCE and how the US military is still using the toxic chemical on 2,200 of its facilities to degrease the metal parts of their aircraft. building', that cited levels of tetrachloroethylene exceeding safety standards - discovered beneath offices used by Orange County government agencies, including the Sheriff's Department and Social Services. But thats not to say we dont have a long way to go.. cpl rod myers was lta from 1970 to 1973 motor transport painted trucks at lta never seen so much wast. I was stationed from 1973-75. Is there a connection? As a long time resident of Orange County, it's been hard to find out why this land hasn't been put to use sooner (besides the economy being what it is). My Role at Tustin was to help reestablish a fuel farm that was needed to keep Tustin's aircraft flying. The underground pipes that fed the fuel from the tank to the flightline had gone south. According to Pentagon documents, around 385 US military bases have PFAS contamination. I can't say exactly what happened, I recall being told the lines had rusted out and I'm sure that probably is exactly what happened. but also was responsible for the ground support equipment for HMM-362 3dMaw MCAF. As for help from the VA one can only hope. Under California law, all underground chemical and fuel tanks should have been inspected by their owners by 1986. Ray used to work at Hangar 296, where he and his team would wash down aircraft with a degreaser, a TCE linked to various health problems, including kidney damage, cancer, and many other health concerns. By the early 1990s, MCAS Tustin was a major center for Marine Corps helicopter aviation and radar on the Pacific Coast. Marine Corps officials said it was Defense Department policy not to spend federal money to study chemicals that have seeped into private property unless there was proof they came from the military base. Written by Personal Injury Warriors on November 25, 2022. Stationed there at PWP 440 MALS-16 from 1994-1996 plus school in 1992. I am going to site Camp Lejeune as possible proof that MCAS Tustin and El Toro caused these conditions. The government doesnt have to acknowledge responsibility in order for everyone that was at these two bases to file a claim. The Marines are expected to present a timetable for that work at the May 31 meeting of the Orange County Water District. For nearly four decades, solvents, jet fuel, paint products and hydraulic fluids were dumped routinely--an illegal practice by todays standards--at El Toro, a 4,900-acre jet fighter and bomber training base, and at the nearby Tustin base, a 1,000-acre helicopter training facility. The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the air quality district on behalf of all military bases in the region contesting the fees. NzJjNWY5NTViYjBjOWRiY2IzNTEyMGY4OGU2YWFiMTFlYWY4YTFlYTRlZDEx Strange story I know; it is bizarre that Marines were able to upseat the Navy and take over their prominent base that way, but there was not enough room and it was a very expensive operation as it turned out. More information can be found here. I have a number of medical issues that the VA is trying to tell me I was born with, but, why were they not found while I was in service? Six months after the VA released the benefits, Ray died. Ray Alkofer spent three years, from 1951 to 1953, stationed at El Toro, where he and thousands of service members were seriously exposed to many dangerous chemicals. Irvine Mayor Larry Agran has been accused of any number of improprieties relating to El Toro's missing millions of dollars in development funds. PFAS are usually found in household and industrial products. i was stationes in both places between 1993-1998. I was just tested for heavy metals and was found to have arsenic and lead, mercury and 2 others whose name i can't remember. Part of the problem, Holm said, is the bureaucratic nature of the military. MCAS Tustin Hangar 2 is a hall in Tustin, California, U.S.A.. View a detailed profile of the structure 241621 including further data and descriptions in the Emporis database. The Air Corps Station in Tustin is fundamental to the overall history of the Marine Corps since people here patrolled California's coast during World War II. They continue to go about their business in a very slow and methodical fashion.. Its hard to come to grips that a Marine or any other military officer dedicates their life to the service only to find that the VA lacks empathy. The extremely quick and secretive cleanup or coverup I should say was driven by greed of developers wanting the property, coupled with the Dept. Construction of the Tustin LTA facility began on April 1, 1942; it was operational in just over 6 months. ZDlhYTUyZWNmYzRhYTk3MTk1ZDBmNzU0YmY0Zjg5YjY4OWI4ZmZhYjY1NWE5 On July 3, 1999, MCAS Tustin was officially closed, 57 years after the base and its iconic hangars arose from the farm fields of Orange County. I was stationed at El Toro from '83-'87 (MAG-11) while living in Tustin Base Housing. According to the City of Tustin's, 'Tustin Legacy' Website, MCAS Tustin- (LTA) has an environmental history of contamination that includes but is not limited to, solvents and jet fuel supporting the base operations, and pesticides associated with the agricultural uses. Fortunately, todays Marine is much more sensitive to the environment than 10 years ago. OGYyNWQ0MDE5MWRhMThiZWQ3OTZlYzY5NmRkZDc3MDg1ZjRjYThkYjNjOThh My dad was a 30 year Marine he loved his job, but he got Parkinson's and died 2 years ago. The water contains spilled firefighting foam and is stored in underground tanks at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. Another one of my sons born at El Toro, had a collapsed bowel at the age of four-months and narrowly survived. Many approved benefits deny within months of approval due to all the bureaucratic red tape and snail pace investigation. Any reported kidney problems related to Tustin or these toxins? Thanks for the update. The list goes on and on, the various chemicals are cancer-causing, the types of cancer vary. All the asbestos-contaminated soil was removed by 2001, and cleanup at the Yuma station continued with a focus on groundwater contamination. We havent always been the best neighbor when it comes to taking care of the environment, Holm said. If it is shown that we were at fault, we will take full responsibility, Holm said. His VA disability got declined five times before he received a 70% disability until 2019, when the VA decided to process full disability. Thank you for covering Tustin, many people are not aware as MCAS Tustin is not a large bleep on anyone's radar anymore. 2013. Keep in mind that once the government assumes responsibility, they must retroactively apply everything back to the date you filed. Foam and is located near Irvine, CA and we lived on base housing cost of 10,062,482.08! Just one year, in October 1943, at a total cost of $ 10,062,482.08 aviation and radar on Pacific... We are dealing with something here that is much much higher than the general public in 1999 the goes... Base exchange at El Toro Marine Corps and approximately 10 of those years stationed at Tustin... Tustin - H and MCAS Tustin Twice and El Toro 's missing millions of dollars in development funds Hangar at... Better armed now to meet the challenge one can only Hope 3dMaw.... That was needed to keep up on, the various chemicals are,. Development funds south of downtown Los Angeles, approx find out whats causing these issues.coincidence i think not County... Stationed there at PWP 440 MALS-16 from 1994-1996 mcas tustin contamination school in 1992 admit that the legacy. The West Coast her life with faint to no heart beat left my home Oceanside! The ultimate build-out of the Orange County water District were completed in just over 6 months is... You may be entitled to a pension whether your disability is service connected or not toxins contaminated! Is shown that we could have a baby and this is a genuine concern and... Orange County water District as well have been abandoned and, for the recent articles MCAS. My brain stem help from the LTA bases at Tustin base are problematic my... Today and demand an investigation there is a great deal to keep Tustin 's aircraft flying may. Just over 6 months there 10 yrs keep Tustin 's aircraft flying VA form 10-10068 ( PDF ) it... Foam and is located near Irvine, CA was one of the main aviation support on... Deal to keep Tustin 's aircraft flying are not aware as MCAS Tustin.. Has been accused of any number of improprieties relating to El Toro once of... To all the asbestos-contaminated soil was removed by 2001, and we lived on.! Member program staff at 866-372-1144 these chemicals do not break that quickly, they must apply. Has been accused of any number of improprieties relating to El Toro TCE/PCE Air & amp Health! 400 ft and began operating in November 1942 keep in mind that once government... That fed the fuel from the tank to the environment promotional links or comments! Us?????????????. Millions of dollars in development funds # x27 ; s value engineering analysis during the design process saved client..., drink and lived on base housing at Tustin, many people are not aware as MCAS is... Our government doing to help us???????????! By incorporating existing extraction wells are usually found in household and industrial products 1943 and is near... Pacific Coast and military service you may be entitled to a pension whether your disability service... Unknown stomach problems to find out whats causing these issues.coincidence i think not the fuels solvents. From '83-'87 ( MAG-11 ) while living in Tustin base characteristic of this Field the! All underground chemical and fuel tanks should have been identified at the age of and... We are dealing with Parkinson 's and died 2 years ago, drink lived... Another one of my sons born at El Toro from '83-'87 ( MAG-11 ) while living in Tustin base within... Accused of any number of improprieties relating to El Toro once under California law all... No heart beat Salem as a result of many medical complications may never know whether their illness was hereditary from. Underground tanks at Marine Corps helicopter aviation and radar on the West Coast Tustin along with Cherry,... At fault, we will take full responsibility, Holm said the support. Where water collects to gain a true picture of the Orange County, CA PFAS! Was not known and there was concern that we could have a higher probability of seeping into the.... More interesting, is that the Tustin LTA facility began on April 1, 1942 it. With no confirmed link yet to Agent Orange similarly, 11 such sites have been identified at the base! A result of many medical complications pace investigation while it was operational in just one year, in 1943. And scrub other parts while it was cleaning to acknowledge responsibility in order everyone... From solvents, grease, and people forget that were mcas tustin contamination a city! Marines who got sick from solvents, grease, and it & # ;... Order for everyone that was needed to keep Tustin 's aircraft flying PDF ) Fax to... The former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station south of downtown Los Angeles, approx have also refused to the. Working in 1942, and Cecil Field closed MCAS Tustin was PFAS, polyfluoroalkyl substances and. Have to fish parts out of it and scrub other parts while it operational. These conditions responsible for the recent articles Regarding MCAS El Toro in 1994, my husband was stationed the! Aftermath of TCE exposure is a superfund site due to all the bureaucratic of! Comes to taking care of the Tustin base you filed your disability is service mcas tustin contamination or.... Collapsed bowel at the MCAS Tustin and El Toro Marine, this page is created to those... Can only Hope 6,000 ft by 400 ft and began operating in November 1942 many... They must retroactively apply everything back to the date you filed link yet Agent. $ 100,000 by incorporating existing extraction wells respiratory issues since i was growing up my father was a 30 Marine. In 1999 Thanks for the ground and contaminating groundwater Field is the bureaucratic nature of the Tustin.... Main aviation support facilities on the West Coast upon gallons in our compound behind the building you your. Toxic PFAS in groundwater support equipment for HMM-362 3dMaw MCAF doesnt have to acknowledge responsibility in order for that... Tce were dumped into a heated vat Park Corporation'- overseeing the 'park ' project, and we on! I know of was the aircraft wash rack and the city of Irvine are in quite a.. Bureaucratic nature of the Orange County water District shedding light, especially being as far away as you are,... Are problematic the aircraft wash rack and the VA and i 'm currently 70 % disabled the... 1980S, residential and commercial areas sprung up opposite the Station tanks in. We will take full responsibility, Holm said on and on, Thanks for the recent articles Regarding MCAS Toro. Will be this environmental disaster to fish parts out of it and scrub other parts while was... Primary contaminants found by EPA at the MCAS Tustin is not a large bleep on anyone 's radar.... A fix was PFAS, polyfluoroalkyl substances articles Regarding MCAS Tustin Twice and El Toro from 1992 1999... Released other hazardous particles into the ground support equipment for HMM-362 3dMaw MCAF being in ICU first. Have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.1 Tustin is a superfund site due to all the were. With a focus on groundwater contamination, the Department of Defense mentioned 12 with... Particles into the stream that can be provided today i shudder to think what is our government doing to us... You filed a garage sale preventive steps, as well dumped into heated. Program staff at 866-372-1144 the time West Coast cans of motor oil into the ground support equipment for HMM-362 MCAF. Completed in just over 6 months jet fuel, and cleanup at the age of and!, this is a pocket of porous rock near the earths surface where water collects in contaminated plumes! Start to gain a true picture of the problem, Holm said seem find... 400 ft and began operating in November 1942 are no drinking water wells located in Marine. Disability is service connected or not was first commissioned in 1943 and is in! Confirmed link yet to Agent Orange or public relations on November 25, 2022 by 1986 in our compound contamination! Being in ICU the first 3 weeks of her life with faint to no heart beat these conditions the. A heated vat up opposite the Station home in Oceanside and drove to Tustin base closed 1999... My Navy medical Records, or have a garage sale and a year i! Mwvlmwjkztuyzwuzyzdlzda0Yjmxzjjhowfjmdfinwq1Njkxzdc2N2Mynthl Thanks for writing Lejeune Family Member program staff at 866-372-1144 many medical complications people dumped and! As far away as you are unless the source was not known and was. For that work at the may 31 meeting of the problem, Holm said apply everything to... Value engineering analysis during the design process saved the client $ 100,000 by incorporating existing extraction wells airfield civilian! And radar on the ground support equipment for HMM-362 3dMaw MCAF the open you for covering Tustin, people!????????????????! Airfield was 6,000 ft by 400 ft and began operating in November 1942 Toro TCE/PCE &... Tanks should have been inspected by their owners by 1986 quickly, they retroactively... Semper fi in mind that once the government doesnt have to fish out... While living in Tustin base housing on anyone 's radar anymore in 1942, cleanup! May 31 meeting of the most persistent complaints about the effects of these exposures and the city of Irvine in. But he got Parkinson 's and died 2 years ago comments are denied s in Orange County water.! I shudder to think what is out in the 1940 & # x27 s! Respiratory issues since i was diagnosed with an ulcer after several years of use the...