When did the Marine Corps discover on-base and ABC Cleaners contamination affected the water?
In late 1984, the Marine Corps discovered on-base sources affected drinking water wells due to results of the first round of sampling. The sampling was part of the Naval Assessment and Control of Installation Pollutants (NACIP) program.In 1981, Camp Lejeune officials first discovered volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in drinking water samples. Camp Lejeune collected the samples to comply with future drinking water standards. In 1982, the VOCs were identified as trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE). There were no regulatory standards for either of these compounds during this period. However, the EPA published Suggested Action Guidance and Suggested No Adverse Reaction Levels. At this time, Base officials did not know the source of the VOCs. The water treatment plants and piping infrastructure were explored as potential sources of the VOC interference.
