DOJ approves $175M in Camp Lejeune water contamination settlements

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WITN) - The U.S. Department of Justice has approved $175 million in settlements to compensate people exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune between 1953 and 1987.

The DOJ announced the approval Tuesday, saying 649 elective option offers have been made under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act.

“At the direction of the President and Attorney General, this Department of Justice has reprioritized approving settlements for Camp Lejeune victims and families, many of whom sadly had to wait years for justice,” Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward said.

The Justice Act allows people who developed cancer or other illnesses possibly linked to the contaminated water at the Marine Corps base to seek compensation.

In 2023, the elective option program was introduced as an alternative to litigation, making it quicker to settle claims while avoiding trial costs.

According to the DOJ, claims filed with the Department of the Navy total more than $335 trillion.

The department says it has now paid more than $421 million in settlements to people affected by the contamination, bringing the total amount paid to more than half a billion dollars.