The Maryland Department of the Environment is investigating a leak of roughly 32,000 gallons of jet fuel at Joint Base Andrews, raising concerns about contamination in nearby waterways and the military base’s reporting practices.
The incident has drawn heightened scrutiny because Joint Base Andrews, located in Prince George’s County, is one of the nation’s most prominent military installations and serves as the home of Air Force One.
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A department spokesperson said Monday that the leak occurred between January and March and originated from the base’s refueling system. The affected portion of the system has since been shut down while cleanup crews work to contain the damage and determine the cause.
Some of the fuel reached Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River, though officials said there is no immediate threat to drinking water because intake systems are upstream.
State officials said the base failed to promptly disclose the leaks as required under its environmental permit, with the full extent of discharge not reported until Wednesday. The leak was first detected on March 23 after personnel observed a fuel sheen and odors near the creek.
“The state and the local community deserve answers and a robust response,” Maryland Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain said, calling the contamination “unacceptable.”
Joint Base Andrews officials have disputed the total figure, saying about 22,000 gallons were released into the environment. They attributed the additional volume cited by the state to fuel fluctuations and a faulty valve that they say did not result in environmental discharge.
Base officials said they have taken steps to mitigate the spill and are cooperating with federal and state agencies. Contractors have been deployed to clean the site, and the Air Force has pledged to keep the affected system offline until it meets safety requirements.
The state has ordered the installation to conduct an emergency soil investigation, install monitoring wells, and provide daily updates on cleanup efforts. Environmental officials are also collecting soil and water samples to assess the full impact.
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Residents have been advised to avoid swimming or recreating in areas of Piscataway Creek where petroleum sheen or odors are present. Health officials warned that exposure to jet fuel can cause irritation to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
The investigation remains ongoing, with state officials seeking to determine how the leak occurred and whether additional enforcement action is warranted.
