JBA Fuel Leak Response

Available Information

Joint Base Andrews officials are responding to a fuel leak of approximately 22,000 gallons that was identified on base property after personnel discovered fuel odors and observed a visible sheen on Piscataway Creek on March 23, 2026.
All appropriate federal and state agencies were notified on March 23rd to include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Response Center (NRC), and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE).
On March 24th the fuel distribution system was shut down and the active leak was stopped.
- On March 30th the source of the leak was identified to be in one of the fuel distribution system rows.
- The pipes in this row were drained on April 13th.
Mitigation measures are in place to contain the release and prevent further migration, while the spill is being investigated and addressed. The installation is coordinating closely with environmental authorities to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to protect surrounding waterways and ecosystems.
- Absorbent containment devices remain deployed and are being routinely replaced.
- Environmental teams are assessing potential impacts to soil, groundwater, and surface water and will continue containment, spill response, and monitoring activities.
- Containment has been effective to prevent migration and to absorb fuel. Spill response and cleanup efforts will continue as needed to protect human health and the environment.
- More than a dozen containment layers exist on base. As of April 17th, protective measures installed include five harbor booms, absorbent materials, and two underflow dams. These enhanced measures, including more rigid booms built for deeper waterways and a second underflow dam, exceed industry standards for a waterway of this size.
- These containment systems have held during multiple rain events.
The 10,000 gallons seen in some reports is attributed to normal fluctuations due to temperature changes for January and February and a faulty valve.
- The faulty valve was discovered after a December 11th pressure test failure on the fuel distribution system. The fuel from this fluctuation and faulty valve was contained entirely within the fuel system and was not discharged into the environment.
- The valve replacement began April 27th and was completed April 29th.
- A second valve in the pump house was also replaced due to the age and condition of the valve. This valve was working properly but was replaced as a precautionary measure.
- The Air Force is currently investigating actions surrounding the December 11th pressure test failure. More information will be provided once the investigation is complete.
Joint Base Andrews is coordinating with MDE on the safest method to conduct pressure testing of the system now that the valve replacement is complete.
Joint Base Andrews remains committed to protecting the environment and the surrounding community.
Targeted water sampling conducted by base Bioenvironmental Engineering confirmed that the drinking water system was not compromised.
- The drinking water system is monitored frequently by both Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Joint Base Andrews personnel and is a closed system fed and treated by the local water provider.
- The water intake for Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is upstream of the point where Piscataway creek flows into the Potomac River.
Joint Base Andrews is committed to working closely with environmental authorities to ensure full compliance with federal regulations and to ensure all necessary actions are taken to achieve a timely and effective spill response and cleanup to protect human health and the environment.
- Joint Base Andrews continues weekly coordination with MDE at action officer and executive levels.
A joint MDE and Joint Base Andrews water sampling event was conducted on April 13th and on April 20th in Piscataway Creek. The petroleum constituents and diesel organic levels are trending downward compared to the April 13th sampling data.
- The latest sampling occurred May 4th. Sampling will continue to occur weekly, and results will be shared with MDE.
The specific cause of the leak on March 23rd remains under investigation.
- MDE approved investigative testing of the hydrant loop. Base personnel are working with spill response and remediation contractors, MDE, and the Defense Logistics Agency, on the testing plan to pinpoint the exact location of the leak before repairs begin.
Joint Base Andrews developed a soil and groundwater corrective action plan.
- MDE is reviewing these remediation efforts, reinforcing transparency and bolstering the relationship with the installation.

Press Release - April 13, 2026

Joint Base Andrews officials are responding to an on-base fuel leak, which was identified when installation personnel discovered a visible sheen and fuel odors on Piscataway Creek within base boundaries on March 23, 2026...