JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. —
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.
The estimated amount of fuel loss reported is approximately 22,000 gallons.
Environmental teams immediately initiated an investigation to identify the source of the March release and mitigate its impacts. They notified the appropriate state and federal agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency, National Response Center, and the Maryland Department of the Environment in accordance with required timelines and published directives from the EPA, NRC and MDE, and deployed mitigation measures to contain the fuel.
The specific cause of the leak remains under investigation.
The installation’s environmental team continues to actively implement mitigation measures to contain the release and prevent migration. The fuel system remains shut down, and the active leak has been stopped. The installation continues to work closely with regulatory partners to ensure all appropriate steps are taken to address the release and protect surrounding waterways and ecosystems. The base is also coordinating with public health agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the base populace and surrounding communities.
Joint Base Andrews remains committed to protecting the environment and surrounding community and to partnering with federal and state environmental agencies. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
For more information, please call Media Operations at (240) 612-4428 or (301) 543-7447.