Maryland Probes Massive Jet Fuel Leaks at Joint Base Andrews

Over 32,000 gallons of fuel spilled, contaminating local waterways

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:33pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting a hazy, fog-shrouded view of Piscataway Creek, the focal point of the scene, with distant military structures barely visible in the background, conveying the overwhelming scale and power of the natural environment.The tranquil Piscataway Creek, now tainted by a massive jet fuel spill, serves as a sobering reminder of the environmental toll of military operations.Potomac Today

The Maryland Department of the Environment is investigating a massive jet fuel leak of over 32,000 gallons at the U.S. Air Force's Joint Base Andrews in Prince George's County. The leaks occurred between January and March, but the full extent was not disclosed until early April after state officials detected petroleum odors and sheens in nearby Piscataway Creek, which flows into the Potomac River.

Why it matters

The jet fuel spill has contaminated local land and waterways, raising concerns about environmental damage and public health risks. This incident comes on the heels of a recent sewage spill in the Potomac River, further highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and environmental oversight at military and utility facilities.

The details

MDE has ordered the Air Force to shut down the leaking portions of the base's fueling system and conduct an emergency soil investigation. The state also directed the base to install monitoring wells and provide daily updates on the cleanup progress. Approximately 10,000 gallons of fuel were captured before reaching Piscataway Creek, but the remaining 22,000 gallons have seeped into the local waterways.

  • The leaks occurred between January and March 2026.
  • On March 23, state officials observed petroleum odors and a fuel sheen near the headwaters of Piscataway Creek.
  • On April 8, the Air Force disclosed the full extent of the 32,000-gallon fuel discharge.

The players

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)

The state agency responsible for investigating and overseeing the cleanup of the jet fuel spill at Joint Base Andrews.

U.S. Air Force Joint Base Andrews

The military installation where the massive jet fuel leak occurred, operated by the U.S. Air Force.

Piscataway Creek

The local waterway that was contaminated by the jet fuel spill, which flows into the Potomac River.

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What they’re saying

“'While Maryland values its deep ties to federal defense installations across the state, contaminating Maryland's land and water is unacceptable. The state and the local community deserve answers and a robust response.'”

— Serena McIlwain, Secretary, Maryland Department of the Environment

What’s next

MDE has ordered the Air Force to provide daily updates on the progress of the cleanup and remediation efforts at Joint Base Andrews.

The takeaway

This massive jet fuel spill highlights the need for improved environmental oversight and accountability at military installations, as well as the potential for cascading impacts on local ecosystems and communities when such incidents occur. The state of Maryland is demanding a thorough investigation and robust response to address the contamination and prevent future spills.