About 7,700 Gallons of Jet Fuel Spilled into James River

Authorities working to contain spill from Newport News Shipbuilding refueling operation

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Authorities are responding to a 7,700-gallon fuel spill that occurred during a refueling operation for an aircraft carrier at the Newport News Shipbuilding facility on Friday. The spill has been contained, but residents in the area may notice a strong odor and experience headaches or nausea if they have respiratory sensitivities.

Why it matters

Fuel spills can have significant environmental impacts, especially in sensitive waterways like the James River. This incident raises concerns about safety protocols and emergency response procedures at industrial facilities near residential areas.

The details

The fuel spill happened around 1 p.m. on Friday during a shoreline refueling operation involving the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy. Huntington Ingalls Industries, which operates the Newport News Shipbuilding facility, said containment booms, cleanup, and remediation efforts were initiated immediately. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality stated that favorable tides and winds have assisted in containing the release, but residents may still notice a strong odor.

  • The fuel spill occurred around 1 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Huntington Ingalls Industries

The company that operates the Newport News Shipbuilding facility where the fuel spill occurred.

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

The state agency monitoring the fuel spill and cleanup efforts.

Virginia Department of Health

The state agency that has determined the local drinking water remains safe despite the fuel spill.

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What’s next

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and other authorities will continue to monitor the cleanup process and investigate the cause of the fuel spill.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of robust safety protocols and emergency response plans at industrial facilities located near residential areas and sensitive waterways. It also underscores the need for ongoing environmental monitoring and transparency to protect public health and the local ecosystem.