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.

Joint Base Andrews released a follow up statement to answer some questions. The answers are attributed to a "Joint Base Andrews spokesperson."

Can you explain the discrepancy between MDE and JBA reports on the amount?

“The 10,000 additional gallons reported by Maryland Department of Energy is attributed to normal fluctuations due to temperature changes for January and February and a faulty valve. The fuel from this fluctuation and faulty valve was contained entirely within the fuel system and was not discharged into the environment. The valve is scheduled for repair at the end of April.” 

Was the drinking water affected?

“The sheen was found by storm water outlets, which is a separate system from drinking water. Currently, there are no indications that the drinking water system was affected. The drinking water system is monitored frequently by both Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and Joint Base Andrews personnel.”

For more information, please call Media Operations at (240) 612-4428 or (301) 543-7447.