Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 4 hrs ago
Lawmakers Press Air Force to Stop Fuel Pollution at Joint Base Andrews
A jet fuel spill at Joint Base Andrews continues to threaten Piscataway Creek in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
About 32,000 gallons leaked earlier this year, and an estimated 22,000 gallons entered the environment, contaminating soil and the creek.
Water tests found fuel-related hydrocarbons still entering the creek, despite the base’s assurances that it had stopped the leak; the source has not been identified.
The creek connects the base to the Potomac River, and nearby residents and visitors use its waters for fishing and recreation.
Nine members of Maryland’s congressional delegation criticized the Air Force’s cleanup and warned that the pollution adds to existing contamination, including PFAS runoff from earlier base activities.
They asked the Air Force to explain by November 12 how it will stop further pollution and complete the cleanup, including addressing contaminated soil and groundwater.
Lawmakers from Maryland urged the Air Force to stop fuel pollution from Joint Base Andrews and fully clean up contaminated soil and water.
Water testing found diesel-range hydrocarbons, including jet fuel, still entering Piscataway Creek despite the base’s assurances that it had halted the leak.
About 32,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked across multiple dates and locations earlier this year, with an estimated 22,000 gallons entering the environment.
The Maryland Department of the Environment said it was not notified until March 23 and did not receive a report of the spill’s full extent until April 8.
In a letter sent Oct. 28, nine members of Maryland’s congressional delegation asked the Air Force to provide a plan by Nov. 12.
- Who
- Nine members of Maryland’s congressional delegation urged action from Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.
- What
- They called for the Air Force to stop continuing fuel discharges and complete cleanup at Joint Base Andrews.
- When
- The lawmakers sent their letter on Oct. 28 and requested a response by Nov. 12.
- Where
- Joint Base Andrews and Piscataway Creek in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
- Why
- Water testing detected diesel-range hydrocarbons entering the creek, and the leak’s source had not been pinpointed.
Maryland lawmakers and regulators
Joint Base Andrews and the Air Force
Continuing pollution
Maryland lawmakers and regulators
Lawmakers said testing showed the Air Force had failed to fully contain the spill and called for immediate action.
Joint Base Andrews and the Air Force
The base had assured that it halted the leak; its spokesperson said heavy rain can carry “trace amounts” of …
Cleanup and reporting
Maryland lawmakers and regulators
Maryland regulators said the base did not notify them until March 23 and did not report the full extent until April 8.
Joint Base Andrews and the Air Force
Not stated
About 32,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked across multiple dates and locations at Joint Base Andrews.
The Maryland Department of the Environment said it was notified after fuel odors and a sheen were observed near the creek’s headwaters.
The base reported the full extent of the discharge to the Maryland Department of the Environment.
Lawmakers sent Air Force Secretary Troy Meink a letter estimating that about 22,000 gallons had entered the environment.
Nine members of Maryland’s congressional delegation sent Meink a letter calling for action and a cleanup plan.
The date by which the lawmakers requested a response from Meink.
- Estimated total leak
- About 32,000 gallons
- Estimated amount entering the environment
- About 22,000 gallons
- Amount reportedly contained
- About 10,000 gallons
- Creek affected
- Piscataway Creek
- Letter date
- Oct. 28
- Response requested by
- Nov. 12
What people are saying
the Air Force has failed to fully contain the fuel spill
unacceptable
The Air Force must take immediate action to completely contain the spill and stop all sources of continued fuel discharge into the environment