32,000 gallons of fuel leaked into Piscataway Creek before golf course rebuild begins

In April 2026, the Maryland Department of the Environment reported that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from Joint Base Andrews into Piscataway Creek between January and March. The base stated it captured 10,000 gallons before the fuel reached the water, but a containment dam collapsed during heavy rain. This spill occurred on a tributary of the Potomac River that already carries fish-consumption advisories due to persistent chemical contaminants.

The environmental dispute has intensified as the Air Force prepares to rebuild the base’s golf course. On June 26, 2026, President Donald Trump signed Presidential Determination No. 2026-16, which exempts the project from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements. The waiver, published in the Federal Register on July 1, remains in effect until June 26, 2027. It does not apply to national performance standards or toxic pollutant limits. Politico reported that this presidential authority has previously been used only for national security operations, such as Air Force training in the western United States.

The golf course is located on part of a federal Superfund site. Andrews Air Force Base was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List in May 1999. The site contains heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Clifford Villa, a former senior EPA official, warned that renovation could release lead and asbestos if not handled carefully. David Flores, general counsel for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, noted that significant excavation is part of the project and could worsen creek contamination. The Air Force disputes these concerns, stating the work is not near the major creek and will not disturb contaminated soil.

Tensions between the administration and Maryland Governor Wes Moore escalated in June. Trump accused Moore of stopping the project, a claim the governor rejected. A Maryland official told Politico that the disagreement centered on which permits were required, not a total blockage. Trump selected Jack Nicklaus’ design firm for the redesign, and Labar Golf, a New Jersey company, is overseeing construction. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle described Trump as a champion-level golfer with an extraordinary eye for design.

The current standoff involves state inspectors. On October 22, McIlwain sent a letter to the base raising concerns about contaminated runoff and requesting cooperation. Maryland officials say the Air Force denied inspectors access to the site. A base spokesperson countered that a state inspector was escorted onto the installation. Dave Abrams, an MDE spokesperson, said the Air Force intends to start construction before receiving standard state approvals, including erosion and stormwater control permits.

The state’s health advisory from the April spill remains in effect. Residents should avoid swimming or wading where a sheen or fuel odor is present. Pets should be kept out of affected areas. The state advises against eating largemouth or smallmouth bass from the tidal headwaters of Piscataway Creek or sunfish from the non-tidal section. Individuals experiencing skin, eye, or breathing irritation after exposure should contact their local health department.

The water pollution waiver expires in June 2027. Construction has not yet begun. The MDE continues its separate investigation and monitoring of the fuel spill. State officials are waiting to see if the Air Force responds to a letter sent by the congressional delegation on October 28. The base remains under scrutiny as state regulators seek to verify compliance with environmental standards ahead of the November election.