A diesel fuel spill in Baltimore’s Harbor East has prompted a large-scale response involving federal, state, and city agencies. The incident began on June 4, when Johns Hopkins Hospital reported a 200-gallon fuel overflow at its East Baltimore facility. The overflow occurred during a routine fuel delivery by a third-party vendor, leading to the overfilling of two diesel tanks used to power backup generators.
Initially believed to be contained, the spill was later found to have grown to 2,000 gallons, eventually making its way into the Patapsco River near a marina. The U.S. Coast Guard, Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), and Baltimore City Fire Department launched a coordinated emergency response. By Thursday morning, crews had deployed 600 feet of boom and recovered 18,000 gallons of oily-water mixture, along with 400 gallons of recoverable fuel using absorbent materials and skimmers.
Cleanup, Environmental Impact, and Community Concerns
Baltimore City Fire Chief James Wallace provided updates on containment efforts, explaining that crews had begun flushing the storm drain system to control the spread of the fuel and consolidate it for removal. The spill area has been contained to a section of the marina, approximately 100 by 250 yards in size. Wallace noted that by Thursday evening, the water color had returned to normal, following extensive flushing and vacuum operations involving multiple contractors, boats, and vacuum trucks.
Despite a strong fuel odor in the area, officials reassured the public that air quality and the city’s drinking water remain unaffected, as Baltimore’s Harbor water supply comes from the Loch Raven Reservoir. However, local residents expressed concern about the environmental damage. One resident, Tariq Mansour, noted the pungent smell, while another, Gary Smolvak, remarked on the abnormal rainbow sheen on the water’s surface.
Wildlife has also been impacted. Turtles, ducks, geese, and other animals exposed to the fuel are receiving treatment from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research organization. A planned wildlife viewing event had to be canceled, but efforts are ongoing to ensure animals are cleaned, checked, and safely released.
Coordinated Response and Accountability
Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon Scott commended the coordinated multi-agency response, which included over 100 personnel from more than 10 agencies. Moore praised the swift action and emphasized transparency, urging residents to avoid Harbor East while cleanup efforts continue. Scott confirmed the initial leak had been contained and that there were no threats to public health.
Johns Hopkins issued a statement expressing its commitment to the cleanup and investigation. Vice President Kim Hoppe stated the institution is “fully committed to funding the cleanup and remediation,” and is working closely with authorities to understand what went wrong.
Meanwhile, organizers of the upcoming Baltimore’s Harbor Splash event on June 21 reassured participants that the affected area remains isolated and that the larger harbor, including Fells Point, is safe for the event to proceed as planned.
As cleanup continues, officials remain focused on environmental recovery, with an investigation into the cause and possible penalties to follow.
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