Joint Base Andrews lost 22,000 gallons of jet fuel into Piscataway Creek six months ago — and the people now testing the water aren't the agencies legally required to

Six months ago, Joint Base Andrews lost 22,000 gallons of jet fuel into Piscataway Creek, with only 10,000 gallons recovered, leaving contamination in the environment. Federal and state agencies, responsible for testing and tracking such incidents, have failed to provide water quality data to those most likely to be affected, such as anglers, boaters, and residents. Instead, Indigenous stewards and a regional river conservation group have taken it upon themselves to conduct water testing.

The leak detection system at the base failed multiple times, leading to a delay in notifying state regulators. Despite the base's failure to sample downstream areas, testing has been initiated by community groups at Piscataway Park. This incident highlights the need for accountability in environmental monitoring and enforcement, with the community stepping in where official agencies have fallen short.