2,000 Gallon Diesel Spill in Baltimore’s Harbor East Prompts Coordinated Response

A significant diesel fuel spill in Baltimore’s Harbor East neighborhood has prompted a major multi-agency response as officials work to contain and clean up the contamination. Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott provided an update Wednesday evening on the ongoing efforts involving local, state, and federal agencies. The incident, initially reported as a smaller spill, has since been determined to involve approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

The coordinated response began around 2:00 PM on Wednesday, when the State of Maryland, City of Baltimore, and U.S. Coast Guard mobilized resources. Several agencies are onsite, including the Maryland Department of the Environment, Baltimore City Fire and Police Departments, and the Coast Guard, which is leading the investigation. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area to ensure the response can proceed unimpeded.

The initial report came from Johns Hopkins Hospital at 11:03 AM, detailing a contained 200-gallon spill at their East Baltimore facility. However, by 6:48 PM, the hospital updated the report to confirm a 2,000-gallon uncontained spill. Officials have identified the likely source as a Johns Hopkins Hospital building located at 1780 East Fayette Street, about 1.3 miles from the Harbor East marina where the fuel surfaced. Hopkins is actively participating in the response efforts in coordination with agencies on the scene.

The spill is currently contained in the marina at the South Central Avenue Bridge, covering an area approximately 100 by 250 yards. The water’s reddish tint is attributed to dye in the diesel fuel. Officials have confirmed that there is no impact on drinking water supplies. Cleanup is being managed by the Coast Guard and contractor Miller Environmental Group, employing absorbent materials and skimmers with a 4,000-gallon pump truck. Additional contractors are being recruited to assist with the effort, which is expected to continue overnight.

Traffic disruptions include closures from Central Avenue to Fleet Street, with impacts anticipated to extend into Friday. Transportation Enforcement Officers will be onsite to manage peak morning traffic, and officials are urging drivers to seek alternative routes. Further updates will be issued as new information becomes available.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from a press release issued by the Office of Governor Wes Moore and the Baltimore City Mayor’s Office.

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