Emergency crews from various government agencies have been engaged in overnight efforts to address a significant diesel spill along Baltimore’s waterfront. The incident, which began Wednesday morning, involved approximately 2,000 gallons of diesel fuel that overflowed from two tanks at a Johns Hopkins Hospital facility in East Baltimore. The spill, initially reported as containing around 100 gallons, ultimately stained an area of the Patapsco River near the East Harbor Marina, stretching roughly 100 by 250 yards and marked by a red hue due to dye in the diesel.
A spokesperson for Johns Hopkins confirmed that the spill occurred during a routine fuel delivery by a third-party vendor. Prompt action was taken, as the hospital immediately notified the Maryland Department of Environment. The tanks in question supply power for backup generators critical to patient care at the hospital.
The Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott released a statement confirming that there has been no impact to drinking water in the area and that the cleanup operation is ongoing. The US Coast Guard is leading the containment efforts, employing a range of pollution response equipment, including absorbent materials and containment booms to mitigate the environmental impact.
As part of a coordinated response, nearly a dozen state and city agencies are involved in the cleanup, which is expected to continue through the night. The local community is being assured that measures are in place to remove all recoverable fuel from the waterway.
This operational response highlights the commitment of local and state authorities to swiftly handle environmental hazards, ensuring the safety of both the community and the region’s natural resources. The efforts exemplify a collaborative approach to managing incidents that can affect critical water bodies, reinforcing the importance of preparedness in safeguarding public health and environmental integrity.