(The Center Square) – A diesel fuel spill in Baltimore’s Harbor East triggered an emergency response Wednesday involving state, city and federal agencies after reports emerged of thousands of gallons leaking near a city marina.
The incident began just before noon, when Johns Hopkins Hospital initially reported a contained 200-gallon diesel spill at its East Baltimore facility. By 6:48 p.m., the hospital updated its report to reflect an estimated 2,000-gallon uncontained spill.
Officials say the fuel reached the marina at the South Central Avenue Bridge in Harbor East, affecting an area approximately 100 by 250 yards. The water is red due to dye in the fuel, and officials emphasized there is no impact to the city’s drinking water.
The source of the spill was a Johns Hopkins facility at 1780 East Fayette Street, located roughly 1.3 miles from the marina.
Cleanup and containment efforts are being coordinated across multiple agencies, including:
Maryland Department of the EnvironmentMaryland Department of Emergency ManagementBaltimore City Fire and Police DepartmentsU.S. Coast GuardMaryland Department of Natural ResourcesBaltimore City Office of Emergency ManagementMaryland and Baltimore departments of public works and transportation
The Coast Guard is overseeing the response, and contractor Miller Environmental Group is leading cleanup operations using oil absorbent materials and skimmers. The effort includes a 4,000-gallon pump truck to contain and recover spilled fuel.
Traffic is being rerouted around Central Avenue and Fleet Street, and motorists are advised to avoid the area through Thursday morning due to ongoing cleanup.
Gov. Moore said in a statement Thursday that the state’s response remains urgent and coordinated. “Teams worked through the night and into the morning. As of this afternoon, we have been able to collect hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel and remove much of the red color that was in the harbor,” he said, noting that no injuries have been reported. “We still have more work to do. We ask that all Marylanders use alternate routes away from Harbor East.”
