9-28-2026 7:50pm

Authorities Claim Water

Diesel Leak at Baltimore County Detention Center: Update and FAQ

New assessments and measurements indicate that approximately 2,100 gallons of diesel were released in Saturday’s generator leak at the Baltimore County Detention Center. This is an update to Baltimore County’s initial estimate of 5,500 gallons, which was based on the information available when the leak was discovered. Crews have recovered approximately 1,200 gallons as of today. The difference between those figures is not a confirmed amount remaining in the waterway.

Containment and recovery continue along the Long Quarter Branch tributary. Responders have observed a small amount of fuel and sheen near where the stream enters the Loch Raven Reservoir and are continuing to assess and clean in that area. There is no impact to public drinking water or private wells.

As a precaution, people and pets should avoid water with a visible sheen or diesel odor.

What happened?
A diesel leak from a generator at the Baltimore County Detention Center in Towson was identified and stopped Saturday night, September 26. Baltimore County and its response partners are containing and recovering fuel from Long Quarter Branch, a tributary of Loch Raven Reservoir.

How much diesel leaked?
Based on newly obtained tank measurements, responders estimate that approximately 2,100 of diesel were released. This replaces the initial estimate of approximately 5,500 gallons. The earlier figure was based on the information available when the leak was discovered; responders have since verified the tank measurement and gauge.

Crews have recovered approximately 1,200 gallons so far. The difference between those figures is not a confirmed amount remaining in the stream or reservoir. Recovery and assessment are continuing, and the figures may be refined as that work proceeds.

Where did the fuel go?
Fuel entered the storm drainage system and reached Long Quarter Branch. Responders also observed a small amount of fuel and sheen near where the stream enters Loch Raven Reservoir. Crews are continuing to assess the stream and reservoir and recover fuel where they find it.

Did the diesel get into drinking water pipes?
No. Storm drainage pipes carry runoff into waterways. They are separate from sewer pipes and the pipes that deliver drinking water to homes. There is no reported impact to public drinking water, which remains safe to drink.

How are crews determining where the fuel went?
Crews have walked accessible portions of Long Quarter Branch and are checking areas where fuel may have collected. They are also inspecting underground storm drainage lines with a camera. No large pockets of fuel have been found in the lines inspected so far; inspection is continuing toward the stream outfall.

The County is also using drones and Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping alongside state and federal partners. Containment and sorbent booms are in place at several locations, and crews continue to recover fuel.

Are private wells affected?
There is no indication at this time that private drinking water wells have been affected. One well identified in the immediate area is a geothermal well and is not used for drinking water. Crews are continuing to assess the area.

Is the air safe near the stream?
Air monitoring has found no immediate public health concerns at the locations checked. Monitoring will continue. Residents near Long Quarter Branch may still notice a diesel odor.

What should residents do?
As a precaution, people and pets should avoid water with a visible sheen or diesel odor. Residents near Long Quarter Branch may notice an odor over the next few days.