# Baltimore County Fuel Spill Estimate Reduced

> Baltimore County officials report diesel spill at detention center is 'significantly less' than initial estimate.
- Title: Baltimore County Fuel Spill Estimate Reduced · The Banner
- Summary: Baltimore County officials report diesel spill at detention center is 'significantly less' than initial estimate. Baltimore County officials say 2,145…
- Keywords: baltimore county, towson detention center, diesel spill, long quarter branch, loch raven reservoir, hazmat crews, fuel recovery, news, local, Baltimore, County, Fuel
- Source: The Banner — https://thebanner.com/community/climate-environment/fuel-spill-baltimore-county-towson-detention-center-75ZQLRB5DBEARGM4FQ32KY2B6Y
- Author: Clara Longo de Freitas,Olivia Bensimon
- Published: 2026-09-28T18:22:08.212+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: baltimore county, towson detention center, diesel spill, long quarter branch, loch raven reservoir, hazmat crews, fuel recovery, news, local
## Spill Estimate Reduced
Baltimore County officials now estimate 2,145 gallons of diesel spilled from a backup generator at Towson Detention Center.

> significantly less
## Fuel Recovery Progress
Nearly 1,200 gallons have been recovered from the spill site with crews continuing to work on containment.
## Spill Origin
A mechanical failure at the detention center's backup generator caused the diesel leak on Saturday morning.
## Waterway Impact
Fuel showed up as a sheen on Loch Raven Reservoir but did not reach the dam or water system pipes.
## Containment Measures
Crews set up six stations along Long Quarter Branch with containment booms and sorbent booms to capture fuel.
## Health Advisory
Residents with respiratory conditions should avoid the area and stay away from water with diesel scent or visible sheen.
## Ongoing Work
Crews continue to recover about 900 gallons of fuel while warmer weather helps evaporate the sheen.
## Key takeaway

Baltimore County officials say 2,145 gallons of diesel spilled at Towson detention center, with 1,200 gallons recovered and no impacts on water or residents.