Joint Base Andrews: Air Force Waives Water Rules for Golf Course

Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County sits on a federal Superfund site where decades of military activity left soil contaminated with heavy metals and PFAS chemicals. The Air Force is preparing to rebuild the base’s golf course, a project that now proceeds without standard wetlands permits after a presidential order waived key environmental regulations.

President Donald Trump signed Presidential Determination No. 2026-16 on June 26, 2026. The document invokes Section 313(a) of the Clean Water Act to exempt every effluent source tied to the golf course rehabilitation from federal, state, interstate, and local water pollution control requirements. The exemption expires on June 26, 2027. It was published in the Federal Register on July 1 and does not cover national performance standards or toxic pollutant limits.

Politico reported that the Air Force informed the Maryland Department of the Environment it does not intend to seek wetlands permits. Dave Abrams, a spokesperson for the state’s environmental agency, said the Air Force plans to start construction before receiving state approvals for erosion and stormwater control. The state’s letter, dated October 22, expressed concern that contaminated runoff could reach nearby neighborhoods. The base denied barring state inspectors from the site, stating that one inspector was escorted onto the installation.

The dispute follows a conflict between the White House and Maryland Governor Wes Moore. In June, Trump accused Moore of halting the project, a claim the governor rejected. A Maryland official told Politico that the disagreement centered on permit requirements, not a formal block. Jack Nicklaus Design is handling the redesign, while Labar Golf, a New Jersey firm that has worked on Trump properties, is overseeing construction.

Environmental groups warn that excavation poses risks to Piscataway Creek, a tributary of the Potomac River. David Flores, general counsel for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, stated that significant excavation is part of the project and could worsen contamination. Clifford Villa, a former senior EPA official, noted that renovation could release lead and asbestos if not managed carefully. The Air Force counters that the renovation is not near the main creek and that contaminated soil will not be disturbed.

Piscataway Creek already carries fish consumption advisories due to PFOS from firefighting foam. In April, the state announced that approximately 32,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from the base between January and March. The Air Force reported capturing 10,000 gallons before the fuel reached the creek. A containment dam collapsed during heavy rain, though the state said drinking water intakes were unaffected because they are located upstream.

The state’s current guidance for residents includes avoiding swimming or wading in areas with visible sheen or fuel odors. Residents should keep pets out of affected zones and avoid eating largemouth or smallmouth bass from the tidal headwaters of Piscataway Creek. Sunfish from the non-tidal section are also on the advisory list. The Air Force has not responded to a letter sent by the congressional delegation on October 28 regarding the dispute.