Water Rules: Maryland Challenges Air Force Golf Course Exemption

Maryland environmental regulators are challenging an Air Force plan to rebuild the golf course at Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County. The project sits on part of a federal Superfund site, and President Donald Trump recently exempted it from state and federal water pollution rules.

The dispute centers on Piscataway Creek, a Potomac River tributary that carries fish-consumption advisories. This spring, the base released thousands of gallons of jet fuel into the waterway. Politico reported Thursday that the Air Force told the Maryland Department of the Environment it will not seek wetlands permits for the reconstruction.

On June 26, 2026, Trump signed Presidential Determination No. 2026-16. The order uses Section 313(a) of the Clean Water Act to waive pollution control requirements for every effluent source tied to the golf course rehabilitation. The exemption remains in effect through June 26, 2027. It was published in the Federal Register on July 1. This presidential authority has previously been used for national security purposes, such as jet fighter training in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada.

The base was added to the EPA’s National Priorities List in May 1999. The site contains heavy metals, PCBs, and PFAS from decades of industrial activity. Clifford Villa, a former senior EPA official, warned that renovation could release pollutants like lead and asbestos. David Flores, general counsel of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, stated that “Significant excavation of this site is part of the project.” An Air Force spokesperson countered that the work will not disturb contaminated soil and is not near the major creek.

Tensions between the White House and Governor Wes Moore have escalated since June. Trump accused Moore of stopping the project, a claim the governor rejected. A Maryland official told Politico that the disagreement stemmed from which permits were required, not a blockage of work. The redesign uses Jack Nicklaus’ design firm, and Labar Golf is overseeing construction. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle called Trump a “champion-level golfer” and said the renovation would benefit military families.

State inspectors are currently barred from regular access to the site, according to the Maryland Department of the Environment. In a letter dated October 22, McIlwain expressed concerns about contaminated runoff reaching nearby neighborhoods. A base spokesperson denied barring regulators and said one state inspector was escorted onto the installation. MDE spokesperson Dave Abrams said the Air Force intends to start construction before receiving required erosion and stormwater control permits.

The exemption runs until June 2027, and construction timing remains unclear. MDE continues its separate investigation into the April 13 jet fuel spill, which released about 32,000 gallons between January and March. The base captured 10,000 gallons before a containment dam collapsed during heavy rain. The state advises residents to avoid swimming where fuel odors are present and to limit consumption of bass and sunfish from specific sections of the creek.