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41,000 Litres of Jet Fuel Leak at US Air Base in South Korea

The US Air Force reported a leak of approximately 41,000 litres of jet fuel from a tank at Kunsan Air Base in late January. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the spill, with experts monitoring the site. Officials state there is no immediate threat to drinking water or public health from the incident. A separate, smaller fuel leak was also reported in early February at Osan Air Base, where the source has been isolated.

Key Points: Major Jet Fuel Leak at US Air Base in South Korea

  • 41,000-litre leak at Kunsan
  • Spill detected on January 26
  • No immediate threat to drinking water
  • Second leak at Osan in February
  • Source isolated and cleanup ongoing
2 min read

Some 41,000 litres of jet fuel leaked last month at US air base in South Korea's Gunsan

A significant jet fuel leak occurred at Kunsan Air Base in January, with a second incident reported at Osan Air Base in February.

"It is estimated up to 11,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from a fuel tank - 8th Fighter Wing"

Seoul, Feb 19

The US Air Force said Thursday an estimated 11,000 gallons or some 41,000 litres of jet fuel were leaked from a fuel tank in the recent fuel leak at a US air base in Gunsan, the southwestern city of South Korea, last month.

Airmen from the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 8th Civil Engineer Squadron detected the spill at Kunsan Air Base on January 26, prompting an investigation to determine its exact cause, according to the US 8th Fighter Wing.

"It is estimated up to 11,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from a fuel tank," the 8th Fighter Wing said in a statement, noting trained experts continue to monitor the site as restoration efforts continue.

"These investigations are complex and thorough, and we are committed to taking the necessary time to ensure a comprehensive and accurate conclusion," it added.

The Air Force unit said last month there was no threat to drinking water, nor did it anticipate any "immediate risk" to the health or safety of on-base or surrounding off-base communities, reports Yonhap news agency.

Meanwhile, a similar fuel leak was reported at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, some 60 kilometres south of Seoul, on February 5, prompting the 51st Civil Engineer Squadron to take immediate action, according to the 51st Fighter Wing.

A US Air Force official said it has retrieved 230 gallons or 870 litres of fuel leaked from the incident, without specifying the total amount of fuel leaked.

"There is no immediate threat to drinking water because drinking water is sourced from off base," it said in a release uploaded to its website, adding the source of the release has been confirmed and isolated.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The frequency is worrying. First in January, then another in February. It points to potential maintenance or oversight issues. The local community in South Korea must be anxious. Environmental safety can't be an afterthought for any military, anywhere.
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Ananya R
Reading this from India. It's a stark reminder that military readiness shouldn't come at the cost of environmental negligence. We have sensitive ecosystems near some of our bases too. Protocols must be watertight. 🌍
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Vikram M
The report says "no immediate threat to drinking water," but what about the long-term seepage into soil and groundwater? These assurances often feel premature. A proper, independent environmental impact assessment should be mandatory after such spills.
M
Michael C
While the US Air Force seems to be handling the containment, the key is prevention. Two leaks in a short span is a pattern, not a coincidence. Hope they upgrade their infrastructure and inspection routines. Safety first, always.
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Priya S
It's good they detected it and are investigating. But as a concerned citizen, I think the South Korean authorities should also be deeply involved in the monitoring process, not just relying on US military statements. Local oversight is crucial for trust.

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