Seoul, February 19 – The US Air Force said Thursday that an estimated 11,000 gallons, or approximately 41,000 liters, of jet fuel leaked from a fuel tank during a recent fuel leak at a US air base in Gunsan, a southwestern city in South Korea, last month.
Airmen from the 8th Logistics Readiness Squadron and 8th Civil Engineer Squadron detected the spill at Gunsan Air Base on January 26, prompting an investigation to determine its exact cause, according to the US 8th Fighter Wing.
"It is estimated that up to 11,000 gallons of jet fuel leaked from a fuel tank," the 8th Fighter Wing said in a statement, noting that 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 that 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, according to Yonhap news agency.
Meanwhile, a similar fuel leak was reported at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, about 60 kilometers 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 that 230 gallons, or 870 liters, of fuel leaked from the incident, without specifying the total amount of fuel leaked.
"There is no immediate threat to drinking water because the drinking water is sourced from off base," it said in a release uploaded to its website, adding that the source of the leak has been confirmed and isolated.
