More than 30 gallons of fuel spilled onto the National Mall from commercial generators used during a May 17 event celebrating America's 250th anniversary, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The leaked fuel seeped into underground cisterns designed to collect rainwater for Mall irrigation.
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Four cisterns, each holding up to 250,000 gallons of water, are located beneath the National Mall where cleanup is underway.
Vandalism Blamed
The event, "Rededicate 250," was organized by Freedom 250, a public-private partnership established by the Trump administration. Representatives stated the incident resulted from external interference.
"Following the Freedom 250 team's installation of temporary lighting on the National Mall, our equipment has been repeatedly targeted by vandals.
The recent fuel leak was the direct result of that tampering," said Rachel Reisner, Freedom 250 spokeswoman.
The organization activated recovery protocols and engaged environmental contractors to manage the situation alongside federal authorities.
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"Upon discovering damage to a generator fuel line, Freedom 250 and our vendors mobilized within minutes, coordinated an immediate cleanup response, and fully remediated the site in close partnership with the National Park Service," Reisner said.
Freedom 250 is cooperating with investigators to identify those responsible.
"We take our responsibility as stewards of the National Mall seriously and are working closely with the appropriate law enforcement authorities regarding these acts of vandalism," Reisner added.
On Monday morning, NBC News observed a "Mobile Command Center" operated by Lewis Environmental at the site, along with more than a dozen "Rain for Rent" trailers.
The National Park Service requires commercial liability insurance for permits of this scope, but it remains unclear if Freedom 250 and co-organizer Event Strategies Inc. will be held financially responsible for mitigation costs.
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The spill adds further complications for preserving the National Mall turf, which faces heavy foot traffic from upcoming events, including a Great American State Fair, a Fourth of July Salute to America, and an IndyCar race scheduled for August.
