Public Scoping Request for Proposed Warehouse Renovation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Hagerstown, MD

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intends to prepare an environmental assessment (EA) to consider the potential environmental impacts associated with the renovation of an industrial warehouse located in Hagerstown, Maryland (Proposed Action). The warehouse is located at 10900 Hopewell Road, Hagerstown, in Washington County, Maryland (alternate address: 16220 Wright Road, Williamsport, MD 21795).

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 (42 United States Code [USC] 4321 et seq.); DHS Directive 023-01, Revision 01; and DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01, Revision 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, ICE is seeking public feedback on potential environmental issues or concerns regarding the Proposed Action that should be considered in the EA.

The Proposed Action will consist of interior, exterior, and site improvements at an existing warehouse property in Hagerstown, MD. Interior modifications to the warehouse will be designed to accommodate up to 1,500 individuals. The facility will include up to six separate secure recreation yards, a visitor waiting area, two cafeterias, one kitchen and food preparation area, three multi-purpose rooms, a health services room, and laundry facilities. Staff amenities may include training rooms, an indoor firing range, and office space to support operational and administrative functions.

As part of the proposed undertaking, ground disturbance will occur for waterline, sanitary sewer and utility improvements, including the installation of a 750,000-gallon onsite domestic water storage tank and booster pump system to minimize operational impacts to the local distribution system. Additional expected ground disturbance activities include fiber-optic and telecommunication cabling, installation of new freestanding light poles, installation of a new generator, pier installation for recreational area awnings and basketball hoops, perimeter security fence installation, and installation of a prefabricated guard shack. Ground disturbance associated with the Proposed Action is anticipated to be primarily temporary, localized, and linear in nature, consisting of trenching and other mechanical excavation measures. A Wastewater & Domestic Water Infrastructure Assessment was conducted. Exterior modifications are anticipated to occur in three phases for the sewer and domestic water supply parameters. Some modifications may include the installation of a 750,000-gallon storage tank for domestic water, potentially expanding the off-site lift station servicing the facility, procuring additional equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) from Washington County, and upsizing onsite sewer and domestic water service lines.

ICE has developed a preliminary Environmental Report which included existing information; began the Section 106 process in accordance with 36 CFR Part 800; and posted an Early Notice and Public Review of a Proposed Activity in a 500-Year Floodplain in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 11988, Floodplain Management. Preliminary documentation developed for the Proposed Action includes: a property description, survey boundaries, a third-party developed Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, a preliminary renovation plan, a proposed facility operations plan, documentation on existing and newly identified cultural resources, site utilities report, preliminary floodplains information, and existing permits and approvals.

Preliminary documentation included a desktop review of environmental resources that could potentially be impacted by proposed renovation and operations. This includes, but is not limited to, wetland and water features, cultural and natural resources, and threatened and endangered species. Currently, DHS is not aware of any potential for significant environmental impacts.

DHS invites public comments on environmental conditions at the site and potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action. Please provide any comments, concerns, information, studies, or other data you may have regarding potential environmental impacts associated with the Proposed Action by Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Please direct your correspondence to ICE at [email protected] with a subject "Hagerstown Comments". DHS will consider all responses identifying substantive issues that meaningfully inform the consideration of environmental effects during the preparation of the EA.