We're getting down to the wire, folks. The deadline to submit public comment to DHS opposing this 825,000 square foot industrial warehouse opening as an ICE detention center is July 1.

So far we have over 3,500 public comments submitted. Help us reach 5,000 by 11:59pm tomorrow night.

Before DHS adds an additional 187,000 gallons of wastewater per day to the system, the public deserves clear answers about whether the existing infrastructure can safely handle that volume, what upgrades would be required, who would pay for them, and what protections are in place to prevent sewage overflows into nearby streams and rivers.

This is one of the most important opportunities the public has had to influence the future of this project. The comments submitted now will become part of the administrative record DHS must consider before deciding whether to proceed.

We have a chance to make it clear that this detention facility is not welcome in Washington County and should never be allowed to open.

Here's one very specific thing you can ask for with your public comment: 

Request that DHS publicly release the reports and assessments it claims to have relied upon when concluding that it is "not aware of any potential for significant environmental impacts" from this project.

According to DHS's own documents, those materials include:

• Wastewater & Domestic Water Infrastructure Assessment
• Third-party Phase I Environmental Site Assessment
• Site utilities report
• Floodplain information
• Documentation regarding wetlands, water features, cultural resources, and threatened and endangered species

DHS is asking the public to comment on the environmental impacts of this project while withholding the very studies it used to determine those impacts they claim do not exist.

A public comment period only works if the public has access to the information necessary to provide informed comments. Otherwise, it is difficult to view the process as a good-faith opportunity for public participation.

If DHS truly believes these reports support its conclusion, it should release them before the comment period closes so the public can review the evidence for themselves.

Tell them exactly this by submitting a public comment now at NoKingsNoCamps.com. 

PS: Join us tomorrow morning at 9am outside the Washington County Commissioners meeting!
Location: 100 W Washington Street, Hagerstown, Maryland.