Surprise, Arizona Faces Increased Water Demand with Proposed ICE Facility
The city of Surprise, Arizona, may soon experience a significant surge in water demand due to plans for a new ICE detention center. According to a draft report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the city could receive up to $8 million from the federal agency to address water and related infrastructure needs.
DHS recently acquired a warehouse in the Phoenix suburb, intending to repurpose it as a temporary detention center for individuals in ICE custody. This development followed a lawsuit from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes, who argued that the project was expedited without adhering to federal environmental protection laws. Mayes highlighted concerns about the facility’s lack of adequate infrastructure for human habitation, potential community strain, increased traffic, and resource demands.
On Monday, DHS published the draft environmental assessment of the site. It plans to operate the facility around the clock, accommodating up to 1,500 detainees and 676 staff members. The assessment includes a “mitigated finding of no significant impact,” suggesting the project won’t drastically affect the local environment. However, it acknowledges that the facility will “substantially increase demand for municipal water, wastewater, electrical, and other utility services.”
Water usage at the proposed center is estimated at 190,000 gallons daily, peaking at 215,000 gallons. This demand necessitates that Surprise bring a new groundwater well online in the Rancho Gabriela Pressure Zone five years earlier than scheduled. To meet these needs, Surprise has requested over $6.1 million from DHS to expedite well development and nearly $1.8 million to enhance wastewater and water treatment capacity. Additionally, DHS must provide water rights for 1,512 acre-feet or compensate the city with $1 million.
“Although these improvements would be implemented through the City’s municipal infrastructure program, the facility would be responsible for satisfying the associated funding and water-resource obligations,” a draft report from DHS stated. The agency is also tasked with providing an 800,000-gallon on-site water tank.
Despite these arrangements, local opposition remains strong, with residents expressing concerns over traffic, light pollution, and infrastructure strain. DHS acknowledges that the facility will increase demand for law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency services but asserts that with proper training and coordination, health and safety impacts will be minimal.
Traffic concerns are also highlighted, particularly during shift changes that overlap with school traffic. However, DHS has no plans for road or traffic improvements, instead suggesting measures like vehicle queuing and scheduling adjustments to minimize conflicts. “With these measures, significant adverse roadway and traffic impacts are not anticipated,” the report notes.
The timeline for the facility’s construction and the outcome of ongoing litigation, which has been paused for the environmental review, remain uncertain. Richie Taylor, spokesperson for Mayes, emphasized that the reports are preliminary drafts open for public comment for 30 days before a final assessment is released. A city spokesperson did not comment on whether Surprise will submit any public feedback.
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