Final Environmental Assessment for the Proposed 2017 Rowley Training Center Master Plan Update

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Secret Service (USSS) announces the availability of the signed Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) and Final Supplemental Environmental Assessment (SEA) for the proposed implementation of the 2017 update to the Master Plan for the Rowley Training Center (RTC) in Beltsville, MD. The FONSI and Final SEA were prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) regulations implementing NEPA [40 CFR 1500-1508 (1986)], the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Directive 023-01 Rev 01, Implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act, and DHS Instruction Manual 023-01-001-01 Rev 01. This Draft SEA and master plan amend the 2012 Master Plan and EA for the RTC.

The Final SEA considers the potential environmental impacts of two alternatives, the Proposed Action Alternative and a No Action Alternative. Under the Proposed Action, USSS proposes to revise its Training Center Master Plan to allow for the gradual expansion of and program improvement to RTC. The purpose of the 2017 RTC Master Plan update is to propose engineering and architectural direction for the development of a world-class training campus for the USSS. The 2017 RTC Master Plan Update would include the existing recommendations of the 2012 RTC Master Plan and would add accommodations of the expanded training program at the RTC through the addition of new specialized training and support facilities, and through the renovation of existing structures. The 2017 RTC Master Plan Update includes newly proposed specialized training facilities, including a defense tactical facility; vehicular training areas; and a field house that will support the current mission threat trends. The USSS proposes to install a new curb cut on Powder Mill to accommodate a new location for the Gatehouse. The existing entry cut would remain for emergency use only. Furthermore, the build-out of the RTC Master Plan would support the various training programs associated with the agency’s role within DHS. The 2017 RTC Master Plan Update would continue to guide the USSS as phased development progresses. 

The Draft SEA was made available for a period of 30 days (see Draft SEA Notice) and comments taken into consideration during the development of the Final SEA.  The FONSI was signed on May 9, 2018.