GORE FORWARD

Commitment to Our Neighbors

We are committed to the well-being of the communities where we live and work

Proactive Measures by Gore

As Gore Associates, we approach our responsibility as environmental stewards and good neighbors with utmost seriousness. 

Since February 2023, Gore has worked proactively and in close coordination with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to assess the presence of a chemical known as PFOA in groundwater near several of our Elkton, MD facilities. 

As part of this work, we hired global, independent environmental consulting firm Arcadis to conduct sampling at these facilities. Using a thoughtful, stepwise approach, and with data and science guiding our decisions, Gore is actively assessing potential impacts at 4 locations where Gore operates (Cherry Hill, Fair Hill, Appleton Campus, and Elk Mills Campus).  The work is iterative in nature consisting of installing groundwater monitoring wells, sampling groundwater, analyzing data, and determining next steps. Due to this approach, active field work may not always be observed. Activities across the locations under investigation are continuously being prioritized based on data that is collected.   

At the onset of this work, Gore offered bottled water to every resident within the water sampling area of the work plan. Gore has also offered a Point-of-Entry Treatment (POET) water filtration system to the more than 145 residents in the residential sampling area. These systems contain granular activated carbon tanks, an EPA Best Available Technology for the removal of many substances, including PFOA. Gore will pay for and install the POET systems, as well as maintain them for 10 years. 

As a long-standing and committed member of the community, the well-being of our fellow Associates and neighbors is our priority. 

We will provide updates on this site as they develop. Please check back periodically to learn more. 

Latest Updates

Check back for updates from our facilities in the Maryland area.

Data as of November 1, 2024

Gore's Data-Driven Approach

Gore has taken a scientific, data-driven approach to guide the site investigation. As part of this work, we sampled more than 90 residential wells in the areas identified in the plans we submitted to MDE. Check out the facts and figures to learn more about the steps we’ve taken to support our community during this investigation.

Facilities

W. L. Gore & Associates has been operating in Cecil County, Maryland for more than 50 years with each facility offering distinct manufacturing processes.

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