GORE FORWARD
Commitment to Our Neighbors
We are committed to the well-being of the communities where we live and work
For the Record
Explore points of clarification and corrections backed by data and science to get the most up to date and accurate information on Gore’s operations in Cecil County, MD and our proactive measures to assess the presence of PFOA in groundwater near some of these facilities.
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.
Proactive Measures by Gore
Providing resources and up-to-date information on Gore’s proactive work to assess the presence of PFOA in groundwater near several of our sites in Elkton, MD.
Does/Did Gore manufacture PFOA?
No. Gore never manufactured PFOA, nor processed PFOA.
What is PFOA?
- In the past, Gore’s suppliers used PFOA as a processing aid in the manufacture of the PTFE that Gore purchased.
- Historically, PFOA was a residual in the raw PTFE materials that Gore purchased.
- The PFOA residuals did not affect the base properties of raw materials used by Gore nor the safety and performance of our products.
- In alignment with the voluntary EPA Stewardship Program Gore worked with our suppliers to eliminate PFOA from our supply chain.
- Currently, Gore only purchases fluoropolymers and other fluoromaterials from suppliers who certify that they do not use PFOA.
What is Gore doing to address the PFOA found in residents’ water?
- Upon learning of the presence of PFOA in the groundwater near our Cherry Hill facility in Elkton, MD we immediately offered bottled water to residents neighboring the facility.
- We proactively initiated a site-investigation coordinated with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) at our Cherry Hill facility.
- Gore then expanded this work to also include site investigations at our Fair Hill Facility, Appleton Campus and Elk Mills Campus, all located in Cecil County, MD.
- In accordance with plans approved the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), Gore has been conducting on-site and off-site water sampling as well as on-site soil sampling.
- Every resident within the water sampling area of the work plan was initially offered bottled water. 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. (Maps of the sampling areas can be found on the corresponding facilities pages of this site.)
- Gore continues to work collaboratively with MDE to assess the presence of PFOA in the groundwater near our facilities and determine if our historical operations could have been a contributing source.
- Gore is working with MDE to determine what, if any, remedial measures may be appropriate for the site.
What are PFAS?
PFAS is a broad umbrella term that applies to a wide range of materials with very different chemical and physical properties. Most often when the term is used in relation to water sources or the environment, it refers to the PFAS that are non-polymers and have similar properties to PFOA.
- Many non-polymer PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, including PFOA and PFOS.
- Maryland has conducted a statewide drinking water survey for PFAS and continues to develop its regulatory guidance.
What can you tell us about the lawsuits?
Gore denies the allegations in the various lawsuits that have been recently filed. We have been and will remain committed to the health and safety of our Associates, our community, and the environment. Gore has long engaged proactively in efforts to continuously enhance workplace and environmental controls, and we have communicated with state and local authorities about these initiatives. Working with our suppliers, we eliminated PFOA, the substance cited in the lawsuit, from our supply chain many years ago. We will defend ourselves against the meritless allegations through the legal process with facts and science.
Is Gore planning to put remedial measures in place?
Gore continues to actively work with the Maryland Department of the Environment to determine if Gore’s operations in Cecil County contributed to the presence of PFOA in the groundwater near our facilities.
There are many investigative and technical steps that must take place to identify potential impacts to groundwater and determine what appropriate measures would be effective to remediate the issue. This work is well underway
Gore has a strong legacy as a responsible employer and valued member of the community in Cecil County.
We intend to continue to uphold that legacy and fulfill our commitment to the community where many of our Associates, families and friends live and work.
Is Gore providing water filtration systems or access to alternative water sources?
Each resident in the water sampling area identified in the plans submitted to MDE was offered bottled water. All residents that have participated in Gore’s water sampling plan have also been offered a Point-of Entry Treatment (POET) water filtration system or, if the public water system was in direct proximity to their location, a hook-up to the county water system. This was offered free of charge regardless of the water testing results. This offer is only available to those residents identified as part of the water sampling areas in the plan shared with MDE.
How is Gore determining who is in the water sampling area?
Gore is using a stepwise approach based on the plan as provided to MDE. It’s informed by the analysis of water sampling data from the Gore properties and the data collected from participating residential wells, in addition other pertinent information. The initial residential well sampling areas were determined based upon data from our on-site sampling and in consultation with MDE. In some locations we expanded the residential sampling based upon the data we collected and in consultation with MDE. Gore or its third party contractor, Arcadis, has reached out directly to the properties that are within the sampling area.
Maps of the current sampling areas can be found on the facilities page of this website.
Additional FAQ’s can be found here.
Facility Updates
Check back for updates from our facilities in the Maryland area.
Facilities
W. L. Gore & Associates has been operating in Cecil County, Maryland for more than 50 years with each facility offering distinct manufacturing processes.
