The scientific documents and technical reports provided here represent a complex portfolio of multiple, distinct projects, each governed by its own specific permitting and oversight requirements. To a layperson, the technical language and data within these files may occasionally appear alarming; however, it is important to view them within the broader context of environmental safety standards. For example, it is not unusual for soil samples to contain arsenic and chromium. What is important is that they are at levels below residential standards for human health risk. ​

You may hear this single location referred to by several different names depending on whether the speaker is discussing its history, the land developer, or the specific companies building there. 

Alcoa Eastalco Works: This is the historical owner of the site, which  operated as an aluminum smelting plant until its closure in 2010. As a former industrial site undergoing environmental remediation for reuse, it is commonly referred to as a "brownfield" project. It is worth noting that “brownfields” are contaminated or potentially contaminated sites, frequently from industrial activity. The Eastalco site is not a Superfund site, but a portion of the 2,100-acre property was previously characterized by the state identifying specific contaminants formerly utilized by the Eastalco smelter and is under the requirements of an environmental covenant.  

We review required sample results for contaminants in soil, stormwater, and groundwater. In some cases, where contamination from former industrial activity does impact water on the site, the developers hold that water in tanks called “frac” tanks, and then treat that water before discharging it, or transport it offsite for further treatment. If that water is determined not to contain contamination at levels of public health concern then it can be discharged, or used for activities on site like dust suppression. This is consistent with long-standing practice for managing potentially contaminated ground water and construction water. 

Quantum Maryland / Quantum Frederick: This is the full 2,100-acre site, currently managed by Catellus (formerly Quantum Loophole),  that contains smaller parcels where various companies are building separate data centers on the former Eastalco aluminum plant property, including the Amazon Data Services project with four buildings at 3250 Digital Drive. While this entire property is considered a brownfield site with some contamination, it does not reach the level of a federal Superfund site. 

Aligned Data Centers: This is a specific data center company currently remediating and redeveloping one parcel inside the Quantum Maryland campus. You may see references to "IAD04" or "Aligned" when looking at specific permits for buildings or backup diesel generators on the site. It is currently a participant in the state’s Voluntary Cleanup​ Program.

Rowan Bauxite: Rowan owns three parcels on the Quantum Frederick site, Bauxite I, II, and III, for development of data centers. Bauxite III is the only parcel within the boundary of the former operations of the industrial plant for East Alcoa, which is subject to an environmental covenant with the state. Bauxite III has environmental management plans overseen by the state for remediation and redevelopment. The name refers to the primary ore used to make aluminum.

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