News Summary
Residents in Fort Mill are voicing strong opposition to Silfab Solar’s new solar panel manufacturing plant amid safety concerns and past violations. A recent community hearing highlighted fears about environmental safety, particularly regarding chemical usage and proximity to residential areas and Flint Hill Elementary School. Despite projections of 800 new jobs, public distrust is mounting, especially after a construction halt due to safety protocol violations. York County officials are considering the implications of community health as scrutiny of Silfab’s operations intensifies.
Fort Mill – Community health concerns are escalating as Silfab Solar faces significant opposition and a construction halt regarding its new solar panel manufacturing plant on Logistics Lane in unincorporated Fort Mill. The facility, which has been under construction since 2022, is located in a light-industrial zoned area to the west of the U.S. 21 Bypass.
A recent hearing on July 2 drew approximately 100 attendees who voiced their apprehensions about Silfab’s operations and safety standards. Many residents argue that the company’s past violations demonstrate it should not be granted a wastewater permit, which is currently pending and requires compliance with the city’s pre-treatment ordinance. Community leader Scott Jensen pointed out that Silfab has allegedly violated laws even before the plant has officially opened.
The concerns surrounding Silfab Solar intensified following a series of incidents earlier this month. York County inspectors issued a stop work order on June 23 after discovering unauthorized personnel at the site. Although this order was lifted on June 27, it raised alarms about safety protocols. Another stop work order was executed the following week encompassing all site work, including ongoing projects sanctioned by existing permits. Furthermore, York County officials confirmed that the facility currently lacks a certificate of occupancy, a mandatory requirement for legal operations.
Public sentiment against the company is growing, with citizens expressing distrust over Silfab’s management and operations. Concerns have particularly focused on the potential hazards from the chemicals used in solar panel manufacturing. Residents have questioned the appropriateness of such a facility being located near residential areas and Flint Hill Elementary School, which is set to open on August 4. Reports indicate that some families have opted to relocate due to anxieties about environmental safety stemming from the plant’s operations.
Despite the community pushback, Silfab Solar is projected to create 800 new jobs upon opening, which the company asserts will benefit the local economy. Company representatives emphasize that they prioritize safety measures at the facility and strive to foster community support. However, the recent events have led residents and community leaders to express skepticism regarding the company’s true commitment to safety.
The situation has prompted York County leadership to contemplate further discussions about the permit process and community health and safety as concerns grow amongst the populace. Even though public officials recognize the pressure from residents, they have noted that there are no grounds to revoke Silfab’s permits or to bar the company’s operations as per existing regulations.
Thus, the future of Silfab Solar’s manufacturing plant remains uncertain amidst increasing community unrest and regulatory scrutiny. As discussions proceed, both the company and local residents are caught in a contentious debate about environmental safety, transparency, and economic development.
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Additional Resources
- WSOC TV
- Wikipedia: Solar Panel Manufacturing
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Silfab Solar Fort Mill
- WCNC
- Google Scholar: Silfab Solar Community Health
- Herald Online
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Safety
- QC News
- Google News: Silfab Solar Environmental Impact
Author: HERE Rock Hill
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