FORT MILL, S.C. — York County Council gave the green light for a Silfab Solar manufacturing site to move into Fort Mill by granting it a tax break. However, the company still needs several state and county permits before setting up shop. Some people living in Fort Mill are worried about the impacts that kind of facility will have on water and air quality.
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HAPs, or hazardous air pollutants, are a major cause of concern -- and the reason behind a public hearing Monday night to hear from neighbors.
York County Council moved ahead with giving Silfab Solar a tax break to move in before any report was given from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
"Don’t expect this board to hold up a fee in lieu based off what DHEC is yet to determine," York County Councilman William "Bump" Roddey said in the September meeting.
Silfab Solar still needs permits from DHEC before it can begin operations. The agency held a public hearing Monday night as it reviews the company's air pollutant permit application.
The plant would be located behind the DMV and near two future public schools in Fort Mill on Logistics Lane, which is off US-21.
"Our children are going to be in those schools so when they get to be 50 and 60 they can look forward to cancer and dying quicker right" one woman asked in the Monday meeting with the Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Residents concerned about the toxic chemicals that would be coming in and out of the plant are hoping their input can stop operations before they begin.
"I think you guys should have a lot better oversight and quite frankly should know better than to put that next to a school," another attendee said to the DHEC experts holding the meeting.
Permit writer David Nasol explained to the crowd the analysis DHEC conducted on what Silfab Solar's emissions would be. He added the company would be held to federal emission regulations if granted a permit.
"Silfab Solar is proposing to install two wet acid scrubbers to control hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid emissions," Nasol explained. He said DHEC's analysis found Silfab Solar's emissions would be way under the yearly federal limit, but neighbors are still very skeptical.
"What is the plan if God forbid the worst scenario happens," a concerned resident asked. Many attendees were upset Silfab Solar hasn’t created an emergency plan yet. DHEC said one will be required before toxic chemicals are onsite.
The agency doesn’t have a deadline for deciding whether to approve or deny the permit but said it will do so in a timely fashion. Silfab Solar needs wastewater and construction permits as well. DHEC said the county is reviewing those applications.
DHEC is accepting public comments via email to AirPNComments@dhec.sc.gov until this Friday, Nov. 3.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.