FORT MILL, S.C. — Parents heard from environmentalists Tuesday night who’ve been analyzing the air found around Fort Mill’s newest elementary school.
[ PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fort Mill community rallies against Silfab Solar’s proposed facility ]
Parents are worried about the impacts of Silfab Solar, a manufacturing plant just yards away from Flint Elementary.
Citadel EHS revealed the findings from its first air quality test at the school. It’s the first of many of these tests that will be conducted, and the findings will act as a baseline.
“In summary: the monitoring confirmed the school’s air quality is safe and healthy for the occupant with no increased risk identified from the neighboring solar manufacturing facility,” Citadel said during the meeting.
Citadel tested for several chemicals of potential concern that are used at Silfab. It’s important to note that the facility has not started operations just yet.
Citadel also talked about emergency preparedness plans for the new schools.
Some parents have expressed concerns about chemicals that will be used by Silfab and the impact they could have on the environment, especially in the event of an emergency.
Citadel has said it is working with Silfab on some of the work, but some parents said the work isn’t enough.
Joanna Vastine has a daughter at the new elementary school. She said she’s working now to sell her house.
“It’s hard to have to leave your dream home and move because of something like this,” Vastine said. We’re not moving because we want to. We’re moving because we feel like we’re forced to."
Citadel did not take public comment Tuesday night. One person asked if Citadel is paying attention to the environmental impact Silfab operations have had in other cites.
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