FORT MILL, S.C. — Silfab Solar said in a morning news conference it anticipates resuming operations at 6:30 p.m. Friday after they were paused on Thursday due to what it calls a “drip.” Silfab said it is working with state and local agencies to ensure they can restart operations.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services ordered the solar cell manufacturing plant to halt operations in Fort Mill on Thursday. That’s until state and federal regulations wrap up.
A state lawmaker said there could be serious consequences if the plant opens without state permission.
“They intend to immediately file a lawsuit once they continue to operate at 6:30 p.m.,” Rep. David Martin said. “There’s going to be a lawsuit, and I’ve also been in communication with the AG’s office, who’s also willing to help as needed.”
Leaders at the Silfab Solar plant in Fort Mill said they took the right steps to keep everyone safe after a chemical spill Tuesday and what they are calling a “drip” that neighbors reported on Thursday.
Silfab Solar's director of operations declined to comment on York County Council's emergency meeting and the anti-Silfab bill under consideration by the South Carolina legislature. https://t.co/Ij9nqNlnMV
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) March 6, 2026
Silfab’s director of operations Greg Basden spoke from the area of the plant where they say 300 gallons of water mixed with potassium hydroxide spilled Tuesday.
He said no one was ever at risk and they reported it to the correct authorities.
On Thursday, neighbors used a drone to get a picture of a sign saying there was a hydrofluoric acid leak on property.
Silfab said that was more of a “drip” than a leak after a vendor dropped off a delivery. Basden said it dripped about once an hour and that no one was at risk. He said they were not required to report it because it was so small.
“When we found the drip, we immediately contained it, absorbent mat, neutralizer, and at the rate that it’s dripping, it’s far from required … any communications in our in our reaction plans,” Basden said. “The fact that it’s neutralized, the fact that it’s contained inside of 100% containment building that qualifies as it wasn’t necessary to communicate it.”
“If they are not required to do it under federal regulations or state regulations, that’s obviously something we need to address,” Rep. Martin said.
VIDEO: Channel 9’s Miana Massey got an inside look at the scene
Cameras were not allowed, but Miana said there was a large tank with a small pipe at the base surrounded by an absorbent material similar to cat litter, catching the drip. Silfab said monitors did not detect any contamination in the air.
Because of the incidents at Silfab, officials at nearby Flint Hill Elementary School canceled classes Thursday and Friday.
Basden said Friday there was a lot of disinformation disseminated into the public this week regarding the leaks. He criticized Fort Mill Schools for shutting down classes at Flint Hill Elementary when the public and its employees were not at risk.
“It’s unfortunate that the school district decided to cancel without having all the details,” Basden said. “Again, I can’t express enough, Silfab will continue to work closely and cooperate with all parties, especially with DES and the county.”
Fort Mill Schools district officials said late Friday afternoon they have not decided on whether to have class at Flint Hill Elementary on Monday because there has been a lack of clarification on the status of the Silfab facility.
They have not made a decision on whether there will be class on Monday at Flint Hill Elementary.
Silfab must submit a report to state environmental officials by Tuesday.
The EPA is expected to visit the facility next week, and a bill is moving through the state legislature could allow York County to pull Silfab’s permits.
York County Council also met on Friday to talk about possible legal options in this situation.
They went into executive session despite a request by two council members to have the conversation in public. After the executive session, they voted to direct county management and legal to exercise all powers in the county’s authority to direct, support, and ensure Silfab follows all SCDES directives.
Hydrofluoric acid is common in electronics manufacturing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes it as a weak acid that can penetrate skin tissue at high concentrations. It can also create toxic fumes that cause skin and lung irritation. All the effects depend on how concentrated the acid is and how long people are exposed to it.
School district letter to Flint Hill Elementary families:
“The district has been actively seeking updates regarding the operational status of Silfab Solar from local and state officials. At this time, we have not been able to confirm the status of the facility’s adherence to the directive issued by the S.C. Department of Environmental Services.
“Due to the lack of clarification on the status of the facility, we have not made a determination regarding our school schedule for Monday, March 9.The school and district staff have been working today to prepare for a number of scenarios dependent upon the information we receive from officials to ensure learning continues for Flint Hill Elementary students.
“The district will continue to monitor this situation and will make a final determination regarding Monday’s operations no later than Saturday, March 7.
“Once a determination is made, the district and school will communicate details directly with our parents and staff. The safety and health of our students and staff remains our top priority. We understand this has placed undue stress on our students, families and staff, and we appreciate your patience as we navigate this situation.”
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com and watch Eyewitness News for updates.
VIDEO: Fort Mill school to remain closed Friday due to issues with nearby Silfab Solar
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