Silfab Solar to continue pausing operations through the weekend

[ READ MORE: Silfab agrees to terminate manufacturing operations, officials say ]

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’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 the property.

Silfab said that it 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 to 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.

Cease‑and‑desist

York County Council convened a special-called meeting to address regulatory concerns involving Silfab after learning that the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services had ordered the company to halt all operations pending an investigation.

County leaders expressed support for SCDES, the EPA, and other regulatory agencies, emphasizing their commitment to public safety and legal compliance.

Following a legal briefing, the council unanimously directed county management and attorneys to exercise every available authority to ensure Silfab fully complies with all state and federal directives.

This may include invoking emergency ordinance powers, issuing cease‑and‑desist directives, and coordinating closely with SCDES to enforce permitting, health, and safety standards.

Silfab is expected to remain shut down through Monday while the investigation continues.

County emergency management and inspection personnel will be on site to assist. York County plans to issue all future updates through written statements to ensure accuracy and clarity.

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.”

Rigorous oversight

South Carolina Senators Michael Johnson and Wes Climer, along with Representative David Martin, held a joint call Friday evening with SCDES Director Myra Reece and Attorney General Alan Wilson to discuss the ongoing regulatory situation at the Silfab facility in Fort Mill. Prior to the call, Silfab agreed to continue halting all manufacturing and assembly operations, a pause that will remain in place while state and federal investigations proceed.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed that the Environmental Protection Agency will begin its investigation on Monday. Until then, SCDES personnel will remain on site to ensure that no chemicals are used and no operational activity occurs. Silfab has committed to complying fully with all directives issued by SCDES, including an indefinite halt to any chemical manufacturing or chemical use until the EPA’s review is complete.

While some employees may be present over the weekend, lawmakers emphasized that any activity will be limited strictly to administrative functions such as HR and custodial work. No manufacturing, assembly, or chemical operations will take place.

On Monday, the EPA and SCDES will conduct an initial audit of the facility’s processes and equipment. Based on their findings, regulators will determine whether additional enforcement actions, remedial steps, or permit changes are necessary before any operations can resume.

The lawmakers reiterated their strong support for keeping the facility shut down until the highest level of federal and state review is completed. They have formally requested that regulators pursue the most rigorous oversight available under the law, including potential suspension or withdrawal of permits if warranted. Their stated priority is ensuring the safety of Fort Mill residents, families, and students.

Further updates will be provided after Monday’s regulatory review.

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