FORT MILL, S.C. — Silfab Solar is back to business Tuesday but without the use of chemicals for now.
State and federal regulators gave the company in Fort Mill the greenlight to restart assembly Monday night.
[ READ MORE: SCDES, EPA clears Silfab to resume some work; chemical operations still halted ]
Regulators shut the plant down Thursday after two chemical leaks were discovered in one week.
After a visit by South Carolina’s Department of Environmental Services, the EPA and York County emergency workers officials said they observed no indication that assembly operations should remain paused.
They said that Silfab will halt start-up of its manufacturing operations involving chemicals until it enters a compliance agreement that would require Silfab to:
- Retain a qualified professional engineer with added expertise in evaluating chemical systems.
- To notify state regulators as soon as reasonably possible of any future leaks of any chemical from any piping or tank system.
“We, as a community, we will not accept them open in any regard, so I will not be satisfied until operations permanently shut down,” said Scott Jensen, community activist.
Neighbors want York County’s Board of Zoning and Appeals to revoke Silfab’s certificate of occupancy, which was granted in February, because it doesn’t fit the requirements for a light industrial zone.
After the decision, Fort Mill Schools announced it would open in-person instruction at Flint Hill Elementary School on Tuesday.
However, some parents still have concerns.
“I know the school is trying to do what’s best but until there is more clarity around this, we really don’t feel safe with her going back to school yet,” said parent Matt Rugero.
About 60 of the 803 students missed school on Tuesday.
Regero’s daughter was one of them.
“We kept her out of school yesterday, too,” he said.
State regulators said on Monday night that a tank containing hydrogen fluoride is still dripping on site, but it’s contained and Silfab is starting the process of emptying that tank.
Channel 9 asked Silfab if there is a timeline for that and when manufacturing using chemicals will start.
Silfab said Monday night the company will continue to work with the authorities as appropriate.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said Tuesday in a statement: “My office is reviewing the latest reports regarding the Silfab facility in York County and continuing to gather additional information. The safety of students, teachers, and families in the surrounding community remains our top priority. We will provide further updates when we are able to do so.”
VIDEO: SCDES, EPA clears Silfab to resume some work; chemical operations still halted
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