Fort Mill Residents Rally Against Silfab Solar Plant, Rep. Norman Hosts Forum

Fort Mill Residents Continue Protest Against Silfab Solar’s Manufacturing Plant as Rep. Norman Gears Up to Host Forum

In the wake of continued community protest and legal action concerning a proposed solar panel manufacturing plant in Fort Mill, Representative Ralph Norman intends to host an informative forum. The forum aims to discuss and answer public queries about the Canadian-based Silfab Solar’s plant’s potential impact.

“I understand this is an alarming issue for residents of Fort Mill, and many of you have reached out to me personally to share your concerns,” articulated Rep. Ralph Norman. “This forum is scheduled to be enlightening, and I am eager to get your questions answered,” he added.

Silfab Solar’s Fort Mill Plant

Silfab Solar, a Canadian firm, leased a warehouse in a business park for the manufacturing of solar panels in unincorporated Fort Mill in 2022. The Fort Mill region’s residents have been aware of the plans for the past one year and have been making multiple efforts to challenge the project. Several of their worries revolve around the usage of explosives, such as hydrofluoric acid and silane, at the property. Federal authorities have given a description of the former as a caustic, poisonous gas that can be easily ignited in the air.

Despite these potentially hazardous chemicals being commonly used in industrial processes and the production of consumer products, the public’s concern persists. To pacify them, the state officials have demanded Silfab to develop a risk management program.

The Public Response

Since the public became aware of the proposed solar panel plant, residents have tried variouǎ means to undermine the venture. They initially expressed opposition to county tax credits for Silfab, a motion that the York County Council ultimately approved with a 4-3 vote in September 2023. The residents also voiced objection to Silfab Solar’s pollution permit application to the state in the same year, which amounted to no noticeable impact. An appeal was filed in court in late June by Silfab regarding this ruling for clarity’s sake, despite assurances by the county leaders that this decision wouldn’t affect the plans for Silfab.

Aligning with these public sentiments, Fort Mill-area resident Wally Buchanon filed an appeal with the York County Board of Zoning Appeals in spring to reverse the definition of the solar panel manufacturing as an acceptable activity for the light industrial business. His plea saw unanimous success on May 9, which led county leaders to claim that this decision wouldn’t affect Silfab’s plans.

Supporting this wave of protest is the Move Silfab community group, which took to the streets on April 13 with signs on U.S. 21. They plan to return for the afternoon commute at 4:30 p.m. on August 15.

The Upcoming Forum

The panel for this forum, organized by Rep. Ralph Norman, will include state officials from Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environmental Services. However, representatives from neither York County Government nor Silfab Solar have been listed as panel members. Silfab Solar spokesperson mentioned that while they were informed about the forum, they didn’t reveal whether they were invited to participate.

The forum’s agenda to discuss Salifab Solar’s plans and impacts will take place at 6 p.m. on August 27 at Catawba Ridge High School. The public’s anticipation for this forum is high, as the opening of the Silfab Solar Plant, which holds 800 job opportunities with a $150 million investment, hangs in the balance.