Residents Urge County to Revoke Silfab Permits in Powerful Council Appearance
- silfabmove
- May 28
- 2 min read

60+ Pages of Documentation Presented—Backed by National Experts and Community Voices
On May 19, 2025, nine concerned residents appeared before York County Council to deliver a clear, unified message: Silfab Solar does not belong next to Fort Mill schools and neighborhoods. Armed with over 60 pages of documentation and research—now available—they presented compelling evidence that Silfab’s operations far exceed what is allowed under Light Industrial zoning.
During the public forum, citizens highlighted repeated permit violations, the presence of hazardous chemicals, and expert-backed health risk assessments. Speakers urged the council to take a fresh look at the facts and reconsider the facility’s location in light of mounting safety concerns and legal discrepancies.
Key takeaways from the presentation included:
Improper Zoning Classification: Silfab's operations involve over 500,000 pounds of hazardous,explosive, and highly toxic gases and liquids, wastewater treatment, and toxic air pollution control stacks—features not permitted under Light Industrial zoning.
Public Health Risks: A Phase 2 report from the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health emphasized that exposure risks—including hydrofluoric acid, silane, and anhydrous ammonia—could impact tens of thousands of residents across York and Mecklenburg Counties.
School Proximity: The facility shares a property line with two public schools, putting students and staff at heightened risk of breathing Silfab’s toxic air pollution or danger in the event of an accidental release or explosion/fire at the factory.
Ongoing Permitting Despite BZA Ruling: Despite a unanimous 2024 decision from the Board of Zoning Appeals ruling that Silfab’s operations are not permitted in a light industrial zone, York County has continued to ignore the ruling and to issue new permits to Silfab—raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
Each speaker called on County Council to fulfill its duty under Ordinance § 155.1239, which gives the county council the legal right to revoke permits issued in error or based on materially false information. Residents made it clear: the facts have changed, and it’s time for County leadership to act.
"We’re not here to assign blame—we’re here to support a re-evaluation."
The night concluded with a call for courage and accountability. Community leaders asked council members to show the integrity to revisit prior decisions and prioritize the safety of Fort Mill families.
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