South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has issued a formal public safety advisory following the immediate closure of the Silfab Solar facility in York County. The advisory comes in response to a state-mandated shutdown triggered by two separate chemical incidents at the plant within a single week.
The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (DES) ordered the facility to halt all operations after a release of potassium hydroxide was followed by a second leak involving hydrofluoric acid.
The Attorney General’s office has emphasized that the primary concern remains the safety of the surrounding community, specifically citing the facility’s location just 1,300 feet from Flint Hill Elementary and Middle School. Wilson indicated that the recurring nature of these incidents near a school environment is unacceptable and that parents deserve clear answers regarding the risks posed to their children’s classrooms.
Prior to these spills, the Attorney General had already demanded detailed information from Silfab regarding its safety protocols. In light of the recent leaks, Wilson has reiterated that operations should remain suspended until regulators can confirm the facility is capable of operating safely and providing the public with full transparency.
The Attorney General is taking a multi-agency approach to the investigation:
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Federal Outreach: Wilson has contacted the director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to discuss the implications of the chemical spills.
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State Oversight: The Attorney General’s Office is closely monitoring the DES investigation into the facility’s risk management and chemical handling procedures.
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Information Gathering: The office is actively seeking input from community members and parents who have raised concerns about the industrial site’s proximity to residential and educational zones.
Attorney General Wilson is calling on the public to assist in the ongoing investigation. Residents with relevant information or specific concerns regarding the incidents are encouraged to contact the state’s legal and environmental offices:
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Tips to the Attorney General: Relevant information can be emailed directly to [email protected].
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Department of Environmental Services: Questions can be directed to 803-898-3432 or through their official website.
The Attorney General’s Office maintains that the safety of South Carolina families must be the priority as the investigation into Silfab Solar’s compliance and safety systems continues.
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