ROCK HILL, S.C. — A standing-room-only crowd packed Rock Hill City Hall on July 2 as residents from York County, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay voiced concerns over Silfab Solar’s application for a wastewater pretreatment permit. The public hearing, hosted by the City of Rock Hill, focused on whether the permit complies with the city’s pretreatment ordinance.
Silfab’s proposed permit would allow the company to discharge treated industrial wastewater into the Manchester Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant. According to city staff, the permit defines pollutant limits, monitoring requirements, and spill prevention protocols. However, the hearing revealed widespread public skepticism about the company’s compliance and the city’s oversight capacity.
No representatives from York County or the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SC DES) were present to speak at the hearing.
Speaking on behalf of Silfab, Matt Korzelius, the company’s Facilities Director, emphasized transparency and regulatory adherence.
“We believe our request meets all requirements under the City of Rock Hill’s sewer use ordinance and the federal Clean Water Act,” Korzelius said. “Silfab Solar remains transparent and will allow authorized employees of the City of Rock Hill, SC Department of Environmental Services, and the EPA on the premises at any time.”
Despite these assurances, many citizens expressed distrust based on recent violations and the permit’s monitoring provisions. Several speakers cited the company’s past infractions, including a stop-work order issued in June by York County due to unauthorized occupancy.
“This is not a paperwork error; it’s a serious breach in public safety,” said Fort Mill resident Amanda Lane.
Julie Wojanowski, a Fort Mill resident and environmental health and safety consultant, urged city officials to view the permit in a broader context. “What I’d advocate for on behalf of all of us that live here and those that will come is for you all to think about the infrastructure comments and questions that have been made tonight, because Silfab is not the only opportunity that’s going to come to our county,” she said.
Fort Mill School District Engages Citadel EHS for Environmental Review Near Silfab Solar Facility
Public commenters questioned the adequacy of the proposed monitoring system, which relies heavily on quarterly self-reporting by Silfab. Others raised concerns about the potential presence of hazardous substances, such as chromium, lead, and mercury, in the wastewater.
“If I said to you, I want to put 100 pounds of chromium into your system every day, would you give me a permit for that?” asked Brian Gracon, a Fort Mill resident and chemical engineer.
Infrastructure and environmental impacts also dominated the discussion. Speakers asked how the existing sewer system—particularly the line from Fort Mill to Rock Hill—would handle the additional load. They also questioned the potential effects on local water quality and recreational areas like the Catawba River.
Scott Jensen, a Fort Mill resident, questioned Silfab’s site selection practices, referencing past business decisions. “You’re aware that they tried to move to Gastonia and before the documents on why they didn’t go there, and one of the things that they said is speed to market is important. And communities with fast track permitting processes and low regulatory requirements will be prioritized,” he said.
City officials noted the hearing was to gather feedback on compliance with pretreatment standards, not broader environmental or zoning issues. The city will now review the comments before making a decision.
No final decision was made at the hearing. Residents are awaiting further information, and many called for increased oversight, more public engagement, and stricter regulatory enforcement.
You can watch the meeting on Rock Hill Website
Sign up for our Sunday Spectator. Delivered to your inbox every Sunday, with all the news from the week.
