Fort Mill Solar Plant Controversy Sparks Public Forum Hosted by Rep. Ralph Norman

FORT MILL — Amid ongoing legal action and community concerns over a proposed solar panel manufacturing plant, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-Rock Hill, is hosting a public forum to address the issue as reported by the Post and Courier. The event will take place on August 27 at 6 p.m. at Catawba Ridge High School.

"I understand this is an alarming issue for residents of Fort Mill," said Norman. "This forum is intended to be informative, and I am looking forward to getting your questions answered."

The forum will feature state officials from Emergency Management, the Department of Transportation, and the Department of Environmental Services. Notably absent from the panel are representatives from York County government and Silfab Solar, the Canadian-based company behind the plant.

Silfab Solar plans to invest $150 million in the Fort Mill facility, creating 800 jobs. However, residents have raised concerns about the use of hazardous materials, including hydrofluoric acid and silane, both of which are integral to the manufacturing process. State officials are requiring Silfab to produce a risk management plan in response to these concerns.

Selective Focus on Maintenance Man Installing Solar PanelPhoto byLos Muertos Crew