Flint Hill Elementary to Resume Regular Operations

School reopens after environmental investigation and containment of chemical leak

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a statement indicating that Silfab Solar will only be restarting assembly operations at their facility, which does not involve the use of hazardous chemicals and poses no risk to the community. The statement also addressed the Hydrofluoric Acid leak, stating that it has been fully contained and poses no current danger.

Why it matters

The reopening of Flint Hill Elementary is important for the local community, as it ensures the safety and continuity of education for students after concerns were raised about a chemical leak in the area. The regulatory agencies' investigation and containment of the issue has allowed the school to resume normal operations.

The details

According to the statement from SCDES and EPA, Silfab Solar will only be restarting its assembly operations, which do not involve the use of hazardous chemicals. The Hydrofluoric Acid leak that raised concerns last week has also been fully contained and poses no current danger to the community. Local legislators have also confirmed that the assembly operations under the Consent Order will not pose a risk to students at Flint Hill Elementary.

  • The SCDES and EPA statement was released on March 10, 2026.

The players

South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES)

The state environmental agency that conducted the investigation and released the statement on the Silfab Solar facility.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal environmental agency that collaborated with SCDES on the investigation and containment of the chemical leak.

Silfab Solar

The solar panel manufacturing company whose facility was the source of the Hydrofluoric Acid leak.

Flint Hill Elementary School

The local elementary school that was impacted by the environmental concerns and is now able to resume regular operations.

Fort Mill School District

The school district that oversees Flint Hill Elementary and coordinated with authorities on the response.

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What they’re saying

“If Silfab is allowed to resume assembly operations under the Consent Order, it will not involve the chemicals that raised concerns last week. We specifically asked DES officials about the safety of assembly operations near the school and were told that assembly under these conditions would not pose a risk to students.”

— Local Legislators (Facebook)

The takeaway

The successful containment of the chemical leak and the resumption of regular operations at Flint Hill Elementary demonstrate the importance of effective collaboration between regulatory agencies, local officials, and the community to address environmental concerns and ensure the safety of schools and residents.