FORT MILL, S.C. — The Fort Mill School District will host a public meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Nation Ford High School Auditorium (1400 A.O. Jones Blvd) to present findings from environmental testing at the newly constructed Flint Hill Elementary and Middle School site and to gather community feedback.
The meeting, organized in collaboration with Citadel EHS, an independent environmental health and safety consulting firm, is part of the district’s effort to maintain transparency and respond to community concerns related to air quality, safety, and emergency planning.
What to Expect
- Presentation by Citadel EHS
The consultants will share results from baseline air‑quality testing conducted at the Flint Hill site. They will also review ongoing work related to emergency preparedness and coordination between the district, York County emergency management officials, and nearby industrial stakeholders. - Q&A Panel
After the presentation, attendees may ask questions of Citadel EHS experts, district administrators, and school board members. The panel will address inquiries about health, safety, and school operations. - Limitations on Scope
District leaders emphasize that questions related to business development in the surrounding area will not be addressed at this meeting.“To ensure a productive conversation, please understand that questions regarding the permitting or zoning of commercial businesses cannot be addressed by the district or Citadel EHS, as these matters fall under the jurisdiction of other government authorities,” the district stated.
Fort Mill School District Engages Citadel EHS for Environmental Review Near Silfab Solar Facility
Context and Background
The community’s concern largely centers on the proximity of Silfab Solar’s facility to the new Flint Hill school campus. In response, the district engaged Citadel EHS to perform a third‑party environmental health and safety assessment.
Key components of the assessment include:
- Review of air and indoor environmental quality (e.g., HVAC systems, filtration, volatile organic compounds)
- Comparison of the district’s emergency protocols with those of local authorities and Silfab, along with drafting formal agreements (e.g., Memoranda of Understanding) for coordinated response in case of chemical releases or other incidents
- Monitoring plans to collect continuous perimeter air data, with thresholds and corrective actions defined if readings exceed safe levels
Earlier in June 2025, Citadel EHS introduced its scope and methodology to the school board, including how it would balance technical analysis with community engagement. In August, the consultants presented preliminary recommendations, which the district has pledged to implement, pending community feedback and funding.
The district has earmarked approximately $34,000 for quarterly air quality tests and future “fence line” monitoring once Silfab’s operations come online.
