the Chemicals
Silfab Solar's proposed factory in Fort Mill poses serious risks to our community. One of the biggest concerns is the hazardous chemicals they plan to use and store in large quantities. These include some of the most toxic, explosive, and flammable substances known.
overview.
One of the biggest concerns with Silfab's proposed factory in Fort Mill is the type and quantity of chemicals they will be using and the frequency they plan on refilling these chemicals via trucks on Fort Mill roads. Silfab plans on using and storing over 25 different chemicals that we know of, in industrial quantities. According to the chemists and industry experts we have spoken with, the most dangerous, explosive, and toxic chemicals they plan on using are as follows:
Silane.
Silane (SiH4):
According to NOAA.gov, "Silane is a colorless, flammable and poisonous gas" and "Silane will ignite spontaneously in air".
When accidents with silane gas occur, either on roads or at factories, emergency crews often have difficulty putting the fires out and are often forced to evacuate the area and let the fires burn.
According to a report from Scientific American, "In 2007, an explosion decapitated an industrial worker, hurling his body through a brick wall. In 2005 a routine procedure caused a spontaneous explosion that killed a worker and ignited a blaze that ripped through the factory, shutting down production for three months. Both incidents shared a common cause—silane, a gas made up of silicon and hydrogen that explodes on contact with air."
Hydrofluoric Acid.
Hydrofluoric Acid (HF):
According to Stanford University, "Hydrofluoric acid, a solution of hydrogen fluoride gas (HF) in water, is one of the most corrosive and dangerous chemicals encountered in the laboratory. Exposure to HF can cause severe tissue damage and even death. The fluoride ions in HF readily bind calcium and magnesium, reducing their levels in the blood, resulting in hypotension and cardiac effects. Deaths have been reported from concentrated acid burns (involving ≥ 50% HF solutions) to as little as 2.5% of body surface area, which is equivalent to approximately one hand and forearm."
After Silfab's processes, their HF will exit their smoke stack (aka 'acid scrubber stack') as hydrogen fluoride "toxic air pollution", according to SC's Department of Environmental Services.
anhydrous ammonia.
Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3):
According to North Dakota State University, "Anhydrous ammonia has the potential to be one of the most dangerous chemicals used in agriculture today...when anhydrous ammonia comes in contact with water, it forms an alkali that chemically burns animal tissue. The chemical burns into the body tissue unless it is diluted by large quantities of water. Anhydrous ammonia is extremely destructive to animal tissue. Skin is reduced to a sticky, gooey substance as the chemical burn progresses. Skin that is chemically burned by the ammonia actually is killed and is not capable of healing or replacing itself. Damaged tissue must be removed surgically so that healing can proceed."
Trimethylaluminum.
Trimethylaluminum (TMA):
Trimethylaluminum, like Silane, is a 'pyrophoric' gas, meaning that it will 'ignite spontaneously in air.' It can also react violently with water and creates methane as a byproduct after combustion.
According to Science.org, "Trimethylaluminum earns the respect of everyone who handles it - and if it doesn't, then there's always next time. Any exposure to oxygen, moisture, and a whole list of other things will produce billowing masses of flame, a wildly exothermic reaction driven (as with thermite) by the formation of the corresponding way-down-there metal oxide. Honestly, I would far rather handle t-butyllithium on a regular basis, its reputation and track record and all, than neat TMA. The compound is bad enough on a bench scale, and has caused many a face to go pale behind the lab goggles (and if you don't have something in front of your eyes when you're working with this kind of reagent, you're a fool). On the industrial scale...well, that's something else again."
Phosphorus oxychloride.
Phosphorus Oxychloride (POCl3):
According to the CDC, Phosphorus Oxychloride is a "Clear, colorless to yellow, oily liquid with a pungent & musty odor."
According to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, Phosphorus Oxychloride "reacts violently with water" and is "fatal if inhaled".
According to news station KFVS 12, a widespread evacuation occurred in Sainte Genevieve, MO last year when a truck carrying Phosphorus Oxychloride tipped over on the side of the road.
Boron Trichloride.
Boron Trichloride (BCl3):
According to NOAA, Boron Trichloride is "A colorless gas with a pungent odor. Fumes irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. Corrosive to metals and tissue and is toxic. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat, the containers may rupture violently and rocket...Fumes are corrosive and highly toxic. Boron affects the central nervous system causing depression of circulation as well as shock and coma."
Our Sources.
How do we know the names, quantities, and locations Silfab plans on storing and using?
We received Silfab's construction air permit from the SC Department of Environmental Services, which states that they will be storing, "two 5,280-gallon storage tanks (10,560 gallons total) that will store HCI and two 7,925-gallon storage tanks (15,580 total) that will store HF onsite."
We also know the specific quantity of pure anhydrous ammonia they will be using, since they specifically list a total volume of 22,000 lbs in their EMP RMP, which they posted on their website.
We received Silfab's full engineering plans from York County via a FOIA request, where we can see the storage location of each of the chemicals.
The Hydrofluoric Acid and Hydrochloric Acid will be stored in the newly constructed 'chemical storage building' to the east of the newly constructed 'wastewater treatment facility' and to the west of the newly constructed 'central energy plant' (labeled 'CHEM. STOR ACIDS 102).
The Trimethylaluminum will be stored in a separate building between the 'central energy plant' and the silane, ammonia, and nitrous oxide 'specialty gas bunkers' (essentially walled-off areas for chemical tanker trunks to park in). To the East of the 'bunkers' are 3 very tall towers of liquid oxygen and liquid nitrogen.
We also received Silfab's full lease with the Rockefeller Group (which was transferred to Exeter when the building was sold) from York County via a FOIA request. In their lease, under "EXHIBIT F Tenant List of Hazardous Materials", there is a full list of all hazardous materials Silfab plans on storing and using on site, here is an image of EXHIBIT F from the lease:
Chemical Bunkers
Chemical Storage Building
Exhibit F From Lease
Silfab Air Permit
Silfab Solar Lease
Photo Gallery.
Click on the images below to enlarge.