9.2 million pounds of toxic chemicals used in a single year 

• 258,000 pounds of hazardous substances left behind on-site upon closure
• 720,000+ pounds of hydrofluoric acid used
• 5 tons of hydrogen fluoride released into the air a year
• 2 million gallons of wastewater discharged per day

The facility that is planned in the neighborhoods has been claimed to be 20%FAB. That is 1.84 million pounds of toxic chemicals, next to our homes, our families, and schools.

The SK hynix representatives referred to the facility they plan to build in our neighborhoods as a “FAB”. Let’s take a clear-eyed look at their last fab in US, the one in Eugene, Oregon. That city placed its bet on SK hynix (click to read: Bad bet).

At their former semiconductor site in Eugene (originally operated by Hyundai Electronics, now SK hynix), the company used what was described as a river of toxic chemicals. In 2007 alone, they reported using 9.2 million pounds of hazardous substances, nearly half of all toxic chemicals used in the entire city that year, according to Eugene’s Toxics Right-to-Know ordinance.

When the facility shut down abruptly in 2008, 258,174 pounds of hazardous chemicals were still stored on site.

Just one year earlier, SK hynix had applied for permits to increase its toxic air emissions, sparking public outcry due to concerns about health impacts and risks to endangered plants and wildlife nearby.

Among the most alarming substances was hydrofluoric acid, listed by the CDC as a potential chemical terrorism agent. In a single year, they used over 721,754 pounds and were permitted to release 5 tons of hydrogen fluoride annually into the air.
Even low-level chronic exposure can inflame the lungs. At high doses, it can cause death from cardiac and respiratory failure.

They also strained public utilities:

• Discharged 2 million gallons of wastewater daily into Eugene’s system and eventually the Willamette River
• Consumed more water than any other local business
• Used enough electricity to power 13,700 homes

And when they left? The toxic waste stayed behind.

Now we are being asked to trust this same company with a heavy industrial facility next to our homes, schools, parks, and senior communities. Their PR pictures show modern buildings, but toxic emissions are toxic, no matter how sleek the building.

Let’s demand full transparency before the City Council votes.

We deserve answers:

1. What chemicals will SK Hynix use here?
2. How much will be stored on-site?
3. How much will be used each year?
4. What will be released into our air, water, or soil, either legally or by accident?

If SK hynix truly believes this site is safe for our neighborhoods, they should have no issue disclosing this information now, not after the vote.

Don’t assume someone else will protect us.

Our environmental laws do not exceed federal minimums, and federal minimums are often lower for CHIPS Act projects than for traditional heavy industry.

Let’s not be distracted by sleek presentations and vague assurances.
What SK hynix wants is this land.
What we risk is our community’s health.

Toxic emission and waste are still toxic, even if it’s coming from a high-tech building.

Let’s demand:

• Full disclosure
• Enforceable safeguards
• Real accountability
   

To be counted in the public record before the City Council vote:

• Submit your name and address via Google Form
• Or email with name and address: clerk@westlafayette.in.gov, cc: CityCouncil@westlafayette.in.gov
• Visit: Facebook page | Website
• Sign and share the petition and the update