IPEX Pledges Improved Storage After PVC Pipe Spill into French Broad River

Greenville Spartanburg Asheville Anderson, SC, August 13, 2026 —

Woodfin, NC – IPEX, the owner of Silver-Line Plastics, has committed to enhancing its storage procedures following a significant environmental incident where thousands of PVC pipes were washed into the French Broad River during Tropical Storm Helene nearly two years ago.

The incident, which occurred approximately two years prior to the current reporting, resulted in a substantial cleanup effort. The spill involved thousands of PVC pipes originating from the Silver-Line Plastics facility located in Woodfin.

Further complicating the aftermath of the spill, it has come to light that a county official had previously alerted the company to potential flood risks associated with its storage practices. This warning was issued over two years before Tropical Storm Helene made landfall, highlighting a potential forewarning of the environmental event.

In response to the spill and the subsequent cleanup, IPEX has stated its intention to implement improved storage practices to prevent future occurrences. Specific details regarding the new practices were not immediately available.

The French Broad River experienced a significant influx of PVC pipes, necessitating a costly cleanup operation managed by relevant authorities and potentially environmental groups. The full extent of the financial cost of the cleanup was not provided.

The company’s commitment to improving storage practices marks a step towards addressing the environmental impact of the spill. The timeline for the implementation of these new practices and their specific nature remain details to be further elaborated by IPEX.

Story summarized from the original created by JACK EVANS on avlwatchdog.org, see more information here.

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