Air Quality Regulator Report Indicates Exide has Reduced Emissions at Battery Recycling Facility, Meeting Agency's Toxic Air Contaminant Rule Limits

SCAQMD and Exide Tests Show Plant-Wide 95% Arsenic Emissions Reductions, Company Poised to Make Additional Investments

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Jan 07, 2014, 12:00 ET

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 7, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Exide Technologies (OTC: XIDEQ) reported today that a recent South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) report underscores the company's success in substantially reducing arsenic emissions at its battery recycling facility in Vernon, CA. Since identifying elevated emissions levels early last year, the company has worked tirelessly with regulators to address their concerns, invest in substantial plant upgrades and further reduce emissions. In a December 2013 Rule Staff Report, SCAQMD presented the latest source testing results, confirming a plant-wide 95% reduction in arsenic emissions, which has been maintained since April 2013. Those documented test results show the facility meeting SCAQMD's current toxic air contaminant rule limits for existing facilities.

"During the past year, we have implemented significant capital investments and operational changes to further reduce emissions and protect public health and we are pleased the District has reported improved results for our facility," said Robert M. Caruso, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exide Technologies. "While the facility's emissions have improved substantially, Exide is committed to additional investments that will help us to further reduce emissions while allowing the company to continue playing a vital role in the new green economy – providing good paying local jobs and fostering greater sustainability and recycling."

Exide continues to work cooperatively with the SCAQMD, and other local and state regulators on a long-term operational plan for its Vernon recycling plant. Measures taken by the company thus far that have helped to further reduce emissions and enhance environmental protection include: the enclosure of previously exposed sections of the plant, replacement of the stormwater piping system, installation of high-efficiency filtration systems to reduce emissions; and installation of an isolation door to more effectively capture and control furnace emissions.

In November 2013, Exide submitted a revised Risk Reduction Plan to the SCAQMD identifying further measures that will be taken to reduce emissions and facilitate compliance with the nation's most rigid, and soon to be even tighter, regulatory toxic air contaminant standards.

"Exide is fully committed to the safety of our employees, the surrounding community and the local environment," added Caruso.

Exide has proudly been producing and recycling lead-acid batteries around the world for more than 120 years and plays an important role in fostering California's green economy and promoting environmental sustainability. The Vernon facility is one of only two plants in the United States west of the Rockies that recycles car batteries. The plant recycles approximately 25,000 batteries a day and about eight million a year.

SOURCE Exide Technologies