AQ_F_1200076_20140821_CMPL_Fac-Ltr

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4S C-3
Specialty Battery Group
Lithium Battery Division
Mr. Lee A. Daniel
Chief Technical Services Section
Division of Air Quality
NCDENR
1641 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina
27699-1641
August 19,2014
Dear Mr. Daniel,
Subject : Your letter dated August 7, 2014—Request for Information
Pressure Vessel Inspection—Saft America facility,Valdese, Burke County
In response to the above referenced request for information, Saft America,Valdese facility, is presently
in technical discussions with the original manufacturer of the subject vessel, and the supplier of the
sulfur dioxide stored within the vessel.
Recognizing that the vessel requires appropriate inspection to maintain compliance with relevant codes,
but that it's contents present a potentially hazardous environment if not removed correctly prior to
vessel inspection, Saft America,Valdese facility engineering and EHS managers are discussing with the
relevant technical experts how safe removal and subsequent 'flushing' of any remaining contents can be
achieved safely and properly prior to confined space inspection by the appropriate inspection authority.
Discussions are underway now with the appropriate technical and EHS personnel from both companies
and we expect to have a procedure agreed and in place shortly in order to conduct the necessary
inspection(s) quickly thereafter.
Testing of the vessel will be to the applicable Codes for such vessels, and full results will be available as
soon as the inspection is complete.
Sincerel
W___E f
Richard S Boyens ! AUG 2 1 2014
General Manager
Saft America Inc.,Valdese Facility A!!; QUALITY
SaftAmerica Inc. • 313 Crescent Street • Valdese, NC 28690
Tel. [phone] Fax. [phone]