The definition of an equalization charge is a period of charge at a higher voltage.
Insist on a product data sheet from the manufacturer. If the supplier can't do that, move on to another supplier.
Lead Carbon does not normally need equalization.
It has been leaking slowly for many years, I believe it is a matter of when, not if or maybe. It should be a national govt. matter not an NRC one. Look at the Rena cleanup costs and Treble or Quadruple it and you might be closer to the money involved if / when it breaks up.