Breweries & Distilleries

Breweries and Distilleries

Environmental Compliance for Breweries and Distilleries

Breweries and distilleries face unique environmental compliance challenges due to their use of water, chemicals, and energy-intensive processes. Proper management of wastewater, chemical storage, and waste disposal is critical to ensure a safe, sustainable, and legally compliant operation. Our specialized compliance services help breweries and distilleries navigate regulations, such as Tier II reporting, wastewater management, and air quality compliance, while focusing on environmentally responsible production practices.

Key Compliance Areas for Breweries and Distilleries

Brewing and distilling operations must adhere to various environmental regulations to minimize their environmental footprint and comply with local, state, and federal requirements. Our comprehensive services address the following crucial areas:

1. Tier II Reporting and Chemical Storage Compliance

• Why It Matters: Breweries and distilleries often store chemicals like sanitizers, cleaning agents, and refrigerants in significant quantities. Facilities that store hazardous substances above specific thresholds must comply with Tier II reporting under the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA).

• Our Services: We assist in conducting a detailed chemical inventory audit to identify chemicals subject to Tier II reporting. Our team will manage the reporting process, ensuring accurate submissions to the appropriate state and local authorities. Additionally, we provide guidance on the proper storage, labeling, and handling of chemicals, reducing the risk of accidents and regulatory non-compliance.

2. Wastewater Management and NPDES Compliance

• Why It Matters: The brewing and distilling processes generate wastewater that contains organic materials, suspended solids, pH imbalances, and residual alcohols, which can pose a risk to water quality if not properly managed. Compliance with National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits is essential to prevent water pollution.

• Our Services: We assist breweries and distilleries in developing wastewater treatment solutions that meet NPDES permit requirements and local discharge standards. Our experts provide guidance on wastewater pretreatment options, such as pH adjustment, filtration, and biological treatment, to ensure your facility responsibly manages its effluent.

3. Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plans

• Why It Matters: Breweries and distilleries that store large quantities of oils, such as cooking oils or fuel oils for equipment, may be subject to SPCC regulations. An SPCC plan is crucial to prevent oil spills from contaminating local water sources and the surrounding environment.

• Our Services: We work with your facility to develop a customized SPCC plan, including an assessment of oil storage areas, secondary containment strategies, and spill response procedures. Our team ensures that your SPCC plan meets EPA requirements and enhances your ability to prevent and respond to potential spills.

4. Air Quality and Emission Controls

• Why It Matters: Brewing and distilling involve processes that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other emissions into the air, such as from fermentation, distillation, and heating equipment. Proper management of these emissions is necessary to comply with air quality regulations and maintain a safe working environment.

• Our Services: We provide air quality assessments to identify emission sources within your facility. Our team helps you implement emission control measures, such as proper ventilation, carbon filtration, and air scrubbers. Additionally, we assist in obtaining air quality permits and conducting regular monitoring to ensure compliance with local air quality standards.

5. Waste Management and Byproduct Utilization

• Why It Matters: Breweries and distilleries generate various types of waste, including spent grains, yeast, hops, trub, and chemical residues. Proper disposal or reuse of these materials is vital for compliance with waste management regulations and to support sustainability initiatives.

• Our Services: We develop tailored waste management plans that cover the proper handling, storage, and disposal of solid and liquid wastes. Our team provides guidance on recycling options, such as repurposing spent grains for animal feed or composting. We also assist with the disposal of hazardous waste, including cleaning chemicals and packaging residues, in compliance with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA).

6. Water Conservation and Sustainability Reporting

• Why It Matters: Brewing and distilling are water-intensive processes, making water conservation a key concern for sustainability. Implementing water-saving measures not only reduces operational costs but also contributes to positive environmental impact, an increasingly important aspect of a brand’s image.

• Our Services: We conduct water use assessments to identify areas for water conservation, such as optimizing cleaning processes, using water-efficient equipment, and recycling water where possible. Additionally, we assist in sustainability reporting, helping you track and communicate your facility’s water conservation efforts, energy usage, and waste reduction initiatives to stakeholders and customers.

7. Employee Training and Compliance Audits

• Why It Matters: Employees play a vital role in maintaining compliance and safety in brewing and distilling operations. Proper training ensures your team understands best practices for handling chemicals, managing waste, and responding to spills.

• Our Services: We offer comprehensive employee training programs focused on chemical storage, spill response, wastewater management, and safety protocols. In addition, we conduct compliance audits to identify potential risks and gaps in your current practices, providing actionable recommendations to help you achieve full compliance.

Why Choose Our Compliance Services for Breweries and Distilleries?

• Industry Expertise: Our team has extensive experience in addressing the unique environmental compliance challenges of breweries and distilleries, offering solutions that align with your facility’s specific needs.

• Customized Support: We provide tailored services, from Tier II reporting to sustainability planning, designed to meet the regulations governing your operations and promote responsible production practices.

• Continuous Compliance: Stay ahead of changing regulations with our up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal environmental laws, ensuring your facility remains compliant year-round.

Get Started with Compliance Solutions for Your Brewery or Distillery

Safeguard your brewing and distilling operations with expert environmental compliance support. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help your business achieve sustainable and regulatory-compliant production.