Fermented Beverage Producers

A fermented beverage producer is any facility that discharges wastewater to Austin Water's collection system as a result of a process or function that includes the fermentation of liquids at breweries, distilleries, cideries, meaderies, sakaguras, wineries or other fermented beverage production facilities, or the cleaning and sanitizing of equipment, vessels or production areas used in fermentation.

General Requirements

Under Chapter 15-10 (Wastewater Regulations) of the Austin City Code, Austin Water's Utility Compliance Services Division requires all fermented beverage producers to:

1. Complete a General Industrial User Wastewater Discharge Permit Application (PDF)
2. Develop, submit and maintain best management, source reduction and pollution prevention practices that include at a minimum:
3. Standard operating procedures (SOP) detailing how the facility will meet the pH (6.0–11.5), temperature (below 120°F) and solids requirements set forth in §15-10-22 of the Austin City Code
4. Log sheets documenting that the temperature and pH of each discharge has been recorded and meets requirements
5. Log sheets documenting the occurrence and measurement of each solid waste disposal event
6. Complete the online Fermented Beverage Producers Supplementary Questionnaire, attaching the permit application and best management practices documentation in Section 3

Once the questionnaire is submitted with the required attachments, a Pretreatment Compliance Specialist will review it and follow up to confirm receipt. For questions about the information needed, email awfbp@austintexas.gov.

pH, Temperature and Solids Requirements

Wastewater sent to Austin Water's collection system must stay within the requirements for pH, temperature and solids set in the Austin City Code.

• Wastewater that is too acidic (below 6.0) or alkaline (above 11.5) can corrode the sewer collection system
• High temperatures can inhibit biological processes at the wastewater treatment plants and cause premature wear on the collection system
• Solids capable of settling can block or restrict flows in sewer lines, resulting in overflows

These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of damage to the collection system and prevent sewer overflows into sensitive watersheds.

Best Management Practices

Developing best management, source reduction and pollution prevention practices helps ensure compliance with the City's Wastewater Ordinance, protects the local environment and can reduce costs.

Wastewater from fermented beverage production is typically more heavily concentrated with solids and organic matter than residential wastewater due to the discharge of grains, yeast, trub, hops and other fermenting materials — making it more expensive to treat. Facilities with wastewater exceeding the City's normal values for Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) or Total Suspended Solids (TSS) are subject to monthly surcharge fees.

Normal values:

• BOD: 200 mg/L
• COD: 450 mg/L
• TSS: 200 mg/L

The practices below are recommendations to help meet pH, temperature and solids requirements and reduce surcharge fees.

Solids Management

• Prevent spent grains and other solids from entering the drain — they contribute to high surcharges and pipe blockages
• Sweep or squeegee floors and dispose of collected materials before washing with water
• Install screens, filters or baskets on floor drains to capture solids; ensure employees do not routinely bypass them
• Capture and reuse yeast when possible — yeast can contribute to very high surcharges

pH Control

Wastewater from fermented beverage production is generally acidic, but cleaning processes can cause variable spikes. The Austin City Code prohibits discharge with a pH below 6.0 or above 11.5.

• Adjust pH of individual waste streams using tanks or totes
• If feasible, install a tank to collect wastewater from all operations for self-neutralization and pH adjustment using chemistry and sufficient mixing
• Do not use City tap water to dilute or adjust pH — this wastes water and is prohibited by the Austin City Code

Temperature Control

The Austin City Code prohibits discharge at or above 120°F.

• Collect wastewater before discharge and allow it to cool below 120°F before releasing
• Blend hot wastewater with ambient or cool wastewater to bring the temperature below 120°F
• Do not use City tap water to adjust wastewater temperature — this wastes water and is prohibited by the Austin City Code

Records

Austin Water requires all fermented beverage producers to maintain logs documenting the temperature and pH of each discharge and the off-site disposal of solid wastes including grains, trub, grapes or other fermenting byproducts.

• Retain records on site for a minimum of three years
• Records must include pH and temperature logs of wastewater discharges, logs of solid waste disposal events and calibration logs for pH meters

Product Losses and Off-Spec Product

Sending excessive amounts of high-strength waste to the sewer can disrupt the system and increase surcharge fees. Minimize the volume of unused and off-spec product discharged to the public sewer. In addition to collecting spent yeast, grains, hops and trub, consider beneficial reuse or off-site disposal of:

• Off-spec and unused product
• Tank heels and initial tank rinse
• Product and yeast lost in racking and transfer
• Product lost in filtering, bottling or kegging

Chemical Storage and Spill Prevention

Accidental spills and chemical discharges can damage the public sewer and may result in serious violations.

• Store all chemicals in secondary containment; measure and transfer chemicals over the containment area
• Regularly inspect chemical storage for proper labeling, containment integrity and correct use of dispensing equipment
• Consider developing a slug control plan (PDF) and training employees to follow it

Water Conservation

Since wastewater volume is a factor in surcharge fees, conserving water benefits both the environment and your bottom line.

• Monitor water usage and wastewater discharge volumes; establish a baseline and set water-saving goals
• Use dry cleanup procedures before wet cleanup
• Use water-efficient equipment such as high-pressure nozzles, clean-in-place systems and water brooms; find alternatives to water-cooled chilling equipment
• Monitor your utility bill — a significant variance may indicate a leak

Beneficial Reuse

When disposing of waste off site, consider beneficial reuse. Seek opportunities to convert solids and high-strength waste into compost, fertilizer, animal feed, energy or other authorized beneficial uses.

Forms and Resources

• Fermented Beverage Producers: Requirements and FAQs (PDF)
• Example of a Generic Fermented Beverage Producer SOP (PDF)
• Pretreatment Forms, Applications and Reports
• Austin City Code, Chapter 15-10 — Wastewater Regulations
• Austin Water Annual Water Quality Report
• Austin Water Commercial Rebates
• Brewers Association Wastewater Management Guidance Manual
• Brewers Association Water and Wastewater: Treatment/Volume Reduction Manual
• Pretreatment Surcharge Program

Contact

Glen Bell Service Center
3907 South Industrial Drive, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78744 
Phone: 512-972-1060, option 6 
Email: awfbp@austintexas.gov