Stormwater Compliance for Craft Brewers

November 8, 2017

How to stay in compliance, do what is right and avoid costly fines and litigation.

The State of California passed regulations in 2015 that impact all craft brewers (SIC Code 2082) who must comply with these regulations by either preparing and implementing a plan or certifying “no exposure” for their facility. While enforcement has so far been limited, the State maintains a searchable database by SIC code, and compliance determinations by government officials, environmental groups and other non-government organizations is comparatively easy.

Based on our research, the current compliance rate for craft brewers in California is relatively low. Those who don’t comply run the risk of fines or citizen suits by non-profits, which can be costly and time-consuming. Find out about the different types of compliance, what is involved, and how to stay in compliance.

A Qualified Industrial Storm Water Practitioner (QISP) can help you answer the following questions:

• Do I need to comply with these requirements?
• What if I am brewpub/restaurant, do I still need to comply?
• What steps do I need to take to be in compliance?
• Can I do the compliance work myself or should I get help?
• What are the tips or strategies to attempt to stay out of the more stringent aspects of compliance?
• What is my exposure and what are the fines and penalties for not complying?
• What strategies can I use to avoid citizen suits and what do I do if I am targeted by a citizen’s suit?

For more information or help with stormwater compliance in California, contact Dan Johnson at or the California Craft Brewers Association. If you are a CCBA member, you may access slides from a recent Webinar relating to Stormwater Compliance for Craft Brewers here. To sign up for our e-newsletter on stormwater and compliance tips send an email to .

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