Breweries under SIC code 2082 (malt beverages) are required to sign up for the new California stormwater permit, under the State Water Resources Control Board. That permit went into effect a year ago. To this point, enforcement has been slow but there are indications that enforcement will increase in 2017.
The mandatory minimum penalty for non-filing starts at $5,000 and can increase substantially under the Clean Water Act for discharges that do not meet state water quality standards. In addition, based on recent experience, there is considerable risk of lawsuits brought by environmental groups or others. More than 120 suits have been filed this year. In either case, this is not an issue you should ignore.rewpubs are likely exempt (based on SIC code), our analysis of available public data indicates that 129 of the 600 or so breweries that should sign up for the permit have done so or around 20%. Hat’s off to our brethren who have complied!
Based on SIC code brewpubs are likely exempt; our analysis of available public data indicates that 129 of the 600 breweries that should sign up for the permit have done so. Hat’s off to our brethren who have complied!
And 117 of the 129 have submitted No Exposure Certifications. This certification process is quite straight forward and includes a checklist that, in a nutshell, states that no operations or storage of spent grain or yeast are outdoors and uncovered (i.e. all raw and intermediate products must be covered and sealed when moved into and out of the facility).
That leaves over 400 breweries at risk.
If you aren’t sure whether you’re required to comply with the stormwater permit or aren’t sure what to do, stop by the SCS Engineers booth (#10) at the CCBA Fall Conference in California for advice.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SCS ENGINEERS’ OFFICE IN YOUR STATE
We can also help you with other water issues including flood control site drainage, water treatment options, water recycling, and using groundwater to reduce your reliance on City or water district supplies.
CCBA Fall 2016 Conference
November 13, 2016 – November 15, 2016
Oakland Scottish Rite Center
1547 Lakeside Dr.
Oakland, CA 94612
Cory Jones, QISP
Stormwater Manager
858-571-5500
