Brewery & Fermented Beverage Program

Breweries and other establishments manufacturing fermented beverages have the potential to introduce pollutants such as excessive Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and high temperature waste causing a decrease in Dissolved Oxygen (DO), high or low pH, solids that contribute to sewer blockages, pipe and manhole deterioration through corrosion, interference with equipment, and have the potential to disrupt the treatment processes at our wastewater treatment facility. High BOD and high temperatures could cause a decrease in DO that can negatively affect the biology at our wastewater treatment facility as well as negatively affect aquatic life if released to surface waters. The purpose of this program is to minimize the loading of fermented waste from entering our treatment facility at the source. Prior to building construction, remodeling, or ownership change, facilities are required to send construction drawings of the facility to their local sewer agency. Users may be required to install an equalization tank for neutralization prior to discharge. Plans will be reviewed by SFCSD staff for compliance with the Brewery & Fermented Beverage Policy. All new Brewery & Fermented Beverage establishments are required to send construction drawings of the facility to their local sewer agency. Plans will be reviewed by SFCSD staff for compliance with the Brewery & Fermented Beverage Policy.