Alcohol and fermentation

Alcohol and fermentation

Businesses that produce beer, wine, cider, spirits, kombucha or other fermented products, must adhere to Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012 and Stormwater Bylaw 37M2005. For detailed information refer to our Alcohol and fermentation industry wastewater compliance handout.

Why are these operations a concern?

This industry has the potential to release large volumes of high-strength wastewater into the City’s wastewater system. The amount and strength of this wastewater can stress the treatment capacity of the receiving wastewater treatment plant. Individual operations may contribute smaller quantities of these substances however collectively, impact from the industry can be significant. 

Substances of concern Sources
Organics (BOD) Alcohol, sugars, yeast, raw materials
Solids Spent grains, pulp, fruit, hops, trub
pH Acidic final product, acidic and caustic cleaning solutions
Nutrients Organic source materials
Temperature Boiling and fermenting process

Pre-treatment options

Solids management

Install screens, filters or baskets within the process stream. Keep solids from hitting the ground and prevent material from entering floor drains. Solids may have value as animal feed or compost. 

Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) reduction

Divert concentrated sources of waste rather than mixing and releasing to the wastewater system. Once segregated this high strength waste can either be treated or hauled away for offsite disposal. Ensure spilled product does not enter floor drains. Some of the options to reduce BOD in effluent are Anaerobic (commonly used in breweries) or Aerobic Digestion, Membrane Filtration, Advanced Oxidation, Electrochemical Methods or Activated Carbon treatment.

pH treatment

The Wastewater Bylaw 14M2012 states wastewater pH must fall between 5.5 and 10.0. This can be achieved, for example, by adjusting effluent pH through a pH Equalization/Neutralization Tank prior to releasing to the wastewater system. 

Maintenance record

When maintaining a pre-treatment system, it is important to keep records of any activities completed. Records are required to be kept onsite for minimum of two years.  

Wastewater Surcharge Program

Untreated, high strength effluent likely contains one or more substances at a concentration that would fall under the Wastewater Surcharge Program. To recover costs incurred for the treatment of high strength effluent  a surcharge may be applied to your monthly water bill. 

The table  below shows the average effluent quality of alcohol and fermentation wastewater and how it would translate to a surcharge bill. The surcharge has been broken down by parameter and range of cost by $/m3 of wastewater generated.  

Parameter Bylaw limit *Typical industry average **Approximate surcharge $/m3
BOD (mg/L) 300 8,500 11.83
TSS (mg/L) 300 1,600 1.49
pH 5.5 - 10

* Ranges and average determined from numerous North American literature reviews  

** Approximate surcharge rate based on typical industry average  

Contact 311

Resources

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City of Calgary Bylaws:

Information on fines for non-compliance

Permits

Forms

Fact Sheets

Alberta Environment & Protected Areas

What to do if you have an unintentional release

In the event of an unintentional release, it is important to act quickly to prevent the material from entering the wastewater or stormwater system. You should notify:

  • 911
  • The City of Calgary by contacting 311.
  • The owner of the premise where the release occurred.
  • Any other person that may be affected by the release.

For any spills that could harm the environment you will also need to report the spill to Alberta Environment & Protected Areas (1-800-222-6514).

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