A brewery located outside Ten Sleep, Wyo., has prompted the City Council to implement new wastewater ordinance procedures so it may accommodate industrial businesses within the town’s jurisdiction.
Ten Sleep Brewing Co. is currently located outside of the town limits, but hopes to expand its operation within the city, which has led to the reconsideration among town officials. Specifically, the new ordinance will specify usage, volume character and additional wastewater requirements for the brewery. The change in wastewater management standards is likely a result of the large volume water usage that breweries inject into a town’s water treatment plant.
Because of this high volume, along with increasingly progressive environmental standards, breweries are often made to collaborate with municipalities and develop innovative water processes in order to remain environmentally compliant.
According to a statement from the Brewers Association for Small and Independent Craft Brewers, wastewater management remains a pressing problem for the brewing industry despite innovations.
“Despite significant improvement over the last 20 years, water consumption and wastewater disposal remain environmental and economic hurdles that directly affect breweries and the brewing process,” the statement read. “Solutions go beyond facility water conservation programs to collaborative, sustainable solutions for the community and for the environment.”
Beyond the brewery itself, the town also intends to review the charge system for all industrial businesses every two years.
