Denise
Have you looked at the MDE / MDA exemption for surface disposal permit? There is a process for approval, and limitations on when you can actually field apply. It is very feasible that you won’t have to treat that wastewater at all – it involves having a sample analyzed by the MDA chemist’s office. If they determine the sample meets the requirements of a soil conditioner (aka: fertilizer), MDE will probably grant permission to apply it to crops for all but about 2-3 months, depending on where you are located in the state (12/16 to 2/28 here on the Eastern Shore).
During those times when surface discharge is not allowed, you are required to have sufficient storage for 7 days worth at a minimum. Assuming you generate 2-3 bbl wastewater per bbl of beer, that’s anywhere from ~600 – ~1,800 gal. (keep in mind that your lowest demand may very well be during that time, so you might only need to brew a few bbls / wk, and only generate ~250 – ~350 gal / wk – also keep in mind that if you’re particularly conscientious and careful you should really be able to keep closer<span style=”mso-spacerun: yes;”> </span>to 2 bbl wastewater / bbl produced) – On the other hand, MDE will require a hydrostatic leak test and engineer’s stamp for the tank – you will also be required to have a Nutrient Management Plan written by a MD certified nutrient management planner. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any low cost option here.
I have some documentation on all of this, but can’t figure out how to do an attachment in this forum. I could easily do that if I had your e-mail. The other option is to contact BAM, who can give you further info. Good luck.Tim Gavigan, Plant Engineer / Brewer, Gateway Craft Brewing, tgavigan@comcast.net
