Victory Brewing wins wastewater discount

Hoist one for the Victory Brewing Co.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission on Thursday approved a discounted wastewater treatment rate that should save the Downingtown craft brewer about 21 percent on its monthly sewer bill at its new facility in western Chester County.

The Pennsylvania American Water Co. asked the PUC to approve the special bulk rate now given to Arcelor Mittal, which operates a steel mill in Coatesville. The brewer will save about $1,836 off its estimated monthly sewer bill of $8,695 under the typical industrial rate.

The utility argued that the addition of the brewery on Lower Valley Road in West Sadsbury Township "will provide economic benefits to the Coatesville area and help bear the current and future costs of providing wastewater service for all customers of the Coatesville operations," according to the PUC staff recommendation.

Victory built the brew house in an existing 212,000-square-foot building near Parkesburg. Initial production is expected to be 225,000 barrels a year.

The PUC approved the special rate by a 5-0 vote.

"As both a proud Pennsylvanian and an aficionado of a good craft beer," Commissioner Pamela A. Witmer said in a statement, "I am only too happy to stoutly support the staff's recommendation here."