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Expansion project will generate almost half of brewery's own electricity

By HILARY LANE

Story Created: Jun 6, 2012 at 12:37 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 6, 2012 at 12:39 PM EDT

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The F.X. Matt Brewery's $4 million expansion is well underway.

Five large tanks, each measuring 30 feet high, were installed Wednesday after being delivered Tuesday from Philadelphia.

These tanks, known as anaerobic digesters, will clean up 80 to 90 percent of the brewery's wastewater and in turn, generate 30 to 40 percent of the company's electricity.

"It's going to lessen the load on the overall sewer system. That is a very positive part and when the peaks are happening in terms of electricity over the summer, we are going to help with that," said Nick Matt, Chairman and CEO, F.X. Matt Brewery.

The anaerobic digesters are expected to be completely functional this fall. At that time, the brewery will create a green park around their facility which will include picnic tables for Saranac Thursday concertgoers, more grass, trees, and shrubs. There are also plans to lay down porous concrete to help with the stormwater runoff in the city.

The greenscaping part of the project is expected to be completed next July, right in time for next year's Boilermaker.

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