Pittsburgh Brewing Co. seeks DEP approval for Iron City Dock

Positive feedback from a temporary boat dock at the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. facility in East Deer has brewery officials eyeing a more permanent landing, but this time, with approval from state authorities.

Brewery officials are applying for a permanent boat dock permit through the state’s Department of Environmental Protection.

“The permit is in the works,” said Alex Gonzalez, plant manager at Pittsburgh Brewing.

Many details, including the size of the Iron City Dock, still are being discussed, Gonzalez said. The brewery anticipates having the dock ready by next summer or summer 2026.

“This is still very early,” Gonzalez said. “We’re figuring all this stuff out.

“We’ll feel it out, start small and, if it’s a hit, we’ll expand.”

The brewery established the temporary docks in June, without DEP authorization, said Lauren Camarda, a DEP spokeswoman. She said the DEP learned about the docks after a site inspection by the Allegheny County Conservation District.

She said the DEP has been in communication with the brewery for permitting requirements.

“Required authorizations may include a joint permit for earthmoving, wetland impacts and the dock, as well as a submerged lands license agreement,” Camarda said.

Once the DEP receives the application, it will review existing structures and prior activities to ensure it meets applicable environmental regulations, Camarda said.

Gonzalez said the brewery has taken steps to enhance its section of the Allegheny riverfront.

“We definitely cleaned it up,” he said. “We cleared trees, tore fence down and cleared up brush. The rear end of the brewery is nice.”

All signs point to a permanent dock being a hit. The 140-foot temporary dock used for two concerts this summer has been “very well” received by the public, Gonzalez said.

“It was pretty full,” he said.

The brewery will host country artist Cole Swindell on Sept. 1. Concerts by Jimmy Buffett and Led Zepplin tribute bands earlier this summer drew thousands.

“The facility is one of the biggest draws,” Gonzalez said. “This place is amazing. There’s nowhere else like it.

“We built this place to be an attraction to bring people, and that’s our biggest draw. We want people to have a good time.”