The Budweiser brewery in Fairfield is on the hook for $2.3 million in fines over allegations that it produced elevated levels of hydrogen sulfide and installed monitoring equipment incorrectly, the Bay Area Air District announced.

The alleged violations include elevated hydrogen sulfide levels in biogas going into the facility’s boilers, according to Air District officials.

When hydrogen sulfide is burned, it can turn into sulfur dioxide, a harmful pollutant which can contribute to poor air quality and affect public health, officials said in a news release.

Additional allegations include failure to submit reports, operation of equipment without the right permits and operating in a way inconsistent with representations made in permit applications.

“Protecting the health of Bay Area communities depends on facilities following air quality rules and operating responsibly,” said Philip Fine, executive officer of the Air District. “This action holds Anheuser-Busch accountable for its violations and reinforces the importance of compliance for all facilities operating in our region.”

In December 2025, Anheuser-Busch announced that it would close three of its breweries, including the Fairfield facility.

Anheuser-Busch officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kiley Russell writes primarily for Local News Matters on issues related to equity and the environment. A Bay Area native, he has lived most of his life in Oakland. He studied journalism at San Francisco State University, worked for the Associated Press and the former Contra Costa Times, among other outlets. He has covered everything from state legislatures, local governments, federal and state courts, crime, growth and development, political campaigns of various stripes, wildfires and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.