The First Step Towards Standardisation - MCERTS and the UK Water Industry

The MCERTS monitoring certification scheme was introduced by the Environment Agency (EA) to ensure the quality and reliability of data relating to environmental measurements. It provides certification of instrument competency, certification of personnel and accreditation of laboratories, with the ultimate goal of protecting the environment. Through MCERTS, the EA aims to minimise its own sample collection and testing and instead encourage manufacturers with permits to perform environmental discharge to carry out monitoring on-site using continuous methodologies. By using MCERTS-certified instruments, organisations can ensure they are producing robust and trustworthy data with the additional benefit of being able to investigate data progression trends over the years.

Analytical Technology undertook the MCERTS certification on its pH water monitors in 2009. Here Michael Strahand discusses the processes and implications of MCERTS for companies operating in the UK water industry.

Regulatory Outlook

MCERTS certification for air monitoring was introduced over 10 years ago and the certification for water monitoring equipment is still relatively new. Although it is mandatory for industry regulated under the Environmental Permitting Regulations, it is not yet a compulsory requirement for all environmental measurements. The MCERTS performance standard covers a range of determinants for continuous water monitors including some of the most important parameters when monitoring effluents from wastewater treat ment works, industrial processes and the aquatic environment. The list of determinants includes ammonia, COD, conductivity, nitrates and pH and it is essential that their levels are controlled correctly.

The MCERTS performance standard for continuous water monitors has been based on relevant sections of national and international ISO and CEN standards. The EU environmental technology verification scheme (ETV) proposes to include MCERTS and water monitoring systems in the initial scope. In addition, work is progressing with CEN and ISO committees to use MCERTS as the benchmark standard.