MCERTS Confusing You?

MCERTS is the Environment Agency’s (EA) certification scheme for instruments, monitoring and analytical services. The scheme is built on international standards and provides industry with a framework for choosing monitoring systems and services. The original scheme was established in 2002 with the purpose of:- Provision of good quality monitoring data, Building on European Standards called up by WID and LCPD and Clear and efficient implementation.

The original scheme was set up to cover continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) but was quickly adapted in other areas. The MCERTS accreditation mark can now be found on:- Testing Personnel, Test laboratories, Effleunt Analysers, Soil Analysis and Data Acquisition Software

Ten years since its introduction, the MCERTS scheme reflects the growing requirements for environmental monitoring to meet European and international standards. MCERTS is now a scheme that can be easily accessed by manufacturers, operators, regulators and test houses. With over 100 systems certified for a variety of different parameters, MCERTS is a proven success

The current version of MCERTS (version 3.1 onwards) for CEMS is aligned with a European certification standard EN 15267-3, Air quality - Certification of automated measuring systems, performance specifications and test procedures, for monitoring emissions from stationary sources. This standard is recognised across Europe and is used by TÜV Rheinland to certify CEMS in Europe. To satisfy the requirements of MCERTS version 3.1, and therefore EN 15267-3, the CEMS have to satisfy a variety of in depth tests:- CEMs undergo laboratory and field tests, Quality assurance and design control of manufacturing and Proves CEMs meet the requirements of Directives

As the certification has a life span of five years, the current list of MCERTS products show version 2 & version 3.1 certification. It is therefore of paramount importance that operators select the correct equipment, as the incorrect MCERTS accredited equipment could be a costly mistake. Site operators have to prove they can deliver their permit requirements and meeting MCERTS is a big part of the required compliance.

a1-cbiss (UK) have over 20 years expertise in designing and supplying CEMS equipment. With extensive knowledge of UK and European standards and offer ongoing support, in understanding and complying with site permits and the changes to come as the MCERTS standards grow and evolve.