MCERTS for the Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow
The Environment Agency requires certain process operators to have their effluent flow-monitoring arrangements independently inspected and certified as conforming to their requirements by Sira (the MCERTS Inspection Body).
PPC/EPR regulated sites with an effluent flow monitoring requirement in their permit may be required to comply with the MCERTS scheme in order to fulfil their environmental responsibilities.
The MCERTS scheme is described in the following Environment Agency standards:
Minimum Requirements for the Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow (v 3.2)
Competence Standard for MCERTS Inspectors - Effluent Flow Monitoring (v 3.1)
In addition to these documents, Sira publishes MCERTS Bulletins which provide further information and guidance.
Achieving Compliance
Compliance is achieved by satisfactory completion of:
1) Site Inspection
2) Management System Audit.
Site Inspection
An inspection of the site flow monitoring arrangements to verify the suitability of the flowmeter and whether it has been installed, set-up and is operating correctly. Site inspections are carried out every five years by MCERTS Inspectors who are appointed by Sira. To locate an MCERTS Inspector in your area see the list of appointed Service Providers shown below. Alternatively, you can use the Sira "one-stop" solution.
Contact a Service provider to arrange a site inspection.
Management System audit
To ensure that the flow monitoring arrangements are maintained, calibrated and verified adequately between MCERTS inspections, a managament system must be established and maintained. A Sira MCERTS auditor will conduct an audit of the management system which must address the thirteen management system elements in the MCERTS standard. The auditor will prepare an audit report detailing the audit findings. General guidance on the management system requirements and a copy of the audit report used by the MCERTS auditor can be found here:
Consent/Permit holder audit report
MCERTS Management System Requirements - Guidance - issue 4, March 2010
Contact Sira to to arrange a management system audit.
Following satisfactory completion of the Site Inspection and Management System audit, an MCERTS Site Conformity Inspection Certificate will be prepared for the site.
Act now...!
It is important that you start to work towards compliance early as it can take several months to complete the necessary work. You may find that remedial work is required before your flow monitoring arrangements can be satisfactorily inspected. Management System documentation which specifically addresses flow measurement may need to be prepared in advance of the audit.
A "one-stop" Solution
In order for you to meet your compliance obligations in a timely and cost-effective manner, Sira has developed a "one-stop-solution" Sira will project manage the process on your behalf, organising for an MCERTS Inspector and management system auditor to attend site and carry out the necessary work.
More information can be found by clicking the icon below:
Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow - The 'one-stop' Solution
Alternatively, you can organise the site inspection and the management system audit yourself. A list of appointed Service Providers is shown here.
For more information about our range of services, please email
info@siraenvironmental.com or
tel +44 (0) 1322 520 500