MCERTS for the Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow
The Environment Agency requires certain process operators to have their effluent flow-monitoring arrangements independently assessed and certified as conforming to their requirements by Sira (the MCERTS Certification Body).
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 standard:
Minimum Requirements for the Self Monitoring of Effluent Flow (v3.3 - Sept 2010)
General guidance on the management system requirements can be found here:
MCERTS Management System Requirements - Guidance - issue 8, July 2011
Sira also publishes MCERTS Bulletins which provide further information and guidance.
Achieving Compliance
Compliance is achieved by satisfactory completion of a Site Inspection and a 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 us for more details.
Contact an MCERTS Inspector 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. Sira maintains UKAS accreditation for this activity. 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 - issue 23, Jan 2012
MCERTS Management System Requirements - Guidance - issue 8, July 2011
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.
In order to maintain certification throughout the certification period, the Operator's management system is subjected to periodic surveillance. The first surveillance audit is conducted approximately 12 months after the initial assessment. Thereafter, the frequency of surveillance will be agreed with the Operator, based on the audit findings.
In order for Operator's to meet their 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.
Alternatively, you can organise the site inspection and the management system audit yourself. A list of appointed MCERTS Inspectors is shown here.
For more information about our range of services, please email
info@siraenvironmental.com or
tel +44 (0) 1322 520 500