UK FOCUS
THE STA
The STA has been a driving force in improving standards, safety, and quality in emissions monitoring. The Association continues to support its members and lead the industry towards ever higher levels of professionalism, safety, and innovation.
In 2026, the STA will oversee three key areas for the emissions monitoring sector: the persistent challenges of PFAS, the complexity of quality assurance under EN 14181, and the emerging regulatory framework of EN 17255. Together, these represent the evolving frontiers of compliance, measurement precision, and data integrity in emissions monitoring.
PFAS: A Persistent Global Concern
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic compounds used across a wide range of industries due to their resistance to heat, water, and grease. Despite their utility, PFAS pose significant environmental and health risks because of their persistence in ecosystems and their tendency to bioaccumulate in living organisms.
Key considerations include:
• Health concerns: PFAS such as PFHxS and PFOA have been linked to cancer, reproductive toxicity, and endocrine disruption.
• Regulatory action: The EU and US are tightening allowable PFAS limits in water to as low as 4 parts per trillion.
• Monitoring complexity: PFAS detection requires meticulous, contamination-free sampling using advanced methods such as OTM-45, OTM-50, and OTM-55, often involving isokinetic sampling and LC-MS/MS or GC-MS analysis.
Improving Compliance Under EN 14181
EN 14181 sets quality assurance standards for Automated Measuring Systems (AMS) used in emissions monitoring. Achieving compliance is a multi-step process that depends on rigorous planning and coordination.
Key elements include:
• Three key stages: QAL1 (certification), QAL2 (calibration with parallel measurements), and QAL3 (ongoing quality checks) ensure AMS accuracy.
• Operator responsibilities: From selecting MCERTS-certified equipment to maintaining quality assurance documentation, operators play a central role in successful implementation.
• Functional checks: Essential for avoiding QAL2 or AST failures, functional checks must be scheduled and completed before parallel SRM testing.
• Coordination and data handling: Operators must facilitate Test House access and provide raw CEM data in standard formats to allow accurate comparison with SRM results.
EN 17255: The New Standard in Emissions Data Integrity
EN 17255 is a new European standard focused on Data Acquisition and Handling Systems (DAHS), ensuring traceability, reliability, and harmonisation of emissions data.
Four-part structure: • Part 1: Defines data types and reporting requirements
• Part 2: Specifies system functionality, backups, and data availability
• Part 3: Establishes DAHS certification via TÜV Rheinland
• Part 4: Outlines quality assurance responsibilities for operators and testing laboratories Key requirements include: • 99% annual data availability • Secure, timestamped, tamper-proof data storage • Consistent reporting formats
EN 17255 reinforces and expands upon the quality assurance structure of EN 14181 and links directly to legislative frameworks such as IED, UK ETS, and EU ETS.
STA Development and Revision Courses The STA will continue to support the industry and its members through its Development and Revision Courses. For more than three decades, the Source Testing Association has delivered high-quality training for the environmental monitoring sector. STA courses support professionals in maintaining compliance, strengthening technical capability, and keeping pace with evolving regulatory and industry requirements.
All courses are delivered live via Microsoft Teams, with on-site training available to STA members upon request.
The Importance of Ongoing Professional Development
Environmental monitoring is a rapidly evolving field. Regulatory frameworks change, new technologies emerge, and safety expectations continue to rise. Continuous professional development ensures practitioners remain competent, confident, and compliant.
STA training helps professionals to: • Maintain compliance with emissions monitoring legislation
• Strengthen technical knowledge and practical problem-solving skills • Improve on-site health and safety awareness
• Enhance career progression opportunities • Build confidence in auditing, reporting, and risk assessment
Available Courses in 2026 Risk Assessment – Industrial Emission Monitoring
A comprehensive course based on the STA Yellow Book, covering risk assessment principles and real-world health and safety considerations.
Modules include: • Fundamentals of risk assessment • General site hazards • Physical hazards
• Chemical hazards (on-site and laboratory) • Weather, environmental, and welfare considerations
Regulatory Monitoring Requirements for Process Operators
Designed to improve understanding of MCERTS schemes and support higher Operator Monitoring Assessment (OMA) scores. Course content includes: • Overview of environmental regulations, including IPPC • MCERTS in stack emissions monitoring • Major pollutants and emission limits • Principles of stack emissions monitoring and sample location • Planning and risk assessment • Quality control and data accuracy
On-Site Auditing
A one-day course ideal for operators, regulators, and consultants who audit stack sampling contractors.
Course content includes: • Ethical standards and environmental awareness • Use of MCERTS-certified personnel and methods • Measurement uncertainty and equipment use • Site review, risk assessment, and planning • Reporting and participation in proficiency testing schemes
BS EN 14181 – Quality Assurance of Automated Measuring Systems (AMS)
Essential training for those involved in the quality assurance of stationary source emissions.
Course content includes: • Relevant directives and legislation • QAL1 and MCERTS definitions • QAL2, SRMs, and quality measurement principles • QAL3 processes and auditing • Practical examples and calibration function establishment
Foundation Course: Introduction to MCERTS Level 1 An introductory course for those new to emissions monitoring. Course content includes: • Major pollutants and equipment basics • Extractive monitoring and manual sampling • Continuous emissions monitoring • Legislation and quality management
MCERTS Level 2 – Team Leader For Level 1 personnel progressing to team leader responsibilities. Course content includes: • Level 2 responsibilities and health and safety • Site protocols, risk assessment, and reporting • Measurement uncertainty and method selection • Pollution abatement techniques • Overview of industrial processes
MCERTS Personnel Competency Revision Courses TE1 – Particulate Monitoring • Standards review • Sample train components • Preliminary work, quality control, and flow-rate calculations TE2 – Trace Element Measurement • Introduction to trace species • Sampling equipment • Calculation techniques
ENHANCE YOUR CAREER WITH STA TRAINING
By enrolling in STA courses, professionals gain valuable expertise that enhances workplace safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. Whether you are new to emissions monitoring or a seasoned professional, these courses provide essential skills to excel in the industry. For more details or to register, visit
www.s-t-a.org
WWW.ENVIROTECH-ONLINE.COM i
TE3 – Gaseous Measurement (Manual Extractive) • Sampling techniques • Batch sampling
• Measurement of water vapour, HCl, HF, and sulphur compounds
TE4 – Gaseous Measurement (Instrumental Analysers) • Instrumental techniques • Calibration and maintenance • Calculation methodologies
Training Dates for 2026 Training dates are published and updated throughout the year on the STA website:
www.sta.org/?page=training-dates Members and non-members can view availability, costs, and course flyers directly on the page.
Nominations Open for STA Officer Roles – 2026–2028
The STA is inviting nominations for officer roles for the 2026–2028 term. The continued strength of the Association depends on the dedication, experience, and voluntary support of its elected officers. These roles play a vital part in shaping the direction of the STA and supporting collaboration across the membership.
Nominations are open for: • Chair Elect • Quality / Technical Officer
Nominations received: Joe Ellerington, Controls and Instrumentation Ltd • Health & Safety Officer
Nominations received: Kathryn Goldacre, Encyclis; Stuart Rowbotham, ENVEA • Process Operator Officer • Equipment Suppliers Officer
Nominations received: Antony Sumner (Gasmet), Dominic Sheedy (CEM Solutions), James Clements (Signal) • Continuity Officer Nominations received: Roger Brown, OES • Publicity Officer • Training Officer
Joint appointments are welcomed where appropriate, supporting shared responsibilities and broader representation across the membership.
Members wishing to stand for any role, or to nominate a colleague, should complete the nomination form and return it to
sam@sta.org.
Looking Ahead to 2026: Supporting Industry Progress
As we move into 2026, the STA remains committed to supporting the emissions monitoring community through:
• High-quality development and revision courses • Technical support for members • Active Task Groups and collaborative forums • Continued focus on safety, competence, and best practice
STA General Meeting & AGM – 9 July 2026 All STA members and industry colleagues are invited to attend the 2026 General Meeting and AGM. Date: Thursday, 9 July 2026 Venue: Broadway Hotel, Letchworth Format includes: • General Meeting and AGM • Evening networking event and BBQ (£25 per person)
• Tabletop exhibition spaces available (pricing unchanged from 2025 unless advised otherwise)
This event provides an excellent opportunity to network, share insights, and engage with colleagues across the emissions monitoring community.
STA Technical Leadership Update Andy Curtis, who has served as Technical Lead for the STA for the past seven years, will be stepping down on 31 March 2026. The STA is currently seeking his replacement. For further information, please email:
info@s-t-a.org
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