Annual Guide 2025 I SOURCE TESTING ASSOCIATION
MCERTS
STA’s Role in the Development of MCERTS
The MCERTS scheme, spearheaded by the Environment Agency (EA), set out to establish a certifi cation process for emissions monitoring. Recognising STA’s expertise, the EA approached the association to help design the personnel competency framework for MCERTS. Launched in 2002, STA members developed the curriculum and examination requirements for the scheme, helping shape the qualifi cations that emission monitoring personnel needed to meet. STA’s involvement included overseeing exams and contributing to committees such as the MCERTS Steering and Impartiality Committees.
AQE at Bretby CEM Conferences and AQE
In 1997, the STA, with the help of IEA Coal Research, organised the fi rst Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEM) show, which ran successfully in the UK for three years. The event later expanded to Europe and is still active today.
Golden stack presentation at the gala dinner
As STA’s Dave Curtis served as the chief examiner in the early days, the organisation also provided technical support for Continuous Emission Monitoring (CEM) systems under the MCERTS framework, ensuring that technical standards were met.
Key components of the MCERTS scheme include:
1. Instrument Certifi cation: Ensures that monitoring equipment used for emissions, like gas analysers or particulate samplers, meets rigorous performance standards.
2. Personnel Certifi cation: Certifi cation for individuals who operate monitoring equipment or conduct emissions testing, ensuring that they have the required competence and skills.
3. Company Accreditation: Certifi cation for organisations that carry out emissions monitoring or analysis, demonstrating they have the necessary quality management systems and technical expertise.
4. Software Certifi cation: Evaluates software used for data collection, handling, and reporting to ensure accuracy and reliability in environmental monitoring.
MCERTS is often required for compliance with UK environmental regulations, especially for companies needing to meet environmental permits for emissions. The scheme helps in maintaining public and environmental health by ensuring that monitoring results are both accurate and consistent.
The CEMS Conference is a signifi cant annual event focused on advancements in continuous emissions monitoring technologies, regulations, and practices. It has been a central gathering point for industry experts, regulators, equipment manufacturers, and environmental professionals dedicated to emissions monitoring. Here’s a brief history and background of the CEMS Conference:
1. Origins and Early Years: The CEMS Conference originated as a forum for industry professionals to address emerging requirements for continuous emissions monitoring, primarily in response to increasing environmental regulations. In the early years, the focus was largely on the development of CEMS technologies for industrial and power sectors to meet compliance with air quality standards.
2. Development and Expansion: As environmental regulations and technologies evolved, the conference expanded its focus to cover a broader range of topics, including innovations in emissions monitoring equipment, data handling, quality assurance methods, and certifi cation schemes like MCERTS. The conference attracted a more diverse group of participants, including experts from various environmental sectors and representatives from international regulatory agencies.
3. Regulatory Infl uence: Over the years, the CEMS Conference became a platform for regulatory discussions, with agencies such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the UK’s Environment Agency often participating to update the industry on changing standards. This collaboration helped shape compliance strategies and drove the development of more sophisticated monitoring solutions.
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