Industry unprepared for new regulations
Posted: Friday 5th January 2007
New research reveals that many industrial dischargers are still unprepared for strict new controls governing the measurement of trade effluent discharges.
MCERTS comes into force for trade dischargers in February this year and will introduce a minimum standard for the self-monitoring total daily discharge volume, with margin for error of eight per cent.
Industry experts warn that those who fail to meet the strict new Environment Agency target could face substantial penalties.
But despite warnings, new research by flow measurement specialists Critical Flow Systems reveals many trade effluent discharges are still unprepared.
The survey of more than 100 industry professionals revealed 64 per cent of respondents believed trade effluent dischargers were not aware of their responsibilities under MCERTS. Moreover, 73 per cent of those surveyed said that they believed trade effluent dischargers were poorly prepared and could fall foul of the new regulations.
Chris Corris, director, Critical Flow Systems, said: "To date the Environment Agency has concentrated on improving water quality through the quality consent programme. MCERTs moves this on a step further by introducing new controls on the volume of effluent discharged into the water course.
"To meet MCERTS regulations, trade effluent dischargers must be able to demonstrate not only the quality of the waste water that they discharge but the volume, within a margin of eight per cent uncertainty and also to be able to demonstrate that they have systems in place to ensure the continuing accuracy of that reading."
On a positive note, 82 per cent of those questioned said that they believed MCERTS would deliver environmental improvement. However, the Critical Flow Systems MCERTS Survey also found that 73 per cent of respondents believed that the cost of delivering this improvement would be passed on through increased charges to the end user.
Critical Flow Systems, employs four of 12 MCERTS qualified inspectors nationwide. The company has also developed the unique M-Flow software programme, which allows it to accurately measure flow in non-standard channels.
Chris explained: "The Environment Agency is interested in accuracy of measurement, not the width of channels, as long as trade discharges can demonstrate that their reading is accurate, they will meet the requirement.
"M-Flow allows us to compensate for differences in channel width and still deliver accuracy of readings within the eight per cent margin set by the Environment Agency, avoiding costly channel refurbishment. The results can be delivered on site, avoiding the need for further site visits."
Critical Flow Systems has also recently invested in a new training and test rig facility, giving operatives an opportunity to combine theory learning in the classroom and flow conditions in a flume, thin plate weir and closed pipe system.
Trade dischargers now have a two-year window to get their houses in order before the penalties for non-compliance start to bite. And while many may see MCERTs as contributing to an already substantial regulatory burden, there may be a silver lining.
Chris said: "In many cases investing in accurate measurement can pay. We were recently able to demonstrate that one of our clients was discharging significantly less effluent than previously believed, delivering a saving of £20,000.
"Clearly it can’t always be guaranteed that accurate measurement will deliver a saving but putting the right system in place and regular maintenance will help you manage your operation more effectively."What is certain is that poor maintenance and sedimentation pushes flow measurement up and never down."
