Operator self-monitoring of liquid effluent flow for nuclear sites

(Consultation starts 14 August 2008 and ends 14 November 2008)

We use a Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS) for air, water and soil monitoring. Within MCERTS is a scheme for operators to monitor liquid effluent flow. We have decided that this self-monitoring should apply to nuclear sites regulated under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA93).

MCERTS enables us to establish common standards for Operator self-monitoring of effluent flow and ensure that flow data sent to us is reliable and accurate.

MCERTS enables companies who measure the flow of liquid waste to work towards the same standards which creates a level playing field in a competitive market.

What this means

• Nuclear sites would need an inspection of their arrangements for monitoring liquid effluent flow by January 2010 to determine whether they are complying with the MCERTS performance standard.
• The arrangements inspected would be those used for calculating the liquid effluent discharges reported under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993.
• Following the inspection, the operator would have to make any improvements required to meet the MCERTS performance standard.
  Our consultation includes a summary of the Monitoring Certification Scheme. It describes the benefits, costs and risks of applying the scheme to the nuclear industry and explains our preferred option.

This is your opportunity to comment on our proposals. In particular, we would like your views on our preferred option and the time-scale for implementation.

Responding to the consultation

Please post your response to:

Ray Pemberton
Environment Agency
Lutra House Dodd Way
Off Seedlee Road
Walton Summit Industrial Estate
Bamber Bridge
Preston
PR5 8BX

• ray.pemberton@environment-agency.gov.uk