MCERTS Stack Emissions Testing – ISO/IEC 17025 Accredited Monitoring
MCERTS Stack Emissions Testing is the Environment Agency’s official standard for demonstrating compliance with the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), Environmental Permits and statutory UK air quality regulations. Using ISO/IEC 17025-accredited techniques, emissions are sampled, analysed and independently validated to prove that your plant is operating safely, efficiently and within legal limits.
For regulated operators, MCERTS stack emissions testing is not optional – it is a legal requirement and a core element of environmental compliance.
💷 5% Discount (March–August Bookings)
Book MCERTS stack emissions testing between March and August and receive a 5% discount on qualifying monitoring campaigns.
⚠️ Why MCERTS Testing Matters
MCERTS demonstrates to regulators that your monitoring, sampling and reporting meet the quality standards required by the Environment Agency. Without accredited stack emissions testing, operators face significant risks:
❌ Breach of Environmental Permit conditions
⚠️ Increased regulatory scrutiny, audits and follow-up inspections
⛔ Enforcement action, penalties or operational restrictions
📉 Reputational damage with stakeholders and regulators
🔥 Missed optimisation opportunities and abatement system improvements
Routine MCERTS stack testing provides defensible evidence of compliance, early identification of issues and valuable insights to maintain plant performance.
📊 What MCERTS Testing Measures
A full MCERTS monitoring campaign assesses both emissions to air and the operating conditions of your process.
Pollutants & Priority Substances
-
Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ)
-
Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)
-
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
-
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Oxygen (O₂)
-
Total particulates / dust
-
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
-
Hydrogen Chloride (HCl)
-
Hydrogen Fluoride (HF)
-
Ammonia (NH₃)
-
Metals (Hg, Cd, Pb and others)
-
Dioxins, furans & persistent organic pollutants
Process & Flow Conditions
-
Stack velocity & volumetric flow rate
-
Temperature, pressure & moisture
-
Cyclones, filters & abatement systems performance
-
Combustion efficiency indicators
-
Process operating conditions during sampling
All measurements follow MCERTS-approved reference methods (EN standards) and validated procedures.
🔧 How MCERTS Stack Emissions Testing Works
1️⃣ Planning & Monitoring Plan
We review your permit, pollutants, stack configuration and operational requirements. A detailed monitoring plan is prepared to ensure safe, compliant and efficient testing.
2️⃣ On-Site Emissions Monitoring
Accredited engineers carry out stack sampling using MCERTS-approved equipment and EN-compliant techniques. Monitoring is fully documented with traceability and quality control.
3️⃣ Laboratory Analysis
Specialist determinands (metals, VOCs, dioxins etc.) are analysed by ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories under strict chain-of-custody.
4️⃣ Data Validation & Compliance Assessment
Results are verified, normalised and compared against permit limits, IED/EPR requirements and sector-specific guidance.
5️⃣ Reporting & Recommendations
You receive a regulator-ready report including:
📄 Method details & accreditation
📊 Raw, normalised & validated data
✔ Compliance statements
🔍 Technical commentary
🛠 Actionable optimisation recommendations
We also support you with regulator questions or follow-up queries.
🏭 Who Requires MCERTS Stack Emissions Testing?
MCERTS testing is typically required for:
🏭 Industrial sites regulated under IED (Part A1/A2)
⚡ Energy-from-Waste, biomass & CHP plants
🧪 Chemical, pharmaceutical & manufacturing processes
♻️ Waste management & recycling operations
🔥 High-temperature processes & incineration
📡 Sites with CEMS needing QAL2/AST correlation tests
📄 Facilities preparing for permit applications, variations or inspections
Any site with an Environmental Permit for emissions to air must complete periodic MCERTS stack testing.
📅 How Often Is MCERTS Testing Required?
Frequency depends on permit conditions, emission levels, process risk and compliance history.
Typical schedules include:
-
Annual or biannual monitoring
-
Risk-based monitoring frequencies
-
Additional checks after process changes, equipment upgrades or non-compliances
-
CEMS QAL2/AST correlation testing where applicable
We can review your permit and recommend an appropriate schedule – including opportunities to benefit from the 5% March–August discount.
📄 What You Receive
Every MCERTS stack emissions campaign with Alkali Environmental includes:
✔ Fully compliant MCERTS emissions report
📊 Complete pollutant dataset
🧠 Expert interpretation & clear commentary
🔍 Transparent QA/QC traceability
📁 Regulator-ready evidence for audits
🔧 Practical guidance for optimisation
💷 5% Discount – March to August
Book your MCERTS stack emissions testing between March and August to receive a 5% discount on monitoring fees.
Ideal for:
-
Annual periodic monitoring
-
Pre-inspection checks
-
Permit renewal periods
-
CEMS correlation (QAL2/AST)
-
Commissioning and post-modification testing
Availability during peak compliance periods fills quickly – early booking recommended.
❓ MCERTS Testing – FAQs
What is MCERTS?
The Environment Agency’s Monitoring Certification Scheme for emissions, ensuring quality, consistency and technical competence.
Do all permitted sites need MCERTS testing?
If your permit specifies stack emissions monitoring, MCERTS-compliant testing is required.
Can you combine MCERTS with CEMS QAL2/AST?
Yes – we can integrate periodic stack testing with continuous monitoring quality assurance.
How long does testing take?
Most campaigns take 1–2 days on site, depending on pollutants and permit conditions.
Do you cover the whole UK?
Yes – we provide MCERTS stack emissions testing nationwide.
✔ Demonstrate Compliance with Confidence
Accurate, accredited MCERTS stack emissions testing provides the evidence you need to operate legally, protect your organisation and maintain regulatory confidence.
Add this service to your quote or contact our team to schedule your discounted March–August MCERTS testing.
