The 30th Anniversary of the Source Testing Association: A Journey of Excellence in Emission Monitoring
The Source Testing Association (STA) is celebrating three decades of unparalleled leadership and dedication in the field of emission monitoring. Founded in 1995, the STA has been instrumental in driving progress, setting industry benchmarks, and advancing the professional development of its members. This milestone represents a remarkable journey defined by continuous innovation, strategic collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to environmental safety.
Over the past 30 years, the STA has significantly contributed to refining and establishing industry standards that have improved the accuracy, reliability, and safety of emission monitoring practices. Their advocacy for best practices and professional growth has empowered members with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving field.
The STA’s efforts extend beyond standard-setting; it has cultivated a vibrant community of professionals and experts, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and collaboration. This commitment to collective growth has led to enhanced technological advancements and practical solutions that benefit the wider industry.
As the STA commemorates this important anniversary, it looks forward to furthering its mission of promoting high-quality practices and safety standards. The celebration marks not just past accomplishments, but a continued promise to uphold leadership and innovation for years to come in the pursuit of a cleaner, safer environment.
Where We Came From
The origins of the STA trace back to the mid-1990s when a group of ten stack testing companies convened in Manchester to tackle shared concerns surrounding the quality of testing procedures, equipment reliability, and health and safety standards within the industry. This initial gathering highlighted a need for unified action and collaboration to improve industry practices. Spurred by this realisation, a second, larger meeting was held, attracting over 100 professionals who were committed to shaping the future of emission monitoring.
From this collective momentum, the STA was officially established in 1995. This foundational moment was pivotal for the UK’s emission monitoring sector, as it marked the birth of a dedicated trade body focused on setting and upholding industry standards. The STA quickly positioned itself as a leader in advocating for best practices, enhancing the technical and operational frameworks of the field, and ensuring that safety and quality were consistently prioritised.
Since its formation, the STA has continued to be a cornerstone in the industry, driving advancements and fostering professional development. Its legacy, rooted in collaboration and proactive improvement, remains central as it celebrates 30 years of influential service and forward-thinking leadership
STA's Core Aims and Objectives
The STA is committed to elevating the field of emission monitoring and upholding exceptional service standards. Its primary objectives include:
Developing comprehensive industry standards and safety procedures.
Promoting personal and professional development for both testers and students.
Ensuring members maintain up-to-date knowledge on sampling methodologies.
Upholding ethical conduct throughout the industry.
Collaborating with professional organisations and regulatory bodies on a global scale.
Member Benefits
The STA provides a robust array of benefits designed to support its members and enhance their professional capabilities. Key member benefits include:
Access to expert technical advice on emission monitoring practices.
Opportunities to participate in conferences and exhibitions relevant to the industry.
Comprehensive training programs and seminars focusing on various aspects of emission monitoring.
Representation within National, European, and International standards organisations to shape and influence industry practices.
Active liaison with UK and international regulatory bodies to keep members informed and compliant with the latest regulations.
By joining the STA, members commit to maintaining:
The use of appropriate and validated testing protocols and methods.
Reliable, state-of-the-art sampling and analysis equipment.
Employment of qualified, experienced personnel to uphold high standards in testing and analysis.
STA’s Role in Standardisation
By the late 1990s, the STA broadened its scope to encompass the international landscape, marking a significant evolution in its mission. Recognising the absence of UK representation in the standardisation of stack testing, the STA took proactive steps to fill this void. This move led to active participation in collaborations with major global standard-setting bodies, including the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
During this period, the STA's influence was pivotal in the drafting of critical standards such as EN 1911, which focuses on the measurement of gaseous compounds in emissions, and EN 13284, which pertains to the determination of low dust concentrations. The creation and refinement of these standards were complex, multi-year projects that spanned over a decade and underscored the STA's dedication to meticulous, high-quality work.
Today, the STA remains at the forefront of international standardisation efforts, ensuring that the UK maintains a strong voice in the development of global stack testing practices. Its enduring involvement reflects a commitment to advancing precision, safety, and best practices across the industry, reinforcing its role as a leader in the emission monitoring sector.
Health and Safety Initiatives
In its early years, health and safety considerations were not a major focus within the emission monitoring industry. However, a tragic incident involving a fatal fall from height served as a critical wake-up call, prompting significant changes. In response, the STA established the Health and Safety Task Group (HSTG), which developed the industry’s first health and safety guide—a concise 12-page booklet that laid the foundation for safer practices. This initial effort evolved into what is now known as the comprehensive "Yellow Book."
The "Yellow Book" has become an essential resource in the field and is recognised as a standard within the UK's Monitoring Certification Scheme (MCERTS). This guide is widely adopted across the industry and outlines key safety protocols to ensure the well-being of professionals in various operational contexts. Its comprehensive coverage includes:
Introduction – Overview of health and safety principles.
The Basics of Risk Assessment – Frameworks for evaluating potential risks.
General Site Hazards – Common dangers present at worksites.
Physical Hazards at the Stack – Safety measures for work performed at heights.
Chemical Hazards at the Stack – Protective strategies against exposure.
Chemical Hazards in the Laboratory – Ensuring safe handling within lab environments.
Weather, Environment, and Welfare – Addressing environmental factors and worker welfare.
This guide has played a crucial role in raising safety standards and embedding best practices within the emission monitoring industry.
STA Task Groups: Driving Technical Excellence
To address the diverse needs of its members, the STA created a series of Task Groups. These groups focus on critical aspects of emission monitoring, ensuring that the industry operates to the highest standards in methodology, safety, and technical innovation.
1. Stack Emission Monitoring Task Group
This group addresses technical aspects of emission monitoring, including methodology, standards, permitting, and equipment. The group provides vital updates on national and international standards and methods.
2. Quality Task Group
Focused on improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring results, the Quality Task Group delves into issues such as proficiency testing, calibration techniques, and the development of guidance documents like the STA Guide to Uncertainty Calculations. This group plays a key role in ensuring compliance with CEN and ISO standards.
3. Process Operators Task Group
This group meets three times a year to discuss legislation, continuous monitoring, quality assurance, and issues related to permitting and reporting, helping operators stay aligned with legal and regulatory developments.
4. Health & Safety Task Group
Safety has been a cornerstone of STA’s work. The Health & Safety Task Group developed the renowned Yellow Book, a risk assessment guide for the emission monitoring industry. This guide has been adopted into EA guidance and the MCERTS scheme. The task group also plays a critical role in safety training courses, ensuring that both new and experienced testers adhere to safe working practices.
5. Equipment Suppliers Task Group
Representing manufacturers and suppliers of testing equipment, this group focuses on regulatory, certification, and standards issues relevant to emissions monitoring. It plays a crucial role in MCERTS-related consultations.
6. Laboratory Task Group
This group has been instrumental in aligning emission monitoring standards with laboratory analytical procedures, working closely with the EA to develop the MCERTS standard for analytical laboratories.
The STA achievement over the last 30 years
The STA has been the driving force behind the development of many of the industries achievements and guidance
The Source Testing Association (STA) has developed an extensive and comprehensive database of guidance notes that cover a wide range of topics essential for emission monitoring. These notes address critical areas such as health and safety, quality assurance, and technical procedures. To remain relevant and effective, these documents are regularly updated to incorporate the latest changes in legislation, standards, and best practices. Here is a brief summary of the topics covered by the STA’s guidance notes A complete list of guidance notes can be accessed on the STA’s website.
Health & Safety Guidance:
HGA-001: Chemical exposure risks during stack testing operations.
HGE-002: Guidelines on personal protective equipment.
HGE-003: Understanding and managing electrical supplies.
HGO-005: Overview of the Safety Passport Scheme.
HGO-009: Instructions on completing risk assessment forms.
Quality Guidance:
QGA-001: The use of blanks in manual stack sampling for quality assurance.
QGE-003: Comprehensive calibration methodology.
QGU-001: A booklet explaining uncertainty in stack testing.
QGU-006: Excel tool for calculating uncertainty in dust measurements.
Technical Guidance:
TGA-001: Procedures for monitoring oxides of nitrogen.
TGE-002: Best practices for gas analyser calibration.
TGO-009: Swirl test procedures.
TGO-011: Guidance on measuring dioxin emissions from landfills.
Low Particulate Task Group:
LPM-2501-2022: Detailed insights on low particulate measurement and particle sizing.
EN14181 Task Group:
EN 1025 V2: Strategies to prevent and address AST failures.
These guidance notes serve as a vital resource for all STA members, offering practical advice and technical insights that support the industry’s dedication to precise and dependable emission monitoring.
MCERTS
STA's Role in the Development of MCERTS
The MCERTS scheme, spearheaded by the Environment Agency (EA), set out to establish a certification 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 qualifications 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.
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:
Instrument Certification: Ensures that monitoring equipment used for emissions, like gas analysers or particulate samplers, meets rigorous performance standards.
Personnel Certification: Certification for individuals who operate monitoring equipment or conduct emissions testing, ensuring that they have the required competence and skills.
Company Accreditation: Certification for organisations that carry out emissions monitoring or analysis, demonstrating they have the necessary quality management systems and technical expertise.
Software Certification: 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.
CEM Conferences and AQE
In 1997, the STA, with the help of IEA Coal Research, organised the first 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.
The CEMS Conference is a significant 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:
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.
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 certification schemes like MCERTS. The conference attracted a more diverse group of participants, including experts from various environmental sectors and representatives from international regulatory agencies.
Regulatory Influence: 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.
Focus on Innovation and Best Practices: Today, the CEMS Conference remains at the forefront of showcasing new technology, with sessions on advanced analytical methods, data integrity, and emerging challenges like real-time monitoring and climate impact measurements. Vendors showcase the latest CEMS solutions, and workshops are held on best practices for accurate and reliable emissions data.
Global Relevance and Knowledge Sharing: The CEMS Conference has become a key event for global emissions monitoring professionals, as it provides a unique opportunity for attendees to learn from case studies, participate in hands-on demonstrations, and network with peers from around the world. It also facilitates the exchange of knowledge on evolving emissions standards and technologies, which is critical as industries work towards meeting stringent environmental goals.
The CEMS Conference continues to serve as a pivotal event for driving technological progress, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility within the field of continuous emissions monitoring.
Responding to the need for a UK-specific event, the STA launched the EM-CERTS conference, now known as the Air Quality and Emissions (AQE) conference and exhibition.
The AQE Conference and Exhibition is a leading event in the UK and Europe dedicated to air quality monitoring, emissions measurement, and environmental compliance. The AQE event was established to provide a platform for experts, regulatory bodies, and industry professionals to collaborate on advancing air quality management and emissions reduction solutions. Here’s a brief history of the AQE conference and exhibition:
Founding and Early Goals:
The AQE Conference was initially organized in response to growing public and regulatory attention on air pollution and industrial emissions. Environmental laws and air quality standards were becoming stricter, especially in the UK and Europe, pushing industries to adopt better air quality monitoring and emissions control practices.
The conference aimed to address technical, regulatory, and operational issues in emissions monitoring, with a particular focus on advancements in instrumentation and technologies for accurate and reliable monitoring.
Expanding Focus and Attendance:
Over time, AQE expanded its scope beyond industrial emissions to include broader aspects of ambient air quality monitoring, indoor air quality, and environmental analytics. This expansion attracted professionals from a wider range of industries, such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, and public health.
The conference’s reach became international, attracting attendees and speakers from various countries, making it one of the key global events for air quality professionals.
Key Themes and Topics:
AQE evolved into a comprehensive event, covering critical topics like advancements in monitoring technology, data management, regulatory updates, and emerging contaminants of concern (e.g., particulate matter, VOCs, NOx, and more).
The event often includes workshops, seminars, and panel discussions led by industry experts and regulators, such as representatives from the UK Environment Agency and the European Environment Agency (EEA). This provides a forum for sharing knowledge on best practices, certification schemes like MCERTS, and practical approaches for emissions reduction.
Exhibitions and Technological Innovation:
The AQE Exhibition component is a major draw, featuring the latest products and solutions from leading manufacturers of air quality and emissions monitoring equipment. This hands-on approach allows attendees to see live demonstrations and engage directly with technology providers.
Technologies showcased include CEMS, sensors for ambient air quality, stack gas analysers, particulate matter detectors, and software solutions for data handling and regulatory reporting.
Environmental Impact and Compliance Emphasis:
In recent years, AQE has emphasised the need for real-time and highly accurate monitoring solutions to support compliance with both national and international environmental standards. The event has increasingly focused on the role of monitoring in addressing climate change, carbon reduction goals, and the improvement of urban air quality.
AQE has aligned itself with other key environmental events, such as the Water, Wastewater, and Environmental Monitoring (WWEM) Conference, to create a broader platform for environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Ongoing Relevance and Adaptation:
The AQE Conference and Exhibition continues to adapt to emerging trends in air quality and emissions monitoring, including advancements in IoT-enabled sensors, remote monitoring solutions, and the integration of AI for data analysis.
The conference’s emphasis on regulatory compliance, knowledge sharing, and technology innovation ensures its continued relevance in supporting industries and regulatory bodies as they work towards cleaner air and sustainable environmental practices.
The AQE Conference and Exhibition remains a cornerstone event in the environmental monitoring calendar, bridging industry, government, and research to improve air quality and emissions practices globally. STA's Commitment to Training
Over the years, the STA has expanded its training programs to meet the evolving needs of the industry. From the initial working at heights course launched in 1997, STA now offers a broad array of courses designed to enhance professional development. These courses cover areas like:
Risk Assessment for Industrial Emission Monitoring
Regulatory Monitoring Requirements for Process Operators
MCERTS Personnel Competency, including specialised courses for technicians and team leaders in areas such as particulate and gaseous monitoring.
More information can be found in the training article of this guide.
Golden stack award
The Golden Stack Award, organised by the STA, was given biennially to a process operator who makes significant efforts to ensure the safety, welfare, and comfort of stack testers in the field. This prestigious award promotes improved working conditions for stack testers, who often operate in challenging environments. Nominees are evaluated based on criteria like site access, health and safety measures, accommodation, and management involvement. Past winners include companies such as Hanson Brick, Tata Steel, Veolia, and E.ON, who demonstrated exemplary standards in these areas.
Looking Ahead
As the STA celebrates its 30th anniversary, it reflects on a rich history of achievements and looks to the future with a commitment to furthering excellence in emission monitoring. The association continues to evolve with the industry, ensuring that its members remain at the cutting edge of technology, safety, and environmental responsibility. The STA's journey of excellence is a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the entire emission monitoring community.
In the coming years, the STA will focus on addressing some of the most pressing issues in the field of emission monitoring, including the complex challenge posed by PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These substances are known for their resistance to breakdown, resulting in their persistence in the environment and raising significant concerns regarding human health and ecological impacts.
The STA’s initiatives will encompass:
Examining Chemical Properties: STA aims to deepen the understanding of PFAS by studying their unique chemical structures that contribute to their stability and persistence. This exploration will help develop targeted strategies for detection and mitigation.
Widespread Use and Associated Concerns: The association will address the prevalence of PFAS across various industries, highlighting the extent of their use in products such as firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and industrial applications. This focus will shed light on how these chemicals migrate into air, water, and soil, emphasising the need for rigorous monitoring.
Challenges in Monitoring and Analysis: One of the core areas of work will be advancing methods for accurate and reliable monitoring of PFAS. This will involve developing standardised testing protocols and analytical methods that can effectively detect trace levels of these substances in complex matrices, including emissions and environmental samples.
Ongoing Access to Insights: The STA is committed to providing its members with continuous access to the latest findings, best practices, and technological developments related to PFAS. This effort will include publishing guidance notes, conducting training seminars, and organising expert-led workshops that explore the intricacies of PFAS monitoring and regulatory compliance.
The STA will also direct significant attention to current trends and developments in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), focusing on both its technical and regulatory landscape. This exploration will include a thorough analysis of the scope and regulatory challenges encountered by waste incineration and Energy from Waste (EfW) operators, delving into liability issues and the evolving role of local authorities in waste management.
CCUS Method Development and Rollout: The STA plans to explore the technical aspects of developing and implementing CCUS methodologies, ensuring that the emission monitoring community is well-informed and prepared for advancements in this field. This work will also address the implications for emissions monitoring, particularly within the framework of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), emphasising the importance of precise monitoring and reporting for regulatory compliance and environmental impact assessment.
Regulatory and Operational Challenges: The STA recognises the regulatory complexities that waste incineration and EfW operators face, such as aligning operations with stringent emissions guidelines while navigating liability and accountability issues. These discussions will be critical in understanding how regulations can be effectively met while optimising performance.
Ongoing Dialogue and Collaboration: The recent CCUS-focused sessions highlighted the importance of continued dialogue and collaborative efforts to overcome the multifaceted challenges of carbon capture and emissions monitoring. In response to significant interest and engagement from industry participants, the STA will foster more forums, workshops, and collaborative sessions to sustain momentum in this vital area.
Engagement with Local Authorities and Waste Management: The STA will also examine the role of local authorities in waste management, including how they contribute to and interact with evolving CCUS and emissions practices. This engagement aims to bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and practical execution, supporting stakeholders with reliable guidance and best practices.
Through these initiatives, the STA aims to equip the emissions monitoring community with the knowledge and tools needed to adapt to the growing complexity of emissions regulations and carbon management strategies, ensuring readiness for future challenges and promoting a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.
The past 30 years have been a pivotal period for the emission monitoring industry, marked by significant advancements and the development of robust standards and practices. This progress is due in large part to the STA and its members, whose dedication to fostering collaboration and innovation has shaped the industry into what it is today. Through the STA’s commitment to promoting best practices, developing comprehensive guidance, and engaging in active dialogue with regulatory bodies, the association has set the foundation for a well-regulated and technologically advanced sector.
Looking ahead, the STA remains committed to continuing this vital work over the next 30 years. By staying at the forefront of technological advancements, addressing emerging challenges like PFAS and CCUS, and maintaining its leadership in safety, quality, and environmental responsibility, the STA will ensure that its members and the wider industry are equipped to navigate future developments with confidence. This ongoing dedication to collaboration and growth will support a resilient and progressive emission monitoring field, reinforcing the STA’s legacy as a cornerstone of the industry’s success and sustainability.
