All complex effluent discharges to controlled waters over 10 m 3 /day are required to undergo Direct Toxicity Assessment (DTA). This has been implemented by the EA and SEPA through the IPPC regulations. All testing must be carried out by an MCERTS approved laboratory using designated methods. The results of these tests are used to determine the acute environmental risk associated with the discharge.
Ecospan Environmental Ltd is MCERTS approved by the EA to undertake Direct Toxicity Assessment testing. Our staff have extensive experience in DTA, having been involved in both the demonstration project and in the development of the technical guidance. Over the years we have established a good rapport with the regulators which enables us to design a testing protocol tailored to each discharge and produce a risk assessment detailing the potential impacts of the effluent. We also have experience of critically reviewing existing data to assess its quality and ensure businesses are not burdened by unnecessary costs associated with DTA testing. This often involves undertaking a comprehensive Environmental risk assessment. If chronic or population effects need to be considered (e.g. discharge into a SPA or SSSI), Ecospan can design and undertake ecological surveys to quantify any impact on the receiving environment.
On-site testing
Where toxicity could arise from multiple sources, or sites are required to investigate the sources of toxicity within their operation, our on-site testing service offers a very cost effective solution. Up to 100 samples can be tested to marine species over a working week enabling the toxicity contributions and variability from multiple drains to be fully investigated. The large number of samples that can be tested can also be used to identify the principal toxicant source(s). Additionally, toxicity identification evaluations (TIE) may be undertaken to characterise the type of toxicant present.
