Simplifying monitoring for Section 82 of the Environment Act

This article is based on an interview with Kayleigh Smith, U.K. Regional Sales Manager at In-Situ, discussing the implications and challenges of water monitoring under the UK’s Environment Act. You can find the interview on ILM Media’s YouTube Channel. 

The Environment Act of 2021 introduced significant changes to environmental oversight in the UK. A critical component, Section 82, mandates water utilities to monitor key parameters like pH, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia near combined sewer overflows and wastewater treatment works. This initiative aims to prevent pollutants from spilling into watercourses during rainfall and non-rainfall events, ensuring environmental safety and compliance with stricter ecological standards.  

The legislation has sparked global interest as few countries use a combined sewer system that blends stormwater and sewage. Section 82’s monitoring requirements represent a step toward addressing pollution at its source, fostering transparency and accountability within the water industry.  

Smith's interview highlights the substantial challenges that accompany Section 82 implementation. Finding suitable locations for deploying monitoring equipment is difficult because water utilities often lack ownership of surrounding lands. Gaining permissions from landowners can delay progress and add complexity.  

Another pressing issue is ensuring the longevity of instrumentation in harsh environments. Continuous exposure to water and contaminants requires equipment that can endure wear and tear without frequent replacement. Furthermore, the volume of data generated by these monitoring systems is immense. Transforming raw data into actionable insights remains a significant hurdle, as ineffective data management can render monitoring efforts futile.  

In-Situ is leading efforts to simplify water monitoring and address these challenges. Their Aqua TROLL 800, specifically recommended for Section 82 compliance, exemplifies cutting-edge technology designed for durability and efficiency. This flagship product offers wipeable sensor faces to combat fouling and supports interconnectivity with various telemetry systems, such as SDI-12 and Modbus. The integration of Bluetooth and mobile app compatibility eliminates the need for specialized equipment, making the system accessible and user-friendly.  

Smith emphasized the importance of designing equipment for seamless integration into broader environmental monitoring systems. In-Situ’s solutions align with their philosophy of reducing the complexities traditionally associated with water quality monitoring, ensuring that utilities can focus on addressing environmental issues rather than troubleshooting technology.  

As Smith pointed out, Section 82’s current framework focuses on monitoring rather than solving pollution problems. While monitoring helps identify sources of contamination, the next step must involve remediation and long-term solutions. Adjusting the required parameters to include indicators like conductivity could enhance the detection of wastewater spills.  

There is also a need for flexibility in deployment options and power solutions, such as optimizing solar panels for the UK’s climate. These improvements would make systems more sustainable and adaptable to various river environments. Collaborative consultations with equipment manufacturers and industry stakeholders are essential for creating practical guidelines that address real-world challenges.  

Moreover, cost-effectiveness remains a pressing concern. As Smith noted, deploying monitoring systems cannot come at exorbitant prices. Innovations that balance affordability with high-quality performance will ensure compliance without placing undue financial strain on utilities.  

While the legislation marks a significant step forward, its success depends on continued collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and manufacturers to refine and expand its scope. Effective monitoring combined with actionable remediation strategies will be crucial in protecting the UK’s watercourses for generations to come.