QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 270)
It is anchored on Sections 8 and 38 of Republic Act No. 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1999) and Rule XLVII, Section 2(c) of DAO 2000-81 (IRR of RA 8749).
To assure stakeholders and the public of the reliability of source emission test results, and to ensure accredited firms can conduct emission testing in accordance with the Clean Air Act and its IRR.
All firms providing source emission testing services to demonstrate compliance with Clean Air Act/IRR standards must be accredited by the EMB prior to conducting such activities.
Industries in a particular area or industrial zone may form clusters and create a pool to engage a third-party testing firm that will randomly conduct unannounced emission testing for monitoring purposes.
Accreditation is on a per air pollutant parameter basis, and the EMB-recognized laboratory analyzes the samples collected by the accredited testing firm.
Among others: a duly accomplished and notarized application form; SEC registration documents (for corporations/partnerships) or business name registration (for sole proprietorships); location map; list of sampling personnel with qualifications and supporting documents; list of prescribed equipment; calibration/maintenance procedures and records; QA/QC procedures; previously conducted field sampling data sheets (if applicable); emission testing procedures; chemical waste management practices; and safety/health procedures including PPE.
At least: one QA/QC Manager, one Team Leader, and one Technical Aide. QA/QC Manager and Team Leader must be licensed engineers (preferably chemical engineers), have at least one year experience in source emission testing, and have undergone quality assurance training for SET.
QA/QC Manager: undertakes QA/QC test on actual testing and results and prepares the QA/QC test report. Team Leader: prepares equipment/accessories/glassware, conducts sampling tests (including oral and written examinations), and prepares the test report.
The firm must have adequate working and storage areas, including space for preparation of reagents, storage of chemicals and glassware, equipment storage, and cleaning activities.
Sampling methods must conform to DENR-EMB approved methods and parameters attached as Annex A.
Applications and fees are filed with EMB Central Office; the Secretariat checks completeness; deficiencies must be rectified; SAT conducts an on-site assessment within 30 working days after complete submission; if satisfactory, the SAT directs a proficiency test requiring at least three performance tests per parameter, plus written/oral exams for personnel.
Periodic monitoring within six (6) months after issuance and at least once yearly thereafter, including inspection of the sampling firm, observation of sampling activities, provision of quality control, health and safety requirements, emission test report review, and review of personnel.
Improper sampling/techniques/procedures including calibration/maintenance issues; non-submission of annual reports; refusal to allow monitoring; and violation of DENR requirements on health and safety, waste management, and hazard/risk assessment.
Revocation grounds include falsification of documents and test results; refusal to conduct on-site demonstration and/or proficiency test; and repeated suspensions within the same calendar year. Revocation results in automatic disqualification and no reinstatement.
Revoked certificates automatically disqualify the firm from reinstatement. Suspended certificates may be reinstated after application of required corrective actions and payment of fines.