The inspection of the flow measuring devices relevant for the discharge at wastewater treatment plants as well as throttling devices at rainwater spillways and retention basins is carried out by “state inspection agencies” and “recognized inspection agencies” according to § 11 (1) of the self-monitoring ordinance (EKVO) on behalf of the self-monitoring parties.
The inspection agencies according to § 11 EKVO have the task of carrying out those inspections and tests that require special qualifications, knowledge and experience in the field of hydraulics and hydrometry. In addition, these inspection agencies must be able to use hydrometric equipment that goes far beyond the usual equipment of an engineering office or an operator.
For us as a state inspection agency, the focus is currently on certification, training and monitoring of the recognized inspection agencies as well as scientific monitoring of the EKVO. Among other things, the following tasks and focal points of activity are in focus here:
- Monitoring and evaluation of current tests in comparison with the recommendations of Code of Practice D 2-10 and identification of any deficiencies
- Review of the EKVO to ensure that it is up to date and, if necessary, revision of the associated leaflets and guidelines, involving a close exchange with the implementing practice offices or the recognized inspection agencies
- Compilation and maintenance of knowledge on the state of the art and methodology
- Elaboration of recommendations for the preparation of test plans, for the simplified testing of suitable choke systems and for the methodical procedure for the testing of complex choke systems
- Calibration of measuring instruments and their technical support
- Implementation of training courses and advisory support of the authorities (Ministry of Environment, HLNUG, water authorities) in technical issues
- Carrying out of model investigations on special / problem cases and support of remediation concepts as well as consulting of the recognized testing laboratories on special questions
- Preparation of recognition reports for the approval of the “recognized” inspection agencies
- Acquisition of knowledge through contacts with manufacturers, e.g. through device tests in the laboratories
The Hessian State Agency for Nature Conservation, Environment and Geology (HLNUG) provides relevant documents on the self-monitoring ordinance on its homepage. These include regulations, ordinances, sample forms and fact sheets. (HLNUG) provides relevant documents on the self-monitoring ordinance on its homepage. These include regulations, ordinances, sample forms and fact sheets.
Current note: Regular tests or corresponding test dates on site at the wastewater treatment plants as well as throttle elements at rainwater spillways and retention basins are currently not carried out by the state testing laboratory at the Technical University of Darmstadt. For these tests in accordance with the EKVO at your site, we refer to the list of recognized test centers (opens in new tab).
