Lesson 7 – QUALITY ASSURANCE OF THE DRAWING UP AND REVIEWING OF THE BREFs

Lesson Overview: In this lesson, we will explore the importance of quality assurance in the process of drawing up and reviewing Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Documents (BREFs) under Directive 2010/75/EU on Industrial Emissions. Learners will understand the key elements of a quality system and the roles of different stakeholders in ensuring the high-quality output of BREFs. The lesson will also cover the data quality rating system used to assess the reliability of information collected.

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

  1. Understand the significance of quality assurance in the development and review of BREFs.
  2. Identify the key elements of a quality system for BREFs.
  3. Explain the data quality rating system used to assess the reliability of data collected for BREFs.

Lesson Content:

  1. Introduction to Quality Assurance of BREFs

Quality assurance is crucial in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and high standard of Best Available Techniques Reference Documents. The commitment to follow the provided guidance and the involvement of stakeholders with technical expertise are vital in guaranteeing the quality of the “Sevilla process.”

  1. Key Elements of a Quality System

To ensure quality in the BREFs, Member States, the Commission, industries, and non-governmental organizations are expected to have a quality system in place. This system includes the following key elements: a. Clear allocation of tasks and definition of responsibilities. b. Establishment of procedures and methods. c. Allocation of sufficient resources, especially staff. d. Implementation of an internal control system for continuous improvement.

  1. Roles in Ensuring Quality

Each participant involved in the information exchange plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality of their contributions. The TWG members act as the first level of controllers, while the EIPPCB staff, drafting the BREFs based on TWG contributions, serves as the second level of controller. The EIPPCB, operating within the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the Commission’s Institute for Prospective Technological Studies (IPTS), has ISO 9001 certification and operates under the Internal Control Standards and Underlying Framework of the Commission.

  1. Data Quality Rating System

A data quality rating system is used to assess the reliability of data collected for BREFs. The system categorizes data estimates into the following ratings: a. A – Estimate based on a large amount of fully representative information with known background assumptions. b. B – Estimate based on a significant amount of representative information with most known background assumptions. c. C – Estimate based on a limited amount of representative information with limited background assumptions. d. D – Estimate based on a very limited amount of information, representative of only one or two situations, with few known background assumptions. e. E – Estimate based on engineering judgment with assumptions only.

  1. Importance of Quality A or B Data

To determine the best available techniques, quality A or B data are most appropriate. These data represent estimates based on a large or significant amount of representative information, with most or all of the background assumptions known.

Conclusion:

Quality assurance is a critical aspect of the drawing up and reviewing of BREFs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the Best Available Techniques and Reference Documents. Stakeholders’ commitment to the process and adherence to a robust quality system are essential in producing high-quality BREFs that contribute to environmental protection and sustainable industrial practices.

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