In environmental practice, monitoring involves continuous observation, measurement, and assessment to ensure that environmental performance meets regulatory standards and sustainability goals. Beyond the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), key elements of environmental monitoring include:
Air Quality Monitoring
Tracks pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃. Ensures emissions from industries and vehicles comply with air quality standards.
Water Quality Monitoring
Measures parameters in surface water, groundwater, and effluent discharge (e.g., pH, BOD, COD, heavy metals). Ensures protection of water bodies and compliance with DOE effluent standards.
Noise and Vibration Monitoring
Evaluates noise levels and vibrations from industrial, construction, or transportation activities. Helps maintain community comfort and compliance with permissible limits.
Soil Quality Monitoring
Assesses contamination by hazardous substances, heavy metals, or hydrocarbons. Important for land development, agriculture, and remediation projects.
Biodiversity and Ecological Monitoring
Observes changes in flora and fauna populations, habitats, and ecosystems. Ensures conservation measures are effective and mitigates biodiversity loss.
Waste Management Monitoring
Tracks solid, scheduled (hazardous), and clinical waste handling and disposal practices. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and minimizes pollution risks.
Meteorological Monitoring
Records weather conditions, including wind speed, temperature, and rainfall. Supports air dispersion modeling and impact assessment.
Socio-Economic and Health Monitoring
Evaluates community well-being, health impacts, and livelihood changes due to projects. Ensures mitigation measures address social and economic sustainability.
Together, these monitoring elements provide a comprehensive environmental management framework, helping industries and authorities make informed decisions, demonstrate compliance, and promote sustainable development.