C3.1 Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is an important part of environmental management. The term monitoring encompasses a variety of different processes and techniques, the selection of which depends upon what information is required.
Purpose
The purpose of environmental monitoring may be to:
- Keep track of progress in the EMS.
- Identify problems before they escalate, allowing prompt corrective and preventive action.
- Monitor compliance with legislation.
- Monitor progress with environmental objectives and targets.
- Ensure pollution prevention measures are working properly.
- Monitor emissions to air.
- Monitor discharges to water.
- Monitor waste generation.
- Monitor energy consumption.