How is Environmental Monitoring Data Management Regulated?
Environmental monitoring data management is governed by Article 25 of Circular 10/2021/TT-BTNMT. To be specific:
- On-site monitoring data and environmental analysis must be verified, statistically processed, and evaluated.
+ Results verification: Comprehensive verification of the rationality of the monitoring and environmental analysis results. Verification is based on sample records (on-site monitoring reports, sample handover and receipt reports, on-site measurement reports, laboratory analysis result forms, etc.), QC sample results (blank samples, duplicate samples, standard samples, etc.);
+ Environmental monitoring and analysis results are only accepted after reviewing and evaluating the QC sample analysis results to ensure reliability according to the laboratory's quality control criteria;
+ Statistical processing: Depending on the number of samples and the contents of the report, different methods may be used for statistical processing, but at a minimum, there must be statistical data on the minimum value, maximum value, average value, and the number of values exceeding the standard;
+ Results evaluation: Comparing and contrasting the statistically processed and verified monitoring results with relevant standards and technical regulations.
- All documents, data, and records related to on-site monitoring and environmental analysis activities must be fully compiled, ensure honesty, promptly, and stored, managed according to regulations.
- Original records of on-site monitoring and environmental analysis activities must be kept and readily provided to competent authorities upon request. Original records include:
+ On-site monitoring records: on-site sample collection reports, sample handover and receipt reports, on-site measurement result sheets, on-site duplicate measurement reports (if any), raw data stored in memory from direct measurement devices on-site or directly backed up from the memory of direct measurement devices on-site, calculation results, on-site monitoring;
+ Environmental analysis records: analysis reports, analysis result reports, raw data stored in the memory of analysis devices or directly backed up from the memory of analysis devices;
+ Quality assurance and quality control records for on-site and environmental analysis activities must include at least sample collection reports and on-site quality control sample results, results of equipment checks using standard samples on-site, quality control sample results in environmental analysis activities.
- Data in on-site monitoring and environmental analysis activities must be complete, consistent with on-site monitoring records and environmental analysis records; appropriate and consistent with the sampling time, location, analysis time, and parameters; appropriate and consistent with the monitoring methods and equipment; conform to the result acceptance criteria.
- In case of suspected errors in environmental monitoring activities, the data must be rechecked or discarded and not used for the purpose of writing monitoring result reports. Initial documents and data before being discarded must be kept as original records for use in cases that require reference.
Sincerely.
