Environmental Monitoring
Author: Alasdair Meldrum

Environmental monitoring for waste management and recycling
sites is designed to identify problem areas before they become
major issues.

It is currently routine practice to find that the role is
carried out by junior staff or busy managers who have more
pressing issues to address. The result of this is that all too
frequently the results in the data are not used to the
advantage of the site.

By identifying this resource strain and securing the services
of an outside contractor to undertake a regular program of
monitoring backed up by a thorough analysis and reporting
system companies can not only save time and money but operate a
site which is more efficient and better for the environment.

A company such as Albion Environmental Ltd. who specialise in
providing routine environmental monitoring work would provide
the following when carrying out routine monitoring:

• On-site and off-site gas sampling and monitoring
• Leachate and groundwater level monitoring
• Groundwater, surface water and leachate sampling
• FID gas surveys
• List I & II sampling
• ATEX approved equipment

Once the monitoring has been carried out experienced
technicians analyse the data and produce reports which help
sites to maintain efficiency and highlight any potential
problem areas before they occur. The type of reporting which
would be delivered includes:

• Detailed sampling methods for inclusion in Working Plan
• Complete report of work carried out and results
• Weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reports as required
with trend analysis, complete review per sampling location,
executive summaries and action requirements
• Review of previous data as required
• On approval forward report to SEPA
• Immediately warn company of any potential pollution incidents
and assist in providing remedial action

By undertaking a program of environmental monitoring along
these lines companies can demonstrate to the public and the
regulatory bodies that they do indeed take the protection of
the environment seriously.

Whether it is a 200acre landfill site, an incineration plant or
a small community recycling scheme they all have equal
responsibility to ensure that the environmental standards set
by regulatory bodies are maintained.


About The Author: Alasdair Meldrum is founder and director of
Albion Environmental Ltd. Specialising in providing training
and consultancy services to to waste management and environment
industry across the UK. http://www.albion-environmental.co.uk