How Much Does Environmental Monitoring Cost? Updated Rates [2024]

Environmental monitoring is a crucial activity aimed at controlling and protecting the environment from negative impacts caused by human production and daily activities. In this article, RX Tradex will help you understand the costs of environmental monitoring, particularly the costs of installing an automatic environmental monitoring system updated for 2024.

1. Costs of Installing an Automatic Environmental Monitoring System

1.1. Automatic Environmental Monitoring Costs in 2024

In 2024, the costs of installing an automatic environmental monitoring system vary depending on several factors, such as the type of monitoring (air, wastewater, noise, etc.), the scale of the project, and the technology used. A standard automatic monitoring system typically costs from a few hundred million to several billion VND. The pricing is based on the type of monitoring system (air, wastewater, noise), the type of production, the scale, and regulations from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment.

1.2. Entities Required to Implement Automatic Environmental Monitoring

According to Vietnamese law, entities required to install automatic environmental monitoring systems include:

• Export processing zones, industrial zones, high-tech zones.
• Large-scale production, business, and service establishments that pose a high risk of severe environmental pollution.
• Wastewater treatment plants, solid waste treatment plants, hazardous waste treatment plants.

Installing an automatic monitoring system helps these units comply with legal regulations and minimize negative environmental impacts.

1.3. Penalties for Non-Compliance with Legal Requirements for Monitoring System Installation

Units and establishments required to install automatic environmental monitoring systems but fail to do so may face severe penalties. Specifically, according to Decree 16, Decree 45/2022/NĐ-CP on administrative sanctions in the field of environmental protection, fines range from 50 million to 60 million VND for not installing the required automatic monitoring system. Additionally, enterprises must implement remedial measures, including installing the monitoring system as required.

2. Factors Influencing Wastewater Monitoring Costs

The costs of wastewater monitoring are not fixed and depend on various factors.

2.1. Specifics of the Production Field

Each production field has its characteristics, affecting the monitoring process and technology. For example, the textile industry often has wastewater containing a lot of organic matter, while the chemical industry may have a lot of heavy metals and hazardous chemicals. Therefore, the monitoring system must be designed appropriately to measure specific parameters, impacting the overall cost.

2.2. Discharge Scale and Pollution Level of the Waste Source

The larger the discharge scale and the higher the pollution level, the higher the monitoring cost. This is because more complex systems are needed to accurately measure environmental parameters under harsh conditions.

2.3. Location of the Automatic Monitoring Station

The location of the monitoring station is also an important factor. If the station is installed in hard-to-reach places, requires special protection measures, or has weak infrastructure, the costs will be higher. Conversely, locations with favorable conditions will reduce installation and maintenance costs.

2.4. Automatic Monitoring Equipment System

Modern automatic monitoring equipment can measure multiple environmental parameters simultaneously and provide accurate results. However, the cost of these devices is relatively high. Common devices include: pollutant concentration sensors, data storage & processing systems, and management and data analysis software.

2.5. Design, Construction, and Installation Unit of the Monitoring Station

The choice of unit for the design, construction, and installation of the monitoring system significantly affects the cost. Reputable units with experience and high expertise often charge higher prices but ensure the system’s quality and operational efficiency.

3. Some High-Quality, Low-Cost Monitoring System Installation Units

Choosing the right unit to install the environmental monitoring system not only ensures the quality and efficiency of the system but also helps save costs. To choose a reputable unit, businesses should:

• Choose companies with many years of experience in environmental monitoring. These companies often handle various projects and can solve arising issues.
• Request a list of completed projects to evaluate the company’s capacity and work quality. Refer to feedback from businesses that have used their services to understand the effectiveness and reliability of the monitoring system installed by the company.
• Ensure the quality of equipment and technology used. Imported monitoring devices from countries with advanced technology often have good quality and durability, with accompanying certifications.
• Compare prices and costs across different businesses.

Conclusion

Environmental monitoring is a mandatory and essential requirement for businesses and industrial zones to protect the environment and comply with legal regulations. Investing in an automatic monitoring system not only helps businesses better control pollution but also avoids severe penalties from regulatory authorities. Hopefully, the information on costs and factors affecting environmental monitoring costs in this article will provide businesses with an overview and help them choose the appropriate solution. Additionally, in Vietnam, there are many other activities related to waste treatment technology, recycling energy, and waste treatment solutions organized at the WASTE AND RECYCLING EXPO VIETNAM by RX Tradex Vietnam. Interested businesses can find more information and register to participate.