The EQMP encompasses the monitoring of the key components of the environment: air, river and marine water quality. Both the continuous and manual modes of monitoring are undertaken. The parameters measured by both the continuous and manual modes of monitoring represent the key air, river and marine water quality parameters associated with the respective ambient environments.   

The continuous monitoring network allows for near real-time air, river and marine water quality data to be measured and recorded, while the manual stations where air, river or marine water samples are collected and sent to the laboratory to be analysed, complement the nation’s environmental database with a more comprehensive set of parameters.

In addition to a significant increase in the number of monitoring stations compared to the previous monitoring network, the EQMP also involves the monitoring of additional parameters including PM_2.5, as well as many other air and water quality parameters.

Included in the EQMP is the Environmental Data Centre (EDC) where all the data from the monitoring network is transmitted, quality-assured, analysed and reported.

In addition to the generation of ambient environmental quality data and information, the EQMP also includes the monitoring and investigation of pollution events. In this regard, mobile air quality monitoring stations and rapid response teams (RRT) addressing both river and marine waters, equipped with all the necessary monitoring paraphernalia are constantly on a standby mode, awaiting deployment as instructed by the DoE.

Analysis of the environmental data and information generated provides the basis for effective and timely management of the nation’s environment from day to day operational management to long-term formulation of management strategies.