Linking Ecological Science to Decision-Making: Delivering Environmental Monitoring Information as Societal Feedback

The paper describes the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network's (EMAN) operational and program response to certain challenges of environmental monitoring in Canada, in particular, efforts to improve the ability of the network to deliver relevant information to decision makers. In addition to its familiar roles, environmental monitoring should deliver feedback to society on environmental changes associated with development patterns, trends, processes and interventions. In order for such feedback to be effective, it must be relevant, timely, useful and accessible: all characteristics that are defined by the user, not the provider. Demand driven environmental monitoring is explored through EMAN's experiences with Canada's Biosphere Reserves, the NatureWatch Program and the Canadian Community Monitoring Network.     

Monitoring Long-Term Ecological Changes Through the Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network: Science-Based and Policy Relevant

Ecological monitoring and its associated research programshave often provided answers to various environmental management issues. In the face of changing environmental conditions, ecological monitoring provides decision-makers with reliable information as they grapple with maintaining a sustainable economy and healthy environment. The EcologicalMonitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN) is a national ecological monitoring network consisting of (1) about 100 casestudy sites across the country characterized by long-term multi-disciplinary environmental work conducted by a multitudeof agencies (142 partners and counting); (2) a variety of lesscomprehensive yet more extensive monitoring sites; (3) a network where core monitoring variables of ecosystem change aremeasured; and (4) geo-referenced environmental observations. Environment Canada is the co-ordinating partner for the network through the EMAN Co-ordinating Office. EMAN's mission is to focus a scientifically-sound, policy-relevant ecosystem monitoring and research network based on (a) stabilizing a network of case-study sites operated by a varietyof partners, and (b) developing a number of cooperative dispersedmonitoring initiatives in order to deliver unique and needed goods and services. These goods and services include: (1) an efficient and cost-effective early warning system which detects,describes and reports on changes in Canadian ecosystems at a national or ecozone scale; and (2) cross-disciplinary and cross-jurisdictional assessments of ecosystem status, trends and processes. The early warning system and assessments of ecosystem status, trends and processes provide Environment Canada and partner organizations with timely information thatfacilitates increasingly adaptive policies and priority setting. Canadians are also informed of changes and trends occurring in Canadian ecosystems and, as a result, are betterable to make decisions related to conservation and sustainability.     

瑞士土壤环境监测网络构建与运行对中国的启示

十三五期间,中国初步构建了国家土壤环境监测网并开展了监测工作。当前,国家层面土壤环境监测网络的构建和运行还处于起步阶段,笔者选取土壤环境监测开展较为成熟的瑞士土壤环境监测网(NABO)作为研究对象,综述了NABO的技术体系及多年来的土壤环境监测结果,并结合中国土壤环境监测工作现状进行讨论,认为NABO在监测网络建立、指标选取、数据分析等方面建立了较为成熟的技术体系,未来中国国家土壤环境监测网可在此方面借鉴瑞士经验。     

The Need for Integrated Linkages and Long-Term Monitoring of Mercury in Canada

A nation-wide ecosystem science network for Canada was formed in 1994. At that time, mercury was a re-emerging issue in Canada and the Coordinating Office for the networksought collaboration to assess the issue. The key mechanismsby which the network has added value in addressing this issue are: 1) Information Dissemination, the network has organised, facilitated and co-hosted a number of regional,national and international mercury events (meetings, conferences and workshops) which have served to bring theexpertise together, the network also disseminates informationon it's web page, and the Coordinating Office hosts an annualNational Science Conference; 2) Collaborative Mercury Monitoring, network partners advocated the need for a singlehemispheric mercury network which resulted in the developmentof a compatible Canada–U.S. mercury deposition network, whichmay also be expanded into Mexico, and 3) Environmental Reporting, the network has collaborated with others to reporton current mercury findings through initiatives such as the 1998 Northeast States and Eastern Canadian Mercury Study, a 1999 Mercury Case Study and is presently a partner in the University of Quebec's proposal to form a Collaborative Mercury Ecosystem Research Network in Canada.     

国内外生态环境观测研究台站网络发展概况

生态环境观测研究台站是开展生态环境研究的重要手段。《国家环境保护"十二五"科技发展规划》将国家环境保护野外观测研究站作为"十二五"能力建设重点内容。分析了目前国内外主要生态环境监测网络,如区域尺度的全球环境监测系统(GEMS)、全球陆地观测系统(GTOS)、国际长期生态研究网络(ILTER)、全球通量观测网络(FLUXNET)和国际生物多样性观测网络(GEO·BON),以及国家尺度的美国长期生态研究网络(US-LTER)、英国环境变化监测网络(ECN)和中国生态系统研究网络(CERN)的发展历程、观测研究进展;总结了生态环境监测网站的发展趋势,即重视台站的联网观测研究,注重观测标准化和规范化及数据共享,重视观测手段智能化与自动化,注重综合观测与模型模拟相结合;提出国家环境保护生态监测台站网络是现有国家环境监测网络的拓展和完善,也是今后开展区域生态环境综合监测与评估的重要基础。     

Canada's Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network: Where we are at and Where we are Going

Canada has established a National Ecological Monitoring and Assessment Network (EMAN). The Network's operating objective is to understand what changes are occurring in the ecosystems and why. Each site is designed to have long-term multidisciplinary monitoring programs in place with supporting research and manipulation experiments. About 85 sites have been incorporated into the network. A Directory of EMAN Sites is available and a list of the Goals, Objectives and Deliverables (GODs) for many sites is also available. Information can be obtained on the EMAN's website at http://www.cciw.ca/eman/. The network is operated in conjunction with a program of developing national environmental indicators, with increasing emphasis on indicators of sustainable development. A series of environmental assessments are being produced that are issue and/or area focused. The assessment are designed as support for policy decisions. The national coordinating office supports the overall program of data gathering, reporting environmental indicators and produce assessments.     

Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring: Experiences with Pulp and Paper and Metal Mining Regulatory Programs

In Canada, Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) programs exist within two regulations: the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations and the newMetal Mining Effluent Regulations under the Canadian Fisheries Act. EEM provides a biological, effects-based feedback loop to assess the effectiveness of technology-based regulations in protecting receiving environments. The promulgation of the Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations, in 1992, represented a significant step forward in the Canadian regulatory approach by incorporating directly into a regulation a requirement to assess the effects of effluent discharges on receiving environments using proven scientific monitoring methodologies. Similarly, an assessment of the aquatic impacts of mines resulted in recommendations to amend the Metal Mining Effluent Regulations, recently promulgated in 2002, and includes an EEM program as a science-based feedback loop. As such, these regulations recognize the possibility that national, technology-based standards may not necessarily protect all receiving environments because of the diversity and variability of both discharges and receiving sites across the country. Since that time, EEM has improved its flexibility by considering both advances in science and the uniqueness of monitoring sites across Canada to allow the most appropriate and cost-effective monitoring approaches at each site while maintaining national consistency. This paper discusses the use of monitoring under two Canadian regulations to assess effects on aquatic ecosystems. As well, the National EEM approach to maintaining up-to-date scientific practices in a national regulatory program is discussed using examples.     

Assessment of Wet Sulfate Concentration Changes at CAPMoN Sites, Canada

This paper describes a statistical analysis of wet sulfate deposition data sampled by the Canadian Air and Precipitation Monitoring Network (CAPMoN) since 1988 till 1997. The goal of the investigation is to detect presence of prevailing significant changes in the probability distribution of annual samples collected by the network at each site. The considerations are based on a first order autoregression model with second order polynomial trend and methods used for analysis of variance and multiple comparison. Unlike studies suggesting existence of long term trends in the data, methods applied here indicate absence of any systematic changes in the observed annual concentration patterns at most of the sites.     

江苏省环境监测站标准化建设成效评价

江苏省在2013年底通过了国家环境监测站标准化建设整体验收,成为全国第一个整体达到国家建设标准的省份。在总结江苏省主要建设经验的基础上,为定量评估江苏省各级环境监测站标准化建设成效水平,以《国家环境监测站标准化验收评分办法》评价指标为基础,尝试构建环境监测站建设成效评价指标体系,并应用层次分析法确定指标及其权重,共设1项一级指标、5项二级指标和12项三级指标。通过专家综合决策打分,确定各项评价指标的权重值,赋值计算综合成效评价指数。结果表明,全省实验室条件、仪器设备、监测数据、论文发表、能力认证等方面发展迅速,但人员扩编有待进一步加强。该方法为政府部门考核财政资金投入绩效、优化管理决策提供了定量评价参考。     

我国生态环境监测网络建设成效与展望

2015年中央全面深化改革领导小组审议通过《生态环境监测网络建设方案》,推动全国生态环境监测网络建设取得重大成就。对照《生态环境监测网络建设方案》提出的"全面设点,完善生态环境监测网络"方面的任务与要求,对生态环境监测网络建设成效进行客观评估,并对生态环境监测面临的形势与不足进行了深入剖析。针对加强生态环境监测网络建设、探索生态环境监测多手段融合应用模式、强化生态环境监测数据智慧应用等方面提出了当前及今后中长期生态环境监测发展的相关建议。     

Development of a New Approach to Cumulative Effects Assessment: A Northern River Ecosystem Example

If sustainable development of Canadian waters is to be achieved, a realistic and manageable framework is required for assessing cumulative effects. The objective of this paper is to describe an approach for aquatic cumulative effects assessment that was developed under the Northern Rivers Ecosystem Initiative. The approach is based on a review of existing monitoring practices in Canada and the presence of existing thresholds for aquatic ecosystem health assessments. It suggests that a sustainable framework is possible for cumulative effects assessment of Canadian waters that would result in integration of national indicators of aquatic health, integration of national initiatives (e.g., water quality index, environmental effects monitoring), and provide an avenue where long-term monitoring programs could be integrated with baseline and follow-up monitoring conducted under the environmental assessment process.     

Wmo's activities on background atmospheric pollution and integrated monitoring and research

As early as 1968, WMO decided to start a programme on atmospheric pollution. Consequently, a Panel of Experts on Meteorological Aspects of Atmospheric Pollution was established. It was also decided to operate a network of background air pollution monitoring stations. With increasing public concern on environmental pollution impacts, a growing number of WMO Members joined the programme. The Environmental Pollution Monitoring and Research Programme, as well as the World Climate Programme launched in the late seventies, will provide information on a possible influence of pollution on climate.When the network of background ait pollution monitoring started, some Members had already proposed to carry out multimedia monitoring at suitable stations. Later on, it became obvious that more information is required on levels and trends of pollutants in media interacting with the atmosphere and a project on integrated monitoring was established, the purpose of which is to define the objectives and uses of integrated monitoring and to establish procedures for routine standardized integrated monitoring of the of the environment.Pilot projects presently being carried out in a few Member countries are meant to provide most of the information required for the implementation of global background integrated environmental monitorting.     

公布空气质量报告 市民更加关注环境

南京市环境监测中心站在全国率先开展空气质量周报,之后又开展了空气质量日报,向市民公布空气质量状况,使环境监测成果走向社会,服务于百姓,增强了全社会的环境保护意识,提高了市民关心环境,保护环境的自觉性,并推动了空气污染防治工作,促进了环境监测工作,体现了     

中国环境监测陆海统筹机制的分析与建议

建立环境监测陆海统筹机制是新形势下管理模式向环境质量控制转变的必然需求。通过对涉海环境监测网络建设、运行管理模式、标准规范和信息发布体系的调研,分析了环境监测陆海统筹机制面临的缺乏统一规划、管理职责不清、标准化滞后和信息发布混乱等问题,并剖析了其深层次原因。借鉴欧盟、美国和日本在环境监测陆海统筹实践中的经验,总结其对中国的启示:陆海统筹既是自然环境客观规律的内在要求,也是中国自下而上的环境管理需求;管理部门建立沟通协调机制是陆海统筹的基础,监测网络加强技术体系整合是陆海统筹的关键。遵照公正可信、分步推进的原则,提出中国环境监测陆海统筹机制的实施路线。     

Recommendations for Monitoring of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in the Canadian Environment

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been reported in air, surface waters, suspended sediments, soil, sediment, fish, marine mammals, and bird eggs throughout Canada, from the St. Lawrence Estuary to the Strait of Georgia and the northernmost reaches of the Canadian Arctic. Canadian scientists have detected the presence of PBDEs in breast milk in every Canadian province. In fact, recent data on temporal trends strongly suggests that the concentrations of PBDEs are on the rise in the Canadian environment. These findings are similar to those reported in other nordic countries, and have prompted several countries to implement environmental monitoring programs. Among the key challenges currently facing Canada and other countries concerns how best to measure these chemicals in different matrices. In this paper, several analytical methods cited in the scientific literature for determining PBDE concentrations in different abiotic and biological matrices are reviewed. The critical criteria required for accurate determination of PBDEs in complex environmental matrices are discussed, including instrument sensitivity, reliability, potential interference's and the need for specialized instrumentation for the determination of compounds up to 975 Daltons. While a single analytical method that meets these and other criteria has not yet been perfected by scientists, GC/HRMS-based methods amenable to isotope dilution techniques warrant further refinement, and likely represent the best tools for future environmental monitoring programs.     

Canadian ENGOs in governance of water resources: information needs and monitoring practices

Water quality monitoring involves a complex set of steps and a variety of approaches. Its goals include understanding of aquatic habitats, informing management and facilitating decision making, and educating citizens. Environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) are increasingly engaged in water quality monitoring and act as environmental watchdogs and stewards of water resources. These organizations exhibit different monitoring mandates. As government involvement in water quality monitoring continues to decline, it becomes essential that we understand their modi operandi. By doing so, we can enhance efficacy and encourage data sharing and communication. This research examined Canadian ENGOs that collect their own data on water quality with respect to water quality monitoring activities and information needs. This work had a twofold purpose: (1) to enhance knowledge about the Canadian ENGOs operating in the realm of water quality monitoring and (2) to guide and inform development of web-based geographic information systems (GIS) to support water quality monitoring, particularly using benthic macroinvertebrate protocols. A structured telephone survey was administered across 10 Canadian provinces to 21 ENGOs that undertake water quality monitoring. This generated information about barriers and challenges of data sharing, commonly collected metrics, human resources, and perceptions of volunteer-collected data. Results are presented on an aggregate level and among different groups of respondents. Use of geomatics technology was not consistent among respondents, and we found no noteworthy differences between organizations that did and did not use GIS tools. About one third of respondents did not employ computerized systems (including databases and spreadsheets) to support data management, analysis, and sharing. Despite their advantage as a holistic water quality indicator, benthic macroinvertebrates (BMIs) were not widely employed in stream monitoring. Although BMIs are particularly suitable for the purpose of citizen education, few organizations collected this metric, despite having public education and awareness as part of their mandate.     

Statistical needs in national water quality monitoring programs

The concept that a few well chosen, strategically placed, water quality stations can provide valuable scientific information to water managers is common to many countries. Historically within Canada, water quality regional networks (Great Lakes network, Prairie Provinces Water Board network, Long Range Transport of Airborne Pollutants network, etc.) have been successfully operating for many years. This paper will describe the difficulties associated with developing a national water quality network for a country the size of Canada. In particular, it will describe some of the statistical tools presently being used in regional networks which are suitable for a national network, and discuss the need to develop new statistical tools for environmental monitoring in the 1990's.     

深圳市环境噪声自动监测系统建设

简述了深圳市噪声自动监测系统的主要功能及运行、验收情况。该系统利用其他监测网络中的气象设备建立气象监测小区，通过一系列考核，确定了自动监测数据的有效性，安装了以太阳能优先和市电辅助供电的双供电系统，有效地节省了能源。     

地市级环境监测站历史转型期管理体制与职能定位探讨

通过对30多家地市级环保局"三定"方案调查研究,分析并列举了环境保护历史转型期地市级环保局分管监测工作机构模式,对环境监测管理体制、职能定位不同的设计、规划,提出了当前环境管理体制与环境监测管理中存在的各类问题。围绕建设"先进的环境监测预警体系"是环境监测历史转型的根本任务,研究提出了单列型、合署型监测管理与履职型、拓展性、创新性监测职能定位建设模式。     

应用BPR促进环境监测管理转型的思考

对现行环境监测方案体系中存在的问题进行归纳分析,结合BPR(业务流程再造)思想以及信息化理念对环境监测工作转型进行思考,提出信息化解决方案,通过建立电子化环境监测方案,以达到业务模式优化、信息整合协同、管理精细化的转型目标。电子化环境监测方案是环境监测科学发展的时代要求,是环境监测信息化管理的标志。