Circular No. 41/2020/TT-BCA on wastewater testing

CIRCULARPreamble

Regulations on wastewater testing

Pursuant to the Environmental Police Ordinance dated December 23, 2014;

Pursuant to Decree No. 105/2015/NĐ-CP dated October 20, 2015 of the Government detailing the implementation of certain provisions of the Environmental Police Ordinance;

Pursuant to Decree No. 165/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 12, 2013 of the Government stipulating the management, use, and list of equipment and technical devices for detecting administrative violations related to traffic order, safety, and environmental protection;Pursuant to Decree No. 01/2018/NĐ-CP dated August 6, 2018 of the Government stipulating the functions, tasks, powers, and organizational structure of the Ministry of Public Security;

At the proposal of the Director of the Environmental Police Department;The Minister of Public Security issues this Circular on wastewater testing.;

Chapter I. General Provisions

The Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology issues this Circular on the issuance of National Technical Regulations on Radioactive Waste Containing Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials.This Circular stipulates wastewater testing, including sampling wastewater (collecting environmental samples which are wastewater), measuring wastewater quality at the site, testing wastewater samples, professional technical conditions of wastewater testers, ensuring quality and quality control in wastewater testing.

Article 1. Subjects1. Conditions, premium rates; minimum amount of insurance.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

1. Officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the Environmental Police (Environmental Crime Prevention Police).

Article 2. Applicability

Article 2. Wastewater Testing Methods

2. Public security units and localities.

3. Other organizations and individuals related thereto.

2. Industrial emission testing must ensure timeliness, accuracy, objectivity, compliance with procedures, and adherence to legal provisions.

Wastewater testing must be conducted according to the methods specified in this Circular or the current national technical regulations on wastewater.

2. In cases where the wastewater testing methods specified in this Circular are amended, supplemented, or replaced by new methods (according to national standards or regulations), the new methods shall apply.

Article 4. Definitions and Abbreviations

In this Circular, the following terms and abbreviations have the meanings set forth below:

1. Quality Assurance (QA) in environmental testing refers to an integrated system of management and technical activities within an organization aimed at ensuring that environmental testing activities meet the prescribed quality standards. Sampling location

2. Sampling location for wastewater refers to a place (geographical name), area, production facility (+geographical name), enterprise (+geographical name) from which one or more different wastewater samples must be collected.

3. Sampling point for wastewater is the specific position determined within the sampling location for wastewater.

4. Accuracy (accuracy) is the degree of closeness between the test result and the accepted reference value. Accuracy is expressed through values regarding correctness (including deviation and recovery) and values regarding precision (including repeatability and reproducibility).

5. Outfall channel refers to the final section of the discharge channel (ditch or sewer) calculated from the point of collecting all sources of discharge from the facility (for some facilities, it is from after the wastewater treatment system) to the discharge outlet into the receiving water body (where wastewater is discharged into the receiving water body). Every point on the outfall channel serves as an outlet to the environment.

6. Environmental testing in the People's Public Security is an activity carried out according to a specific procedure to determine the extent to which environmental parameters exceed the limits set in environmental technical standards.

7. Wastewater testing Wastewater environmental testing

8. in the People's Public Security is an activity carried out according to a specific procedure to determine the extent to which wastewater parameters exceed the limits set in wastewater environmental technical standards.Quality Control (QC) in environmental testing involves implementing measures to assess, monitor, and promptly adjust to achieve the accuracy of measurements required by quality standards to ensure that environmental testing activities meet the prescribed quality standards.

9. Wastewater samplingrefers to the process of taking a portion of wastewater considered representative of the wastewater flow and must meet the objectives for using the sample. Reference material

10. is a material sufficiently uniform and stable with respect to one or more specified properties, established for use in a measurement process. Method control sample

11. (control sample) is a sample prepared in advance with known concentration from a reference material with a concentration within the measurement range of the instrument or the working range of the calibration curve used to check the operation of the instrument, monitor the analytical process, evaluate the recovery of the method (a form of expressing accuracy).Subsample is a part of the composite sample, taken simultaneously at one sampling point. Subsamples are usually stored differently or used for different analytical purposes.

12. Single sample (point sample) is a single random sample taken from a sampling point (either in time or location). In a typical single sample, the entire sample volume is taken at one time (a short period of time). A single sample can be collected by gathering multiple times and mixing them at one location or several nearby locations to ensure representativeness and must be taken within a maximum of 15 minutes (this sampling time is considered a single point in environmental sampling).

13. Quality control sample (QC sample) is a real sample or a sample created from a standard used to control the quality of field testing and laboratory testing.

14. Field replicate sampleQuantity refers to two or more samples taken at the same location, at the same time, or taken consecutively over time, processed, stored, transported, and analyzed in the laboratory under similar conditions. Field replicate samples are used to control analytical errors, to evaluate the precision of analytical results, or for operational purposes.

15. Method replicate samplee) Vessels and sea vessels must have an oil spill response plan and chemical spill response plan in accordance with current laws and regulations; refers to two or more parts of the same sample that are homogeneous and analyzed using the same method. Method replicate samples are used to evaluate the precision of analytical results.

16. Environmental sampleSubsample refers to a certain amount of environmental component or waste (by volume or weight) necessary for analysis to determine the desired indicators of the environmental or waste object of concern and must be representative of that object.

17. Spiked sample (matrix spike)e) Vessels and sea vessels must have an oil spill response plan and chemical spill response plan in accordance with current laws and regulations; is a sample that has been added a known quantity of the analyte of interest on a real sample matrix. Spiked samples are prepared and analyzed like real samples to evaluate the analytical process.

18. Composite sample (single sample, point sample) is a sample taken at one sampling point and representative of that sampling point. Composite samples typically consist of multiple subsamples.

19. Blank sample (Sample form, sample point) is a sample taken at one sampling point and representative of that sampling point. Composite samples usually consist of multiple sub-samples.

20. Blank sample A blank sample is a type of sample used for quality control purposes, consisting of clean material used to monitor contamination of the sample under test or contamination of equipment, chemicals, and standards during the testing process. There are various types of blank samples such as on-site blank samples, method blank samples, transport blank samples, and equipment blank samples.

21. Method blank sampleSubsample is a clean sample used to monitor contamination from equipment and chemicals, standards during the analysis process. The method blank sample undergoes the same processing and analysis steps as the actual sample.

22. Environmental material samplee) Vessels and sea vessels must have an oil spill response plan and chemical spill response plan in accordance with current laws and regulations; is a sample in the form of gas, liquid, solid, animal, plant, etc., which is part of the environmental component collected at the site for chemical, physical, biological analysis according to current regulations and standards.

23. Main contractorin environmental testing is an environmental testing unit belonging to the Environmental Police force.

24. Subcontractor in environmental testing is a unit hired by the main contractor to perform one or more tasks in the environmental testing process.

25. N |||refers to the process of taking a portion of wastewater considered representative of the wastewater flow and must meet the objectives for using the sample. is water or water-based solution discharged from production, business, service, daily life, or other activities.

26. Testing (environmental analysise) Vessels and sea vessels must have an oil spill response plan and chemical spill response plan in accordance with current laws and regulations; is the determination of values of environmental parameters such as chemical, physical, and biological parameters to provide information about environmental quality.

27. Sampling wastewaterrefers to the process of taking a portion of wastewater considered representative of the wastewater flow and must meet the objectives for using the sample. is the activity of state agencies with authority to collect wastewater samples for laboratory analysis to determine the extent of exceeding permissible thresholds of environmental parameters or the presence of pollution factors with the purpose of detecting, proving, and preventing violations of environmental laws.

28. Proficiency testing is the evaluation of the performance of parties involved in measurement and analysis based on established criteria through inter-laboratory comparisons.

29. ISO: International Organization for Standardization standard.

30. QCVN: National technical regulation (Vietnam).

31. QCVN-MT: National technical regulation on environment (Vietnam).

32. SMEWW: Abbreviation for "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater," which are standard methods for examining water and wastewater.

33. TCVN: National standard (Vietnam).

34. US EPA method: United States Environmental Protection Agency method.

35. VIMCERTS: Certification of qualification for environmental monitoring service operation.

Article 5. Professional Technical Conditions of Staff Conducting Wastewater Testing

1. Staff responsible for collecting wastewater samples must be trained and issued a training certificate for wastewater sampling techniques organized by the Environmental Police Bureau or units authorized to train and conduct wastewater sampling technique training.

2. Staff responsible for on-site measurement and wastewater sample testing must have a bachelor's degree or higher in one of the following majors: chemistry, environment, biology, geology, oceanography, physics, pharmacy, soil science, forestry, fisheries, and must have been trained and issued a training certificate for on-site measurement and wastewater sample testing.

Article 6. Responsibilities of inspection officers and units managing inspection officers

1. Responsibilities of inspection officers

a) Perform the operational procedures correctly for the use and maintenance of inspection equipment and bear responsibility for the use of such equipment;

b) Ensure that the equipment operates normally and stably, and has been calibrated according to regulations; implement measures to mitigate or limit the impact of sample matrix as directed or recommended by the manufacturer; fully carry out analysis and quality control procedures for analytical samples, standard samples, blank samples, and replicate samples;

c) Only use the results of the inspection samples when the quality control results meet the requirements stipulated in Clause 4, Article 22 of this Circular;

d) Refuse to inspect wastewater samples if they are collected and preserved without ensuring quality or not in accordance with the provisions of this Circular.

2. Responsibilities of units managing inspection officers

a) Establish management files for inspection equipment including: equipment history; usage instructions; usage logs; calibration certificates; equipment transfer and receipt records;

b) Organize maintenance, inspection, and calibration of inspection equipment in accordance with regulations and suitable for the environmental parameters to be inspected; promptly repair when inspection equipment malfunctions;

c) Open and store files on the professional capacity of inspection officers including: scientific resumes; training records, diplomas, certificates, and certifications related; statistical tables of inspection capabilities of officers (for monitoring and assigning inspection tasks);

d) Annually assess the inspection capabilities of officers through participation in proficiency testing programs organized by the Environmental Police Department or relevant units, or based on quality control results; must conduct activities to ensure the quality of inspections;

đ) Open and store complete files on wastewater inspections, including sampling collection files, field measurement files (if applicable), laboratory wastewater sample inspection files, and all documents directly related to the inspection case.

Article 7. Environmental Parameters of Wastewater to be Inspected and Sampled

1. The environmental parameters of wastewater to be inspected are those specified in the current environmental technical standards (QCVN-MT/QCVN) regarding wastewater.

2. The environmental parameters of wastewater to be sampled are those required for inspection and analyzed in the laboratory.

Article 1. SubjectsChapter II

TECHNICAL REGULATIONS

Section 1

SAMPLING AND MEASUREMENT AT THE SITE NDISCHARGE AND FIELD MEASUREMENTS

Article 8. Implementation of Sampling Preparation Work

1. Equipment, tools, and reagents needed for wastewater sampling

a) Reagents (preservation chemicals) include: HNO3 65%, HNO3 1:1, H2SO4 65% or H2SO4 1:1, HCl 37% or HCl 1:1, NaOH from 6 M to 10 M, (CH3COO)Zn 10%, Na2CO3 or NaHCO3, deionized distilled water, and other necessary chemicals for preserving environmental water samples according to TCVN 6663-3:2016 (ISO 5667-3:2012): Water Quality - Sampling - Part 3: Preservation and Handling of Water Samples;_{Preservation chemicals must meet analytical grade purity (PA). Deionized distilled water must be at least type 2 according to TCVN 4851:1989. All reagents must be stored properly. Reagent bottles must be labeled with expiration dates; expired reagents must be discarded;} b) Tools and equipment include: narrow-mouth plastic sample containers with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml, 1100 ml, or larger; narrow-mouth white and brown glass sample containers with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml, or larger; narrow-mouth borosilicate glass (BG) sample containers with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml, or larger; sterilized containers for microbial samples (capacities of 150 ml or more);₃ Manual wastewater sampling tools (sampling cans with long handles of 1.2 meters or longer); plastic sampling cans; trash filters; membrane filtration devices and membranes with pore sizes of 0.45 microns; various pipettes for taking concentrated chemical solutions; pH test paper; intermediate sample storage containers (plastic buckets with capacities of 10 liters to 15 liters); insulated coolers of various sizes (capacities over 25 liters); ice packs (or cold packs); black plastic bags (to shield light from samples); clear plastic bags (to wrap clean tools); laboratory tool cleaning paper (roll paper); transparent tape (wide and narrow strips); wastewater sampling tool bag; documentation set accompanying the sampling bag (sample forms for sampling plans, preservation of wastewater samples; sample labels; sealing stickers; sampling and sealing record forms for environmental samples; inspection request forms for environmental samples; sampling report forms; A4 document clips); screwdrivers with small screws, stainless steel scissors, glass pens; rubber boots; gloves (rubber, plastic, fiber); medical masks, toxic gas masks; safety belts; ropes for safety harnesses and pulleys; protective helmets; geographic coordinate determination equipment (GPS); temperature measuring instruments for water; field pH measuring equipment; photography or video recording equipment; lighting equipment for nighttime work.₂SO_{2. Accepting tasks, planning, and preparing} a) Accepting tasks and planning₂SO₄ When accepting the task of collecting wastewater samples, inspection officers are responsible for gathering necessary information from the requesting unit to plan the collection and preservation of wastewater samples according to the BM-NT Model Forms in Appendix 01 issued together with this Circular. Choose one appropriate model from the BM-NT Model Forms to implement. If using the BM02-NT model, full information about the number of containers, container type, capacity, sample loading method, chemicals, and other preservation techniques, and parameters to be analyzed must be recorded. The sampling and preservation plan must be approved by the department head or team leader to confirm the implementation details;_{b) Preparing equipment and tools} or 1:1 HCl, NaOH with a concentration from 6 M to 10 M,₃(CH3COO)₂Zn 10%, Na₂Provincial People's Committees set specific prices₂O₃ or Na₂SO₃, distilled deionized water, other necessary chemicals used for preserving environmental water samples according to TCVN 6663-3:2016 (ISO 5667-3:2012): Water Quality - Sampling - Part 3: Preservation and Handling of Water Samples;

Chemicals used for sample preservation must meet analytical grade (PA) purity level. Distilled water must be highly purified deionized water, at least type 2 according to TCVN 4851:1989. All reagents must be stored properly. Reagent bottles must be labeled with expiration dates; expired reagents must be discarded;

b) Equipment and devices include: narrow-mouth plastic containers for water samples with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 1000 ml, 1100 ml or larger; narrow-mouth glass containers with white and brown mouths for water samples with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml or larger; narrow-mouth borosilicate glass (BG) containers for water samples with capacities of 300 ml, 500 ml, 750 ml, 1000 ml or larger; sterilized containers for microbial samples (capacities of 150 ml or more);

Manual wastewater sampling tools (sampling cans with long handles of 1.2 meters or longer); plastic sampling cans; trash filters; membrane filtration equipment and membranes with pore sizes of 0.45 μm; various pipettes for taking concentrated chemical solutions; pH test paper; intermediate sample storage containers (plastic buckets with capacities of 10 liters to 15 liters); insulated coolers of different sizes (capacities over 25 liters); ice packs (or cold packs); black plastic bags (to shield light from samples); clear plastic bags (to wrap clean equipment); laboratory equipment cleaning wipes (roll paper); transparent tape (wide and narrow strips); wastewater sampling kits; documentation accompanying the sampling kit (blanks for sampling plans, sample labels, sealing stickers, environmental sample collection and sealing records, environmental sample testing requirements, sampling reports, A4 document clips); screwdrivers with small screws, stainless steel scissors, glass ink pens; rubber boots; gloves (latex, plastic, fiber); medical masks, toxic gas masks; safety belts; ropes for safety harnesses and slings; protective helmets; geographic positioning system (GPS) devices; temperature measurement devices for water; on-site pH measuring devices; photography or video recording equipment; lighting equipment for night work.

2. Accepting tasks, planning, and preparing

a) Accepting tasks and planning

When accepting the task of collecting wastewater samples, inspection staff are responsible for gathering necessary information from the requesting unit to plan the collection and preservation of wastewater samples according to the BM-NT Sample Form set in Appendix 01 issued together with this Circular. One suitable sample form from the BM-NT set should be selected for implementation. If using the BM02-NT form, all relevant information such as quantity, container type, capacity, sample loading method, preservatives, and other preservation techniques, as well as required analysis parameters, must be fully recorded. The sampling and preservation plan must be approved by the department head or team leader to confirm the contents to be executed;

b) Preparing equipment and means

BASED ON THE SAMPLE COLLECTION PLAN ALREADY ESTABLISHED TO PREPARE THE CORRECT TYPE AND SUFFICIENT QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF EQUIPMENT: CONTAINERS FOR SAMPLES (WITH BACKUP), SAMPLING TOOLS, PRESERVATION CHEMICALS AND EQUIPMENT, INITIAL TREATMENT EQUIPMENT, SEALING MATERIALS, LABELING MATERIALS, BLANKS FOR SAMPLING AND SEALING DOCUMENTS, SAFETY AND PROTECTION EQUIPMENT, TEMPERATURE AND pH MEASURING TOOLS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING ITEMS. CHECK THE CLEANLINESS OF THE CONTAINERS AND SAMPLING TOOLS. SAMPLING CONTAINERS AND TOOLS MUST BE CLEANED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE STANDARDS FOR SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PRESERVATION. SAMPLE CONTAINERS MUST BE CLEANED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPECIFIED METHODS FOR EACH GROUP OF SAMPLES. MICROBIOLOGICAL SAMPLE CONTAINERS MUST BE STERILIZED. PREPARATION MUST BE COMPLETED IN ADVANCE: CLEANING THE SAMPLE CONTAINERS, PREPARING THE PRESERVATION CHEMICALS (EXCEPT THOSE THAT CAN ONLY BE PREPARED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE SAMPLING); BLANK DOCUMENTS, BLANK STAMPS AND LABELS; A SAMPLING VALISE CAPABLE OF COLLECTING AT LEAST FIVE WASTE WATER SAMPLES AND OTHER NECESSARY TOOLS. CLEAN WASTE WATER SAMPLE CONTAINERS AND SAMPLING TOOLS MUST BE COMPLETELY ENCASED IN TRANSPARENT PLASTIC BAGS.

ARTICLE 9. SELECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS FOR TESTING

1. THE SELECTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS FOR TESTING MUST BE BASED ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL STANDARDS THAT THE WASTE WATER MUST COMPLY WITH.

2. SELECT ENVIRONMENTAL PARAMETERS THAT ARE CHARACTERISTIC AND HAVE THE POSSIBILITY OF EXCEEDING PERMISSIBLE LIMITS FOR TESTING. BASIS FOR SELECTION: PARAMETERS LISTED IN THE DISCHARGE PERMIT; CHARACTERISTIC PARAMETERS OF WASTE WATER FROM THE FACILITY; INFORMATION FROM SURVEILLANCE AND BASIC INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES.

ARTICLE 10. DETERMINATION OF SAMPLE COLLECTION POINTS

1. THE SAMPLE COLLECTION POINT IS SELECTED AT THE OUTLET (DISCHARGE PORT). CHOOSE A LOCATION AT THE OUTLET WHERE THE WASTE WATER MIXES EVENLY, HAS HIGH HOMOGENEITY, IS ACCESSIBLE, AND ENSURES SAFETY FOR PERSONNEL AND SAMPLING EQUIPMENT. IF THE SELECTED LOCATION DOES NOT ENSURE SAFETY, IT MUST BE ELIMINATED AND ANOTHER LOCATION MUST BE SELECTED TO ENSURE SAFETY.

2. AFTER DETERMINING THE SAMPLE COLLECTION POINT, THE GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATES OF THE POINT MUST BE DETERMINED USING GEOGRAPHIC COORDINATE DEVICES. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, A FIXED LANDMARK MUST BE SELECTED TO DESCRIBE THE LOCATION IN THE SAMPLING DOCUMENT.

3. IF THERE IS NO LOCATION AT THE OUTLET WITH TURBULENT FLOW, ONE OF THE FOLLOWING TWO METHODS SHOULD BE SELECTED BASED ON THE CROSS-SECTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FLOW:

a) CHOOSE BETWEEN 3 TO 5 LOCATIONS ACROSS THE CROSS-SECTION OF THE FLOW, NOT TOO CLOSE TO THE BANKS. USE THE SPATIAL COMBINED SINGLE SAMPLING TECHNIQUE BY COLLECTING SAMPLES AT 3 TO 5 LOCATIONS WITH APPROXIMATELY EQUAL VOLUMES WITHIN A TIMEFRAME NOT EXCEEDING 15 MINUTES, THEN MIX THEM EVENLY IN AN INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER (A PLASTIC BUCKET WITH A CAPACITY OF 10 TO 15 LITERS).

b) CREATE A V-SHAPED OR RECTANGULAR BARRIER TO REDUCE THE CROSS-SECTION OF THE FLOW AND INDUCE TURBULENT FLOW. THE SAMPLING LOCATION IS AT THE POSITION BEHIND THE NARROWED SECTION WHERE TURBULENT FLOW OCCURS.

ARTICLE 11. CONDUCTING SAMPLING AND SAMPLE PRESERVATION

1. PREPARATION FOR SAMPLING

a) CLEAN THE SELECTED SAMPLING AREA TO REMOVE DEBRIS, SLUDGE, AND BIOFILM FROM THE INSIDE OF THE SEWER AND FLOATING MATTER ON THE WATER SURFACE. IF THE FLOW DOES NOT HAVE TURBULENT CONDITIONS, FOLLOW THE PROCEDURE IN CLAUSE 3 OF ARTICLE 10. IF THERE IS LAYERING IN THE FLOW, MIX THE FLOW EVENLY BEFORE SAMPLING.

b) RECHECK THE CLEANLINESS OF THE SAMPLE CONTAINERS AND INTERMEDIATE SAMPLING TOOLS. REVIEW AND PREPARE THE INITIAL TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AND CHEMICALS. CHECK AND PREPARE THE SEALING MATERIALS. PREPARE THE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND OTHER NECESSARY CONDITIONS (LABELS MAY BE WRITTEN AND ADHERED AT THIS TIME).

c) ASSEMBLE THE SAMPLING TOOLS (ATTACH THE HANDLE TO THE SAMPLING TOOL, SECURE THE NET), WEAR WORK PROTECTION GEAR AND OTHER SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

2. SAMPLING PROCEDURES

a) SAMPLING MUST BE CONDUCTED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE POLLUTION SOURCE OWNER OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE. IF THE OWNER OR REPRESENTATIVE IS ABSENT OR UNCOOPERATIVE, THE TEAM LEADER MUST RECORD THE ABSENCE OR NON-COOPERATION IN THE SAMPLING DOCUMENT AND MUST HAVE A WITNESS PRESENT FOR THE SAMPLING.

b) PRIOR TO SAMPLING, THE POLLUTION SOURCE OWNER OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVE OR WITNESSES MUST BE SHOWN THE CLEAN SAMPLING AND CONTAINING TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT THAT MEET NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR SAMPLING. TAKE PHOTOS OR VIDEO OF THE SAMPLING POINT AND THE SAMPLING PROCESS.

c) USE THE SAMPLING TOOL TO COLLECT WASTE WATER INTO THE INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER (A CLEAN PLASTIC BUCKET WITH A CAPACITY OF 10 TO 15 LITERS). IF THE DEPTH OF THE WASTE WATER IS LESS THAN 1 METRE, THE SAMPLING DEPTH IS AT 1/3 OF THE WATER DEPTH FROM THE WATER SURFACE. IF THE DEPTH OF THE WASTE WATER IS GREATER THAN 1 METRE, THE SAMPLING DEPTH IS BETWEEN 20 CM AND 50 CM FROM THE WATER SURFACE. FOR SMALL OUTLETS AND WATERFALL-TYPE OUTLETS, THE SAMPLING POINT SHOULD BE IN THE CENTER OF THE FLOW. IF THE FLOW NEEDS TO BE MIXED, ALLOW 5 MINUTES FOR COARSE PARTICLES TO SETTLE BEFORE SAMPLING. FILTER OUT DEBRIS BEFORE TRANSFERRING THE SAMPLE TO THE INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER.

d) FOR SAMPLING OF FLOATING SUBSTANCES AND EMULSIONS, THE INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER MUST BE RINSED FULLY WITH WASTE WATER, THE RINSE WATER DRAINED, AND THEN THE SAMPLE COLLECTED AS USUAL.

3. TRANSFER THE SAMPLE TO THE CONTAINER AND PRELIMINARY TREAT THE SAMPLE WITH CHEMICALS

a) TRANSFER THE SAMPLE TO THE CONTAINER: USE A PITCHER TO TRANSFER THE SAMPLE FROM THE INTERMEDIATE CONTAINER TO THE FINAL CONTAINER. THE LEVEL OF FILLING THE CONTAINER MUST BE BASED ON THE REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH ANALYSIS PARAMETER. FOR SAMPLES THAT REQUIRE PRESERVATION CHEMICALS, FILL NEARLY FULL AND THEN ADD THE PRESERVATION CHEMICALS (PRELIMINARY TREATMENT WITH CHEMICALS). FILTER THE SAMPLE BEFORE TRANSFERRING IF REQUIRED.

b) PRELIMINARY TREATMENT OF THE SAMPLE WITH CHEMICALS: ADD THE TYPE AND AMOUNT OF CHEMICALS AS SPECIFIED IN TABLE TSNT ATTACHED AS ANNEX 02 ISSUED ALONG WITH THIS CIRCULAR OR ACCORDING TO NATIONAL STANDARDS FOR SAMPLE PRESERVATION AND TREATMENT. COMMONLY USED CHEMICALS INCLUDE: H₂SO₄ 1:1; HNO₃ 1:1; HCl 1:1; NaOH 10 M; (CH₃(CH3COO)₂Zn 10%. After adding sufficient chemicals, top up with wastewater until full as specified, then tighten the bottle cap. Invert the sample container and shake to check the lid's seal; if water leaks out, retighten, dry, and recheck. If leakage persists, replace the container. When adding liquid chemicals, do not exceed 05 ml of chemical for each 01 liter of sample. To achieve pH ≤ 2, use 4 ml of 1:1 acid or 2 ml of concentrated acid for each 01 liter of sample.

Article 12. Sample Labeling

1. Label the sample immediately after adding chemicals. Record the sample according to the pre-printed information on the white label (name, sample code, time and location of collection, preservative, collection site or facility). The sample code shall be recorded according to the rules set forth in Appendix 03.

If the sample is collected for analysis by entities outside the Public Security sector, do not write the name of the collection facility on the label; instead, use a code representing the name of the facility to ensure confidentiality of the case being processed.

2. Attach the label to the sample container: the label must adhere firmly to the container, not be water-permeable, and transparent tape at least 4 cm wide must be applied over the label and wrapped around the container more than once to securely fix and seal the entire label to the container wall (the sample label may be recorded and attached to the container before sampling).

Article 13. Sealing Samples

1. Seal sub-samples (seal the composite sample only when transporting). Use a sealing label with a signature affixed across the junction between the cap and neck of the sample container. Cover the entire surface of the sealing label with transparent tape.

2. The sealing label must bear the signatures of the sample collector and the waste source owner or their representative. In cases where the waste source owner or their representative is absent or uncooperative, the witness's signature must be present.

Article 14. Recording Sample Collection and Sealingrefers to the process of taking a portion of wastewater considered representative of the wastewater flow and must meet the objectives for using the sample.

The record of sample collection and sealing for wastewater uses Model 03-MTr: Record of Sample Collection and Sealing for Environmental Materials issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41 dated October 16, 2012, by the Minister of Public Security on various forms used in environmental testing activities to serve preventive, detection, and handling of violations of environmental protection laws by the People's Police. All information in the record must be fully documented. If the record consists of multiple pages, it must have a matching stamp.

Article 15. Temporary Storage and Transport of Samples to the Testing Laboratory

1. Collected samples must be transferred to the testing laboratory immediately, except in cases of force majeure.

2. Before transferring, compare the Record of Sample Collection and Sealing with the samples in the transport box.

3. All wastewater sample containers must be stored in an insulated box under environmental conditions with a temperature range of (5±3). ^°C. Do not seal the insulated box, except when the samples are transported via interconnection routes or by hired transportation.

4. Ensure that the environmental storage conditions for the samples comply with the prescribed standards throughout the transportation process.

Article 16. Completion of Wastewater Sample Collection Work

1. The sample collector must hand over the samples, the Record of Sample Collection and Sealing, and the Record of Sample Handover to the receiving officer (of the Environmental Police) as soon as possible. The handover must be documented in a Record using Model 04-MTr issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41.

2. Prepare the Request for Environmental Sample Testing using Model 02-MTr issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41 and send it to the receiving officer.

3. If handing over samples to entities outside the Public Security sector for analysis (using subcontractors), only provide samples with codes, without the names of facilities, and do not include the Record of Sample Collection and Sealing. In the Request for Environmental Sample Testing, do not include information about the sampling location and the facility to be inspected.

4. Write a report on sample collection using Model BM-BCTM from Appendix 04 issued together with this Circular. The report must detail the discharge situation, treatment system, and any unusual concerns at the time of sampling.

Article 17. On-site wastewater environmental monitoring

1. For parameters that must be monitored on-site or when it is necessary to determine other parameters, the inspection staff shall conduct monitoring at selected points according to the operating procedures of each specific monitoring method.

2. On-site monitoring of wastewater shall be carried out immediately before or simultaneously with the sampling process and must be witnessed by representatives of the wastewater source entity or the facility with the wastewater source or a witness. Take photographs or record video footage of the monitoring point and the monitoring activities.

3. Prepare the On-site Environmental Monitoring Report according to Model 05-MTr issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41. The report must record immediate readings and be signed by the representative of the wastewater source entity or the facility with the wastewater source.

Section 2

TESTING OF WASTEWATER SAMPLES

Article 18. Wastewater sample testing procedure

1. Receiving and reviewing the testing request and samples

The laboratory or testing unit must assess the quality of the samples to be tested and review the testing requirements to determine compatibility with the testing capacity. In cases where there is no compatibility, refuse testing or use a subcontractor to perform the task; in cases where there is compatibility, proceed to code the samples (for un-coded or inadequately coded samples) and assign tasks for analysis according to the required parameters.

2. Preparing equipment, devices, and pre-analytical sample processing

a) Based on the parameters to be analyzed in the wastewater sample and the analytical methods to be implemented, prepare the appropriate types, quantities, and qualities of equipment, tools, chemicals, reagents, and QC samples needed for testing;

b) Conduct pre-analytical sample processing according to the pre-analytical sample processing procedures corresponding to the analytical method and specific environmental parameter.

3. Implementing analysis

Conduct analysis according to the technical analysis procedures established by the laboratory for each specific method. Simultaneously analyze the sample to be tested with quality control samples..

4. Concluding laboratory analysis work

a) Calculate and process data from each measurement. Check the overall rationality of the wastewater sample analysis results based on the testing documentation (sampling records, on-site monitoring reports, sample transfer records, testing reports, and analytical results in the laboratory, and QC sample analysis results);

b) Write the Environmental Testing Conclusion according to Model 09-MTr or Model 10-MTr issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41. If the conditions for concluding are not met as prescribed, write the Environmental Testing Result according to Model 07-MTr or Model 08-MTr issued together with Circular No. 61/2012/TT-BCA-C41. The remaining sample after analysis is stored according to the quality control regulations during analysis and the sample management regulations (storage period is 30 days after the end of testing unless otherwise requested).

Article 19. Testing Methods (Analysis)

Select the methods specified in Table 1 below or in the current national technical regulation on wastewater.

Table 1: Wastewater Testing MethodsMethod Number or Name

Article 20. Requirements for environmental conditions of calibration laboratories

1. The equipment storage room needs to have an area of at least 15 m², equipped with air conditioning, dehumidifier, temperature and humidity monitoring devices; ensuring temperature between 10 ÷ 30°C and humidity ≤ 80%.² The laboratory must be equipped with air conditioning, dehumidifiers, temperature and humidity monitoring devices. The environmental conditions of the equipment storage room must ensure a temperature range of (10÷30) °C and a humidity level of ≤ 80 %. ⁰C, moisture content: ≤ 80 %.

Article 20 (continued). The environmental conditions of the sample testing laboratory must be separated from the equipment storage room and must be equipped with an analysis table, a fume hood, shelves or cabinets for materials and chemicals, a sink for cleaning tools, air conditioning, and ventilation fans. The environmental conditions of the testing laboratory must ensure a temperature range of (23±7) °C and a humidity level of < 85 %. ⁰C, moisture content: < 85 %.

Article 21. Selection of Subcontractors

1. When the capacity of the calibration unit under the Environmental Police force (the main contractor) does not meet the requirements or quality assessment of the calibration process is needed, a subcontractor should be used. The subcontractor must satisfy the following conditions:

a) For subcontractors that are units not belonging to the Environmental Police force, they must have a valid VIMCERTS Certificate with parameters for analysis and calibration. When conducting sampling and on-site measurement, the Environmental Police calibration unit must lead the process and jointly record the sampling and on-site environmental testing reports with the subcontractor.

b) For subcontractors who are environmental police inspection units, they must have the capability to conduct wastewater inspections without requiring a VIMCERTS certificate.

Article 21 (continued). b) For subcontractors that are calibration units under the Environmental Police force, they must have the capability to perform wastewater calibration without requiring a VIMCERTS Certificate.

Article 22. Ensuring quality and quality controlArticle 22. Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Calibration

1. The calibration unit must establish and maintain a quality management system based on the TCVN ISO/IEC 17025 standard and the provisions of this Circular, including personnel regulations, physical facilities, environmental conditions, equipment management and usage, sample management, document control, and calibration file management (including sampling files, on-site testing files, and wastewater testing files in the laboratory).

2. Participating in proficiency testing programs

Article 22 (continued). 2. Participation in proficiency testing programs

a) The unit must regularly participate in proficiency testing programs for calibration parameters organized by the Environmental Calibration Center or other units with appropriate ISO/IEC 17043 capabilities._scoreb) The unit must evaluate the results of participation in proficiency testing programs. For results with a Z-score | > 2, the causes must be assessed and measures taken to address and prevent identified errors.

3. Testing methods

Article 22 (continued). 3. Calibration Methods²Selecting appropriate calibration methods as stipulated in Article 19 of this Circular. After selection, these methods must be tested and confirmed for their applicability values according to the method or equipment specifications. Values to be confirmed include one, several, or all of the following parameters: detection limit (LOD/MDL), quantitation limit (LOQ), application range (measurement span or working range); linearity coefficient (r or r²); deviation (%); recovery rate (R%); precision (repeatability, reproducibility). For methods in compliance with the equipment measurement regulations specified in Decree No. 165/2013/NĐ-CP dated November 12, 2013 of the Government on the management, use, and list of technical equipment used for detecting administrative violations related to traffic order and safety and environmental protection, it is not necessarily required to confirm the applicability values.

4. Quality control

Article 22 (continued). 4. Quality Control

Article 1. SubjectsPart III

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 23. Effectiveness of Implementation

Each batch of samples must undergo at least one of the following quality control analyses: blank method sample (to check for contamination from chemicals, tools, and equipment), method standard sample, spiked standard sample, method replicate sample (to assess the accuracy of analytical results). Quality control criteria are detailed in Appendix 05 issued together with this Circular. Calibration results can only be accepted if the quality control results meet the requirements.

Article 24. Responsibility for Implementation

This Circular takes effect from June 24, 2020.

1. Heads of local public security units are responsible for implementing this Circular.

2. The Director of the Environmental Police Department is responsible for guiding, inspecting, and urging the implementation of this Circular.