Event-Based Monitoring

Summary

Event-based monitoring involves targeted environmental monitoring triggered by specific activities, site conditions, or environmental events. It provides rapid, high-resolution data to assess risks, demonstrate compliance, and inform responsive management actions during dynamic project stages.

Definition

Event-based monitoring is the targeted collection and analysis of environmental data initiated when predetermined events occur—such as heavy rainfall, dewatering activities, excavation milestones, threshold exceedances, or unexpected contamination. It supplements routine monitoring and ensures environmental risks are assessed precisely when they are most likely to occur.

Why It Matters

Event-based monitoring enables project teams to manage environmental risks proactively, especially during high-risk or variable site activities. Regulators increasingly require it as part of environmental approvals, Construction Environmental Management Plans (CEMPs), and contaminated land remediation programs because it provides reliable, real-time insight into changing site conditions.

This monitoring approach helps to:

• confirm compliance with licence limits and approval conditions

• assess environmental impacts during sensitive or high-risk activities

• manage risks associated with stormwater, groundwater, dust, noise, and vibration

• detect and respond to pollution events or exceedances

• provide transparent reporting to regulators and auditors

• support adaptive environmental management frameworks

It is widely used in projects with complex hydrology, variable environmental conditions, or contamination risks.

When It’s Required

Event-based monitoring is triggered by scenarios where environmental impacts may increase or become unpredictable. Common triggers include:

Rainfall and Storm Events

Monitoring turbidity, sediment loads, pH, dissolved metals, or contaminated runoff following major rainfall events where erosion or mobilisation risks are high.

Dewatering or Groundwater Extraction

Assessing water quality, discharge impacts, or drawdown effects when groundwater pumping begins, changes flow rate, or reaches threshold volumes. Often tied to a Dewatering Management Plan (DMP).

Excavation and Earthworks Milestones

Monitoring dust, asbestos fibres, odour, or volatile compounds during excavation of contaminated soils or landfill materials.

Unexpected Finds and Trigger Events

Environmental monitoring may be required when:

• contamination is uncovered

• asbestos is identified

• exceedances occur in routine monitoring

These events often activate protocols outlined in a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) or Environmental Compliance Trigger Events framework.

Sensitive Receptor Risk

Monitoring is required where works occur near waterways, wetlands, residences, hospitals, schools, or ecologically sensitive areas.

Approval or Licence Conditions

Event-based monitoring is commonly mandated under:

• EPA licence requirements

• development approvals and conditions of consent
  

• contaminated land and remediation guidelines

• water authority discharge permits
  

How We Can Help

Nova Group Pacific provides comprehensive, responsive event-based monitoring tailored to environmental risks and regulatory expectations.

Key complementary services include:

• Contaminated Land Assessment, Management & Remediation

• Noise & Vibration Monitoring and Management Plans

• Groundwater & Surface Water Assessments

• Construction Environmental Management Plan

• Environmental Compliance

• Dewatering Management & Discharge Monitoring

• Asbestos Management

Related Terms and Concepts

Strengthen your understanding of environmental monitoring and compliance management with related glossary entries:

• Environmental Compliance Trigger Events

• Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP)

• Dewatering Management Plan

• Environmental Impact Assessment