Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) has a long-standing commitment to safeguarding the nation’s water resources. PermenLHK No. P93/2018, specifically Pasal 9, established the Sistem Pemantauan Air Limbah Industri (SPARING), or Industrial Wastewater Monitoring System, as a cornerstone for responsible industrial wastewater management. This pioneering regulation has been instrumental in promoting environmental protection by ensuring the proper monitoring and treatment of wastewater discharge from industries.
SPARING mandates continuous monitoring of wastewater quality in specific industrial sectors. These sectors include, but are not limited to, rayon, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, palm oil, and textile industries. The system focuses on measuring crucial parameters like:
- pH: A measure of acidity or alkalinity, impacting aquatic life.
- COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): Indicates the amount of organic matter present, which can deplete oxygen levels in water bodies.
- TSS (Total Suspended Solids): The concentration of suspended particles, affecting water clarity and harming aquatic ecosystems.
- NH3-N (Ammonia as Nitrogen): Elevated levels of ammonia can be toxic to aquatic life.
- ETC
Implementation of SPARING
Industries falling under SPARING regulations are required to install and maintain a real-time, online wastewater quality monitoring system. This system continuously collects data on the aforementioned parameters and transmits it directly to KLHK’s database server. This real-time data stream allows for:
- Enhanced Monitoring: KLHK can remotely monitor industrial wastewater discharge, ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Improved Enforcement: Authorities can promptly identify and address any potential pollution issues.
- Transparency and Accountability: Industries gain greater transparency into their wastewater quality and are held accountable for maintaining acceptable discharge levels.
Benefits of SPARING
SPARING offers significant advantages for both industries and the environment:
- Environmental Protection: Continuous monitoring helps prevent harmful pollutants from entering waterways, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and public health.
- Sustainable Practices: Industries are encouraged to adopt sustainable wastewater treatment practices to comply with regulations.
- Reduced Costs: Early detection and prevention of pollution issues can help industries avoid hefty fines and potential production disruptions.
- Improved Public Image: Demonstrating responsible wastewater management practices enhances an industry’s reputation and fosters public trust.
Mechanism of SPARING
