Trial Operation Phase
The trial operation phase (VHTN) is a critical and decisive step before a waste treatment facility is officially accepted and put into full operation.
This phase is not only a mandatory legal requirement under the Law on Environmental Protection, but also a practical stage for verifying and fine-tuning the actual performance of treatment technologies, including wastewater, exhaust gas, and hazardous waste treatment systems.
A well-implemented trial operation process enables enterprises to:
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Assess actual treatment capacity against design specifications, ensuring compliance with applicable environmental technical standards (QCVNs);
See also: QCVN 40:2025/BTNMT – New Standard on Industrial Wastewater and Compliance Solutions for Businesses
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Stabilize operational processes while optimizing treatment technology and operating costs.
Key Technical Considerations During the Trial Operation Phase
Operation Log Recording
Operation logs are mandatory management documents throughout the trial operation phase, serving as an essential basis for regulatory authorities to assess the continuity, stability, and capacity compliance of waste treatment systems.
To meet inspection requirements and support the preparation of the trial operation (VHTN) performance report, operation logs must comprehensively record the following information:
See also: Wastewater Treatment System Operation Logbook
Tank Identification Boards and Process Flow Diagram
On-site identification of treatment units is a basic requirement during the trial operation phase:
All treatment tanks and auxiliary facilities (such as collection tanks, equalization tanks, aeration tanks, etc.) must be clearly labeled, with identification consistent with the as-built documentation of the treatment system.
Images from actual projects implemented by Nanoen
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The treatment system area must be equipped with a process flow diagram board to enable operators and regulatory authorities to easily track the treatment flow and verify on-site conditions.
This is a mandatory assessment criterion during on-site inspections, and it also supports consistent and professional long-term operation of the system.
Flow Meters and Dedicated Electricity Meters for Wastewater Treatment Systems
Pursuant to Article 57 of Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP (as amended and supplemented by Clause 24, Article 1 of Decree No. 05/2025/NĐ-CP), wastewater treatment systems of facilities listed in Appendix II of Decree No. 08/2022/NĐ-CP with a discharge flow rate of ≥ 50 m³/day must be fully equipped with the following:
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Effluent flow meter:
Used to monitor instantaneous flow rates (Q), serving as the basis for calculating pollutant loads (C × Q) to ensure compliance with the Environmental Permit (EP/GPMT). -
Dedicated electricity meter for the wastewater treatment area:
Enables enterprises to monitor the system’s specific electricity consumption. This data is a critical basis for accurately calculating operating costs and optimizing the energy efficiency of the applied treatment technology.
Hazardous Waste (HW) Management
The identification and classification of wastes as hazardous waste (HW) or non-hazardous industrial solid waste shall be carried out in accordance with the legal regulations on hazardous waste management (Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT and relevant legal documents).
These wastes must be properly segregated, labeled with the correct HW codes, and stored separately in compliant storage areas (with roofing, impermeable flooring, and safety signage). Most importantly, enterprises must enter into a lawful contract for the collection, transportation, and treatment of hazardous waste with a licensed hazardous waste treatment service provider.
Failure to maintain valid collection, transportation, and treatment contracts or improper storage practices may adversely affect the trial operation documentation process and result in regulatory violations and penalties during operation.
Latest Updates on Regulations for Trial Operation Result Reporting
The confirmation of trial operation (VHTN) results is governed by detailed regulations to ensure transparency and accurate assessment of the actual treatment performance of waste treatment facilities.
Monitoring frequency and sampling methods are not uniformly applied across all projects, but vary depending on the facility type, emission scale, and specific phase of the trial operation period.
Important Note
In addition to the monitoring requirements specified in Article 21 of Circular No. 02/2022/TT-BTNMT, for exhaust gas treatment systems, enterprises must also pay close attention to the technical requirements for stacks/chimneys, sampling ports, and access platforms.
This is a critical aspect, as emission monitoring results are only considered valid when the stack system and monitoring locations fully comply with applicable technical standards, ensuring that measurements are conducted safely and accurately.
See also: Procedures for exhaust gas monitoring techniques
The confirmation procedure provides enterprises with a clear legal basis, as outlined below:
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If the results are compliant:
After reviewing and verifying that the monitoring and analytical results meet the applicable environmental technical standards (QCVNs) and that waste management requirements at the facility/project are in full compliance with regulations, the licensing authority will issue a notification of the trial operation inspection results. This notification will confirm compliance with the Environmental Permit (EP/GPMT) and other related requirements, allowing the project/facility to continue operations in accordance with applicable laws. -
If the results are non-compliant:
Conversely, if the reviewed monitoring and analytical results do not meet the environmental technical standards (QCVNs) or if waste management requirements at the facility/project are not fully compliant, the licensing authority will issue a notification specifying the non-compliances and the corrective actions required. These may include preparing a re-trial operation plan for non-compliant items, implementing necessary technical adjustments, and conducting additional monitoring until full compliance is achieved.
See also: Re-test operation if wastewater discharged into the environment does not meet discharge standards.
These regulations enable enterprises to clearly determine whether their treatment systems have achieved compliance, proactively implement technical adjustments and corrective measures, and avoid prolonged acceptance and commissioning timelines.
The trial operation phase is a critical stage for verifying the actual treatment performance of waste treatment facilities before official acceptance and commencement of full-scale operation. All monitoring data and operational records generated during this period serve as the basis for regulatory authorities to assess compliance with applicable environmental technical standards (QCVNs).
Nanoen provides “Trial Operation Result Reporting Services for Waste Treatment Facilities” in full compliance with current legal requirements, supporting enterprises in completing accurate and comprehensive documentation, including:
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Reviewing and correlating operational data with monitoring results, evaluating treatment performance, and determining the level of compliance with QCVNs;
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Preparing the Trial Operation Result Report in accordance with the official inspection dossier structure, minimizing requests for revisions or additional documentation from the competent authorities.
Activities such as preparing the trial operation plan and organizing monitoring programs with appropriate frequencies and methodologies shall be implemented based on the trial operation plan approved in the Environmental Permit and in full compliance with applicable technical procedures.
For facilities investing in new construction or comprehensive upgrades of waste treatment systems, Nanoen also provides an integrated solution covering the entire process from design to operational handover. This approach ensures technical consistency at every stage, enabling the system to achieve stable treatment performance from the outset.
The Integrated Turnkey Solution Includes:
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Designing waste treatment systems in accordance with the required capacity, waste characteristics, and legal requirements of the project;
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Construction and installation in compliance with approved technical standards and design documentation;
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Organizing compliant trial operation, ensuring that the facility meets applicable QCVN requirements prior to dossier finalization;
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System handover and official operation training, enabling the facility’s technical team to fully receive the system and confidently operate it over the long term.
This turnkey solution not only delivers high treatment efficiency from the initial operation phase, but also ensures that all associated legal documentation is managed in a consistent and controlled manner, minimizing errors during appraisal and subsequent permitting processes.
Trusted and Fast Environmental Documentation Consulting in the Mekong Delta
Nanoen as a company operating in the environmental sector, Nanoen has earned the trust of its customers throughout its operation due to its honesty, dedication, and responsibility towards customers and the company's products.
In addition to providing comprehensive environmental consulting services, Nanoen also specializes in design and construction, operation of environmental treatment systems, supply of microbial products, and customized training for wastewater treatment system operation, tailored to the specific needs of each enterprise.
We are committed to delivering optimal products and services, fully addressing the diverse operational, technical, and regulatory requirements of our clients.
Nanoen
NANO ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGY - CONSTRUCTION LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Address: 661E/29 Vo Van Kiet, Long Tuyen Ward, Can Tho City
Hotline: 0941.777.519 - 0907.803.678 - 0901.229.798
Email: nanoentech@gmail.com
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