The first nationwide survey of sources of industrial, agricultural and residential pollution has been launched, it was announced on Friday.

After one year of preparation, initial work on the environmental census started on Tuesday and the program will begin in earnest next month, the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) said.

The survey will also calculate the number of pollution treatment facilities in operation, said Zhou Shengxian, minister of SEPA, during a meeting held by the State Council.