EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT (29/08/2014)
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative)
Methodology (Landfill Gas) Determination 2014
I, Greg Hunt, Minister for the Environment, make the following determination.
Dated
2014
Greg Hunt
Minister for the Environment
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Contents
Part 1—Preliminary
1
2
3
4
5
1
Name of determination ............................................................................................... 1
Commencement .......................................................................................................... 1
Authority ..................................................................................................................... 1
Duration ...................................................................................................................... 1
Definitions .................................................................................................................. 1
Part 2—Landfill gas projects
6
3
Landfill gas projects .................................................................................................... 3
Part 3—Project requirements
7
8
9
10
11
4
Operation of this Part .................................................................................................. 4
Requirements for a new project .................................................................................. 4
Requirements for an upgrade project .......................................................................... 4
Requirements for a transitioning project ..................................................................... 4
Additionality requirement ........................................................................................... 5
Part 4—Net abatement amounts
6
Division 1—Operation of this Part
12
13
14
6
Operation of this Part .................................................................................................. 6
Overview of gases accounted for in abatement calculations ....................................... 6
References to factors and parameters from external sources ....................................... 6
Division 2—Method for calculating net abatement amount
15
7
Preliminary net abatement amount (Anet) .................................................................... 7
Division 3—Project abatement
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
8
Project abatement (AP) ................................................................................................ 8
Methane combusted that was not generated from carbon tax waste (Mcom,NCT) ........... 8
Proportion of total methane combusted that was not generated from carbon
tax waste (WNCT) ......................................................................................................... 8
Methane combusted (Mcom and Mcom,y) .......................................................................10
Methane sent to combustion device (Msent,h, Msent,h,a and Msent,h,y)..............................11
Methane from non carbon tax waste combusted that would have been
oxidised in near surface conditions (Mcom,ox) ..............................................................13
Nitrous oxide emissions released from combustion devices (Ecom) ............................13
Division 4—Baseline abatement
23
24
25
15
Baseline abatement (AB).............................................................................................15
Proportion of methane that would have been combusted without the project
(WB)............................................................................................................................15
Proportion of methane that would have been combusted without upgrade
(WB,exist) ......................................................................................................................17
Part 5—Monitoring, reporting and record keeping
20
Division 1—Offsets report requirements
26
27
20
Operation of this Division ..........................................................................................20
Information that must be included in an offsets report ...............................................20
Division 2—Monitoring requirements
28
29
21
Operation of this Division ..........................................................................................21
Requirement to monitor certain parameters ...............................................................21
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
i
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Schedule 1—Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg)
23
Part 1—Operation of this Schedule
1
23
Operation of this Schedule .........................................................................................23
Part 2—Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill
guidelines
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
24
Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill guidelines ..............24
Determine permitted methane emissions for the final cover area ..............................24
Determine permitted methane emissions for the intermediate cover area ..................24
Determine permitted methane emissions for the daily/operational cover area ...........25
Determine total annual methane generated by the landfill .........................................26
Determine total annual permitted methane emissions ................................................26
Determine total methane that must be captured .........................................................26
Calculate WB,reg ..........................................................................................................26
Part 3—Asking environmental regulator to determine the required
methane capture rate
10
27
Using a proportion of gas generation that must be captured ......................................27
Part 4—Default determination
11
ii
30
Default determination ................................................................................................30
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Preliminary Part 1
Section 1
Part 1—Preliminary
1 Name of determination
This determination is the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative)
Methodology (Landfill Gas) Determination 2014.
2 Commencement
This determination commences on the day after it is registered.
3 Authority
This determination is made under subsection 106(1) of the Carbon Credits
(Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
4 Duration
This determination remains in force for the period that:
(a) begins when the determination commences; and
(b) ends on the day before this determination would otherwise be repealed
under subsection 50(1) of the Legislative Instruments Act 2003.
5 Definitions
In this determination:
appropriate measuring requirements has the meaning given by
subsection 29(4).
carbon tax waste, in relation to a landfill, means waste that was deposited in the
landfill between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2014.
combustion device means:
(a) a flare, boiler or internal combustion engine; or
(b) a device:
(i) that combusts landfill gas with a destruction efficiency of at least
98%; and
(ii) that is operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions;
and
(iii) the combustion process of which can be monitored on a
minute-by-minute basis.
daily cover/operational area, in relation to a landfill, means the area of the
landfill normally covered by material used to cover a day’s deposition of waste
in active landfill waste disposal areas of the landfill.
final cover area, in relation to a landfill, means the area of the landfill normally
covered by material used to cover previously active landfill waste disposal areas
1
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 1 Preliminary
Section 5
of the landfill that have reached final height and are unlikely to be used for waste
disposal again.
intermediate cover area¸ in relation to a landfill, means the area of the landfill
normally covered by material used to cover previously active landfill working
areas that won’t be used for waste disposal for an extended period of time
(typically a few weeks to a few months).
landfill means a site where waste is or was buried under a permission (however
described) given under the law of a State or Territory.
landfill gas means gas generated from anaerobic decomposition of biological
material at a landfill.
landfill gas project has the meaning given by subsection 6(2).
new project has the meaning given by section 8.
NGER (Measurement) Determination means the National Greenhouse and
Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008.
previous eligible offsets project has the meaning given by subsection 10(2).
transitioning project has the meaning given by subsection 10(1).
upgrade project has the meaning given by subsection 9(1).
2
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Landfill gas projects Part 2
Section 6
Part 2—Landfill gas projects
6 Landfill gas projects
(1) For paragraph 106(1)(a) of the Act, this determination applies to an offsets
project that involves collecting and combusting landfill gas from a landfill.
(2) A project covered by subsection (1) is a landfill gas project.
(3) A landfill gas project may be:
(a) a new project; or
(b) an upgrade project; or
(c) a transitioning project.
3
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 3 Project requirements
Section 7
Part 3—Project requirements
7 Operation of this Part
(1) For paragraph 106(1)(b) of the Act, sections 8, 9 and 10 set out requirements that
must be met for a landfill gas project to be an eligible offsets project.
(2) For subparagraph 27(4A)(b)(ii) of the Act, section 11 sets out a requirement in
lieu of the regulatory additionality requirement.
8 Requirements for a new project
A new project must collect landfill gas by doing either of the following and
combust the gas using a combustion device:
(a) installing a landfill gas collection system at a landfill where there has never
been such a system;
(b) recommencing landfill gas collection for the purpose of combustion, using
either a new or existing landfill gas collection system, at a landfill where
no landfill gas collection system has operated:
(i) after 24 April 2014; and
(ii) during the 3 years before the application for the declaration of the
project as an eligible offsets project is made.
9 Requirements for an upgrade project
(1) An upgrade project must:
(a) collect landfill gas by upgrading an existing landfill gas collection system
at a landfill to increase its capture efficiency; and
(b) combust the gas using a combustion device.
(2) An application for declaration of an upgrade project as an eligible offsets project
must include operational records:
(a) supporting the calculation of the capture efficiency of the existing landfill
gas collection system; and
(b) covering the 2-year period before the application is made.
First reporting period
(3) The first reporting period for an upgrade project must end not less than 12
months after the landfill gas collection system, as upgraded, begins collecting
landfill gas.
10 Requirements for a transitioning project
(1) A transitioning project must:
(a) collect landfill gas by continuing to operate a landfill gas collection system
that was operated as part of a previous eligible offsets project; and
(b) combust the gas using a combustion device.
4
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Project requirements Part 3
Section 11
(2) A previous eligible offsets project is a project that was operating under:
(a) the Carbon Farming (Capture and Combustion of Methane in Landfill Gas
from Legacy Waste) Methodology Determination 2012; or
(b) the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Capture and Combustion
of Methane in Landfill Gas from Legacy Waste: Upgrade Projects)
Methodology Determination 2012.
11 Additionality requirement
For subparagraph 27(4A)(b)(ii) of the Act, a requirement in lieu of the regulatory
additionality requirement is that the project is a landfill gas project.
5
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 1 Operation of this Part
Section 12
Part 4—Net abatement amounts
Division 1—Operation of this Part
12 Operation of this Part
(1) For paragraph 106(1)(c) of the Act, this Part specifies the method for working
out the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a reporting period
for a landfill gas project that is an eligible offsets project.
(2) Inputs for the method must cover the whole landfill.
Note:
This subsection prevents a proponent from operating a project only in relation to a
selected portion of a landfill where, for example, gas might be easier to extract.
13 Overview of gases accounted for in abatement calculations
The following table provides an overview of the greenhouse gas abatement and
emissions that are relevant to working out the carbon dioxide equivalent net
abatement amount for a landfill gas project.
Greenhouse gas abatement and emissions
Item
Relevant
calculation
Emissions source
Greenhouse gas
1
Baseline
abatement
Destruction of methane in landfill
gas by combustion
Methane (CH4)
2
Baseline
abatement
Destruction of methane in landfill
gas by oxidation in the near
surface conditions of the landfill
Methane (CH4)
3
Project
abatement
Destruction of methane in landfill
gas by combustion
Methane (CH4)
4
Project
emissions
Combustion of landfill gas
Methane (CH4)
Nitrous oxide (N2O)
14 References to factors and parameters from external sources
(1) If a calculation in this Part includes a factor or parameter that is defined or
calculated by reference to another instrument or writing, the factor or parameter
to be used for a reporting period is the factor or parameter referred to in, or
calculated by reference to, the instrument or writing as in force on the earlier of
the following days:
(a) the day the offsets report for the reporting period is given to the Regulator;
(b) the day that report is required to be given to the Regulator.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a parameter that is required to be worked out in
accordance with the monitoring requirements.
6
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Method for calculating net abatement amount Division 2
Section 15
Division 2—Method for calculating net abatement amount
15 Preliminary net abatement amount (Anet)
The carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for the reporting period in
tonnes CO2-e is worked out using the formula (equation 1):
A net  A P  A B
where:
Anet means the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for the reporting
period in tonnes CO2-e.
AP means the project abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e worked
out using equation 2.
AB means the baseline abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e
worked out using equation 13.
7
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 3 Project abatement
Section 16
Division 3—Project abatement
16 Project abatement (AP)
The project abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e is worked out
using the formula (equation 2):
A P  M com,NCT  M com,ox  E com
where:
AP means the project abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e.
Mcom,NCT means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e worked out using equation 3.
Mcom,ox means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period that, without the project, would have been oxidised in
near surface conditions of landfill in tonnes CO2-e worked out using equation 11.
Ecom means the nitrous oxide emissions released from combustion devices during
the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e worked out using equation 12.
17 Methane combusted that was not generated from carbon tax waste (Mcom,NCT)
The methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted during the
reporting period in tonnes CO2-e is worked out using the formula (equation 3):
M com,NCT    WNCT  M com
where:
Mcom,NCT means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e.
γ means the factor to convert cubic metres of methane at standard conditions to
tonnes of CO2-e worked out using Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement)
Determination.
WNCT means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period that was not generated from carbon tax waste worked out using equation
4.
Mcom means the methane combusted during the reporting period in cubic metres
worked out using equation 5.
18 Proportion of total methane combusted that was not generated from carbon
tax waste (WNCT)
(1) The proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period in cubic
metres that was not generated from carbon tax waste is worked out using the
formula (equation 4):
8
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Project abatement Division 3
Section 18
WNCT 

y

M com,y 
M CTW,y
1 

M com 
M total,y






where:
WNCT means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period that was not generated from carbon tax waste.
Mcom,y means the methane combusted in financial year (y) in cubic metres
worked out using equation 5 as if a reporting period were a financial year.
Mcom means the methane combusted during the reporting period in cubic metres
worked out using equation 5.
MCTW,y means the methane generated by the landfill from carbon tax waste in
financial year (y) in tonnes of CO2-e calculated in accordance with
subsection (3).
Mtotal,y means the methane generated by the landfill in financial year (y) in tonnes
CO2-e calculated in accordance with subsection (2).
y means a financial year covered (either partially or fully) by the reporting
period.
Methane generated in financial year (y) (Mtotal,y)
(2) Mtotal,y is equivalent to parameter CH4gen calculated:
(a) under Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; and
(b) in accordance with the following:
(i) for equation 4—the year (y) for working out Mtotal,y is a financial year
covered (either partially or fully) by the reporting period;
(ii) for equation 19—the year (y) for working out Mtotal,y is the 12 months
immediately after the upgrade undertaken in the project concerned is
completed;
(iii) methane generation must be determined for the whole landfill as if it
were a single sub-facility zone.
Methane generated from carbon tax waste in financial year (y) (MCTW,y)
(3) MCTW,y is equivalent to parameter CH4gen calculated:
(a) under Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; and
(b) in accordance with the following:
(i) the year (y) for working out MCTW,y is a financial year that the
reporting period partially or fully covers;
(ii) the calculation is based only on carbon tax waste.
Note:
9
See section 14 for the version of NGER (Measurement) Determination that must be
used.
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 3 Project abatement
Section 19
19 Methane combusted (Mcom and Mcom,y)
(1) The methane combusted during a reporting period in cubic metres is worked out
using the formula (equation 5):
Mcom 

h
Mcom,h
where:
Mcom means the methane combusted during the reporting period in cubic metres.
Mcom,h means the methane combusted during the reporting period by combustion
device (h) in cubic metres worked out using equation 6 or 7 as required.
h means a combustion device used during the reporting period.
Methane combusted by combustion device (h) (Mcom,h)—boiler, flare with
monitoring and control system or internal combustion engine
(2) If combustion device (h) is a boiler, a flare with monitoring and control system
or an internal combustion engine, the methane combusted during the reporting
period by the device in cubic metres is worked out using the formula (equation
6):
M com,h  DE  M sent,h
where:
Mcom,h means the methane combusted during the reporting period by combustion
device (h) in cubic metres.
DE means the default methane destruction efficiency for a combustion device,
which is 0.98.
Msent,h means the methane sent to combustion device h during the reporting
period in cubic metres worked out using equation 8, 9 or 10.
h means a combustion device used during the reporting period.
Methane combusted by combustion device (h) (Mcom,h)—other combustion
devices
(3) If combustion device (h) is not a boiler, a flare with monitoring and control
system or an internal combustion engine, the methane combusted during the
reporting period by the device in cubic metres is worked out using the formula
(equation 7):
Mcom,h  DE 
  O
a
h,a

 Msent,h,a 

where:
Mcom,h means the methane combusted during the reporting period by combustion
device (h) in cubic metres.
DE means the default methane destruction efficiency for a combustion device,
which is 0.98.
10
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Project abatement Division 3
Section 20
Oh,a means the operation of combustion device (h) in hour (a), which is either 0
or 1, worked out using the table in section 29.
Msent,h,a means the methane sent to combustion device (h) in hour (a) in cubic
metres worked out using equation 8, 9 or 10.
h means a combustion device used during the reporting period.
a means an hour in the reporting period.
20 Methane sent to combustion device (Msent,h, Msent,h,a and Msent,h,y)
(1) Methane sent to a combustion device (h) during a particular period may be
worked out using:
(a) equation 8; or
(b) equation 9; or
(c) equation 10 (if applicable).
Option 1
(2) Using the volume of the landfill gas sent to the combustion device (QLFG,h), the
methane sent to the combustion device during the period is worked out using the
formula (equation 8):
Msent,h  QLFG,h  WLFG,CH4
where:
Msent,h means the methane sent to the combustion device (h) during the period in
cubic metres.
QLFG,h means the landfill gas sent to the combustion device (h) during the period
in cubic metres worked out using the table in section 29.
WLFG,CH4 means the proportion of the volume of the landfill gas that is methane,
which is:
(a) set out in section 5.14C of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; or
(b) worked out using the table in section 29.
h means the combustion device.
(3) If, at any time during the project, the table in section 29 is used to work out
WLFG,CH4, then, the table in section 29 must be used for that purpose for the
remainder of the project.
(4) Subsection (3) has effect subject to section 29.
Option 2
(5) Using the energy content of the landfill gas sent to the combustion device
(ECLFG,h), the methane sent to the combustion device during the period is worked
out using the formula (equation 9):
11
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 3 Project abatement
Section 20
M sent,h 
EC LFG,h
EC LFG
where:
Msent,h means the methane sent to the combustion device (h) during the period in
cubic metres.
ECLFG,h means the energy content of the landfill gas sent to the combustion
device (h) during the period in gigajoules worked out using the table in
section 29.
ECLFG means the energy content factor for landfill biogas that is captured for
combustion (methane only) in gigajoules per cubic metre (GJ/m3) set out in
Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the NGER (Measurement) Determination.
h means the combustion device.
Option 3—Using electricity produced by internal combustion engine
(6) If the combustion device is an internal combustion engine, using the electricity
produced by the device (Qeg,h), the methane sent to the combustion device during
the period is worked out using the formula (equation 10):
M sent,h 
Q eg,h  FMWh GJ
Eff h  EC LFG
where:
Msent,h means the methane sent to the combustion device (h) during the period in
cubic metres.
Qeg,h means the electricity (supplied to the grid or used on-site) produced by
internal combustion engine (h) during the period in megawatt hours worked out
using the table in section 29.
FMWh→GJ means the factor to convert megawatt hours to gigajoules, which is 3.6.
Effh means:
(a) the factor for the electrical efficiency of the internal combustion engine (h)
determined in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications; or
(b) if no such factor can be determined in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications—36%.
ECLFG means the energy content factor for landfill biogas that is captured for
combustion (methane only) in gigajoules per cubic metre (GJ/m3) set out in
Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the NGER (Measurement) Determination.
h means the combustion device (which must be an internal combustion engine).
12
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Project abatement Division 3
Section 21
21 Methane from non carbon tax waste combusted that would have been
oxidised in near surface conditions (Mcom,ox)
The methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted during the
reporting period that, without the project, would have been oxidised in near
surface conditions of landfill in tonnes CO2-e worked out using the formula
(equation 11):


Mcom,ox  Mcom,NCT  OFLF  1  WB 


where:
Mcom,ox means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period that, without the project, would have been oxidised in
near surface conditions of landfill in tonnes CO2-e.
Mcom,NCT means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e worked out using equation 3.
OFLF means the oxidation factor for near surface methane in landfill set out in
the definition of OF in subsection 5.4(1) of the NGER (Measurement)
Determination.
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted in the project that would
otherwise have been combusted in the baseline scenario worked out using
equation 15.
22 Nitrous oxide emissions released from combustion devices (Ecom)
The nitrous oxide emissions released from combustion devices during the
reporting period in tonnes CO2-e is worked out using the formula (equation 12):
E com  WNCT  EC LFG 
EFLFG,N2O
1 000


h
M sent,h
where:
Ecom means the nitrous oxide emissions released from combustion devices during
the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e.
WNCT means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period in cubic metres that was not generated from carbon tax waste worked out
using equation 4.
ECLFG means the energy content factor for landfill biogas that is captured for
combustion (methane only) in gigajoules per cubic metre (GJ/m3) set out in
Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the NGER (Measurement) Determination.
EFLFG,N2O means the emission factor for nitrous oxide from the combustion of
landfill biogas that is captured for combustion (methane only) in kilograms of
CO2-e per gigajoule (kg CO2-e/GJ) set out in Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the NGER
(Measurement) Determination.
13
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 3 Project abatement
Section 22
Msent,h means the methane sent to the combustion device (h) during the reporting
period in cubic metres worked out using equation 8, 9 or 10.
h means a combustion device.
14
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Baseline abatement Division 4
Section 23
Division 4—Baseline abatement
23 Baseline abatement (AB)
The baseline abatement (AB) for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e is worked
out using the formula (equation 13):
A B  M com,NCT  WB
where:
AB means the baseline abatement (AB) for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e.
Mcom,NCT means the methane generated from non-carbon tax waste combusted
during the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e worked out using equation 3.
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period
that would have been combusted without the project worked out using whichever
of equations 14 to 17 applies.
24 Proportion of methane that would have been combusted without the project
(WB)
New project
(1) If the project is a new project, the proportion of the methane combusted during
the reporting period that would have been combusted without the project is
worked out using the formula (equation 14):


WB  Maximum  WB,reg ,WB,def 


where:
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period
that would have been combusted without the project.
WB,reg means the regulatory proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project as
determined using Schedule 1 to this determination.
WB,def means the default proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project, which is as
follows:
(a) 0% if the project proponent can demonstrate that, since 24 March 2001, the
landfill concerned has not been subject to:
(i) legislation or guidelines for waste management and landfills; or
(ii) a licence condition or development approval that includes any form of
general or specific qualitative requirement to capture, control, manage
or limit landfill gas, methane odour or greenhouse gases;
(b) otherwise—30%.
Note:
15
The value of WB is fixed for the crediting period: see subsection (5).
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 4 Baseline abatement
Section 24
Upgrade project
(2) If the project is an upgrade project, the proportion of the methane combusted
during the reporting period that would have been combusted without the project
is worked out using the formula (equation 15):


WB  Maximum  WB,reg ,WB,def ,WB,exist 


where:
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period
that would have been combusted without the project.
WB,reg means the regulatory proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project determined
using Schedule 1 to this determination.
WB,def has the same meaning as in subsection (1).
WB,exist means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period that would have been combusted without the project worked out using
equation 18.
Transitioning projects
(3) If the project is a transitioning project that was operating under the Carbon
Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Capture and Combustion of Methane in
Landfill Gas from Legacy Waste) Methodology Determination 2012 (the legacy
determination), the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period that would have been combusted without the project is worked out using
the formula (equation 16):
WB  R p
where:
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period
that would have been combusted without the project.
Rp means Rp as worked out under the legacy determination.
Note:
The value of WB is fixed for the crediting period: see subsection (5).
(4) If the project is a transitioning project that was operating under the Carbon
Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Capture and Combustion of Methane in
Landfill Gas from Legacy Waste: Upgrade Projects) Methodology
Determination 2012 (the legacy upgrade determination), the proportion of the
methane combusted during the reporting period that would have been combusted
without the project is worked out using the formula (equation 17):
WB  Bp
where:
WB means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period
that would have been combusted without the project.
16
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Baseline abatement Division 4
Section 25
Bp means Bp as worked out under the legacy upgrade determination.
Note:
The value of WB is fixed for the crediting period: see subsection (5).
(5) The value given to WB in subsection (3) or (4) for the first reporting period in a
crediting period must be given to WB in that subsection for every other reporting
period in the crediting period.
25 Proportion of methane that would have been combusted without upgrade
(WB,exist)
(1) For an upgrade project, the proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project is worked
out using the formula (equation 18):
WB,exist 
Wcom,bef
Wcom,aft
where:
WB,exist means the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting
period that would have been combusted without the project.
Wcom,bef means the average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is
collected and destroyed during the 2 years immediately before the upgrade is
completed, worked out using equation 20.
Wcom,aft means the average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is
collected and destroyed during the 12 months immediately after the upgrade is
completed, worked out using equation 19.
Methane collected and destroyed during 12 months after upgrade (Wcom,aft)
(2) The average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is collected and
destroyed during the 12 months immediately after the upgrade is completed is
worked out using the formula (equation 19):
Wcom,aft 




    h M sent,h,y  Q tr,y 
M total,y
where:
Wcom,aft means the average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is
collected and destroyed during the 12 months immediately after the upgrade is
completed.
 means the factor to convert cubic metres of methane at standard conditions to
tonnes of CO2-e set out in section 5.4D of the NGER (Measurement)
Determination.
Msent,h means the methane sent to the combustion device (h) during the reporting
period in cubic metres worked out using equation 8, 9 or 10.
17
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 4 Net abatement amounts
Division 4 Baseline abatement
Section 25
Qtr,y means the quantity of methane in landfill gas, in cubic metres, transferred
out of the landfill during the year (y) but not combusted in the project worked out
in accordance with Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination.
Mtotal,y means the methane generated by the landfill in year (y) in tonnes CO2-e
worked out using subsection 18(2).
y means the 12 months immediately after the upgrade is completed.
h means a combustion device.
Methane collected and destroyed during 2 years before upgrade (Wcom,bef)
(3) The average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is collected and
destroyed during the 2 years immediately before the upgrade is completed is
worked out using the formula (equation 20):
Wcom,bef 

y


 γ  Qcap,y  Qflared,y  Q tr,y  
 
  2


*
CH 4 ,y






where:
Wcom,bef means the average proportion of the methane from the landfill that is
collected and destroyed during the 2 years immediately before the upgrade is
completed.
 means the factor to convert cubic metres of methane at standard conditions to
tonnes of CO2-e set out in section 5.4D of the NGER (Measurement)
Determination.
Qcap,y means the quantity of methane in landfill gas, in cubic metres, captured for
combustion from the landfill during the year (y) measured as prescribed in
Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination.
Note:
The term captured for combustion in the NGER (Measurement) Determination is
intended to mean landfill methane captured for combustion for electricity generation.
Qflared,y means the quantity of methane in landfill gas, in cubic metres, from the
landfill that is flared or otherwise combusted for purposes other than electricity
generation during the year (y) measured as prescribed in Part 5.2 of the NGER
(Measurement) Determination.
Qtr,y means the quantity of methane, in cubic metres, in landfill gas transferred
out of the landfill during the year (y) measured as prescribed in Part 5.2 of the
NGER (Measurement) Determination.
CH4*,y means the estimated quantity of methane, in tonnes CO2-e, in landfill gas
generated by the landfill during the year (y) measured and determined in
accordance with subsection (4).
y means a year in the 2 years immediately before the upgrade.
(4) CH4*,y is equivalent to CH4* calculated:
18
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Net abatement amounts Part 4
Baseline abatement Division 4
Section 25
(a) under Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; and
(b) in accordance with the following:
(i) the reporting year is the year (y), where y means a year in the 2 years
immediately before the upgrade;
(ii) methane generation must be determined for the whole landfill as if it
were a single sub-facility zone.
Note:
19
See section 14 for the version of NGER (Measurement) Determination that must be
used.
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 5 Monitoring, reporting and record keeping
Division 1 Offsets report requirements
Section 26
Part 5—Monitoring, reporting and record keeping
Division 1—Offsets report requirements
26 Operation of this Division
For paragraph 106(3)(a) of the Act, this Division sets out information that must
be included in an offsets report about a landfill gas project that is an eligible
offsets project.
27 Information that must be included in an offsets report
An offsets report about a landfill gas project for a reporting period must include
the following information:
(a) the project abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e (AP)
(worked out using equation 2);
(b) the baseline abatement for the reporting period in tonnes CO2-e (AB)
(worked out using equation 13);
(c) the total amount of methane combusted during the reporting period in cubic
metres (Mcom) (worked out using equation 5);
(d) the proportion of methane that was not generated from carbon tax waste
(WNCT) (worked out using equation 4) that was combusted during the
reporting period;
(e) the proportion of the methane combusted during the reporting period that
would have been combusted without the project (WB) (worked out using
whichever of equations 14 to 17 applies);
(f) any changes to the combustion devices used during the reporting period,
including any changes to the type and number of such devices.
20
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Monitoring, reporting and record keeping Part 5
Monitoring requirements Division 2
Section 28
Division 2—Monitoring requirements
28 Operation of this Division
For paragraph 106(3)(d) of the Act, this Division sets out requirements to
monitor a landfill gas project that is an eligible offsets project.
29 Requirement to monitor certain parameters
(1) The project proponent for a landfill gas project must monitor and determine a
parameter set out in an item of the following table in accordance with the
instructions in the item.
Monitored parameters
Parameter
Description
Unit
Measurement
procedure and
frequency
Determination of
parameter from
measurements
1 ECLFG,h
Energy
content of
the landfill
gas sent to
combustion
device (h)
Gigajoules
(GJ)
Calculated continuously
using a flow computer
used in accordance with
appropriate measuring
requirements
Cumulative value for
reporting period
2 Oh,a
Operation of
combustion
device (h)
during hour
(a)
1 or 0
If the combustion device
is a flare, operation is
determined for each
minute using temperature
measurement.
For the purpose of
calculating Mcom,h in
equation 7 (above), the
value of Oh,a
determined for an hour
based on the operation
of the combustion
device must be paired
to the cumulative
value of Msent,h for the
same hour
If temperature is
measured at 500 degrees
Celsius or higher for 40
minutes or more in an
hour, then Oh,a = 1.
Otherwise Oh,a = 0.
For all other combustion
devices, operation for
each minute is to be
determined in
accordance with
manufacturer’s
specifications.
If the device operates
according to
manufacturer’s
specifications for the
entire hour then Oh,a = 1.
Otherwise Oh,a = 0.
All measuring equipment
must be used in
21
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Part 5 Monitoring, reporting and record keeping
Division 2 Monitoring requirements
Section 29
Monitored parameters
Parameter
Description
Unit
Measurement
procedure and
frequency
accordance with
appropriate measuring
requirements
Determination of
parameter from
measurements
3 QLFG,h
Landfill gas
sent to
combustion
device (h)
Cubic
metres
(m3)
Estimated under
Division 2.3.6 of the
NGER (Measurement)
Determination
Cumulative value for
the reporting period
4 Qeg,h
Electricity
(supplied to
the grid or
used on-site)
generated by
internal
combustion
engine (h)
Megawatt
hour
(MWh)
Estimated under Part 6.1
of the NGER
(Measurement)
Determination
Cumulative value for
the reporting period
5 WLFG,CH4
Fraction of
the volume
of landfill
gas that is
methane
Fraction
Estimated under
Division 2.3.6 of the
NGER (Measurement)
Determination
If WLFG,CH4 is
Measured continuously
measured on a
continuous basis, then,
for the purpose of
equation 7 (above),
average values for a
time interval not
greater than 1 hour
must be paired to
measurements of
QLFG,h for the same
interval
(2) If during a particular period of time, the measurements for a parameter set out in
an item of the table in subsection (1) are not done, or are not done in accordance
with the instructions in the item or subsection (3), the measurements for the
parameter for that period are 0.
(3) Any equipment or device used to monitor a parameter must be calibrated by an
accredited third party technician at intervals, and using methods, that are in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(4) In this section:
appropriate measuring requirements, in relation to a measurement or estimate,
means requirements that are consistent with:
(a) requirements that apply in relation to similar measurements or estimates
under the NGER (Measurement) Determination; or
(b) relevant standards and other requirements under the National Measurement
Act 1960.
22
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg) Schedule 1
Operation of this Schedule Part 1
Clause 1
Schedule 1—Determining regulatory proportion
(WB,reg)
Note:
See subsections 24(1) and (2).
Part 1—Operation of this Schedule
1 Operation of this Schedule
(1) For subsections 24(1) and (2), the regulatory proportion of the methane
combusted during the reporting period that would have been combusted without
the project (WB,reg) is determined using an option set out in Part 2, 3 or 4.
No obligation on State and Territory environmental regulators
(2) To avoid doubt, this Schedule does not require the environmental regulator in a
State or Territory to do anything.
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
23
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Schedule 1 Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg)
Part 2 Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill guidelines
Clause 2
Part 2—Using methane concentration limits (ppm)
contained in landfill guidelines
2 Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill guidelines
WB,reg may be calculated using the method set out in clauses 3 to 9.
3 Determine permitted methane emissions for the final cover area
(1) Convert the flux rate in the following table for the State or Territory in which the
landfill is located to tCO2-e/m2/hr by multiplying the flux rate by the Global
Warming Potential value for methane set out in regulation 2.02 of the National
Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations 2008.
Final cover regulatory methane concentration and corresponding flux rates
Item
State or Territory
Allowable methane
concentration (CH4
ppm)
Allowable flux
rate (tCH4/m2/hr)
estimated from
CH4 ppm
1
NSW
500
2.5 x 10-6
2
Vic.
100
0.3 x 10-6
3
Qld
500
2.5 x 10-6
4
WA
500
2.5 x 10-6
5
SA
N/A
N/A
6
Tas.
500
2.5 x 10-6
7
ACT
100
0.3 x 10-6
8
NT
N/A
N/A
(2) Determine the total annual allowable methane emissions from the final cover
area of the landfill (tCO2-e) by calculating the product of the following:
(a) the number of tCO2-e/m2/hr worked out under subclause (1);
(b) the number of square metres in the final cover area of the landfill;
(c) the number of hours in a year, which is 8 760.
(3) Determine the permitted annual methane emissions for the final cover area by
dividing the total annual allowable methane emissions from the final cover area
of the landfill by 0.9.
Note:
This accounts for 10% of methane generated which is oxidised in the landfill cover
layer as opposed to being emitted.
4 Determine permitted methane emissions for the intermediate cover area
(1) Convert the flux rate in the following table for the State or Territory in which the
landfill is located to tCO2-e/m2/hr by multiplying the flux rate by the Global
24
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg) Schedule 1
Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill guidelines Part 2
Clause 5
Warming Potential value for methane set out in regulation 2.02 of the National
Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Regulations 2008.
Intermediate cover regulatory methane concentration and corresponding flux
rates
Item
State or Territory
Allowable methane
concentration (CH4
ppm)
Allowable flux
rate (tCH4/m2/hr)
estimated from
CH4 ppm
1
NSW
500
2.5 x 10-6
2
Vic.
100
0.3 x 10-6
3
Qld
500
2.5 x 10-6
4
WA
500
2.5 x 10-6
5
SA
N/A
N/A
6
Tas.
500
2.5 x 10-6
7
ACT
100
0.3 x 10-6
8
NT
N/A
N/A
(2) Determine the total annual allowable methane emissions from the intermediate
cover area of the landfill (tCO2-e) by calculating the product of the following:
(a) the number of tCO2-e/m2/hr worked out under subclause (1);
(b) the number of square metres in the intermediate cover area;
(c) the number of hours in a year, which is 8 760.
(3) Determine the permitted annual methane emissions for the intermediate cover
area by dividing the total annual allowable methane emissions from the
intermediate cover area by 0.9.
Note:
This accounts for 10% of methane generated which is oxidised in the landfill cover
layer as opposed to being emitted.
5 Determine permitted methane emissions for the daily/operational cover area
Determine the permitted annual methane emissions for the daily
cover/operational area of the landfill by estimating the permitted quantity of
methane generated from waste vertically below the daily cover/operational area
for the year immediately before the beginning of the project, which is equivalent
to parameter CH4gen calculated:
(a) under Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; and
(b) in accordance with the following:
(i) the reporting year for working out CH4gen is the year immediately
before the beginning of the project;
(ii) the calculation is based only on the waste sited vertically below the
daily cover/operational area;
(iii) methane generation must be determined for the daily
cover/operational area as if it were a single sub-facility zone.
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
25
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Schedule 1 Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg)
Part 2 Using methane concentration limits (ppm) contained in landfill guidelines
Clause 6
Note:
See section 14 for the version of NGER (Measurement) Determination that must be
used.
6 Determine total annual methane generated by the landfill
Determine the total annual methane generated by the landfill project, which is
equivalent to parameter CH4gen calculated:
(a) under Part 5.2 of the NGER (Measurement) Determination; and
(b) in accordance with the following:
(i) the reporting year for working out CH4gen is the year immediately
before the beginning of the project;
(ii) the calculation is based on all waste sited in the landfill;
(iii) methane generation must be determined for the whole landfill as if it
were a single sub-facility zone.
Note:
See section 14 for the version of NGER (Measurement) Determination that must be
used.
7 Determine total annual permitted methane emissions
Determine the total annual permitted methane emissions for the landfill by
calculating the sum of the permitted annual methane emissions for the final,
intermediate and daily cover/operational areas of the landfill.
8 Determine total methane that must be captured
Determine the total methane that must be captured from the landfill by deducting
the total annual permitted methane emissions for the landfill from the total
annual quantity of methane generated from waste in the landfill.
9 Calculate WB,reg
Determine the regulatory proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project (WB,reg) by
dividing the total annual methane generated by the landfill (worked out under
clause 6) by the total methane that must be captured from the landfill (worked
out under clause 8).
26
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg) Schedule 1
Asking environmental regulator to determine the required methane capture rate Part 3
Clause 10
Part 3—Asking environmental regulator to determine the
required methane capture rate
10 Using a proportion of gas generation that must be captured
(1) WB,reg may be calculated by asking the environmental regulator in the State or
Territory in which the landfill is located to determine the gas capture rate
required for compliance with the most stringent specified limits for methane
concentrations for the landfill that have been in force since 24 March 2011.
(2) The term used by the environmental regulator to express the regulatory
requirement must be converted to WB,reg in accordance with the following table:
Converting quantitative regulatory requirements to a proportion of gas generation that must
be captured
Item
Expression of regulatory requirement
Conversion to proportion of generation
1
Allowable methane concentration
Use the approach set out in Part 2 but
instead of using the flux rates set out in the
tables in subclauses 3(1) and 4(1) use the
allowable flux rate set out in the item of the
table in subclause (3) of this clause that sets
out the allowable methane concentration
that is nearest to the allowable methane
concentration determined by the regulator.
2
Allowable flux rate
Use the approach set out in Part 2 but
instead of using the flux rates set out in the
tables in subclauses 3(1) and 4(1) use the
flux rate provided by the regulator
3
Proportion of generation required to be
captured
No conversion necessary
4
Proportion of generation allowed to be
released
Subtract the proportion from 1
5
Amount of gas captured
Convert the amount into a proportion of gas
generated (calculated in accordance with the
NGER (Measurement) Determination)
6
Other
Determine the quantity of gas (in tCO2-e)
that must be captured to meet the stated
requirement. Divide the amount by the
amount of gas generated (calculated in
accordance with the NGER (Measurement)
Determination)
(3) The following table sets out allowable flux rates for the purposes of item 1 in the
table in subclause (2).
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
27
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Schedule 1 Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg)
Part 3 Asking environmental regulator to determine the required methane capture rate
Clause 10
Determining allowable flux rates from allowable methane
concentrations
Item
1
28
Allowable methane
concentration (CH4 ppm)
Allowable flux rate estimated
from CH4 ppm (tCH4/m2/hr)
0
0
2
50
0.1 x 10
-6
3
60
0.1 x 10-6
4
70
0.2 x 10-6
5
80
0.2 x 10-6
6
90
0.2 x 10-6
7
100
0.3 x 10-6
8
110
0.3 x 10-6
9
120
0.4 x 10-6
10
130
0.4 x 10-6
11
140
0.5 x 10-6
12
150
0.6 x 10-6
13
160
0.6 x 10-6
14
170
0.7 x 10-6
15
180
0.7 x 10-6
16
190
0.8 x 10-6
17
200
0.8 x 10-6
18
210
0.9 x 10-6
19
220
0.9 x 10-6
20
230
1.0 x 10-6
21
240
1.0 x 10-6
22
250
1.0 x 10-6
23
260
1.1 x 10-6
24
270
1.2 x 10-6
25
280
1.3 x 10-6
26
290
1.3 x 10-6
27
300
1.3 x 10-6
28
310
1.3 x 10-6
29
320
1.4 x 10-6
30
330
1.4 x 10-6
31
340
1.5 x 10-6
32
350
1.6 x 10-6
33
360
1.6 x 10-6
34
370
1.8 x 10-6
35
380
1.8 x 10-6
36
390
1.8 x 10-6
37
400
1.9 x 10-6
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg) Schedule 1
Asking environmental regulator to determine the required methane capture rate Part 3
Clause 10
Determining allowable flux rates from allowable methane
concentrations
Item
Allowable methane
concentration (CH4 ppm)
Allowable flux rate estimated
from CH4 ppm (tCH4/m2/hr)
38
410
1.9 x 10-6
39
420
2.0 x 10-6
40
430
2.0 x 10-6
41
440
2.0 x 10-6
42
450
2.2 x 10-6
43
460
2.2 x 10-6
44
470
2.2 x 10-6
45
480
2.3 x 10-6
46
490
2.3 x 10-6
47
500
2.5 x 10-6
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
29
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Schedule 1 Determining regulatory proportion (WB,reg)
Part 4 Default determination
Clause 11
Part 4—Default determination
11 Default determination
(1) WB,reg may be calculated by asking the environmental regulator in the State or
Territory in which the landfill is located whether the current gas capture for the
landfill complies with the specified limits for methane concentrations for the
landfill that have been in force since 24 March 2011.
(2) If the regulator advises that the current gas capture for the landfill does so
comply, then the regulatory proportion of the methane combusted during the
reporting period that would have been combusted without the project (WB,reg) is
the amount of gas collected from the landfill over the 12 months immediately
before the advice is given divided by the amount of gas generated by the landfill
during that period.
(3) To avoid doubt, subclause (1) does not apply unless the specified limits for
methane concentrations for the landfill have not changed since 24 March 2011.
30
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
EXPOSURE DRAFT
Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Methodology (Landfill Gas)
Determination 2014
EXPOSURE DRAFT
1