Major upgrades to better capture and reduce harmful methane gas emissions at Grafton Regional Landfill are delivering extraordinary results for the environment and the local community.
The work, commissioned by Clarence Valley Council and completed by LGI Limited (LGI) includes 12 vertical gas extraction wells, five gas collection lines and more than 800 metres of underground pipe connected to an enclosed flaring unit.
This methane abatement approach is measurable, immediate and irreversible, and will allow Council and local ratepayers to receive a share of the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by the project.
Clarence Valley Council Mayor, Ray Smith said the project, which started in 2015, is a practical example of Council's ongoing commitment to a more sustainable future.
"Reducing methane gas emissions is a win for both the community and the environment," Cr Smith said.
"Council is capturing 100 per cent more of the harmful methane gas emissions as a result of the extensive upgrades at Grafton Regional Landfill.
"Council's long-term goal is to reach zero net emissions. This project, in partnership with LGI at the Grafton Regional Landfill means we're one step closer to our target."
"This project is being delivered at minimal cost to ratepayers. Under our partnership, LGI pays to install, operate and expand the gas extraction system, while Council receives a royalty share of ACCUs over the life of the project. Council has the option to sell the ACCUs to create revenue or to use them to offset emissions. It's a win for both the environment and Council's bottom line.
LGI CEO, Jarryd Doran said our organisation has helped Clarence Valley Council achieve long term, meaningful environmental outcomes for the past decade.
"Landfill gas capture systems reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, decrease odour emissions and improve air quality," Mr Doran said.
"LGI will operate, maintain and continue to expand the carbon cutting infrastructure at the Armidale Road site, delivering optimal gas extraction and carbon abatement.
"LGI's carbon-cutting blueprint is becoming very popular throughout New South Wales as local governments, including Clarence Valley Council, look to capture biogas and decrease emissions in line with the Australian Government's commitment to slash emissions by 43 per cent by 2030."
Over the past decade, LGI has abated 179,000 tonnes of CO2e for Clarence Valley Council, which is the equivalent of planting 2.9 million seedlings for the next decade. 19 million m3 of biogas has been captured at Grafton Regional Landfill.
Partnerships with multiple New South Wales councils have allowed LGI to reduce CO2e emissions by more than 1.7 million tonnes, which is the equivalent of planting 28.5 million seedlings for the next decade.
More than 183 million m3 of biogas has been captured at 11 different sites operated by LGI in New South Wales, with 296,000 ACCUs created.
LGI also has the technology to convert biogas extracted from landfills into renewable energy.