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Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Page: 7104

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

(Question No. 1035)

Senator Abetz asked the Minister representing the Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency, upon notice on 29 August 2011:

Has the Department conducted or commissioned an assessment of fugitive emissions from landfills. If so,

(a) what were the results and recommendations from any assessment; and

(b) how has the Government responded to any of the recommendations.

Senator Wong: The Minister for Climate Change and Energy Efficiency has provided the following answer to the honourable senator's question:

The Department commissioned, on 16 May 2011, a consultant to conduct a study into fugitive emissions from landfills using data held by landfill operators based on measurements made over the last three years.

The study was initiated following a workshop with industry held in November 2010. The aim of the study is to provide input into the development of a more simplified approach to the 'higher order' method of emissions measurement currently available to facilities with methane capture systems in place.

The study concludes that the data collected from landfill operators could be used to simplify the existing 'higher order' measurement method available to the industry.

The Department is currently conducting further consultations with industry on how to operationalise the results of the study.

The Government's response to the study's findings will be incorporated into an amendment to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination, scheduled for exposure release in November 2011.