SCS is assisting Sacramento County with development of methodologies to compile and report countywide GHG emissions.  Specific project elements performed by SCS include:

• Review of current county information systems to determine the most effective way for the County to track and report GHG emissions.
• Assist the County in developing organizational boundaries for reporting GHG emissions.
• Advise on the feasibility of development of a baseline reporting year for the county.
• Provide guidance on calculating indirect and direct emissions.
• Development of methodologies for future GHG inventory and reporting.
• Perform spot auditing of various County departments and facilities to ensure complete reporting of GHG emissions.

The State of California has established annual mandatory reporting of GHG emissions for significant sources and has set emission limits to cut the state’s GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.  In response to the debate over landfill GHG emissions estimates, the California Energy Commission (CEC) is conducting a study on landfill methane emissions and capture efficiencies to improve overall estimation of landfill GHG emissions and reductions.  SCS was hired by the CIWMB to complete a study that will complement the existing CEC study by providing guidance on ways to achieve landfill GHG reductions, which could then be measured by the methodologies being evaluated in the CEC study.  The objective of this study is to evaluate landfill technologies and practices and to recommend practical and cost effective site-specific measures to reduce GHGs from landfills in the state.

SCS’s responsibilities on this project include:

• Convene a group of stakeholders to review the project in consultation with CIWMB.
  
• Review and summarize available literature on the technologies and practices for reducing
• GHG emissions from landfills.
  
• Develop and evaluate technologies and management practices for cost and effectiveness in GHG reductions including, but not limited to design, construction, and operational practices for:
  
  
  • LFG collection systems;
    
  • LFG flare and other control systems;
    
  • LFG recovery systems;
    
  • Landfill waste management unit design and construction practices;
    
  • Landfill operational practices including: daily cell development and construction; waste acceptance and placement; leachate recirculation and bioreactor landfill operation; and daily, intermediate, and final cover materials and practices;
    
  • Use of compost and other recycled materials for GHG reduction;
    
  • Landfill closure and post-closure maintenance practices including partial closure; and
    
  • Other practices to reduce GHGs including those with may reduce potential GHGs other than methane.
    
• Complete progress reports, draft final reports, and final reports.
  
• Present draft final report at a stakeholder workshop and final report to the CIWMB.

The Seminole Road Landfill LFGE facility employs two Caterpillar 3520 engine/generators that burn LFG to produce 3.2 megawatts (MW) of electric power.  The project achieves GHG emission reductions both through the destruction of the LFG consumed by the facility as well as by offsetting electric power generated from non-renewables sources.  The project began operation in October 2006.

SCS’s responsibilities on this project include:

• Process engineering;
  
• Supply and installation of engine/generators and all associated electrical switchgear;
  
• Design and installation of all other mechanical equipment and piping;
  
• Design and installation of all electrical work;
  
• Design and construction of all civil, structural and site work;
  
• Design and supply of prefabricated metal building; and
  
• Design and installation of a plant-wide SCADA system.
  

The plant has a capacity of 3.2 MW.  SCS performed this project on a turnkey basis and currently is responsible for operation/maintenance of the facility.

Since 1996, SCS has been EPA’s prime contractor to provide program management, environmental planning and assessment, outreach, training, and associated services to support the Agency’s Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP), which is designed to reduce global GHG emissions. Efforts under these two contracts have included:

Environmental Assessments and Economic and Technical Analyses.  Performed site evaluations for dozens of landfills located throughout the U.S. and internationally for LFGE potential, including estimating methane quantities, GHG reductions, identifying potential energy users for gas/electricity sales, and evaluating project economics. The analyses have been compiled into reports that outline the assessment procedures, results, recommendations as to whether or not to move forward (with a LFGE project), etc.

International Program Management.  The current contract has an international element as well. SCS has supported the EPA’s international outreach programs in Brazil, Ukraine, Poland, Guatemala, the Philippines, Mexico, and Thailand by providing technical management, consultation and feasibility studies at candidate sites, as well as assistance in locating financing for project development from international lending/aid agencies like the United Nations and the World Bank.  The focus of this program has been on creating GHG reductions under the Kyoto Protocol.
The Brazil project involved utilization feasibility analysis at five landfills, including evaluation of LFG pump test data, estimation of recoverable LFG quantities, assessment of existing LFG collection facilities, and identification of potential end-uses considering the energy potential and GHG reduction value of each site.
SCS assisted EPA in the development of the LFG generation and recovery and GHG emissions model for Mexico which is now used by SEDESOL and SEMERNAT (Mexican environmental agencies).

SCS was hired by the World Bank to conduct landfill gas to energy (LFGE) pre-feasibility studies at 10 landfills in Latin America.  The landfills are located in Brazil (3), Mexico (2), Columbia (3), Uruguay (1), and Peru (1).  Five of the landfills were selected for 30-day pump test programs to better evaluate the methane collection potential.  Each pump test included installation of three extraction wells, which can be used in a permanent system, nine monitoring probes, and temporary piping and blower/flare.

All of the studies included methane recovery modeling, projection of certified emission reductions (CERs), economic evaluations (including revenues from energy and CER sales, capital, operations, and financing costs), conceptual gas collection system designs, assessment of environmental impacts, and a summary of energy and waste industry sector issues.  As part of this project, SCS developed a financial evaluation spreadsheet that accounts for project costs and revenues and calculates net present value and internal rate of return under various project financing, project duration, and CER pricing assumptions.  The Bank intends to act as a buyer of CERs for those projects that are ultimately developed under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol.

SCS performed a due diligence assessment of the technical and economic aspects of a proposed landfill gas (LFG) project at the Villa Dominico Landfill in Buenos Aires, Argentina. SCS performed the following tasks:

• Prepared a description of the project components, including the pilot study (pump test) and proposed LFG collection and control (flaring) system.
• Evaluated whether the project meets the additional criteria under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), based on a review of available information on governmental authority, responsibility and common practice in Argentina and Buenos Aires proper, and relevant policies and legislation/regulations governing the management of landfills and utilization of LFG.
• Evaluated the monitoring methodology proposed in the Project Design Document (PDD), and indicated if modifications were needed to ensure that the necessary data could be collected to enable verification of the volume of Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) generated annually by the proposed project.
• Evaluated health, safety, and environmental issues at the landfill that could potentially impact the proposed project, with emphasis on the issue of leachate management.
• Evaluated the proposed gas collection and flare system, projected the quantity of CERs expected to be generated, and evaluated the conditions under which various proposed CER goals could be achieved. This analysis was performed by evaluating the LFG collection and control system proposed by the project developer; evaluating the LFG model results provided by the project developer; and preparing LFG models to evaluate (1) the maximum potential for emissions reductions from the entire site, (2) the maximum potential for CERs from areas of the landfill that the developer plans to target for collection system installation, (3) the amount of CERs achievable with the system proposed by the developer, and (4) alternative collection system scenarios.
• Evaluated projected costs and revenues.
• Conducted a follow-up study to update estimates of CERs achievable with a new LFG system design and evaluated the environmental impacts of the proposed project.

SCS has been assisting WM in the preparation and submittal of applications for mobile source credits for their vehicle fleet projects in California.  WM has been converting portions of refuse hauling fleets to clean fuels (LNG or CNG) throughout California.  Where these fleet conversion are not required by air quality regulations, WM has been applying to bank these mobile source ERCs, and SCS has assisted in this regard.

SCS has recently completed LFG Master Plan for this landfill including a Tier 2 Report and projections for LFG production from planned LFG collection system.  It appeared that GHG Emissions Reduction Credits could be sold for the site for selected years before the site would potentially trigger NSPS requirements and regulatory thresholds.

SCS prepared an Inventory Assessment of likely LFG production, equivalent CO2 tons reduced through flaring or energy production and estimates of ranges of GHG credits, price ranges and an approach for broker sales to third parties.  Brokers were invited to prepare Term Sheets (preliminary sales agreements) for the credits and to approach potential international customers on possible trades.  Various options were available including: Immediate Settlement; Forward Settlement; Call Options; Swaps/Bundling.  SCS interacted with brokers including Natsource, Cantor Fitzgerald and private Canadian parties in and attempt to attract Credits buyers.  Preliminary contract positions were assembled that would be acceptable to potential customer and DANC.

A strategy for measurement and verification of the credits was developed and several potential customer Term Sheets were reviewed and considered.  SCS proposed to be compensated on the basis of a percentage of the credits sales.  Ultimately, no suitable buyers were found and the effort was discontinued in 2004.

The feasibility study evaluated methane recovery and energy utilization options in the context of GHG emissions reductions through the Clean Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol. 

SCS’ Tasks included the following:

• Site visit and field testing/evaluation of existing LFG collection and flare system
  Methane recovery evaluation and energy utilization options
  Conceptual design and cost estimate for methane collection system expansion and upgrades
• Economic evaluation assistance for energy recovery and CER sales for three options, including development of capital and operations costs estimates
• Preparation of final report with technical and financial analysis
  
• Meeting with foreign investors to explain details of modeling and gas recovery

As a consultant to The World Bank, SCS provided quality assurance review services of the work performed by a Mexico City engineering firm. These services included the analysis of projected LFG recovery and corresponding energy project sizing and economics. SCS reviewed the LFG pump test design and implementation and provided technical support in the field during the pump test performance. SCS then analyzed the results of the test and used these data to support assumptions made in the previous LFG generation modeling efforts.

Following the investigation and testing phase, SCS performed the following:

• Reviewed and commented on project economics and performance assumptions
• Prepared a conceptual LFG collection system design and associated construction cost estimates
• Prepared an environmental management plan for the facility
• Drafted pre-qualification documents for procuring a strategic partner
• Met with the landfill owners and Bank staff to assisted in the development of the framework of the project including the division of project costs and revenues
• Assisted in the development of The World Bank’s project concept and project appraisal documents

SCS performed a due diligence assessment of the technical and economic aspects of a proposed LFG project at the Villa Dominico Landfill in Buenos Aires, Argentina.  The assessment included a site visit and evaluation of the proposed LFG collection and flaring system and estimates of achievable GHG reductions, as reported in the PDD. The assessment also reviewed the monitoring methodology proposed in the PDD to determine any modifications needed to enable verification of the emission reductions generated by the proposed project.

SCS prepared a report that provided the following:

• Description of the project components, including the pilot study (pump test) and proposed LFG collection and control (flaring) system, based on documents provided and a landfill site visit.
  
• Evaluation of project additionally under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
  Evaluation of the monitoring methodology proposed in the PDD
• Summary of observations and information gathered during a landfill site visit and meetings conducted in Buenos Aires during the week of October 19-22, 2004.
• Evaluation of health, safety, and environmental issues at the landfill that could potentially impact the proposed project, with emphasis on the issue of leachate management
• Evaluation of the LFG collection and control system proposed by the project developer and its efficiency in capturing and controlling methane emissions.
• Evaluation of the LFG model results provided by the project developer.
• Preparation of independent LFG models to evaluate the maximum potential for emissions reductions from the entire site; the amount of CERs achievable with the system proposed by the developer; and various alternative collection system scenarios.
• Evaluation of projected costs and revenues to be associated with the project.

A follow-up assessment study was prepared after one year of field testing was completed that included updated LFG modeling and a report on project environmental impacts.

The purpose of this project was to develop a protocol for measuring and verifying greenhouse gas emissions reductions from landfills. The protocol covered the following topics:

• Overview of requirements and overall approach for crediting methane reductions from landfills as emissions offsets
• Protocol for measuring, recording, and verifying methane recovery rates based on LFG flow and methane measurements
• Use of measured data to calculate methane emissions reductions at non-regulated sites
  
• Protocol to distinguish methane recovery resulting from early system installation vs. methane recovery from systems installed to meet regulatory requirements
• Conclusions and implications for LFG collection system design and construction schedule

SCS documented the creation of ERCs through recovery and use of methane contained in LFG for evaporation of leachate and the generation of electricity at the Redvale Landfill. 

SCS’s tasks included the following:

• Documenting the ERC creation strategy
• Quantifying the emission reductions
• Compiling supporting documentation
• Preparing an ERC Verification Report in accordance with the findings and the protocols that had been agreed with WAM and the buyers of the ERC’s.