Compliance Offset Protocol Mine Methane Capture (MMC) Projects

Introduction

The Compliance Offset Protocol Mine Methane Capture (MMC) Projects was adopted by the Board in April 2014 and became effective on July 1, 2014.

The MMC protocol provides methods to quantify greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions associated with the capture and destruction of methane (CH₄) that would otherwise be vented into the atmosphere as a result of mining operations at active underground and surface coal and trona mines and abandoned underground coal mines. The protocol focuses on quantifying the change in methane emissions, but also accounts for effects on carbon dioxide emissions.

Offset Project Operators or Authorized Project Designees that install methane capture and destruction technologies must use the methods contained in this protocol to quantify and report GHGs. The protocol provides eligibility rules, methods to quantify GHG reductions, offset project-monitoring instructions, and procedures for preparing Offset Project Data Reports. Additionally, all offset projects must submit to annual, independent verification by ARB-accredited verification bodies. Regulatory requirements for verification of Offset Project Data Reports are provided in the Cap and Trade Regulation.

This protocol is designed to ensure the complete, consistent, transparent, accurate, and conservative quantification of GHG emission reductions associated with a livestock digester project. The protocol is comprised of both quantification methodologies and regulatory program requirements to develop an MMC project for generating ARB offset credits.

ARB Compliance Offset Protocol—Mine Methane Capture Projects pdf (Adopted 04/25/2014)

Mine Methane Capture Projects Compliance Offset Protocol FAQs