methodologies
Reef Credit Methodologies
There are currently four approved methods to undertake Reef Credit Projects that provide verifiable Pollutant reductions. A further methodology is currently under review. Projects operating under the Reef Credit Scheme must use an approved Reef Credit Methodology to quantify Pollutant reductions. Methodologies may be developed for any practice change or ecosystem repair activities that are able to reduce or remove Pollutants entering the Great Barrier Reef.
The Grazing Land Management (GLM) Method is designed to account for fine sediment savings through improved grazing land management practices.
The goal of the GLM Method is to enhance pasture (ground) cover before periods of high-intensity rainfall. This approach reduces the likelihood of fine sediment runoff and maximizes benefits to local waterways and the Great Barrier Reef.
The GLM Method is based on a refined sediment delivery model, the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), applied by the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments. It minimizes the effects of external influences, such as seasonality, by employing Dynamic Reference Cover Modelling (DRCM). This ensures that credit is given only for grazing land management activities.
Download the Grazing Land Management Methodology Guide – Provides an overview of Reef Credits and the Grazing Land Management Method.
Download Grazing Land Management Methodology v1.0 Documentation
The Method for Accounting for Nutrient Reduction in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants through Managed Bioremediation Operations Version 1.3 describes the approach to achieve and quantify the reduction in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) in wastewater discharged from a site or facility through managed algal bioremediation solutions, within the catchments of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The scope of this methodology includes calculating the removal of Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) in wastewater discharged from a site or facility through managed algal bioremediation solutions.
The methodology allows for any wastewater treatment method using live algae (microalgae or macroalgae), where wastewater-effluent is captured, leading to a reduction in DIN across the project area.
There are a number of ways an operator can remove DIN within the project area, extracting DIN in wastewater through managed algal bioremediation solutions, and removing DIN from the system.
The methodology was developed by GreenCollar Group Limited and RegenAqua Pty Ltd.
Download the Wastewater Methodology Guide – Provides an overview of Reef Credits and the Wastewater Method.
The Method for Accounting for Reduction in Sediment Run-off through Gully Rehabilitation Version 1.4 describes the approach to achieve and quantify reductions in Fine Sediment (FS) from rural landscapes through gully rehabilitation, within the catchments of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The scope of this methodology includes the design and implementation of landscape rehabilitation measures to reduce the amount of sediment loss from gully erosion. Gully rehabilitation interventions may include:
1) Engineered rock-chute head control structures;
2) Engineered grade control structures;
3) Gully reshaping and capping with rock or mulch, or both;
4) Gully catchment drainage diversion structures (contour-banks and flow-spreaders);
5) Soil amelioration (i.e. with gypsum and other non-toxic chemical stabilisers);
6) Revegetation of treated gullies and gully catchments;
7) Grazing management in treated gullies and gully catchments;
8) Other interventions undertaken to rehabilitate gullies which are fully described by the proponent in the Gully Rehabilitation and Management Plan.
The methodology was developed by GreenCollar Group Limited.
The Method for Accounting Reduction in Nutrient Run-off through Managed Fertiliser Application Version 1.1 quantifies the reduction in Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (DIN) lost from agricultural land through improved soil and nutrient management practices within the catchments of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The scope of this methodology includes reducing DIN loss through more efficient soil and nutrient management practices from agricultural enterprises including (but not limited to) sugarcane, bananas, grains and fodder. The methodology allows for a range of practice changes that lead to a reduction in DIN loss across the project area.
The methodology was developed by GreenCollar Group Limited.
A methodology currently being reviewed for approval to utilise constructed wetlands to prevent dissolved inorganic nitrogen from entering waterways in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.
Wetland treatment systems are engineered to replicate and enhance the natural physical, biological, and chemical processes of wetlands. By holding nutrient-laden water on-site longer, these systems reduce runoff and erosion while increasing natural filtration.
Further details about this methodology will be provided upon its approval.
Methodology
Development
Methodologies may be developed for any practice change or ecosystem repair activities that are able to reduce or remove Pollutants entering the Great Barrier Reef. Reef Credit Methodologies must comply with the Reef Credit Standard requirements and Methodology Approvals Procedure. New methodologies or methodology amendments may be submitted directly to the Reef Credit Secretariat.
