Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011
I, Yvette D’Ath, Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation, make this Methodology Determination under subsection 106(1) of the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
Dated 25 June 2013
YVETTE D’ATH
Parliamentary Secretary for Climate Change, Industry and Innovation
Contents
Part 1 Preliminary
1.1 Name of determination 7
1.2 Commencement 7
1.3 Definitions 7
1.4 Type of project to which this Determination applies 13
Part 2 Requirements for declaration as eligible project
2.1 Eligible projects 15
2.2 Location 15
2.3 Project land characteristics 15
2.4 Project mechanisms 16
2.5 Identification of project area 16
Part 3 Delineating boundaries
3.1 Division of project area into strata 17
3.2 Minimum requirement for a stratum 17
3.3 Delineating stratum boundaries 17
3.4 Ortho-rectified aerial imagery 19
3.5 Growth disturbances 19
3.6 Revision of stratum affected by growth disturbance 20
3.7 Requirements for disturbance affected stratum 20
3.8 Requirements for fire affected stratum 20
3.9 Requirements for revisions of strata boundaries 20
Part 4 Project operation
4.1 Removal of trees 22
4.2 Preparation burns 23
4.3 Restrictions relating to fertiliser use 23
Part 5 Methods for estimating net project abatement
Division 5.1 Estimating project removals
Subdivision 5.1.1 General
5.1 General 24
Subdivision 5.1.2 Conducting a full inventory
5.2 Conducting a full inventory 24
Subdivision 5.1.3 Sampling plans
5.3 Developing and documenting a sampling plan 25
5.4 Sampling plan information for full inventory and PSP assessment 26
5.5 Sampling plan information for stratum specific functions 27
5.6 Sampling plan information for regional functions 27
Subdivision 5.1.4 Location of plots
5.7 Determining the location of plots 28
Subdivision 5.1.5 Establishing and assessing plots
5.8 Establishing and assessing plots during full inventory 30
5.9 Target probable limit of error—full inventory 30
5.10 Establishing plots 30
5.11 Plot shape 32
5.12 Plot size 32
5.13 Identifying and marking plots 32
5.14 Plot visits during full inventory 33
5.15 Collection of information during plot visits 33
5.16 Ex post analysis of plots 34
Subdivision 5.1.6 PSP assessments
5.17 Conducting PSP assessments 34
5.18 General requirements for PSP assessments 34
5.19 Ex post analysis of PSPs 35
Subdivision 5.1.7 Plots located close to stratum boundaries
5.20 Dealing with plots located close to stratum boundaries 35
5.21 Edge plots 36
5.22 Plot carbon stocks 36
Subdivision 5.1.8 Allometric functions
5.23 Applying species specific allometric functions 36
5.24 Allometric domain 37
5.25 Regression fitting 37
5.26 Minimum data requirements 38
5.27 Minimum regression fit requirements 38
5.28 Variance of weighted residuals 39
5.29 Allometric report 39
Subdivision 5.1.9 Allometric functions for live trees
5.30 Developing allometric functions for live trees 40
5.31 Developing stratum specific functions 41
5.32 Updating pre-existing stratum specific functions 42
5.33 Regional functions 43
5.34 Converting a stratum specific function to a regional function 44
Subdivision 5.1.10 Assessing biomass sample trees
5.35 Assessing above-ground biomass of biomass sample trees 44
5.36 Assessing below-ground biomass of biomass sample trees 45
5.37 Assessing biomass of entire biomass sample tree 47
5.38 Record keeping and reporting 47
Subdivision 5.1.11 Allometric functions for other trees
5.39 Developing allometric functions for trees other than live trees 47
Subdivision 5.1.12 Applicability of allometric functions
5.40 Testing the applicability of allometric functions 48
5.41 Compatibility checks 48
5.42 Validation test 48
5.43 Reporting requirements 50
Subdivision 5.1.13 Assessing carbon stocks in fallen dead wood and litter
5.44 Assessing carbon stocks in litter 50
5.45 Assessing carbon stocks in fallen dead wood 51
Division 5.2 Calculating project emissions
5.46 Calculating fuel emissions from project activities 52
5.47 Calculating fire emissions from a stratum 52
Part 6 Calculating the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a project in relation to a reporting period
Division 6.1 Preliminary
6.1 General 53
6.2 Greenhouse gas assessment boundary 53
6.3 Calculating the baseline for the project 54
6.4 Requirements for calculating carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement 54
Division 6.2 Calculations
Subdivision 6.2.1 Calculating carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount
6.5 General 55
6.6 Calculating the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount 56
6.7 Calculating uncertainty for net abatement amount 56
6.8 Calculating standard error for net abatement amount 57
6.9 Calculating degrees of freedom for net abatement amount 57
Subdivision 6.2.2 Calculating carbon stock change
6.10 Calculating carbon stock change for a project 58
6.11 Calculating carbon stock change for a stratum 59
Subdivision 6.2.3 Calculating initial carbon stocks for a stratum
6.12 Calculating initial carbon stocks for a stratum 61
Subdivision 6.2.4 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum
6.13 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum based on full inventory 63
6.14 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum based on PSP assessment64
Subdivision 6.2.5 Calculating lower confidence bound
6.15 Calculating the lower confidence bound for closing carbon stocks for a stratum 67
6.16 Calculating the lower confidence bound for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks 67
Subdivision 6.2.6 Calculating mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks
6.17 Calculating the mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks 68
6.18 Calculating the ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks 69
Subdivision 6.2.7 Calculating mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum
6.19 Calculating mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum 70
Subdivision 6.2.8 Calculating carbon stocks in a plot
6.20 Calculating carbon stocks within a plot assessed as part of full inventory 71
6.21 Calculating carbon stocks within a PSP assessed as part of PSP assessment 72
Subdivision 6.2.9 Calculating carbon stocks in trees, fallen dead wood, and litter
6.22 Calculating carbon stocks in live trees within a plot 73
6.23 Calculating carbon stocks in live fire affected trees within a plot 73
6.24 Calculating carbon stocks in dead standing trees within a plot 74
6.25 Calculating carbon stocks in dead standing fire affected trees within a plot 74
6.26 Calculating carbon stocks in litter within a plot 75
6.27 Calculating carbon stocks in fallen dead wood within a plot 75
Subdivision 6.2.10 Calculating biomass in trees
6.28 Calculating biomass in live trees within a plot 76
6.29 Calculating biomass in live fire affected trees within a plot 76
6.30 Calculating biomass in dead standing trees within a plot 76
6.31 Calculating biomass in dead standing fire affected trees within a plot 77
Subdivision 6.2.11 Calculating project emissions
6.32 Calculating project emissions 77
6.33 Calculating fuel emissions for a stratum 79
6.34 Calculating emissions for fossil fuel types 79
Subdivision 6.2.12 Calculating emissions for fire affected strata
6.35 Calculating emissions for a fire affected stratum 80
6.36 Calculating the standard error for fire emissions 82
Subdivision 6.2.13 Calculating probable limit of error
6.37 Calculating probable limit of error for carbon stock estimates 84
6.38 Calculating number of plots required for probable limit of error 84
Subdivision 6.2.14 Calculating biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees
6.39 Calculating total biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees 85
6.40 Calculating below-ground biomass 85
6.41 Calculating above-ground biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees86
6.42 Calculating below-ground biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees from a root:shoot biomass ratio 86
6.43 Calculating the dry weight of biomass components for biomass sample trees and test trees 87
6.44 Calculating the variance of weighted residuals for biomass sample trees and test trees 87
6.45 Calculating the F-test statistic 88
Division 6.3 Data collection
6.46 Project emissions 90
6.47 Project removals 90
Part 7 Monitoring, record-keeping and reporting requirements
Division 7.1 General
7.1 Application 91
Division 7.2 Monitoring requirements
7.2 Project monitoring 91
Division 7.3 Record-keeping requirements
7.3 Records that must be kept 92
7.4 Stratum records 92
7.5 Project tree measures 92
7.6 Carbon stock calculations 92
7.7 Allometric functions 92
7.8 Sampling plans 93
7.9 Quality assurance and control 93
7.10 Fuel use 93
Division 7.4 Offsets report requirements
Subdivision 7.4.1 Information that must be included in the first offsets report
7.11 General 93
7.12 Project information 93
7.13 Stratum description and status 94
7.14 Baseline land use history and forest cover history for strata 94
7.15 Quality assurance and control 95
Subdivision 7.4.2 Information that must be included in all offsets reports
7.16 General 95
7.17 Project information 95
7.18 Strata location and area 95
7.19 Stratum description and status 96
7.20 Carbon stocks for stratum 96
7.21 Carbon stocks for plots 97
7.22 Basis of allometric function applied to a stratum 98
7.23 Application of allometric functions 98
7.24 Sampling plans 98
7.25 Growth disturbance events 98
7.26 Quality assurance and control 99
7.27 Fuel use 99
This Determination is the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Reforestation and Afforestation—1.2) Methodology Determination 2013.
This Determination is taken to have come into force on 1 July 2010.
In this Determination:
above-ground biomass means all material in a tree above the level of mineral earth and includes stem, crown, and attached dead material such as dead branches.
Act means the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011.
actual location coordinates means spatial coordinates that are collected on the ground using a global positioning system, and that define the location of plots, biomass sample plots and biomass sample trees.
actual plot size means the area of a plot as physically measured on the ground.
allometric data range means the range between the smallest and largest predictor measures included within an allometric dataset.
allometric dataset means predictor measures and biomass measurements that are:
(a) recorded from biomass sample trees; and
(b) used to develop an allometric function.
allometric domain means the specific conditions under which an allometric function is applicable.
allometric function means a species-specific regression function fitted to a scatter of data points that relate predictor measures collected through a non‑destructive measurement process to a measure of the weight of biomass within a project tree, and includes stratum specific and regional functions.
allometric report means a document that describes a project proponent’s approach to the development of allometric functions and that meets the requirements set out in section 5.29.
below-ground biomass means all material in a tree below the level of mineral earth and includes the tap root or lignotuber, and the lateral roots.
belt plantings means discrete patches of project trees that have been established in a linear or curvilinear ‘belt’ pattern where width measured across the belt is no wider than 50 metres.
belt plot means a plot that meets the requirements set out in subsection 5.7(11).
biomass means dry, vegetation-derived organic matter.
biomass components means sections of trees that are divided on the basis of structure or form or both.
biomass sample plot means an area of land that occurs within a biomass sample site and is delineated in accordance with Part 5.
biomass sample site means an area of land in which biomass sample plots are randomly located and from which biomass sample trees are randomly selected, for the purposes of developing a regional function.
biomass sample tree means a tree selected for destructive sampling in order to develop an allometric function.
block plantings means discrete patches of project trees established so the average minimum width of the patches is greater than 50 metres.
bulked sample means a sample of litter collected through combining 4 smaller samples into a single sample.
carbon dioxide equivalent means the carbon dioxide mass equivalent, calculated by multiplying the mass of elemental carbon by 
.
carbon fraction means the proportion, by mass, of dry organic matter that is composed of carbon.
carbon stocks means the quantity of carbon, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, held within project forest biomass.
CFI Mapping Guidelines means the guidelines of that name, as published from time to time, to be used for mapping project areas and strata within project areas, and available on the Department’s website.
circular plot means a plot that meets the requirements set out in subsection 5.7(10).
closing carbon stocks means the amount of carbon, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent, estimated to be held within the project forest biomass occurring within a stratum at the end of a reporting period.
commencement means the point in time at which preparation of a stratum for planting begins.
crown means non-woody, above-ground tree structures that include branches, twigs, petioles, and leaves, and that are involved in photosynthesis or supporting photosynthetic structures.
crown cover means the amount of land covered by the outer limits of the crown (viewed as a horizontal cross-section) of a tree, or collection of trees.
dead material means dead material that:
(a) comes from a project tree;
(b) remains attached to the tree;
(c) is suspended above ground; and
(d) includes hanging bark, dead branches, stems and leaves.
dead standing fire affected tree means a dead tree that shows obvious signs of having been affected by fire and that remains in an upright, vertical position.
dead standing tree means a dead tree that shows no signs of having been affected by fire and which remains in an upright vertical position.
declaration date, for a project, means the date on which the declaration of the project as an eligible offsets project under section 27 of the Act takes effect.
Department means the Department that administers the Act.
disturbance affected stratum means a stratum that has been subject to a growth disturbance event, other than fire—see section 3.6.
establishment phase means a period of land and project-forest management that is applied to a stratum from 6 months before the planting start date through to 3 years following the planting finish date.
extant project forest means an area of land covered by project forest at a specified time or during a specified reporting period.
fallen dead wood means dead woody stem or branch components, or both, that:
(a) have a cross-sectional diameter of more than 2.5 centimetres;
(b) come from a project tree; and
(c) occur at ground level.
fire affected stratum means an area of project forest that has experienced a fire event and that has been dealt with in accordance with Part 3.
fire emissions means emissions of methane (CH4) or nitrous oxide (N2O) arising from fire events.
fire event means an occurrence of a fire in a stratum or strata.
forest means land on which trees:
(a) have attained, or have the potential to attain, a crown cover of at least 20% across the area of land; and
(b) have reached, or have the potential to reach, a height of at least 2 metres.
forest cover—land has forest cover if the vegetation on the land includes trees that:
(a) are 2 metres or more in height; and
(b) provide crown cover of at least 20% of the land.
fuel emissions means emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), or methane (CH4) arising from fossil fuel use in relation to the delivery of project activities within the project area.
full inventory means an estimation of carbon stocks conducted in accordance with section 5.2.
Note This is one of the 2 measurement processes available to a project proponent to estimate carbon stocks within a stratum and involves the use of temporary sample plots and, optionally, permanent sample plots, to estimate carbon stocks. The other process is PSP assessment.
growth disturbance—see section 3.5.
initial carbon stocks means the amount of carbon, expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, estimated to have been contained within the project forest biomass occurring within a stratum on the declaration date.
intended location coordinates means spatial coordinates for a randomly selected intersection from a grid overlay used to define the proposed on‑ground location of plots and biomass sample plots.
lateral root means the woody material that extends laterally from a tree’s tap root or lignotuber, and that forms part of a tree’s below-ground structure.
litter means dead, project-tree derived material that:
(a) occurs at ground level;
(b) is less than 2.5 centimetres in diameter; and
(c) may include fallen leaves, twigs, bark and small woody stems in various stages of decomposition.
live fire affected tree means a tree that is living and showing obvious signs of having experienced a fire event, or for which records indicate that it has experienced a fire event.
live tree means a tree that is living, which shows no obvious physical signs of having experienced a fire event, and for which no records exist that indicate that it has been affected by a fire event.
location tolerance means the maximum allowable variation between intended location coordinates and actual location coordinates, being no greater than 10 metres.
maintenance phase means a phase of activity in relation to a stratum, which occurs after the management phase and in which the cumulative carbon sequestration for the stratum is assumed to have attained its maximum level.
management phase means a phase of project tree growth and management activity in relation to a stratum, running from the end of the establishment phase to the start of the maintenance phase.
non-project forest means forest within the project area that was not established as a direct result of a project carried out under this Determination.
non-project tree means a tree within the project area that was neither planted, nor otherwise established, as a direct result of a project carried out under this Determination.
ortho-rectified aerial imagery means an aerial photograph or satellite image geometrically corrected for distortion to produce a uniform scale across the image.
permanent planting has the same meaning as in the Regulations.
permanent sample plot (PSP) means a defined area of land that is delineated in accordance with Part 5 and from within which various measurements are taken in order to estimate carbon stocks in a PSP assessment.
planting means the planting of project trees from seedlings or seed.
planting finish date means the date that planting of the stratum was completed being:
(a) the date when the last seed was sown or seedling planted; or
(b) 180 days from the planting start date;
whichever occurs first.
planting start date means the date that planting started within a stratum.
plot means a defined area of land within the project area and can be a temporary sample plot or a permanent sample plot.
predictor measure means a measure of tree dimensions collected through a non‑destructive measurement process and referenced in an allometric function to estimate the biomass contained within trees.
preparation burn means the controlled application of fire within a stratum to assist in the removal or suppression of ground‑level vegetation or fire fuel loads.
prescribed weed means any plant that is required by law to be removed.
probable limit of error means the percentage error at the 90% confidence level.
project activity means an activity undertaken within the project area as part of the establishment and management of project forest.
project emissions means emissions of greenhouse gases occurring within the project area as a result of a project activity, from sources within the project greenhouse gas assessment boundary (see section 6.2).
project forest means forest that has been established within the project area as a direct result of a project carried out in accordance with this Determination.
project forest biomass means the biomass contained within project trees, litter, or fallen dead wood.
project removals means removals from the atmosphere of greenhouse gases caused as a result of project activities.
project tree means a tree that has been established within a stratum through undertaking project activities.
pseudo random number generator means computer software used for generating a sequence of numbers that approximates the properties of random numbers.
PSP assessment means an estimation of carbon in an area made in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.6.
Note This is one of the 2 measurement processes available to a project proponent to estimate carbon stocks within a stratum and involves the use of permanent sample plots. The other process is a full inventory.
regional function means an allometric function developed by or for a project proponent and which has an allometric domain that potentially extends across multiple strata.
Regulations means the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Regulations 2011.
root:shoot ratio (R:S) means the ratio of below-ground biomass to above‑ground biomass.
sampling plan means a plan that identifies the quantity, intended location coordinates and actual location coordinates of TSPs, PSPs, biomass sample plots, and the quantity and actual location coordinates of biomass sample trees, within a stratum or the geographic limits of an allometric domain—see Subdivision 5.1.3.
seed number means a number input into a pseudo random number generator for the purposes of generating a sequence of numbers that approximates the properties of random numbers.
size class means a class of items that is determined according to size.
standard margin means a distance from the boundary of the site preparation or tree planting that defines the stratum boundary and is determined in accordance with section 3.3.
Note Site preparation refers to the activities necessary to be undertaken prior to planting which may include weed control, soil cultivation, preparation burn, and ripping and mounding.
stem means the hard woody structural support element of a tree that forms part of the tree’s above-ground structure and includes the trunk and heavier vertical limbs extending into the crown.
stratum means an area in the project area that is determined to have common characteristics in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.
stratum area means the area of land that is occupied by a stratum, expressed in hectares.
stratum identifier means a unique numeric, alpha-numeric, or text string that is used to refer to and identify a stratum in the project area.
stratum specific function means an allometric function developed by or for a project proponent from an allometric dataset collected exclusively from within a single stratum, to which the stratum specific function is intended to be applied.
tap root or lignotuber means a thickened, rigid and dense woody mass connected directly to the stem of a tree at ground level and extending downwards into the regolith, and with lateral roots extending from it.
target plot size means the area of the land that is intended to be included within the boundaries of a plot or biomass sample plot as determined in accordance with Part 5.
temporary sampling plot (TSP) means a defined area of land that is delineated in accordance with Part 5 and from within which various measurements are taken in order to estimate carbon stocks in a full inventory.
test tree means a project tree that has been randomly selected from within a temporary sample plot for biomass measurement as part of the process for validating regional functions or converting stratum specific functions to regional functions.
tree means a perennial plant that has primary supporting structures consisting of secondary xylem.
tree status means one of the following conditions of a tree:
(a) live;
(b) dead standing;
(c) live fire affected; or
(d) dead standing fire affected.
tree type means trees that are of the same species and equivalent tree status, and which have predictor measures that fall within a defined range of values.
weighted residual means the difference between measured and predicted (from a regression equation) tree biomass multiplied by a weighting factor, and as calculated using Equation 32b.
Note Other words and expressions used in this Determination have the meaning given by the Act, including:
applicable carbon sequestration right
baseline
crediting period
eligible offsets project
emission
methodology determination
native forest
natural disturbance
offsets project
offsets report
project
project area
project proponent
Regulator; and
reporting period.
1.4 Type of project to which this Determination applies
Note See paragraph 106(1)(a) of the Act.
This Determination applies to the following kinds of project:
(a) the establishment of a permanent planting on or after 1 July 2007; or
(b) a forestry project accredited under the Commonwealth Government’s Greenhouse FriendlyTM initiative; or
(c) a permanent planting accredited under:
(i) the New South Wales Government’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme; or
(ii) the Australian Capital Territory Government’s Greenhouse Gas Abatement Scheme; or
(d) a permanent planting established before 1 July 2007 for which there is documentary evidence of a kind mentioned in subregulation 3.28(3) of the Regulations that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Regulator, that the primary purpose of the planting was generation of carbon offsets.
Part 2 Requirements for declaration as eligible project
Note See paragraphs 27(4)(c) and 106(1)(b) of the Act.
To be declared an eligible offsets project, a project to which this Determination applies must meet the requirements in this Part.
Note In addition, a project must meet the requirements in section 27 of the Act and in the Regulations, including a requirement that the project may not be an excluded offsets project (see regulations 3.36 and 3.37).
The project area must be located within Australia, including external territories.
2.3 Project land characteristics
(1) For at least 5 years before project commencement, the project area must have included:
(a) land used for grazing or cropping; or
(b) land that was fallow between grazing or cropping activities; or
(c) a combination of (a) and (b).
(2) If project trees are established by planting on the land specified in subsection (1), they will have the potential to attain:
(a) a height of 2 metres or more; and
(b) a crown cover of at least 20% over the total area of the stratum in which the project trees are located.
Note The potential to attain the requirements in subsection (2) may be demonstrated by the species of trees to be planted, a description of the growth characteristics of the species and the anticipated crown cover across the stratum area when project trees are at maturity.
(3) In this section:
project commencement means the earliest date for which there is documentary evidence that demonstrates, to the satisfaction of the Regulator, that planting has occurred in the project area.
Note Under the Act a project declaration date cannot be earlier than 1 July 2010. A declaration date is the date on which the declaration of the project as an eligible offsets project under section 27 of the Act takes effect. Projects that have a project commencement before 1 July 2010 will have a project declaration date of 1 July 2010.
(1) The project must establish and maintain a planting which is:
(a) a permanent planting; and
(b) planted with sufficient planting density so that the trees have the potential to achieve forest cover.
Note The spatial configuration of a planting may be in belts or blocks provided the planting density has the potential to achieve forest cover.
(2) The project mechanism must be undertaken during the following 3 phases of the project:
(a) establishment phase;
(b) management phase; and
(c) maintenance phase.
2.5 Identification of project area
The boundaries of the project area must be delineated in accordance with the CFI Mapping Guidelines.
Note Regulation 3.1 of the Regulations includes a requirement to provide, in an application for a declaration of an eligible offsets project, a geospatial map of the project area that meets the requirements of the CFI Mapping Guidelines.
3.1 Division of project area into strata
(1) Before the submission of the first offsets report, the project proponent must define in the project area one or more strata in accordance with the CFI Mapping Guidelines and that comply with sections 3.2 and 3.3.
(2) The project proponent may define new strata that comply with sections 3.2 and 3.3 at any time.
(3) New strata may:
(a) be excised from existing strata;
(b) replace existing strata; or
(c) cover land within the project area not previously included within stratum boundaries.
(4) The boundaries and area of a stratum must be defined in accordance with section 3.3.
(5) If the boundaries of a stratum are redefined, they must be redefined in accordance with the requirements set out in section 3.6.
3.2 Minimum requirement for a stratum
A stratum must have been planted with one or more species of project trees.
Note Project proponents may also define a stratum based on any of the following:
– project tree age;
– tree species;
– observed or measured growth trends;
– growing regions;
– climatic conditions;
– soil types;
– disturbance history;
– land management units;
– management regime; or
– any other characteristics that may be likely to influence project tree growth.
3.3 Delineating stratum boundaries
(1) This section sets out the processes for:
(a) delineating the boundaries of a stratum included within the project area; and
(b) deriving an estimate of the stratum area.
(2) A project proponent must delineate the boundaries of a stratum included within the project area by generating a set of spatial coordinates that define the geographic limits of the land area included within each stratum by:
(a) using one of the following methods, or a combination of them, to identify the limits of extant project forest area and the stratum boundary:
(i) conducting an on-ground survey using a global positioning system;
(ii) using ortho‑rectified aerial imagery in accordance with section 3.4; and
(b) using a geographic information system to generate spatial data files to identify the limits of extant project forest area and the stratum boundary.
Extant project forest boundary
(3) The extant project forest boundary for a stratum is the polygon that is the outer limit of the stems of the project trees in the stratum.
Stratum boundary and stratum area
(4) A geographic information system must be used to apply a standard margin to the extant project forest boundary.
(5) The standard margin referred to in subsection (4) must be applied to the stratum for the life of the project, and must be set as:
(a) the estimated radius of the crown of a fully mature project tree for the stratum; or
(b) if the radius specified in paragraph (a) cannot be estimated, a default distance of 2 metres; or
(c) the limits of any applicable carbon sequestration rights area if this is a lesser distance than the distances specified in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(6) The stratum boundary must not include land that:
(a) lies outside the project area; or
(b) is non-project forest.
(7) If application of the standard margin would result in the mapped geographic limits of the stratum:
(a) overlapping the geographic limits of a second stratum—then the stratum boundary must be mapped to a point equidistant between the two strata along the length of the area where the overlap would otherwise have occurred; or
(b) exceeding the geographic limits of the project area—then the stratum boundary must align with the boundary of the project area.
(8) For the purposes of calculating the stratum area, the boundary of the standard margin delineates the boundary of the stratum.
3.4 Ortho-rectified aerial imagery
If ortho‑rectified aerial imagery is used to identify the limits of extant project forest area and stratum boundary:
(a) the relevant land area must be digitised from the imagery;
(b) the imagery must meet the accuracy requirements specified in the CFI Mapping Guidelines;
(c) the pixel resolution must be no greater than 2.5 metres; and
(d) the image must be of sufficient quality and resolution to allow the clear identification of the limits of project forest establishment activities.
(1) This section applies if an event occurs that is likely to affect significantly the project tree growth characteristics of the whole or part of a stratum that has been previously reported in an offsets report (a growth disturbance).
Note Examples include floods, fires, droughts, pest attacks, diseases, and natural disturbances that would be taken to cause a significant reversal under the Regulations.
(2) The project proponent must, within 6 months after the growth disturbance, delineate the boundaries of the land occupied by project trees affected by the disturbance.
Note Section 81 of the Act requires a project proponent to notify the Regulator in the event of certain natural disturbances.
(3) If the growth disturbance affects an area of more than 10 hectares in a stratum, the project proponent must, before submitting the offsets report that relates to the time when the growth disturbance occurred, revise the affected stratum in accordance with section 3.6.
(4) If the growth disturbance affects an area of 10 hectares or less in a stratum, the project proponent may, before submitting the offsets report that relates to the time when the growth disturbance occurred:
(a) define a new stratum to include the growth disturbance affected area in accordance with section 3.6; or
(b) continue to treat the growth disturbance affected area as belonging to a single stratum.
(5) Infill planting may be undertaken if project trees die within the period ending:
(a) 12 months from the planting finish date for the stratum; or
(b) at the time of submission of the first offsets report for the stratum;
whichever occurs first.
(6) The death of the project trees is not a growth disturbance if infill planting is undertaken after the project trees have died.
(7) In this section:
infill planting is a planting for the purpose of replacing project trees that have died within the period specified in subsection (5).
3.6 Revision of stratum affected by growth disturbance
(1) Subject to sections 3.7 to 3.9, if the whole of the stratum is affected by a growth disturbance, the stratum must be revised by creating a new stratum identifier and labelling the newly created stratum:
(a) if the disturbance is fire—a fire affected stratum; or
(b) otherwise—a disturbance affected stratum.
(2) If only a part of the stratum is affected by the growth disturbance, then the stratum is revised by excising that portion of the stratum affected by the growth disturbance and defining this area as a separate stratum, which:
(a) complies with the requirements for a stratum set out in section 3.2; and
(b) is labelled:
(i) if the disturbance was fire—a fire affected stratum; or
(ii) otherwise—a disturbance affected stratum.
3.7 Requirements for disturbance affected stratum
If a disturbance affected stratum is created, then for the purposes of calculating carbon stock change and standard error for carbon stock change in accordance with Equations 3a and 3c, the initial carbon stocks and the standard error for initial carbon stocks must be assumed to be zero for the disturbance affected stratum.
3.8 Requirements for fire affected stratum
If a fire affected stratum is created:
(a) a full inventory must be conducted in both the fire affected stratum and the stratum from which the fire affected stratum was excised, within 12 months after the fire event;
(b) an estimate of the fire emissions from any fire affected stratum, and the standard error associated with this estimate, must be calculated in accordance with Equations 26a to 27d; and
(c) for the purposes of calculating carbon stock change and standard error for carbon stock change in accordance with Equations 3a and 3c, the carbon stocks and the standard error for initial carbon stocks must be assumed to be zero for the fire affected stratum.
3.9 Requirements for revisions of strata boundaries
(1) Subject to subsection (3), where a stratum or a stratum boundary is redefined, revised boundaries must comply with the requirements for delineating stratum boundaries set out in section 3.3.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), if a revision, or cumulative revisions, of the boundaries of a stratum change the stratum area by more than 5% between any reporting periods, the following apply:
(a) a full inventory which includes the revised stratum area must be conducted in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.2 no earlier than 6 months before the submission of the next offsets report; and
(b) if a PSP assessment is intended to be referenced from within the stratum in a future offsets report, PSPs must be established across the revised stratum using the process specified in Subdivisions 5.1.5 and 5.1.6.
(3) Where a stratum area is reduced to zero through redefining stratum boundaries in accordance with section 3.1 or 3.6, subsections (1) and (2) do not apply.
(4) Once a stratum is defined within a project area and reported within an offsets report, the stratum identifier associated with that stratum must continue to be reported in subsequent offsets reports as having been associated with the project area even where:
(a) the stratum area is reduced to zero through redefining the stratum boundary; or
(b) the stratum is redefined so that it is entirely replaced with other strata.
(5) Where subsection (4) applies:
(a) values of zero must be recorded against the stratum identifier for the closing carbon stocks and standard error for closing carbon stocks; and
(b) these zero values must be applied for the purposes of calculating the carbon stock change for a stratum and standard error for carbon stock change for a stratum in accordance with section 6.11.
Note A project proponent must generate and keep records in relation to each stratum in accordance with the requirements set out in section 7.4.
Note See paragraphs 27(4)(c), 35(2)(a) and 106(1)(b) of the Act and regulations 1.12 and 3.26 of the Regulations.
Non-project trees
(1) Subject to this section, native forest and non-project trees must not be removed from the project area, or otherwise disturbed, for the purposes of undertaking the project.
(2) Non-project trees may be removed from the project area, or otherwise disturbed, only in the following circumstances:
(a) if the non-project trees are prescribed weeds, they may be removed at any time during the life of the project;
(b) if removal of the non-project trees is otherwise required or authorised by law, they may be removed in accordance with the relevant law; or
(c) if, at commencement, non-project trees subject to removal:
(i) cover a total land area that represents less than 5% of the stratum area, as measured by crown cover;
(ii) are not native forest; and
(iii) are less than 2 metres in height;
then:
(iv) they can be removed from within the stratum at any time from commencement to 6 months after planting.
Project trees
(3) Project trees may be removed from the project area only in the following circumstances:
(a) for biomass sampling;
(b) to manage a natural disturbance event such as disease or fire; or
(c) where otherwise required or authorised by law.
Note The Regulations allow for biomass from project trees to be removed in the following circumstances:
- to remove debris for fire management; or
- to remove firewood, fruits, nuts, seeds, or material used for fencing or as craft materials, if those things are not removed for sale; or
- in accordance with traditional indigenous practices or native title rights; or
- for thinning for ecological purposes.
Subject to section 4.1, one preparation burn may be applied to each stratum at either commencement or between commencement and planting.
4.3 Restrictions relating to fertiliser use
Fertiliser may be applied to each stratum no more than 4 times in a 100‑year period.
Part 5 Methods for estimating net project abatement
Division 5.1 Estimating project removals
This Division sets out processes that must be conducted when undertaking activities in relation to estimating the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for an eligible offsets project to which this Determination applies.
Subdivision 5.1.2 Conducting a full inventory
5.2 Conducting a full inventory
(1) A requirement under this Determination to conduct a full inventory is a requirement to conduct an inventory in accordance with this section.
(2) The most recent map of a stratum and the most recent stratum area estimate generated in accordance with Part 3 must be used to conduct a full inventory.
(3) A sampling plan that has been developed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3 must be documented.
(4) TSPs must be established and assessed during the full inventory in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.4 and 5.1.5.
(5) If the project proponent intends to conduct a PSP assessment in the stratum and:
(a) PSPs have not been established within the stratum as part of a previous full inventory; or
(b) the number of PSPs previously established in the stratum does not allow the proponent to achieve the target probable limit of error specified in Subdivision 5.1.6;
then PSPs must be established and assessed in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.4, 5.1.5 and 5.1.6.
(6) Subject to subsection (9), the project proponent must apply at least one of the following classes of allometric function to estimate the biomass in project trees occurring in each plot within the stratum:
(a) a stratum specific function; or
(b) a regional function.
(7) If the project proponent chooses to apply a stratum specific function to estimate the biomass in project trees occurring in each plot within the stratum:
(a) an existing stratum specific function developed in accordance with section 5.31 may be applied;
(b) a new stratum specific function may be developed in accordance with section 5.31; or
(c) an existing stratum specific function may be updated in accordance with section 5.32.
(8) If the project proponent chooses to apply a regional function to estimate the biomass in project trees occurring in each plot within the stratum, the function must have been developed in accordance with section 5.33 or section 5.34 and validated in accordance with section 5.42.
(9) If an allometric function that meets the requirements of Subdivision 5.1.8 is not available to the project proponent for project trees of a particular species, tree status or size, then all occurrences of that tree type within plots must be noted and recorded as having zero biomass for the purposes of conversion to estimates of carbon stocks in accordance with subsection (11).
(10) If the project proponent chooses to account for carbon in the litter and fallen dead wood pools, the biomass within these pools must be assessed for each plot in the stratum in accordance with sections 5.44 and 5.45.
(11) The biomass estimates specified in subsections (6), (9) and (10) must be converted to estimates of carbon stocks within each plot by using Equations 12a to 22.
(12) The mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum must be calculated using Equation 11a.
(13) The closing carbon stocks for a stratum must be calculated using Equation 5a.
Subdivision 5.1.3 Sampling plans
5.3 Developing and documenting a sampling plan
(1) A sampling plan must be developed when one or more of the following occurs:
(a) a full inventory is conducted;
(b) the establishment of PSPs specified in subsection 5.2(5) or the PSP assessment specified in Subdivision 5.1.6 is conducted; or
(c) an allometric function is developed, updated, or validated in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.8 to 5.1.12.
(2) A project proponent must undertake the processes set out in this section when developing a sampling plan.
(3) A sampling plan must include:
(a) a description of the activity specified in subsection (1) to which the sampling plan relates;
(b) the dates during which the activity was or is to be conducted; and
(c) the information specified in this Subdivision.
5.4 Sampling plan information for full inventory and PSP assessment
(1) This section applies if a sampling plan is developed as part of a full inventory or PSP assessment.
(2) The sampling plan must include:
(a) a description of the stratum to which the sampling plan refers, including a reference to the stratum identifier;
(b) maps showing the geographic boundaries of the stratum;
(c) the target plot size to be applied within the stratum as determined in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.5;
(d) a description of the plots, including whether they are to be circular or belt plots;
(e) outcomes from the following processes conducted to determine plot establishment rates and the probable limit of error specified in Subdivision 5.1.5 or 5.1.6:
(i) the ex ante estimate of the number of plots required to achieve a target probable limit of error for each time the estimate was calculated;
(ii) the ex post analysis testing whether the target probable limit of error has been achieved for each time the analysis was calculated; and
(iii) the ex post analysis confirming the target probable limit of error has been achieved;
(f) details of the selection process for plot locations, including seed numbers referenced by the pseudo random number generator when generating a grid overlay and randomly selecting grid intersections as intended location coordinates of plots, as specified in section 5.7;
(g) the number of grid intersections that occur wholly within the stratum boundary, as specified in section 5.7;
(h) maps showing the position of:
(i) the grid overlay applied to the stratum as specified in section 5.7;
(ii) the randomly selected grid intersections defining the intended location coordinates of plots as specified in section 5.7; and
(iii) the location of plots as established by actual location coordinates;
(i) the intended location coordinates specified in subparagraph (2)(h)(ii) and the actual location coordinates of plots specified in subparagraph (2)(h)(iii);
(j) details of any variation between the spatial coordinates specified in paragraph (i); and
(k) if the variation specified in paragraph (j) exceeds the thresholds specified in section 5.14, details of the corrective measures that were taken.
5.5 Sampling plan information for stratum specific functions
A sampling plan that is developed when a stratum specific function is developed, updated, or validated in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.8 to 5.1.12 must include the following information:
(a) a description of the stratum to which the sampling plan refers, including a reference to the stratum identifier;
(b) maps showing the geographic boundaries of the stratum;
(c) details of the selection process for biomass sample trees, including:
(i) size classes;
(ii) the number of project trees within each size class; and
(iii) seed numbers referenced by the pseudo random number generator when randomly selecting biomass sample trees;
(d) maps showing the position of TSPs from which biomass sample trees have been selected; and
(e) actual location coordinates for biomass sample trees.
5.6 Sampling plan information for regional functions
A sampling plan that is prepared when a regional function is developed in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.8 to 5.1.12 must include the following information:
(a) a description of the intended allometric domain to be sampled;
(b) details of the selection process for biomass sample plots, including seed numbers referenced by the pseudo random number generator when undertaking processes such as:
(i) generating a grid overlay;
(ii) selecting grid intersections as intended location coordinates for biomass sample plots;
(c) the number of grid intersections that occur wholly within the biomass sites;
(d) details of the selection process for biomass sample trees, including:
(i) size classes;
(ii) number of trees within each size class; and
(iii) seed numbers referenced by the pseudo random number generator when selecting biomass sample trees;
(e) maps showing:
(i) the location and extent of biomass sample sites;
(ii) the location of biomass sample plots as established by actual location coordinates and as sampled in accordance with section 5.33;
(iii) the grid overlay applied to the biomass sample sites; and
(iv) the randomly selected grid intersections defining the intended location coordinates of biomass sample plots;
(f) the intended location coordinates and actual location coordinates of biomass sample plots;
(g) the actual location coordinates of biomass sample trees; and
(h) target and actual plot sizes for each biomass sample plot.
Subdivision 5.1.4 Location of plots
5.7 Determining the location of plots
(1) A project proponent must determine the location of a plot within a stratum in accordance with this section.
(2) In order to define the intended location coordinates for plots, a geographic information system must be applied in order to:
(a) establish a grid overlay on a recent map of the stratum developed in accordance with Part 3; and
(b) specify selected points of intersection from the grid overlay referred to in paragraph (a).
(3) The process specified in paragraph (2)(a) must meet the following requirements:
(a) the grid must be composed of square cells;
(b) the grid size must be sufficiently small so that the target probable limit of error specified in Subdivision 5.1.5 can be achieved in the event that all points of intersection are selected as intended location coordinates for plots in accordance with subsection (5);
(c) the grid must be located with grid lines running:
(i) north to south (vertical grid lines); and
(ii) east to west;
(d) following the process specified in paragraph (c), the grid must be realigned according to a randomly selected angle in accordance with paragraph (e);
(e) the following process must be used to realign the grid:
(i) a random angle value between 0 and 89 degrees must be generated; and
(ii) the grid orientation must then be rotated clockwise around the point of grid intersection so that the vertical grid lines align with the randomly generated angle value referred to in subparagraph (i);
(f) when grid size and grid orientation are established as specified in paragraphs (b) and (e), one grid intersection must be aligned over an anchor point as specified in paragraph (g);
(g) the anchor point referred to in paragraph (f) must be obtained by randomly selecting an easting and a northing coordinate within the ranges of easting and northing coordinates for the stratum;
(h) the easting and northing coordinates referred to in paragraph (g) must be from the current version of the Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94);
Note The Map Grid of Australia 1994 (MGA94) is available at: http://www.ga.gov.au/earth-monitoring/geodesy/geodetic-datums/GDA.html
(i) if a commercially available software product is used to undertake the process specified in paragraph 2(a), the requirements at paragraphs (f) to (h) do not apply if the software:
(i) locates the grid independently of user input; and
(ii) provides the coordinates of all grid intersections within the stratum; and
(j) if a commercially available software product is used as part of the process specified in paragraph 2(a), the name and version of the software must be documented in a sampling plan and all associated electronic files must be retained on record.
(4) The number of grid intersections that occur within the stratum must be recorded in a sampling plan in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3.
(5) If the number of recorded grid intersections is equivalent to the number of plots to be established in the stratum as calculated in accordance with Equation 29b, plots are to be located on the ground according to the location of each grid intersection within the stratum.
(6) If the number of recorded grid intersections exceeds the number of plots to be established within the stratum as calculated in accordance with Equation 29b, the following process must be conducted:
(a) each grid intersection is to be numbered consecutively from 1 to i, where i is the total number of intersections occurring within the stratum;
(b) in relation to the number of plots intended to be established within the stratum (
), a software-based pseudo random number generator is to be used to generate a set of n random integers that are randomly selected from within the range 1 to i; and
(c) the spatial coordinates of the grid intersections that correspond with the random integers generated in accordance with paragraph (b) are to be recorded in a sampling plan as specified in Subdivision 5.1.3 and applied as the intended location coordinates for plots.
(7) If a pseudo random number generator is applied as part of the process specified in this section, any seed number applied for the purposes of paragraph (6)(b) must be documented in a sampling plan and all associated electronic files must be retained on record.
(8) The intended location coordinates selected in accordance with the process specified in this section must be recorded in a sampling plan and uploaded into a global positioning system that is to be used to navigate on the ground to the intended location coordinates when establishing plots in accordance with section 5.10.
(9) The project proponent must establish circular plots in block plantings and belt plots in belt plantings in accordance with subsections (10) and (11).
(10) The project proponent must establish the circular plots specified in subsection (9) so that the actual location coordinates define the centre of the plot and the boundary is defined by a radius.
(11) The belt plots specified in subsection (9) must be established according to the following requirements:
(a) the centre line must pass through the actual location coordinates and must be perpendicular to the orientation of the belt at that point;
(b) plot width must be measured along the centre line between the stratum boundaries;
(c) plot length must be calculated as the target plot size divided by plot width; and
(d) the lines defining the length of the belt plot must be parallel to the centre line.
Note The stratum boundary extends out from outer limits of tree planting on either side of the belts by a distance equal to the standard margin.
Subdivision 5.1.5 Establishing and assessing plots
5.8 Establishing and assessing plots during full inventory
A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this Subdivision when establishing and assessing plots during a full inventory.
5.9 Target probable limit of error—full inventory
Plots must be established within a stratum at a rate that achieves a target probable limit of error of no more than 10% at the 90% confidence level around the estimated mean carbon stocks for plots within the stratum calculated using Equation 28.
(1) At least 5 plots must be established per stratum.
(2) Subject to paragraphs 5.2(5)(a) and 5.2(5)(b), if a project proponent chooses to conduct PSP assessments in the stratum in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.6, the following requirements must be met:
(a) PSPs must be established within the stratum during full inventory at a rate that achieves a target probable limit of error of no more than 20% at the 90% confidence level around the estimated mean PSP carbon stocks for PSPs within the stratum, as calculated using Equation 28;
(b) a minimum sampling rate of one PSP per 50 hectares of land within the stratum must be achieved; and
(c) at least 5 PSPs must be established within the stratum.
(3) PSPs may be used in combination with TSPs to meet the requirements in subsection (1) and section 5.9.
(4) To assess whether the number of plots intended for establishment within a stratum is likely to achieve the target probable limit of error specified in paragraph (2)(a) and section 5.9, a project proponent must make an ex ante estimate of the number of plots required by applying Equations 29a and 29b to data collected from one of the following:
(a) a full inventory or PSP assessment previously conducted in the stratum or in other analogous strata;
(b) a pilot inventory conducted within an analogous stratum and in which at least 5 TSPs are established and assessed; or
(c) a pilot inventory conducted within the stratum in which:
(i) a full inventory is being undertaken; and
(ii) at least 5 plots were established and assessed.
(5) Data from TSPs assessed as part of a pilot inventory specified in paragraph (4)(b) must be used for the purposes of only Equations 29a and 29b and must not be further included in the calculation of carbon stocks.
(6) Where a pilot inventory specified in paragraph (4)(c) uses the same sampling process as the full inventory and the data from both inventories is from the same stratum, the data collected from the pilot inventory may be used further in the calculation of carbon stocks for that stratum.
(7) The intended location coordinates for all plots must be uploaded into a global positioning system.
(8) Plots must be established according to the intended location coordinates as shown on the global positioning system and without any deliberate on-ground repositioning except in instances where the establishment of a plot at the intended location coordinates would constitute a serious safety risk.
(9) If establishing a plot at the intended location coordinates would constitute a serious safety risk, the project proponent must relocate the plot to the nearest safe point to the intended location coordinates and document this relocation and the rationale for the relocation within a sampling plan in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3.
(10) If intended location coordinates lie close to stratum boundaries, plots must be established in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.7.
Definitions
(11) In this section:
pilot inventory means the collection and assessment of data in relation to project trees primarily for calculating the number of plots required to achieve a specified probable limit of error.
Plots may be established in one of the following shapes:
(a) circular for block plantings; or
(b) rectangular for belt plantings.
Note Section 5.7 sets out the general requirements for establishing plots.
The following requirements must be met in relation to the size of plots in a stratum:
(a) all plots within the stratum must be established according to a constant target plot size;
(b) the target plot size must be at least 0.02 hectares; and
(c) the difference between the actual plot size and the target plot size must not be greater than 2.5%.
5.13 Identifying and marking plots
(1) Each plot must be given a unique identifier being numeric, alpha-numeric or a text string.
(2) Subject to Subdivision 5.1.7, the following parts of a plot must be marked:
(a) a point on the centre line of a belt plot;
(b) the centre point of a circular plot.
Note Subdivision 5.1.7 deals with plots that are located close to stratum boundaries.
(3) The plot parts specified in subsection (2) must be permanently marked with a survey mark that is fire and flood resistant and in a way that allows for the identification of plots during plot visits within 5 years of establishing the survey mark.
(4) To allow the accurate re-establishment of a plot boundary, the survey mark for a belt plot may be:
(a) placed at the actual location coordinates determined in accordance with section 5.7; or
(b) moved along the centre line to the centre of the belt plot.
5.14 Plot visits during full inventory
(1) All plots must be visited during a full inventory.
(2) The actual location coordinates for each plot must be logged on the ground using a global positioning system.
(3) An ex post comparison between:
(a) the intended location coordinates generated in accordance with section 5.7; and
(b) the actual location coordinates specified in subsection (2);
must be conducted.
(4) Except where subsection 5.10(9) applies, the variation between the coordinates specified in subsection (3) must be no greater than the location tolerance.
Note Subsection 5.10(9) requires the project proponent to relocate a plot to the nearest safe point if establishing a plot at the intended location coordinates would constitute a serious safety risk.
(5) Except where subsection 5.10(9) applies, if the difference between the intended location coordinates and the actual location coordinates for a plot is greater than the location tolerance, then:
(a) data collected from the plot must not be included in any calculation specified in Part 6;
(b) the plot must be relocated; and
(c) the processes specified in subsections 5.10(7) to 5.10(10) and subsections (2) to (4) of this section must be repeated until the location tolerance of this section is met, at which point data can be collected from the plot for the purposes of application to the calculations specified in Part 6.
Note All ex post comparisons including, if applicable, the requirement to relocate plots as specified in paragraph (b), must be documented in a sampling plan in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3.
5.15 Collection of information during plot visits
(1) The following information must be collected during visits to a plot:
(a) the plot identifier and date of assessment;
(b) the dimensions of the plot;
(c) whether the plot falls wholly within the stratum boundary, or is an edge plot that is partially inclusive of land that falls outside the stratum boundary; and
(d) the following characteristics for each project tree in a plot:
(i) tree status;
(ii) species; and
(iii) predictor measure.
(2) If there are no project trees within the boundaries of a plot, or the plot includes only project trees to which subsection 5.2(9) applies, the plot must be recorded as having zero carbon stocks.
(3) The information specified in subsection (2) must be included in the following calculations:
(a) Equations 9a, 9b, 11a and 11b; and
(b) if project trees occurred within the boundaries of the plot at the most recent full inventory to have been referenced in an offsets report, Equation 10.
(4) Non-project trees must not be assessed or included in any carbon stock calculations for the project.
(5) If the project proponent chooses to account for carbon contained in litter and fallen dead wood, the carbon stocks must be assessed in accordance with sections 5.44 and 5.45.
5.16 Ex post analysis of plots
(1) Where a full inventory is conducted, a project proponent must calculate the probable limit of error for mean plot carbon stock for a stratum using Equation 28 to determine whether the target probable limit of error specified in section 5.9 has been achieved.
(2) If the target probable limit of error has not been achieved, the project proponent must establish and assess additional plots in accordance with this Subdivision until the target probable limit of error specified in section 5.9 is achieved.
Subdivision 5.1.6 PSP assessments
5.17 Conducting PSP assessments
A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this Subdivision when conducting a PSP assessment within a stratum.
5.18 General requirements for PSP assessments
(1) Before undertaking the processes specified in this section, PSPs must have been previously established within the stratum as part of a full inventory in accordance with section 5.2 and Subdivision 5.1.5.
(2) A recent map of the stratum and a stratum area estimate for the stratum must be generated in accordance with Part 3.
(3) A sampling plan developed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3 must be documented to describe the number and location of PSPs within the stratum.
(4) All PSPs within the stratum must be visited and the processes specified in section 5.15 performed.
(5) The biomass content of project trees assessed within each PSP must be estimated using allometric functions that have been developed and validated in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.8 to 5.1.12.
(6) Where an allometric function that meets the requirements of Subdivision 5.1.12 is not available to the project proponent for application to a project tree of a particular tree type occurring within a PSP, then that project tree must be noted and recorded as zero biomass for the purposes of conversion to estimates of carbon stocks as specified in subsection (8).
(7) If the project proponent chooses to account for carbon in the litter and fallen dead wood pools, the biomass within these pools for each PSP must be assessed in accordance with sections 5.44 and 5.45.
(8) The biomass estimates specified in subsections (5) to (7) must be converted to estimates of carbon stocks within each plot by using Equations 12b to 18.
(1) For the purposes of this Subdivision, the target probable limit of error around the mean of carbon stock values for PSPs occurring within the stratum is to be no greater than 20% at the 90% confidence level.
(2) The project proponent must use Equation 28 to calculate the probable limit of error specified in subsection (1).
(3) If the target probable limit of error specified in subsection (1) is achieved, closing carbon stocks for the stratum must be calculated using Equation 6a.
(4) If the target probable limit of error specified in subsection (1) is not achieved:
(a) data from the PSP assessment must not be used to calculate the closing carbon stocks for the stratum using Equation 6a; and
(b) the project proponent must:
(i) conduct a full inventory in accordance with section 5.2; and
(ii) if the project proponent intends to conduct further PSP assessments in the stratum, establish and assess PSPs in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.5 and 5.1.6 for the purposes of achieving the target probable limit of error specified in subsection (1).
Subdivision 5.1.7 Plots located close to stratum boundaries
5.20 Dealing with plots located close to stratum boundaries
(1) This section applies if the intended location coordinates for a plot, as determined in accordance with section 5.7, fall close to the boundary of a stratum.
(2) Except where subsections (4) to (6) or 5.10(9) apply, if the intended location coordinates are within the stratum boundary, a plot must be established so that the difference between the actual location coordinates and intended location coordinates is no greater than the location tolerance specified in subsection 5.14(4).
Note Subsection 5.10(9) requires the project proponent to relocate a plot to the nearest safe point if establishing a plot at the intended location coordinates would constitute a serious safety risk.
(3) If the intended location coordinates fall outside the stratum boundary, no plot is to be established at that location.
(4) If part of the boundary of a plot falls outside the stratum boundary, the location of the centre for the plot must be determined.
(5) If the location of the centre of the plot specified in subsection (4) falls outside the stratum boundary, then no plot is to be assessed at that location.
(6) If the location of the centre of the plot specified in subsection (4) falls inside the stratum boundary, then the plot is to be assessed.
(1) If part of the boundary of a plot falls outside the stratum boundary, the plot is to be known as an ‘edge plot’.
(2) Edge plots can be either circular or rectangular.
(3) The plot area for an edge plot is taken to be equivalent to the target plot size as established in accordance with section 5.12.
(4) A tree that is located within the plot but outside the stratum boundary must not be included in the assessment of plot carbon stocks.
(1) Project trees that occur both within the plot boundary and the stratum boundary must be assessed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.5.
(2) If the project proponent has elected to assess litter and fallen dead wood within the stratum, then the litter and fallen dead wood that occur both within the plot boundary and the stratum boundary must be assessed in accordance with the following specified sections:
(a) litter—section 5.44; and
(b) fallen dead wood—section 5.45.
(3) Plot carbon stocks must be calculated using Equations 12a to 18, where the plot area value (Ap) is equivalent to the target plot size as specified in subsection 5.21(3) and as documented in the sampling plan.
Subdivision 5.1.8 Allometric functions
5.23 Applying species specific allometric functions
(1) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this Subdivision when estimating biomass of project trees for a given tree type.
(2) A project proponent may only apply an allometric function where:
(a) the requirements set out in this Subdivision are met; and
(b) the compatibility and validation tests specified in Subdivision 5.1.12 are satisfied.
(3) An allometric function must be applied only to project trees that occur within the allometric domain for that allometric function.
(1) For each allometric function applied, the project proponent must clearly define the allometric domain for that function by recording and documenting the following in an allometric report in accordance with section 5.29:
(a) the following information regarding the tree type from which the allometric dataset has been collected:
(i) the species of tree;
(ii) the tree status; and
(iii) the allometric data range;
(b) the predictor measures referenced by the allometric function;
(c) the procedures used to assess the predictor measures; and
(d) subject to subsection (2), the geographic area over which the allometric function is assumed to apply.
(2) For a stratum specific function, the geographic limits of the allometric domain are defined as being the limits of the stratum boundary from which the allometric dataset was collected.
(3) To avoid doubt, an allometric function must not be used if the information requirements specified in subsection (1) cannot be met.
(1) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this section when conducting regression analyses for the purpose of developing allometric functions.
(2) An allometric function must not be used as part of an offsets project to which this Determination applies unless the function has been derived by using regression analyses to relate predictor measures collected from biomass sample trees to biomass estimates obtained for the same set of biomass sample trees.
Allowable regression forms
(3) In cases where a project proponent uses either a single predictor measure or multiple predictor measures:
(a) data must not be transformed; and
(b) the weighted least squares method must be applied to estimate the line of best fit.
(4) In cases where a single predictor measure is used, linear or non-linear regression techniques may be applied.
(5) In cases where multiple predictor measures are used, multiple linear or non‑linear regression techniques may be applied.
(6) An allometric function must take one of the following forms:
(a) 
or
(b) 
Where:
| biomass for a tree in kilograms of dry matter. |
| the ith of p predictor measure(s) for estimating biomass within a tree. |
| constants derived through regression analyses, |
5.26 Minimum data requirements
(1) This section specifies the minimum data requirements for conducting regression analyses for the purpose of deriving an allometric function.
(2) The regression analyses used to develop an allometric function must reference data collected from at least 20 individual biomass sample trees sampled from within the geographic limits of the relevant allometric domain.
(3) Above-ground and below-ground biomass components of the biomass sample trees specified in subsection (2) must have been sampled in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.10.
(4) Below-ground biomass components of the biomass sample trees specified in subsection (2) must either:
(a) have been sampled in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.10; or
(b) be calculated by the application of a default root:shoot ratio in accordance with sections 6.40 to 6.42.
5.27 Minimum regression fit requirements
(1) This section specifies the requirements that must be met before an allometric function can be used to estimate biomass from project trees.
(2) In this section:
statistically significant means a two-tailed probability level of <0.05.
(3) An allometric function may be used to estimate biomass within a particular allometric domain only if the allometric function is documented in an allometric report in accordance with section 5.29 and if:
(a) the regression relationship upon which the allometric function is based:
(i) is statistically significant; and
(ii) achieves a coefficient of determination (r2) no less than 0.75;
(b) the mean of the weighted residuals calculated at Equation 32b is not statistically significant from zero, as determined through applying a student t-test with a two-tailed probability level of <0.05; and
(c) weighted residuals are normally distributed around zero.
(4) If the requirements specified in subsection (3) are not met, the project proponent may apply one of the following processes:
(a) redefine the allometric domain ex post so that the allometric function meets the requirements of subsection (3);
(b) use multiple regression techniques, with the application of multiple predictor measures so that the allometric function satisfies the requirements of subsection (3); or
(c) undertake the following steps:
(i) conduct further sampling using the processes described at Subdivisions 5.1.9 to 5.1.11;
(ii) combine the data obtained from the further sampling specified in subparagraph (i) with the original dataset; and
(iii) re-perform the regression analyses specified in section 5.25 with reference to the combined allometric dataset specified in subparagraph (ii).
5.28 Variance of weighted residuals
A project proponent must calculate and report the variance of weighted residuals for an allometric function using Equation 32a.
Note The outcome of the calculation referred to in this section is required for the validation process that must be performed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.12 and to ensure that the fit of the allometric function meets the minimum requirements described in section 5.27.
The following must be documented in an allometric report for each allometric function applied by a project proponent to project trees in the project:
(a) unique identifiers for allometric functions, being numeric, alpha‑numeric or a text string;
(b) the allometric domain for the allometric function defined in accordance with section 5.24;
(c) the number of biomass sample trees that were assessed in order to develop the allometric function;
(d) unique numeric, alpha-numeric or text string identifiers for each biomass sample tree;
(e) procedures for collecting predictor measures from the biomass sample trees assessed in order to develop the allometric function;
(f) predictor measures for all biomass sample trees assessed in order to develop the allometric function;
(g) wet weight for biomass components for all biomass sample trees assessed in order to develop the allometric function;
(h) sub-sample wet and dry weights and dry-wet weight ratios;
(i) estimates of error associated with measuring equipment used to measure wet weight and dry weight;
(j) regression plots showing the spread of data points and regression fit;
(k) charts showing the spread and distribution of weighted residuals;
(l) the mathematical form for the allometric function including parameter values;
(m) outcomes of checks against conditions specified in subsection 5.27(3);
(n) details of any process conducted in accordance with subsection 5.27(4);
(o) if the process specified in paragraph 5.27(4)(a) is undertaken, the following information:
(i) the rationale for refining the allometric domain including any selection of data sub-sets; and
(ii) evidence that data points have not been subjectively removed from the dataset in order to reduce variability; and
(p) the variance of weighted residuals, as calculated in accordance with section 5.28.
Subdivision 5.1.9 Allometric functions for live trees
5.30 Developing allometric functions for live trees
(1) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this Subdivision when performing the following actions in relation to allometric functions and live trees:
(a) developing stratum specific functions in accordance with section 5.31;
(b) updating pre-existing stratum specific functions in accordance with section 5.32; and
(c) developing regional functions in accordance with section 5.33.
Note Section 5.39 specifies the processes for developing allometric functions for live fire affected trees, dead standing trees, and dead standing fire affected trees.
(2) The details of all biomass sample site and biomass sample tree selections made in accordance with this Subdivision must be documented in a sampling plan as specified in Subdivision 5.1.3.
5.31 Developing stratum specific functions
(1) Before a project proponent can conduct the processes specified in this section:
(a) a full inventory must have been conducted in accordance with section 5.2 within the stratum for which the stratum specific function is intended to be developed;
(b) TSPs must have been established as part of the full inventory specified in paragraph (a); and
(c) values of candidate predictor measures must have been collected from all project trees of the tree type intended to be referenced by the stratum specific function that occur within the TSPs specified in paragraph (b).
(2) The project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this section in order to select and assess biomass sample trees from within TSPs.
(3) The project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c) must be ranked according to size based on the predictor measures specified in that paragraph.
(4) The smallest and largest of the project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c) must be selected for assessment as biomass sample trees.
(5) The remaining project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c) must be divided into at least 5 size classes.
(6) Subject to subsections (7) and (8), an equal number of the project trees must be randomly selected from the size classes specified in subsection (5).
(7) A total of at least 20 project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c), including the 2 trees selected in accordance with subsection (4), must be selected for assessment as biomass sample trees.
(8) The following steps must be followed to achieve random selection from within each size class:
(a) the project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c) must be ranked from smallest to largest;
(b) the project trees must be numbered from 1 to i, where i is the number of project trees within the size class;
(c) a software-based pseudo random number generator must be used to generate a random integer from 1 to i;
(d) the project tree which corresponds to the integer generated in accordance with paragraph (c) must be selected as a biomass sample tree; and
(e) the steps described in paragraphs (c) and (d) must be repeated until the necessary number of biomass sample trees have been selected for the size class.
(9) Subject to subsection (10), all biomass sample trees selected in accordance with subsections (4) to (8) must be assessed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.10.
(10) Where assessment of one or more biomass sample trees would constitute a serious risk to safety, cultural heritage, environmental values or property, the project proponent must select other biomass sample trees by applying the random selection process described at subsection (8) and must document this reselection and the rationale for the reselection within a sampling plan in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3.
(11) A regression function must be fitted and ex post analyses performed in accordance with the requirements specified in Subdivision 5.1.8.
5.32 Updating pre-existing stratum specific functions
(1) This section applies where a stratum specific function:
(a) has been developed in accordance with section 5.31; and
(b) is being updated as part of a full inventory.
(2) In this section:
original stratum specific function means the function specified in paragraph (1)(a).
Project tree selection
(3) Subject to subsection (4), a project proponent must undertake the processes specified in section 5.31 when updating an original stratum specific function.
(4) For the purposes of subsection 5.31(7), at least 10 biomass sample trees, including the 2 trees selected in accordance with subsection 5.31(4), must be selected.
(5) The data collected from the biomass sample trees in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) must be combined with the allometric dataset used to develop the original stratum specific function.
Updated regression function
(6) The processes specified in sections 5.25, 5.27 and 5.28 must be applied to the allometric dataset that has been combined in accordance with subsection (5).
(7) In the case where the minimum regression fit requirements specified in subsection 5.27(3) are met, the updated stratum specific function may be applied within the stratum from which the allometric dataset was derived without applying the validation process specified in section 5.42.
(8) In the case where the minimum regression fit requirements specified in subsection 5.27(3) are not met, the project proponent may apply section 5.31 to develop a new stratum specific function by combining the dataset collected from the biomass sample trees assessed in accordance with subsections (3) and (4) with a minimum of at least a further 10 biomass sample trees assessed in accordance with section 5.31.
(1) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this section when developing a regional function.
(2) The project proponent may develop a regional function from trees that are inside or outside the project area.
Allometric domain
(3) Subject to subsection (4), the allometric domain that relates to the regional function must be defined in accordance with section 5.24.
(4) If a stratum specific function is reclassified as a regional function, the process specified in section 5.34 must be undertaken.
(5) Biomass sample sites that are within the geographic limits of the allometric domain for the assessment of biomass sample trees for the tree type that will be referenced by the regional function must be mapped using a geographic information system.
(6) A minimum of 10 locations must be selected from within the biomass sample sites mapped in accordance with subsection (5) for the establishment of biomass sample plots using the process specified in subsections 5.7(2) to 5.7(8), subject to the following modifications:
(a) references to stratum are to be replaced with references to biomass sample sites;
(b) references to probable limits of error are to be ignored; and
(c) references to PSP, TSP or plot are to be replaced with references to biomass sample plot.
(7) Subject to subsection 5.10(9), biomass sample plots must be established in accordance with subsection 5.10(7) to section 5.12 in each randomly selected location, subject to the following modifications:
(a) references to stratum are to be replaced with references to biomass sample sites;
(b) references to PSP, TSP or plot are to be replaced with references to biomass sample plot;
(c) references to probable limits of error are to be ignored; and
(d) the minimum target plot size is to be 5 square metres (m2).
Note Subsection 5.10(9) requires the project proponent to relocate a plot to the nearest safe point if establishing a plot at the intended location coordinates would constitute a serious safety risk.
(8) The combination of target plot size and the number of biomass sample plots must ensure that at least 100 trees of the tree type to be referenced by the regional function are included within the biomass sample plots.
(9) The following parts of a biomass sample plot must be temporarily marked in order to allow for return visits to the plot within 12 months of assessment:
(a) the corners of a rectangular biomass sample plot;
(b) the centre point of a circular biomass sample plot.
(10) All occurrences of a tree type to be referenced by a regional function in a biomass sample plot must be identified and candidate predictor measures must be collected from each tree.
(11) At least 20 biomass sample trees must be selected in accordance with the process described at subsections 5.31(3) to 5.31(8), subject to the following modifications:
(a) references to TSPs are to be replaced with references to biomass sample plots; and
(b) references to ‘project trees specified in paragraph (1)(c)’ are to be replaced with references to trees.
(12) Subject to subsection (13), all biomass sample trees selected in accordance with subsection (11) must be assessed using the process specified in Subdivision 5.1.10.
(13) Where assessment of one or more biomass sample trees would constitute a serious risk to safety, cultural heritage, environmental values or property, the project proponent must select other biomass sample trees by applying the random selection process described at subsection 5.31(8) and must document this reselection and the rationale for the reselection within a sampling plan in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3.
(14) A regression function must be fit and ex post analyses performed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.8.
5.34 Converting a stratum specific function to a regional function
If a stratum specific function is validated in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.12 for a stratum other than the stratum from which the function was developed, then:
(a) the stratum specific function may be reclassified as a regional function; and
(b) the geographic limits of the allometric domain may be redefined so as to include the geographic limits of each stratum for which the stratum specific function has been validated in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.12.
Subdivision 5.1.10 Assessing biomass sample trees
5.35 Assessing above-ground biomass of biomass sample trees
(1) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this section when assessing the above-ground biomass of a biomass sample tree.
(2) For each biomass sample tree, values of candidate predictor measures must be collected.
(3) The biomass sample tree must be cut at ground level and separated into biomass components.
(4) As a minimum, the components specified in subsection (3) must include:
(a) stem;
(b) crown; and
(c) dead material attached to the biomass sample tree.
(5) After completing the process specified in subsection (3), the total wet weight for each of the separated above-ground biomass components must be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(6) Subject to subsection (13), for each biomass sample tree at least 3 representative sub-samples must be collected from each biomass component and weighed immediately after carrying out the requirement specified in subsection (5).
(7) Subject to subsection (13), the wet weight of the sub-samples specified in subsection (6) must be recorded and documented in an allometric report as specified in section 5.29.
(8) The following must be oven-dried to constant weight between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius:
(a) the sub-samples specified in subsection (6), or
(b) the biomass component specified in subsection (13).
(9) The following must be recorded and documented in an allometric report as specified in section 5.29:
(a) the dry weight of the sub-samples that have been oven-dried in accordance with subsection (8); or
(b) the dry weight of the biomass component specified in subsection (13).
(10) The dry-wet weight ratio for each of the sub-samples specified in subsection (6), or the biomass component as specified in subsection (13), must be calculated by dividing dry weight by wet weight.
(11) The average of the dry-wet weight ratios specified in subsection (10) must be calculated.
(12) The dry weight of each above-ground biomass component of the biomass sample tree must be estimated using Equation 31 and applying the average of the dry-wet weight ratios as specified in subsection (11).
(13) As an alternative to the sub‑samples specified in subsection (6), the entire biomass component may be used in the processes specified in subsections (7) to (10).
5.36 Assessing below-ground biomass of biomass sample trees
(1) A project proponent may apply one of the following methods to estimate below‑ground biomass of individual trees:
(a) a root:shoot biomass ratio; or
(b) destructive sampling.
Root:shoot biomass ratio method
(2) A project proponent may apply a root:shoot ratio to estimate below-ground biomass of individual trees from measured above-ground biomass, in accordance with Equations 30a and 30b.
(3) When applying the root:shoot ratio referred to in subsection (2), a conservative default root:shoot biomass ratio of 0.2 must be used in Equation 30b.
Destructive sampling method
(4) A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in subsections (5) to (17) if assessing the below-ground biomass of a biomass sample tree by destructive sampling.
(5) Subject to subsections (6) and (8), the roots of each individual biomass sample tree must be excavated by defining those parts of the root system that will be included in the sampling and measurement process.
(6) Roots that have a diameter of less than 2 millimetres must not be included in the processes specified in subsections (8) to (17), except where the roots are attached to larger root sections.
(7) A root system must be cleaned so that contamination from soil and any other contaminants is minimised.
(8) Once excavated and cleaned, the root system must be divided into its separate biomass components which must include at least:
(a) the tap root or lignotuber; and
(b) the lateral roots.
(9) After completing the processes specified in subsection (8), the total wet weight for each of the separated below-ground biomass components must be recorded and documented in an allometric report as specified in section 5.29.
(10) Subject to subsection (17), for each biomass sample tree at least 3 representative sub-samples must be collected from each biomass component and weighed immediately after carrying out the requirement specified in subsection (9).
(11) Subject to subsection (17), the wet weight of all sub-samples specified in subsection (10) must be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(12) The following must be oven-dried to constant weight between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius:
(a) the sub-samples specified in subsection (10); or
(b) the biomass component as specified in subsection (17).
(13) The following must be recorded and documented in an allometric report as specified in section 5.29:
(a) the dry weight of the sub-samples that have been oven-dried in accordance with subsection (12); or
(b) the dry weight of the biomass component as specified in subsection (17).
(14) The dry-wet weight ratio for each of the sub-samples specified in subsection (10), or the biomass component as specified in subsection (17), must be calculated by dividing dry weight by wet weight.
(15) The average of the dry-wet weight ratios specified in subsection (14) must be calculated.
(16) The dry weight of each below-ground biomass component of the biomass sample tree must be estimated using Equation 31 and applying the average of the dry-wet weight ratios as specified in subsection (15).
(17) As an alternative to the sub-samples specified in subsection (10), the entire biomass component may be used in the processes specified in subsections (11) to (14).
5.37 Assessing biomass of entire biomass sample tree
After completing the processes specified in sections 5.35 and 5.36, the biomass for the entire biomass sample tree must be estimated using Equation 30.
5.38 Record keeping and reporting
A project proponent must retain records:
(a) of all measures collected as part of the processes specified in sections 5.35 and 5.36; and
(b) that demonstrate constant weight is achieved in accordance with subsections 5.35(8) and 5.36(12).
Subdivision 5.1.11 Allometric functions for other trees
5.39 Developing allometric functions for trees other than live trees
(1) If a project proponent chooses to account for carbon stocks in project trees with the following tree status:
(a) dead standing;
(b) dead standing fire affected; and
(c) live fire affected;
the project proponent must develop species-specific allometric functions that relate to these tree types in accordance with Subdivisions 5.1.8 and 5.1.9, subject to the modifications set out in this section.
(2) In the case of dead standing trees and dead standing fire affected trees:
(a) the allometric function must relate the preferred predictor measure to stem biomass only, and not to biomass for the entire tree; and
(b) biomass contained in non-stem components, such as branches, crown and below-ground biomass components, must be assumed to be zero.
(3) In the case of live fire affected trees, the project proponent may:
(a) adopt the stem-only approach specified in subsection (2); or
(b) apply the approach specified in Subdivision 5.1.9 to develop allometric functions based on sampling of entire trees, ensuring that the tree status referred to by the allometric domain is ‘live fire affected tree’.
(4) If the project proponent considers that, over time, a set of live fire affected trees has returned to a state that is equivalent to a live tree, the project proponent may revert to using an allometric function developed for live trees in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.9, subject to subsection (5) of this section.
(5) The project proponent must use the process specified in Subdivision 5.1.12 to validate the allometric function for the live fire affected trees.
(6) When the allometric function specified in subsection (5) is validated, the live fire affected trees may be reclassified as live trees.
Subdivision 5.1.12 Applicability of allometric functions
5.40 Testing the applicability of allometric functions
A project proponent must undertake the processes specified in this Subdivision when testing the applicability of allometric functions.
If an allometric function is to be applied to a project tree within a stratum, the project proponent must confirm that:
(a) predictor measures collected from the project tree during the full inventory or PSP assessment do not exceed the allometric data range;
(b) the species and status of the project tree assessed during the full inventory or PSP assessment are consistent with the tree type referenced by the allometric function;
(c) the measurement procedures used to collect predictor measures from the project tree during the full inventory or PSP assessment are the same as those used to develop the allometric dataset; and
(d) if a stratum specific function is to be applied, the project tree occurs within the same stratum from which the stratum specific function was developed.
(1) A project proponent must perform the validation test specified in this section at the following times within the stratum to which the allometric function is to be applied:
(a) for a regional function, during the first reporting period that the regional function is to be applied within the stratum;
(b) when a stratum specific function is to be converted to a regional function as specified in section 5.34; and
(c) during the last reporting period for the crediting period.
(2) The validation test performed at the times specified in subsection (1) must be carried out as part of a full inventory conducted within the stratum to which the validation test is to be applied.
(3) Predictor measures must have been collected from all project trees that:
(a) are of the tree type relevant to the allometric function against which the validation test will be applied; and
(b) occur within the TSPs established within the stratum during the full inventory.
(4) The project trees specified in subsection (3) must be ranked according to size.
(5) The smallest and largest of the project trees specified in subsection (3) must be selected for assessment as test trees.
(6) The predictor measures for the remaining project trees specified in subsection (3) must be divided into at least 5 even size classes.
(7) Subject to subsections (8) and (9), an equal number of project trees must be randomly selected as test trees from each size class determined in accordance with subsection (6).
(8) A minimum of 10 test trees, including the 2 trees selected in accordance with subsection (5), must be selected.
(9) Subject to subsections (10) and (11), the steps set out at subsection 5.31(8) must be followed to achieve random selection from within each size class.
(10) If there are exactly 10 project trees of the relevant tree type represented in all TSPs established within the stratum during the full inventory, each project tree may be selected instead of applying the random selection process referred to in subsection (9).
(11) If there are fewer than 10 project trees of the relevant tree type occurring within TSPs established with the stratum during the full inventory, a project proponent must choose one of the following 2 options:
(a) establish further TSPs in accordance with this Division until the tree type is sufficiently represented to allow the process specified in subsection (9) or (10) to be undertaken; or
(b) assume the carbon stocks for that tree type is zero whenever it is included within a TSP or PSP.
(12) In the case where the option specified in paragraph (11)(b) is selected, no further steps of the validation test set out in this section need to be conducted.
(13) Once selected in accordance with this section, each test tree must be assessed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.10.
(14) A predicted estimate of the biomass contained within each test tree must be generated using the allometric function to be validated using as inputs the predictor measures collected from the test trees.
(15) Using the measured and predicted biomass estimates generated at subsections (13) and (14), Equations 32a and 32b must be applied to calculate the variance of weighted residuals for the set of test trees.
(16) To test for statistical difference between the variance of weighted residuals calculated for the allometric function in accordance with section 5.28 and the variance of weighted residuals specified in subsection (15) for the set of test trees, an upper one-tailed F-Test must be applied in accordance with subsection (17).
(17) The F-Test specified in subsection (16) must be performed by using Equations 33a and 33b to calculate an F-Test statistic and appropriate degrees of freedom.
(18) If the F-Test statistic is less than the comparison critical F-value specified in subsections (16) and (17), then the allometric function:
(a) is taken to have been validated for application in that stratum; and
(b) may be applied to all project trees of the relevant tree type occurring within the stratum that fall within the allometric domain of the validated allometric function.
(19) If the F-Test statistic is more than the comparison critical F‑value specified in subsections (16) and (17), the stratum is considered to fall outside the allometric domain of the allometric function.
(20) In the case where subsection (19) applies, the project proponent may:
(a) seek to validate an alternative existing regional function by undertaking the process specified in this section;
(b) for the project trees to which the allometric function was intended to be applied, count all occurrences of the relevant tree type in plots in the stratum as having zero carbon stock; or
(c) develop a stratum specific function using the approach specified in section 5.31.
(21) If a project proponent chooses to develop a stratum specific function in accordance with paragraph (20)(c), data collected from the test trees may be included in developing the stratum specific function, provided that at least an additional 10 biomass sample trees are selected in accordance with subsections 5.31(2) to 5.31(8) in order to achieve a minimum of at least 20 biomass sample trees.
The project proponent must document in an offsets report the outcomes of compatibility checks and validation tests performed in accordance with this Subdivision, including any substitution, or development of, stratum specific functions arising as a result of the compatibility checks and validation tests.
Subdivision 5.1.13 Assessing carbon stocks in fallen dead wood and litter
5.44 Assessing carbon stocks in litter
(1) If carbon stocks in litter are to be assessed, the assessment process specified in this section must be followed.
(2) For each plot to be assessed, 4 litter samples must be collected in accordance with the following requirements:
(a) a sampling frame must be placed randomly in 4 separate locations within the boundaries of the plot being assessed;
(b) the sampling frame must be either square or rectangular;
(c) the locations of the sampling frame must not overlap;
(d) no litter must be collected from outside the boundaries of the sampling frame; and
(e) dirt and non-litter contaminants are to be minimised within the sample.
(3) The 4 samples specified in subsection (2) must be combined into a single bulked sample for the plot.
(4) The wet weight of the bulked sample specified in subsection (3) must be recorded immediately after performing processes specified in subsections (2) and (3) and documented in an allometric report.
(5) For all plots assessed on each day, or at least the first 3 plots assessed each day, a sub-sample from the bulked sample for each plot must be collected and the wet weight of each sub-sample is to be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(6) The sub-samples specified in subsection (5) must be oven-dried to constant weight between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius.
(7) The weight of the sub-samples that have been dried in accordance with subsection (6) must be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(8) The dry-wet weight ratio of the sub-samples collected each day must be calculated by dividing the dry weight for each sub-sample by its wet weight.
(9) When the dry-wet weight ratio of each sub-sample has been calculated in accordance with subsection (8), the average of the ratios must be calculated.
(10) The average dry-wet weight ratio calculated in accordance with subsection (9) must be used to estimate the dry weight of the bulked samples collected on that day.
(11) The carbon stocks contained in litter located in the TSP or PSP must be calculated using Equation 17.
5.45 Assessing carbon stocks in fallen dead wood
(1) If the carbon stocks in fallen dead wood are to be assessed, the assessment process specified in this section must be followed.
(2) For each plot to be assessed, fallen dead wood in the plot must be collected.
(3) In the case where a piece of fallen dead wood in the plot extends beyond the boundaries of the plot, a project proponent may:
(a) cut the piece of fallen dead wood so that only the proportion occurring within the plot is collected; or
(b) exclude that piece of fallen dead wood from the assessment.
(4) The wet weight of the fallen dead wood that has been collected must be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(5) For all plots assessed on each day, or at least the first 3 plots assessed on each day, a sub-sample from the fallen dead wood must be collected by taking at least 3 cross-sectional discs from randomly selected pieces of the fallen dead wood.
(6) The wet weight of each sub-sample collected in accordance with subsection (5) must be recorded immediately after collection and documented in an allometric report.
(7) The remainder of the fallen dead wood must be scattered uniformly over the plot.
(8) The sub-samples specified in subsection (5) must be oven-dried to constant weight between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius.
(9) The dry weight of the sub-samples oven-dried in accordance with subsection (8) must be recorded and documented in an allometric report.
(10) The dry-wet weight ratio of each sub-sample must be calculated by dividing the dry weight for a sub-sample by its wet weight.
(11) When the dry-wet weight ratio of each sub-sample has been calculated in accordance with subsection (10), the average of the ratios must be calculated.
(12) The average dry-wet weight ratio specified in subsection (11) must be used to estimate the dry weight of the fallen dead wood collected and weighed on the same day that the sub-samples specified in subsection (5) were collected.
(13) The carbon stocks contained in the fallen dead wood in the plot must be calculated using Equation 18.
Division 5.2 Calculating project emissions
5.46 Calculating fuel emissions from project activities
(1) A project proponent must calculate fuel emissions from a fossil fuel that is combusted while carrying out a project activity for a stratum in the project area, in accordance with Equations 24 and 25.
(2) For the purposes of Equations 24 and 25, where fuel use occurs while carrying out a project activity outside the boundaries of any strata, the quantity of fuel used must be included in the calculation of fuel emissions.
5.47 Calculating fire emissions from a stratum
A project proponent must calculate the emissions of methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) as a result of fire events in accordance with section 3.6 and Equations 26a to 27d.
(1) For paragraph 106(1)(c) of the Act, this Part sets out requirements that must be met to calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a reporting period for a project to which this Determination applies.
(2) In this Part:
(a) all calculations are in respect of activities undertaken, or outcomes achieved, during the reporting period for the eligible offsets project; and
(b) unless otherwise specified, a reference to a project is a reference to an eligible offsets project that meets the requirements of Part 2.
(3) The data used in the calculations set out in Division 6.2 must comply with the data collection requirements set out in Division 6.3.
6.2 Greenhouse gas assessment boundary
Only the greenhouse gases set out in column 2 of the following table may be taken into account when making calculations under this Part in respect of the carbon pools and emission sources specified in column 1.
Note No other gases, carbon pools or emission sources may be taken into account.
Column1 Carbon pools and emission sources | Column 2 Greenhouse gas |
Emissions from fuel use due to project forest establishment and management activities. | Carbon dioxide (CO2) Methane (CH4) Nitrous oxide (N2O) |
Emissions from fires occurring within the project area. | Methane (CH4) Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Note Emissions from a prescribed burn are excluded.
Note CH4 and N2O emissions are included where a fire event affects >10 hectares of a stratum within a reporting period.
|
Above-ground and below-ground live project tree biomass (including live fire affected trees). | Carbon dioxide (CO2) |
Above-ground dead standing project tree biomass (including live fire affected trees). | Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Note The inclusion of this carbon pool is optional. |
Litter and fallen dead wood. | Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Note The inclusion of this carbon pool is optional. |
6.3 Calculating the baseline for the project
For the purposes of paragraph 106(4)(f) of the Act, the baseline for the project is taken to be zero.
6.4 Requirements for calculating carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement
(1) Carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement must be calculated by subtracting project emissions from project removals, in accordance with Equation 1a.
(2) A project proponent must calculate project emissions in accordance with Division 5.2.
(3) A project proponent must calculate project removals in accordance with Division 5.1 and applying one of the following measurement processes within each stratum in the project:
(a) full inventory; or
(b) PSP assessment.
(4) The methods specified in subsection (3) must be carried out no earlier than 6 months before the submission of an offsets report.
Full inventory
(5) A full inventory must be conducted for each stratum in accordance with section 5.2 and at the following times:
(a) no earlier than 6 months before the submission of the first offsets report to reference the stratum; and
(b) for the period between the offsets report specified in paragraph (a) and the beginning of the maintenance phase, at least every 5 years from each subsequent offsets report that references a full inventory for the stratum.
(6) In addition to the circumstances specified in subsection (5), a full inventory must be conducted at the times specified in paragraph 3.8(a) or 3.9(2)(a).
Note Sections 3.8 and 3.9 deal with requirements for fire affected strata and revisions of strata boundaries.
PSP assessment
(7) If a project proponent chooses to conduct a PSP assessment within a stratum:
(a) a full inventory must have been previously conducted within the stratum in accordance with subsection (5); and
(b) the PSP assessment must be conducted in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.6.
Subdivision 6.2.1 Calculating carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount
For paragraph 106(1)(c) of the Act, the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a reporting period for an offsets project to which this Determination applies is taken, for the purposes of the Act, to be the amount calculated in accordance with this Subdivision of the Determination.
6.6 Calculating the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount
(1) The calculation of the carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a project must:
(a) be calculated in accordance with this section; and
(b) incorporate an assessment of uncertainty, calculated in accordance with Equation 1b.
(2) The carbon dioxide equivalent net abatement amount for a project must be calculated for a reporting period using the following formula:
| Equation 1a |
Where:
| net abatement amount for a project for a reporting period ( |
| a generic reference to a reporting period, which is applied interchangeably to refer to reporting periods referencing full inventory ( |
| carbon stock change for a project for a reporting period ( |
| project emissions for reporting period |
6.7 Calculating uncertainty for net abatement amount
(1) Uncertainty for the net abatement amount for a project must be calculated as a 90% confidence interval in accordance with this section.
(2) The size of the 90% confidence interval for the net abatement amount for a project must be calculated for a reporting period (
) using the following formula:
| Equation 1b |
Where:
| half the width of the 90% confidence interval for net abatement amount for a project for reporting period |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard error for net abatement amount for a project for reporting period |
| two-sided students t-value for the 90% confidence level with the appropriate degrees of freedom, calculated in accordance with Equation 1d. |
6.8 Calculating standard error for net abatement amount
The standard error for the net abatement amount for a project must be calculated for a reporting period using the following formula:
| Equation 1c |
Where:
| standard error for net abatement amount for a project for reporting period |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard error for carbon stock change for a project for reporting period |
| standard error for project emissions for reporting period |
6.9 Calculating degrees of freedom for net abatement amount
The degrees of freedom for calculating the confidence interval for the net abatement for a project must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 1d |
Where:
| degrees of freedom for calculating the confidence interval for the net abatement amount for a project for reporting period | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| standard error for the carbon stock change for the | |
| number of plots measured for the | |
Subdivision 6.2.2 Calculating carbon stock change
6.10 Calculating carbon stock change for a project
(1) The calculation of the carbon stock change for a project must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 2a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 2b.
(2) The carbon stock change for a project must be calculated for a reporting period using the following formula:
| Equation 2a |
Where:
| carbon stock change for the project for reporting period |
| carbon stock change for the |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| number of strata. |
(3) When calculating the carbon stock change for a project for a reporting period, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 2b |
Where:
| standard error for the carbon stock change for a project area for reporting period, in tonnes of CO2-e (t CO2-e). | |
| standard error for the carbon stock change for the | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| number of strata. | |
6.11 Calculating carbon stock change for a stratum
(1) The calculation of the carbon stock change for the first and subsequent reporting periods in which a stratum is referenced must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with:
(i) Equation 3a for the first reporting period; and
(ii) Equation 3b for subsequent reporting periods; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with:
(i) Equation 3c for the first reporting period; and
(ii) Equation 3d for subsequent reporting periods.
(2) Carbon stock change for a stratum must be calculated for the first reporting period in which the stratum is referenced () using the following formula:
| Equation 3a |
Where:
| carbon stock change for the |
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| initial carbon stocks for the |
| first reporting period for the |
(3) The carbon stock change for a stratum that has been referenced in a previous offsets report must be calculated for the current reporting period () using the following formula:
| Equation 3b |
Where:
| carbon stock change for the |
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| current reporting period referencing either a full inventory |
| reporting period immediately preceding the current reporting period ( |
(4) When calculating the carbon stock change for the first reporting period in which a stratum is referenced (), the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 3c |
Where:
| standard error for the carbon stock change for the | |
| standard error for the initial carbon stocks for the | |
| standard error for the closing carbon stocks for the | |
| first reporting period in which the stratum is referenced in an offsets report, as a calendar date. | |
(5) When calculating the carbon stock change within a stratum that has been referenced in a previous offsets report (
), the standard error must be calculated for the current reporting period () using the following formula:
| Equation 3d |
Where:
| standard error for the carbon stock change for the |
| standard error for the closing carbon stocks for the |
= standard error for the closing carbon stocks for the 
th stratum for reporting period in tonnes of CO2-e (t CO2-e), calculated in accordance with Equation 5b or 6b as appropriate.
| current reporting period referencing either a full inventory | |
| reporting period immediately preceding the current reporting period ( | |
Subdivision 6.2.3 Calculating initial carbon stocks for a stratum
6.12 Calculating initial carbon stocks for a stratum
(1) For a stratum that is composed of project trees planted on or after the declaration date:
(a) the initial carbon stock for the stratum (ICStratum,j) is zero; and
(b) the standard error for the initial carbon stock for the stratum (SEICStratum,j) is zero.
(2) For a newly created stratum that is entirely composed of project trees planted before the declaration date and previously referenced in an offsets report under an alternative stratum identifier:
(a) the initial carbon stocks for the newly created stratum (ICStratum,j) is zero; and
(b) the standard error for the initial carbon stocks for the newly created stratum (SEICStratum,j) is zero.
(3) For a stratum that is partially composed of project trees planted before the declaration date and that have been referenced in an offsets report, the calculation of the initial carbon stocks for the stratum must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 4a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 4b.
(4) For a stratum that is entirely composed of project trees that have been planted before the declaration date and that have not previously been referenced in an offsets report, the calculation of the initial carbon stocks for the stratum must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 4a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 4b.
(5) The initial carbon stocks for a stratum specified in subsection (4) must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 4a |
Where:
| initial carbon stocks for the | |
| closing carbon stocks for the | |
| first reporting period for the | |
| age of project trees in the | |
| difference in absolute years between the planting start date for the | |
(6) When calculating the initial carbon stocks for a stratum specified in subsection (4), the standard error must be calculated for the current reporting period () using the following formula:
| Equation 4b |
Where:
| standard error for initial carbon stocks for the |
| standard error for closing carbon stocks for the |
| first reporting period for the |
| age of project trees in the |
| difference in absolute years between the planting start date for the |
Subdivision 6.2.4 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum
6.13 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum based on full inventory
(1) This section applies if a full inventory has been conducted within a stratum no earlier than 6 months before the end of a reporting period (
).
(2) The calculation of the closing carbon stocks for a reporting period in which a full inventory has been conducted must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 5a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 5b.
(3) The closing carbon stocks for a reporting period in which a full inventory has been conducted within a stratum must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 5a |
Where:
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| most recent reporting period during which full inventory has taken place in the |
| mean plot carbon stocks for plots within the |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the |
(4) When calculating the closing carbon stocks within a stratum for a reporting period in which a full inventory has been conducted, the standard error is to be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 5b |
Where:
| standard error for closing carbon stocks for the |
| most recent reporting period to reference full inventory in the |
| standard error for mean plot carbon stocks in the |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the |
6.14 Calculating closing carbon stocks for a stratum based on PSP assessment
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a stratum has been referenced in an offsets report which relates to a previous reporting period (); and
(b) a full inventory was conducted within the stratum in reporting period ; and
(c) a PSP assessment has been conducted within the stratum no earlier than 6 months before the end of the current reporting period (
).
(2) The calculation of the closing carbon stocks for a stratum for a reporting period in which a PSP assessment has been conducted within the stratum in accordance with subsection (1) must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 6a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 6b.
(3) The closing carbon stocks for a stratum for a reporting period in which a PSP assessment has been conducted within the stratum in accordance with subsection (1) must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 6a |
Where:
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| lower confidence bound for closing carbon stocks for the |
| current reporting period during which a PSP assessment has been conducted in the |
| most recent reporting period to reference full inventory in the |
| lower confidence bound for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the |
| closing carbon stocks for the |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the |
(4) When calculating the closing carbon stocks for a stratum for a reporting period in which a PSP assessment has been conducted in accordance with subsection (1), the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 6b |
Where:
| standard error for closing carbon stocks for the | |
| standard error for closing carbon stocks for the | |
| current reporting period during which PSP assessment has been conducted in the | |
| most recent reporting period to reference full inventory in the | |
| standard error for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the | |
| lower confidence bound for closing carbon stocks for the | |
| lower confidence bound for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the | |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the | |
| land area in hectares (ha) occupied by the | |
Subdivision 6.2.5 Calculating lower confidence bound
6.15 Calculating the lower confidence bound for closing carbon stocks for a stratum
The lower confidence bound for the closing carbon stocks for a stratum must be calculated for a reporting period using the following formula:
| Equation 7 |
Where:
| lower confidence bound for closing carbon stocks for the | |
| most recent reporting period to reference full inventory in the | |
| closing carbon stocks for the | |
| two-sided students t-value for the 90% confidence level at the appropriate degrees of freedom ( | |
| standard error for closing carbon stocks for the | |
6.16 Calculating the lower confidence bound for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks
The lower confidence bound for the mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks must be calculated for a reporting period using the following formula:
| Equation 8 |
Where:
| lower confidence bound for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the | ||
| current reporting period during which PSP assessment has been conducted in the | ||
| mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots occurring in the | ||
| two-sided students t-value for the 90% confidence level at the appropriate degrees of freedom ( | ||
| standard error for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the | ||
Subdivision 6.2.6 Calculating mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks
6.17 Calculating the mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks
(1) The calculation of the weighted average for the values of PSP carbon stock change ratios must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 9a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 9b.
(2) The weighted average for the values of PSP carbon stock change ratios must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 9a |
Where:
| mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots occurring in the | |
| current reporting period during which a PSP assessment has been conducted in the | |
| most recent reporting period to reference a full inventory in the | |
| ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks, within the | |
| carbon stocks in carbon pools assessed within permanent sample plot p in the | |
| number of permanent sample plots assessed in the | |
(3) When calculating the mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 9b |
Where:
| standard error for mean ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks for permanent sample plots in the | |
| current reporting period during which a PSP assessment has been conducted in the | |
| standard deviation of ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks calculated in accordance with Equation 10, for permanent sample plots in the | |
| number of permanent sample plots assessed in the | |
6.18 Calculating the ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks
The ratio between:
(a) the PSP carbon stocks for an individual PSP (
) for the current reporting period during which a PSP assessment has been conducted (); and
(b) the carbon stocks reported for the same PSP () in the most recent offsets report to reference a full inventory ();
must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 10 |
Where:
| ratio of change in PSP carbon stocks within the | ||
| current reporting period during which PSP assessment has been conducted in the stratum during which permanent sample plot | ||
| most recent reporting period to reference a full inventory in a stratum, as a calendar date. | ||
| carbon stocks in carbon pools assessed within permanent sample plot | ||
| carbon stocks in carbon pools assessed within permanent sample plot | ||
Note In the case where 
is equal to zero for permanent sample plot 
, then permanent sample plot is ignored for the purposes of Equations 9a, 9b and 10.
Subdivision 6.2.7 Calculating mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum
6.19 Calculating mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum
(1) The calculation of the mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum must:
(a) be carried out in accordance with Equation 11a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 11b.
(2) The mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum (
) for reporting period must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 11a |
Where:
| mean plot carbon stocks for plots within the |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| carbon stocks in carbon pools assessed within plot |
| a plot, being either a TSP or PSP. |
| number of plots assessed within the |
(3) When calculating the mean plot carbon stocks for a stratum, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 11b |
Where:
| standard error for mean plot carbon stocks for plots within the |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard deviation of plot carbon stocks, calculated in accordance with Equation 12a or 12b as appropriate, for plots assessed in the |
| number of plots assessed within the |
Subdivision 6.2.8 Calculating carbon stocks in a plot
6.20 Calculating carbon stocks within a plot assessed as part of full inventory
The carbon stocks in a TSP or PSP assessed as part of a full inventory must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 12a |
Where:
| carbon stocks in carbon pools sampled assessed within plot |
| a plot, being either a TSP or PSP. |
| reporting period during which full inventory has taken place, as a calendar date. |
| carbon stocks in live trees within plot |
| carbon stocks in live fire affected trees within plot |
| carbon stocks in dead standing trees within plot |
| carbon stocks in dead standing fire affected trees within plot |
| carbon stocks in litter within plot |
| carbon stocks in fallen dead wood in plot |
6.21 Calculating carbon stocks within a PSP assessed as part of PSP assessment
The carbon stocks in a PSP assessed as part of a PSP assessment must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 12b |
Where:
| carbon stocks in the carbon pools assessed within permanent sample plot |
| permanent sample plot. |
| reporting period during which PSP assessment has taken place, as a calendar date. |
| carbon stocks in live trees within PSP |
| carbon stocks in live fire affected trees within PSP |
| carbon stocks in dead standing trees within PSP |
| carbon stocks in dead standing fire affected trees within PSP |
| carbon stocks in litter within PSP |
| carbon stocks in fallen dead wood in PSP |
Subdivision 6.2.9 Calculating carbon stocks in trees, fallen dead wood, and litter
6.22 Calculating carbon stocks in live trees within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within the biomass of live trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 13 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in all live trees within plot |
| carbon fraction of biomass in live trees as a proportion and applying a value of 0.5. |
| area of plot |
| total biomass in live trees within plot |
| plot identification number. |
6.23 Calculating carbon stocks in live fire affected trees within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within the biomass of live fire affected trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 14 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in all live fire affected trees within plot |
| carbon fraction of biomass in live fire affected trees as a proportion and applying a value of 0.5. |
| area of plot |
| total biomass in live fire affected trees within plot |
| plot identification number. |
6.24 Calculating carbon stocks in dead standing trees within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within the biomass of dead standing trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 15 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in dead standing trees within plot | |
| carbon fraction of biomass in dead standing trees as a proportion and applying a value of 0.5. | |
| area of plot | |
| total biomass in dead standing trees within plot | |
| plot identification number. | |
6.25 Calculating carbon stocks in dead standing fire affected trees within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within the biomass of dead standing fire affected trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 16 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in dead standing fire affected trees within plot |
| carbon fraction of biomass in dead standing fire affected trees as a proportion and applying a value of 0.5. |
| area of plot |
| total biomass in dead standing fire affected trees within plot |
| plot identification number. |
6.26 Calculating carbon stocks in litter within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within litter in plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 17 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in litter within plot |
| 0.5, which is the fraction of carbon in the litter component of dry biomass. |
| total area of land sampled using litter sampling frame for plot |
| wet weight of the bulked sample for litter collected from plot |
| dry-wet weight ratio of litter calculated from sub-samples collected on the same day that plot |
| plot identification number. |
6.27 Calculating carbon stocks in fallen dead wood within a plot
The amount of carbon contained within fallen dead wood in plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 18 |
Where:
| carbon stocks in fallen dead wood within plot |
| 0.5, which is the fraction of carbon in the fallen dead wood component of dry biomass. |
| wet weight of fallen dead wood collected from plot |
| dry-wet weight ratio of fallen dead wood calculated from sub‑samples collected on the same day that plot |
| area of plot |
| plot identification number. |
Subdivision 6.2.10 Calculating biomass in trees
6.28 Calculating biomass in live trees within a plot
The total biomass contained in live trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 19 |
Where:
| total biomass in live trees within plot |
| biomass of |
| plot identification number. |
| number of live trees within plot |
6.29 Calculating biomass in live fire affected trees within a plot
The total biomass contained in live fire affected trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 20 |
Where:
| total biomass in live fire affected trees within plot |
| biomass of |
| plot identification number. |
| number of live fire affected trees within plot |
6.30 Calculating biomass in dead standing trees within a plot
The total biomass contained in dead standing trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 21 |
Where:
| total biomass in dead standing trees within plot |
| biomass of the |
| plot identification number. |
| number of dead standing trees in plot |
6.31 Calculating biomass in dead standing fire affected trees within a plot
The total biomass contained in dead standing fire affected trees within plot must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 22 |
Where:
| total biomass in dead standing fire affected trees within plot |
| biomass of the |
| plot identification number. |
| number of dead standing fire affected trees in plot |
Subdivision 6.2.11 Calculating project emissions
6.32 Calculating project emissions
(1) Project emissions for a reporting period () must:
(a) include emissions arising from:
(i) fuel use (fuel emissions); and
(ii) fire events that affect more than 10 hectares of a stratum (fire emissions); and
(b) be calculated in accordance with Equation 23a; and
(c) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 23b.
(2) The project emissions for a reporting period () must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 23a |
Where:
| project emissions for reporting period | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| fuel emissions for the | |
| fire emissions for the | |
| the number of strata in the project. | |
(3) When calculating the project emissions for a reporting period (), the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 23b |
Where:
| standard error for project emissions for reporting period |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard error for fire emissions for the |
| the number of strata in the project. |
6.33 Calculating fuel emissions for a stratum
Emissions from fuel use for a stratum () for a reporting period () must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 24 |
Where:
| fuel emissions for the |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| emissions for each fossil fuel type ( |
| greenhouse gas type, being carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide. |
| number of different types of fossil fuel ( |
| number of different gas types ( |
Note When calculating the emissions from fuel use within a stratum for a reporting period, the standard error is assumed to be zero.
6.34 Calculating emissions for fossil fuel types
(1) Subject to subsection (2), emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, or nitrous oxide from combustion of fossil fuels for a reporting period () must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 25 |
Where:
| emissions for each fossil fuel type ( | ||
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | ||
| the quantity of fossil fuel type ( | ||
| energy content factor of fossil fuel type ( | ||
| emission factor for each gas type ( | ||
(2) Emissions from fossil fuel use must be estimated using the energy content and emission factors outlined in Schedule 1, Part 3 of the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (Measurement) Determination 2008, as amended from time to time.
Subdivision 6.2.12 Calculating emissions for fire affected strata
6.35 Calculating emissions for a fire affected stratum
(1) This section applies if:
(a) a stratum (
) experiences a fire event during a reporting period ();
(b) the fire event affects more than 10 hectares of the stratum;
(c) the part of stratum affected by the fire is separated as fire affected stratum , in accordance with section 3.6; and
(d) a full inventory is conducted in both the fire affected and non‑fire affected strata within 12 months of the date of the fire event in accordance with section 3.8.
(2) The weight (t) of elemental carbon (C) released as a result of a fire event must:
(a) be calculated in accordance with Equation 26a; and
(b) incorporate a standard error calculation in accordance with Equation 27a.
(3) The weight of elemental carbon released as a result of a fire event in a stratum for a reporting period must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 26a |
Where:
| weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| mean plot carbon stocks for plots within non-fire affected stratum |
| mean plot carbon stocks for plots within fire affected stratum |
| land area occupied by fire affected stratum |
Note Where 
is less than 
, emissions of methane and nitrous oxide are assumed to be zero.
(4) The amount of methane emitted from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period must be calculated as follows:
| Equation 26b |
Where:
| amount of CH4 emitted from fire affected stratum |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum |
(5) The amount of nitrous oxide emitted from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period must be calculated as follows:
| Equation 26c |
Where:
| amount of N2O emitted from fire affected stratum | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum | |
(6) The total emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period must be calculated as follows:
| Equation 26d |
Where:
| fire emissions for the | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| amount of CH4 emitted from fire affected stratum | |
| amount of N2O emitted from fire affected stratum | |
6.36 Calculating the standard error for fire emissions
(1) When calculating the emissions for a fire affected stratum, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 27a |
Where:
| standard error for weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| standard error for mean plot carbon stocks for plots within non-fire affected stratum | |
| standard error for mean plot carbon stocks for plots within fire affected stratum | |
| land area occupied by fire affected stratum | |
Note Where 
is less than , the standard errors for mean emissions of methane and nitrous oxide are assumed to be zero.
(2) When calculating the amount of methane emitted from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 27b |
Where:
| standard error for the amount of methane (CH4) emitted from fire affected stratum | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| standard error for weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum | |
(3) When calculating the amount of nitrous oxide emitted from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 27c |
Where:
| standard error for the amount of nitrous oxide (N2O) emitted from fire affected stratum | |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. | |
| standard error for weight of elemental carbon emitted from fire affected stratum | |
(4) When calculating the total emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from a fire affected stratum for a reporting period, the standard error must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 27d |
Where:
| standard error for fire emissions for the |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard error for the amount of methane (CH4) emitted from fire affected stratum |
| standard error for the amount of nitrous oxide (N2O) emitted from fire affected stratum |
Subdivision 6.2.13 Calculating probable limit of error
6.37 Calculating probable limit of error for carbon stock estimates
The probable limit of error for mean carbon stock values for a set of plots within a stratum is to be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 28 |
Where:
| probable limit of error for the jth stratum for reporting period Ri, as a percentage. |
| reporting period, as a calendar date. |
| standard error for mean plot carbon stocks for plots within the |
| two-sided students t-value for the 90% confidence level at the appropriate degrees of freedom ( |
| mean plot carbon stocks for plots within the |
6.38 Calculating number of plots required for probable limit of error
(1) The number of plots likely to be required to achieve a target probable limit of error must be calculated in accordance with Equations 29a and 29b.
(2) The coefficient of variation for the sample population of plots must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 29a |
Where:
| coefficient of variation, as a percentage. |
| standard deviation for the sample population, in tonnes per hectare of CO2-e (t.ha-1 CO2-e). |
| mean value calculated for the sample population, in tonnes per hectare of CO2-e (t.ha-1 CO2-e). |
(3) The minimum number of plots likely to be required to achieve a target probable limit of error is to be calculated as follows:
| Equation 29b |
Where:
| minimum number of plots required, rounded up to nearest whole number. |
| coefficient of variation as a percentage, calculated in accordance with Equation 29a. |
| two-sided students t-value for the 90% confidence level at the appropriate degrees of freedom ( |
| target probable limit of error, as a percentage. |
Subdivision 6.2.14 Calculating biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees
6.39 Calculating total biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees
The total biomass for a biomass sample tree or a test tree must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 30 |
Where:
| total biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree, in kilograms of dry matter. |
| the number of biomass components within the biomass sample tree or test tree. |
| biomass for biomass component |
6.40 Calculating below-ground biomass
(1) Below-ground biomass may be estimated using either of the following:
(a) allometric functions based on destructive sampling of below-ground biomass in accordance with Equation 30; or
(b) a default value for the root:shoot ratio in accordance with subsection (2).
(2) If a project proponent elects to use a default value to estimate below-ground biomass in accordance with paragraph (1)(b), the project proponent must:
(a) add the dry weight of each above-ground biomass component (including stem, crown, dead attached material) in order to estimate total above‑ground biomass for a biomass sample tree or a test tree (
) using Equation 30a;
(b) calculate the total below-ground biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree (
) using Equation 30b; and
(c) calculate total biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree (
) using Equation 30 with the values from Equations 30a and 30b by treating the values as 2 separate biomass components (
).
6.41 Calculating above-ground biomass for biomass sample trees and test trees
Total above-ground biomass for a biomass sample tree or test tree must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 30a |
Where:
| total above-ground biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree, in kilograms of dry matter. |
| the number of above-ground biomass components within the biomass sample tree or test tree. |
| biomass for above-ground biomass component |
The total dry weight of all below-ground biomass components (including lateral roots, and tap root or lignotuber) must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 30b |
Where:
| total below-ground biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree, in kilograms of dry matter. |
| above-ground biomass for the biomass sample tree or test tree, in kilograms of dry matter, calculated in accordance with Equation 30a. |
0.2 = | default root:shoot ratio as specified in subsection 5.36(3). |
6.43 Calculating the dry weight of biomass components for biomass sample trees and test trees
The dry weight of biomass components for a biomass sample tree or a test tree is to be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 31 |
Where:
| biomass for biomass component |
| fresh weight of biomass component |
| dry-wet weight ratio of biomass component |
| biomass component being, for example, stem, branch, crown, tap root or lignotuber, and lateral roots. |
6.44 Calculating the variance of weighted residuals for biomass sample trees and test trees
(1) The variance of weighted residuals for a set of biomass sample trees or test trees must be calculated in accordance with Equations 32a to 32c.
(2) The variance of weighted residuals for:
(a) a set of biomass sample trees that have been assessed as part of the process for developing an allometric function; or
(b) a set of test trees that have been assessed as part of the process for validating an allometric function;
must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 32a |
Where:
| variance of weighted residuals in kilograms (kg). |
| weighted residual in kilograms (kg) for tree |
| a biomass sample tree or a test tree. |
| the number of biomass sample trees or test trees, as a whole number. |
| the number of parameters in the allometric function, as a whole number. |
(3) The weighted residual for a biomass sample tree or a test tree must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 32b |
Where:
| weighted residual in kilograms (kg) for tree | |
| a biomass sample tree or test tree. | |
| biomass in kilograms (kg) for tree | |
| biomass in kilograms (kg) for tree | |
| weighting factor applied to tree | |
(4) The weighting factor applied to a biomass sample tree or test tree must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 32c |
Where:
| weighting factor applied to tree |
| basal area of tree |
| a biomass sample tree or a test tree. |
6.45 Calculating the F-test statistic
(1) The F-test statistic must be calculated in accordance with this section.
(2) The F-test statistic calculated in accordance with this section must be compared against a critical F‑value (
) to determine if there is a statistically significant difference (
<0.05) between the variance of weighted residuals for:
(a) test trees; and
(b) the biomass sample trees from which the allometric function subject to the validation test was developed.
(3) The degrees of freedom for the comparison specified in subsection (2) must be calculated in accordance with Equation 33b.
(4) The F-test statistic must be calculated using the following formula:
| Equation 33a |
Where:
| F-test statistic. |
| variance of weighted residuals calculated for test trees. |
| variance of weighted residuals calculated for biomass sample trees. |
(5) The degrees of freedom for the comparison between the value for F derived using Equation 33a and the critical value for the F-test statistic (
), must be calculated using the following formula:
Numerator: Denominator: | Equation 33b |
Where:
| number of test trees, as a whole number. |
| number of biomass sample trees used to develop the allometric function, as a whole number. |
| number of parameters in the allometric function, as a whole number. |
Fuel emissions
(1) A project proponent must retain records that can be used to estimate the quantity of fuel, recorded in kilolitres (kL), for each fuel type combusted when undertaking project activities within a reporting period.
Fire emissions
(2) A project proponent must collect data relating to the occurrence of fire events in accordance with Part 3.
A project proponent must measure the following items, in the manner specified, for the purposes of calculating project removals:
(a) predictor measures for allometric functions;
(b) stratum area, expressed in hectares (ha);
(c) TSP and PSP area, expressed in hectares (ha), and measured each time a plot is established;
(d) predictor measures, collected for each project tree located within each plot assessed;
(e) the number, expressed as a whole number, of project trees located within each plot assessed; and
(f) tree species, recorded alphabetically and collected for each project tree located within each plot assessed.
Part 7 Monitoring, record-keeping and reporting requirements
For the purposes of subsection 106(3) of the Act, a proponent of an offsets project to which this Determination applies must comply with the monitoring, record‑keeping and reporting requirements of this Part.
Division 7.2 Monitoring requirements
(1) For reporting periods occurring between commencement and the start of the maintenance phase for a stratum:
(a) the measurement processes specified in subsections 6.4(3) to 6.4(7) must be applied; and
(b) the following may be used to monitor the project:
(i) on-ground inspections and surveys; and
(ii) remote monitoring such as interpretation of aerial or satellite imagery.
(2) For a stratum in the maintenance phase, the monitoring processes specified in paragraph (1)(b) may be used without performing the measurement processes specified in paragraph (1)(a).
(3) Contemporary ortho-rectified aerial imagery of each stratum must be sourced no less frequently than at 5 years after the date of the end of the reporting period referenced in the first offsets report for each stratum and again at the end of the crediting period.
(4) Subject to Part 3, if the project monitoring specified in subsections (1) to (3) indicates that the project requirements specified in subsection 2.3(2) are not met across part or all of a stratum:
(a) the non‑compliant area must not be included in the calculations for the stratum area;
(b) for the purposes of the processes specified in Division 5.1:
(i) the stratum area must be taken to be zero; and
(ii) any carbon stocks for the stratum must be taken to be zero; and
(c) a project proponent may redefine stratum boundaries in accordance with subsections 3.3 and 3.9 so that any land that does not meet the project requirements specified in subsection 2.3(2) is no longer defined as part of the stratum area.
Note Subsection 2.3(2) sets out height and crown cover requirements for project trees established within strata and Part 3 sets out the requirements for delineating boundaries.
(5) A project proponent must monitor growth disturbance events within the project area and record the features of these events in accordance with the requirements specified in Part 3 and section 7.25.
Division 7.3 Record-keeping requirements
Note See paragraph 106(3)(c) of the Act and regulation 17.1 of the Regulations.
For paragraph 17.1(2)(b) of the Regulations, a project proponent must make a record of the information specified in this Division and in Division 7.4.
The following records about stratum descriptions, location, and area must be created and maintained:
(a) spatial data and mapping files stored in a geographical information system; and
(b) original ortho-rectified aerial images.
The following records about each individual project tree assessed from within plots during full inventory or PSP assessment must be created and maintained:
(a) tree type;
(b) estimated biomass;
(c) the allometric function applied to generate the estimate specified in paragraph (b); and
(d) predictor measure values.
All input data for, and the result of, each equation set out in Division 6.2 must be maintained.
The following records about allometric functions must be created and maintained:
(a) allometric reports; and
(b) equipment checks.
Sampling plans must be retained as records.
7.9 Quality assurance and control
Records relating to the following quality assurance and control measures must be created and maintained:
(a) document archiving and versioning;
(b) type of measurement equipment used to collect measures during any of the activities specified in Division 5.1;
(c) measurement equipment calibration undertaken and equipment checks applied when collecting measures during any of the activities specified in Division 5.1; and
(d) corrective action taken where the equipment checks specified in paragraph (c) indicate equipment is returning inaccurate measures.
Records relating to fuel use, for example invoices, vehicle logbooks, records of project activity, or reports of calculated consumption based on hourly or per hectare consumption rates, must be created and maintained.
Note If fuel use records for project activities cannot be disaggregated from other non‑project activities, estimates of project fuel use may be based on the time spent undertaking project activities and the known average fuel consumption of vehicles or machinery.
Division 7.4 Offsets report requirements
Subdivision 7.4.1 Information that must be included in the first offsets report
(1) For paragraph 6.2(j) of the Regulations, this Subdivision sets out the information that is required to be submitted in the first offsets report for a project to which this Determination applies.
(2) The first offsets report for a project must also include the information set out in Subdivision 7.4.2.
The first offsets report for a project must contain:
(a) land title references for land over which the project is located;
(b) geospatial data files detailing the boundary of the project area; and
(c) maps showing the boundary of the project area.
7.13 Stratum description and status
The first offsets report must contain the following information in relation to each stratum that it references:
(a) geospatial data files detailing the boundary of the stratum;
(b) maps showing the boundary of the stratum;
(c) a description of the planting method applied within the stratum and records demonstrating that the establishment of project trees has been through planting;
(d) planting start date and planting finish date;
(e) if the planting finish date for a stratum occurred before the declaration date, the number of years between the planting finish date and the declaration date for the stratum; and
(f) a description of the rationale for stratification.
7.14 Baseline land use history and forest cover history for strata
(1) The first offsets report must contain the following information in relation to each stratum that it references:
(a) a written statement confirming the stratum area was clear of non-project forest for at least 5 years before commencement;
(b) if the stratum area was clear of forest at 31 December 1989, a written statement confirming the stratum area was clear of forest at that time;
(c) a description of the land use occurring within the stratum area for at least 5 years before commencement; and
(d) ortho-rectified aerial imagery demonstrating:
(i) ongoing management of land under a cleared regime for at least 5 years before commencement; and
(ii) historic non-project forest cover in relation to the stratum area, including at the times specified in paragraphs (a) and (b).
(2) If the imagery specified in paragraph (1)(d) is indistinct, one or more of the following may also be provided to demonstrate the information specified in subparagraphs (1)(d)(i) and (1)(d)(ii):
(a) farm management plans;
(b) land-use records.
7.15 Quality assurance and control
The first offsets report for a project must include documented procedures for the following quality assurance and control measures:
(a) identifying and correcting data transcription errors; and
(b) conducting equipment checks and equipment calibration.
Subdivision 7.4.2 Information that must be included in all offsets reports
For paragraph 6.2(j) of the Regulations, this section sets out the information that is required to be submitted in an offsets report for a project to which this Determination applies.
Note The first offsets report for a project must also contain the information specified in Subdivision 7.4.1.
An offsets report must include the following information about the project:
(a) list of strata identifiers for strata occurring within the project area at the end of the reporting period;
(b) net greenhouse gas abatement for the project for the reporting period and associated standard error;
(c) change in carbon stocks for the project for the reporting period and associated standard error; and
(d) estimated project emissions for the reporting period and associated standard error.
An offsets report must include the following information about the location and area of strata occurring within the project area at the end of the reporting period:
(a) land area associated with each stratum, in hectares;
(b) written description of the location of each stratum;
(c) maps showing the location and boundary of each stratum; and
(d) if ortho-rectified aerial imagery has been obtained by the project proponent in relation to the stratum area during the reporting period—the imagery or, if not yet collected, the date the imagery is next intended to be collected.
7.19 Stratum description and status
(1) The first time a stratum is referenced in an offsets report, or if a stratum has been redefined in accordance with Part 3 since the last offsets report submitted for the project, the information specified in sections 7.13 and 7.14 must be included in the offsets report.
(2) An offsets report must include the following information about the status of each stratum occurring within the project area at the end of the reporting period:
(a) the amount of time since the last offsets report to reference the stratum was submitted to the Regulator;
(b) for project trees, the tree types noted as occurring within the stratum during the reporting period;
(c) anticipated crown cover across the stratum area when project trees are at maturity;
(d) anticipated height at maturity for project trees occurring within the stratum;
(e) the occurrence of any natural disturbance events within the stratum during the reporting period; and
(f) whether the stratum is in the establishment phase, management phase, or maintenance phase during the reporting period.
7.20 Carbon stocks for stratum
An offsets report must include the following information about carbon stocks for each stratum occurring within the project area at the end of the reporting period:
(a) number of years since the last full inventory to be referenced in an offsets report took place within the stratum;
(b) a written statement confirming a full inventory or PSP assessment has taken place within the stratum, whichever has occurred most recently;
(c) dates that the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b) was conducted;
(d) the number of plots assessed within the stratum during the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b), expressed as the total number of plots assessed and the number of plots assessed per hectare;
(e) maps showing actual location for plots assessed within the stratum during the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(f) estimate of mean project tree height for the stratum at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(g) for project trees, the mean number of live trees calculated across all plots at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(h) estimate of average crown cover, expressed as a percentage, across all plots at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(i) mean, maximum, and minimum values for predictor measures calculated across all plots at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(j) mean carbon stocks and associated standard error and probable limit of error calculated across all plots at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(k) estimate of stratum carbon stocks, associated standard error and, where calculated, outcomes of Equations 4a to 6b at the date of the most recent measurement process reported in accordance with paragraph (b);
(l) estimate of carbon stocks at the declaration date, or at the time the project’s previous offsets report was submitted, whichever is the more recent date;
(m) carbon stock change since the declaration date, or the time the project’s previous offsets report was submitted, whichever is the more recent date; and
(n) a list of allometric functions applied during the current reporting period within the stratum.
An offsets report for a project must include the following information about plots assessed as part of full inventory or PSP assessment occurring during the reporting period:
(a) type of plot (TSP or PSP) and plot identifier;
(b) actual location coordinates of plot;
(c) type of most recent assessment performed (full inventory or PSP assessment) on the plot and the date of assessment;
(d) dimensions, shape (circle or rectangle) and plot layout option (circular plot or belt plot), including an estimate of the land area occupied by the plot;
(e) mean project tree height for the plot at the date of the most recent assessment performed;
(f) number of live trees, expressed as trees per hectare, calculated for the plot at the date of the most recent assessment performed;
(g) estimated crown cover as a percentage across the plot at the date of the most recent assessment performed;
(h) mean value for predictor measure calculated across the plot at the date of the most recent assessment performed;
(i) plot carbon stocks calculated at the date of the most recent assessment performed;
(j) number of project trees associated with each tree type represented in the plot; and
(k) allometric functions applied to estimate biomass within the plot.
7.22 Basis of allometric function applied to a stratum
At the first application of an allometric function to a stratum for the purposes of calculating carbon stocks in accordance with Subdivision 6.2.10, an offsets report must include the following:
(a) a sampling plan detailing the approach to the selection of biomass sample trees used to develop the allometric function, documented in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3; and
(b) an allometric report documented in accordance with section 5.29.
7.23 Application of allometric functions
An offsets report must include the following information about the application of allometric functions:
(a) list of allometric functions applied within strata during the reporting period;
(b) description of allometric domain for all allometric functions applied within strata during the reporting period;
(c) outcomes of the compatibility checks specified in section 5.41, confirming that any allometric function applied during the reporting period is applicable to project trees within strata; and
(d) outcomes of the validation test for allometric functions specified in subsections 5.42(1) to 5.42(19), where the allometric functions have been applied during the reporting period.
An offsets report for a project must include sampling plans developed in accordance with Subdivision 5.1.3 for any full inventory, PSP assessment, biomass sample tree, or test tree assessment undertaken during the reporting period.
7.25 Growth disturbance events
An offsets report for a project must include the following information about any growth disturbance events that occur during the reporting period:
(a) date of, and the time elapsed since, the disturbance event;
(b) stratum area affected by the disturbance event, including maps of affected areas and supporting geospatial data;
(c) nature and severity of the disturbance event, including a statement detailing the project proponent’s opinion on the likely long-term impact on carbon stocks, and the anticipated time until the affected area has recovered;
(d) any action taken to separate the affected land area as a disturbance affected stratum or a fire affected stratum;
(e) actions taken to restore carbon stocks;
(f) details of any monitoring activities undertaken, or intended to be undertaken, and the outcomes of those activities; and
(g) calculations for methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions associated with any fire affected stratum.
7.26 Quality assurance and control
An offsets report for a project must include the following information about quality assurance and control measures:
(a) any documented procedures for identifying and correcting data transcription errors that have been updated since the first offsets report for the project;
(b) outcomes of data transcription error checks and a description of corrective actions taken; and
(c) any documented procedures for conducting equipment checks and equipment calibration that have been updated since the first offsets report for the project.
An offsets report for a project must include the following information:
(a) an estimate of fossil fuel use in relation to delivering project activities for a stratum; and
(b) calculated emissions arising from the fossil fuel use.
Note
1. All legislative instruments and compilations are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments kept under the Legislative Instruments Act 2003. See http://www.frli.gov.au.