Hogans Pocket LFG Upgrade Project

Hogans Pocket LFG Upgrade Project is a landfill gas project located at the Hogans Pocket Landfill in Eton, approximately 50km southwest of Mackay, Queensland. Registered in December 2022, the project operates within the Council-owned waste facility which spans a total site area of approximately 275 hectares.

The project involves upgrading the existing landfill gas collection system to capture and combust methane generated from decomposing waste. Under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Landfill Gas) Methodology Determination 2015, the proponent earns credits by destroying methane, a potent greenhouse gas, via flaring, converting it into less harmful carbon dioxide. As an "upgrade" project, this activity focuses on improving the capture efficiency of the site beyond its historical baseline, typically through the installation of new gas wells or improved piping infrastructure.

The surrounding Eton region is a hub for agriculture, characterized by extensive sugar cane fields and cattle grazing operations. The landfill itself is situated on the Connors Range, an area of higher elevation surrounded by native bushland and forestry. The environment is tropical with high rainfall, averaging over 1,400mm annually, which necessitates strict leachate management at the site. Regional soils are generally clay-based or alluvial, supporting the dense local vegetation and agricultural output.

Mackay Regional Council originally commenced gas flaring at the site around 2013 to manage its carbon footprint. While electricity generation from the gas was investigated, it was historically deemed financially unviable due to the high cost of grid connection. The site accepts approximately 93,000 tonnes of waste annually, and this project ensures that gas generated from both legacy (pre-2012) and non-legacy waste is effectively managed.