In October 2025, INPEX advised the NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) and NT Health’s Chief Health Officer that it had underreported pollutant emissions from its operations.
The NT EPA immediately requested further modelling and data, which INPEX provided in late November and early December. This included modelling for benzene and toluene for the period FY21–FY25, focusing on operational scenarios and periods when emissions were likely to be at their highest. The modelling indicates that revised emission levels remained below relevant Australian and international guideline thresholds that would normally trigger a further investigation.
The department engaged air quality expert consultants to review INPEX’s data and modelling to ensure accuracy and completeness. The draft review was provided to the department on 17 December and is now nearing completion. It will inform further requirements for INPEX to address.
To safeguard community health outcomes and provide evidence-based assurance, the Chief Health Officer commissioned an independent human health risk assessment. The independent assessment will be completed in the New Year.
The NT EPA’s investigation into potential breaches of environmental laws remains ongoing.
The NT EPA and Chief Health Officer also acknowledge and support work being led by the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment to strengthen air quality monitoring in the Darwin region, including Palmerston and rural areas. This includes a review of the existing ambient air quality monitoring network, as provided in the recently released Northern Territory environmental regulators compliance priorities 2025 to 2026.
As part of these priorities, the NT EPA has instructed the department to review licence conditions for hydrocarbon facilities in the Darwin airshed to ensure they adequately address human health risks from air emissions. These reviews will focus on strengthening regulatory controls and enhancing community confidence in air quality management.
The NT EPA and Chief Health Officer remain committed to transparency, scientific integrity, and the health and wellbeing of Territorians. Further updates will be provided in the New Year.
For more information on the previous NT EPA statements on INPEX emissions:
- Media release: emissions reporting from Ichthys LNG facility
- Emissions reporting from Ichthys LNG facility