An independent human health risk assessment commissioned by the NT Chief Health Officer (CHO) about INPEX's underreporting of pollutant emissions from its operations, has been finalised.
Following the underreporting, the NT Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) requested further modelling and data to update emissions estimates from INPEX, which was provided in late November and early December 2025.
The CHO and the NT EPA have considered the independent expert reviews, air quality monitoring data and a comprehensive human health risk assessment relating to emissions from the Ichthys LNG facility.
These assessments confirm that current levels of benzene and toluene compounds from the emission sources are below health‑based guideline values and are considered acceptable under Australian health policy. This means the risk to human health is very low.
Further work is required across the Darwin region to assess the cumulative impact of all emission sources, review relevant licence conditions for LNG facilities, and strengthen the ambient air quality monitoring network.
In addition to the human health risk assessment, the NT EPA engaged air quality expert consultants to review INPEX's data and modelling to confirm its accuracy and completeness.
The NT EPA received the final Air Quality Review in February 2026, which found:
· INPEX's revised modelling of acid gas removal unit (AGRU) emissions (the main source of emissions) was technically sound. The modelling did not include cumulative emissions from other facilities.
· Predicted concentrations of benzene from the AGRU were well below health-based guideline levels, even under 'worst case' scenarios.
· Documentation and quality checks used for emissions reporting were not adequate and need to be reviewed and strengthened.
· Monitoring data indicated that benzene and toluene levels in the Darwin region are below human health guideline levels.
The NT EPA has endorsed the recommendations of the Air Quality Review in full and is undertaking the following:
· An independent audit of the revised emissions estimation methodology from INPEX to ensure future estimates are accurate.
· Further modelling from INPEX to include all facility emission sources, as well as cumulative airshed emissions for the entire period of operation of the facility.
· Assess the need for a second human health risk assessment, depending on modelling outcomes.
· The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment to strengthen air quality monitoring in the Darwin area.
Licence review
The Department of Lands, Planning and Environment is reviewing licence conditions for hydrocarbon facilities in the Darwin area to ensure human health risks from air emissions are adequately addressed. The final report is expected to be completed by June 2026.
The NT EPA's investigation into potential breaches of environmental laws remains ongoing.
Air quality monitoring network review
The NT EPA and CHO also acknowledge and support a review of the existing ambient air quality monitoring network being undertaken by the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
This review will inform work to strengthen air quality monitoring in the Greater Darwin region, including Palmerston and surrounding rural areas.
The NT EPA and CHO remain committed to transparency, scientific integrity, and the health and wellbeing of Territorians. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
A summary factsheet, Human Health Risk Assessment, Air Quality Review, and licence review Terms of Reference are available at Darwin airshed emissions management | NTEPA here.
Previous media releases on INPEX emissions are listed below:
Media release: emissions reporting from Ichthys LNG facility here (17 October 2025) Emissions reporting from Ichthys LNG facility here (23 October 2025) INPEX pollutant emissions underreporting: joint statement from NT EPA and Chief Health Officer here (23 December 2025)
