A Japanese energy company that operates a gas plant near Darwin, Australia, has admitted to miscalculating its toxic chemical releases by more than 13,000%, Capital Brief reported.
what happened
Inpex revealed that its Bladin Point gas plant, just a few kilometers from Darwin’s downtown area in Australia’s Northern Territory, released 556.9 tonnes (614 tons) of benzene (a toxic chemical) in 2023-24. The company had previously reported only 4.12 tons (4.5 tons) during that time period.
The revelation followed government regulators in the Northern Territory opening an investigation into the company. Inpex also disclosed a separate incident on 13 October in which storms caused 36,000 liters of oil to flow into the harbor and into mangrove forests around Darwin.
“This diabolical failure is another sign that the gas industry has got our regulators and politicians in a chokehold. We have been hearing about air quality sensors going into the Inpex plant for years, and this has confirmed our worst fears,” said Kirsty Howey, executive director of Environment Center NT.
Why is inaccurate reporting of pollution important?
The huge difference between reported and actual chemical releases indicates problems with monitoring industrial sites located close to where people live. Benzene can cause serious health problems with long-term exposure.
The company stated that air quality measurements in Darwin remain well below thresholds that would prompt a further review. But the miscalculation that has not been detected until now exposes the flaws in the monitoring systems designed to protect people who live near industrial operations.
When companies report inaccurate pollution data, communities cannot make informed decisions about their health and safety. Oil spills harm marine life in the harbor and damage coastal forests.
What is being done about industrial pollution liability?
Government regulators in the Northern Territory have begun investigating Inpex’s reporting practices. The company said it is reviewing the pollution calculations from past years and is working with the environmental authorities.
If you live near industrial sites, you can request information about air quality from your local environmental agency. Contact your representatives and ask them to support stronger monitoring requirements for industrial pollution.
Community groups often monitor what industrial facilities release and push for better protections. Joining or supporting these organizations helps hold companies accountable when they harm local environments.
��
Get TCD’s free newsletters for easy tips to save more, waste less, and make smarter choices — and earn up to $5,000 toward clean upgrades in TCD’s exclusive Rewards Club.