The NT Government is not adequately monitoring the health impacts of toxic chemicals released by Inpex's Ichthys LNG facility, reports allege. 

Experts say that in 2022, the Ichthys facility emitted more toxic chemicals than the Gorgon project off the coast of Western Australia, one of the world’s largest gas fields. 

Inpex's facility emitted 11,000 tonnes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), compared to Gorgon's 9,200 tonnes.

In 2008, Inpex submitted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to the NT government that estimated an annual emission of 500 tonnes of VOCs. However, in 2023, the facility emitted 3,900 tonnes, vastly exceeding initial estimates.

Kirsty Howey from the Environment Centre NT has told the ABC; “You have to ask whether Inpex has misled the public and the regulator about the true extent of pollution that would be generated by their facility”. 

VOCs are colourless chemicals released during gas extraction, including benzene, a known carcinogen, sulphur dioxide, which harms the respiratory system, and hydrogen sulphide. Studies show they can be carcinogenic, indicating a significant health risk to nearby residents.

High levels of VOCs can lead to headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, asthma attacks, and coughing. People with pre-existing health conditions can experience worsened symptoms due to air pollution.

Despite these concerns, current air quality monitoring in Darwin and Palmerston does not detect VOCs, and Inpex's licence does not mandate ambient air quality monitoring for air toxins. 

Reports say that the NT Government and NT Worksafe both say they are not investigating Inpex's rise in VOC emissions.