What is the Inpex Bladin Point gas plant accused of?

The Inpex Bladin Point gas plant is accused of miscalculating and drastically underreporting its toxic benzene releases by over 13,000% for the 2023-24 period.

How much benzene did the Inpex plant in Darwin actually release?

The Inpex plant in Darwin actually released 556.9 tonnes of benzene in 2023-24, significantly more than the 4.12 tonnes initially reported.

What are the environmental concerns around the Inpex gas plant in Darwin?

Environmental concerns include massive underreporting of toxic benzene releases and a recent oil spill that impacted Darwin's harbor and mangrove forests.

Home / Environment / Darwin Gas Plant: Toxic Releases Underestimated 13,000%

Darwin Gas Plant: Toxic Releases Underestimated 13,000%

29 Nov

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Summary

Gas plant miscalculated benzene release by over 13,000% in one year.
An oil spill from the same plant impacted Darwin harbor and forests.
Regulators are investigating the company's reporting and monitoring systems.

Darwin Gas Plant: Toxic Releases Underestimated 13,000%

Inpex, a Japanese energy firm, has acknowledged a significant miscalculation in its toxic chemical releases from its Bladin Point gas plant near Darwin, Australia. The company reported a staggering 13,000% underestimation of benzene emissions for the 2023-24 period, with actual releases reaching 556.9 tonnes instead of the previously stated 4.12 tonnes. This admission has raised serious concerns about industrial oversight.

The company's disclosure came after Northern Territory regulators launched an investigation into its reporting practices. Adding to environmental worries, a separate incident on October 13 saw 36,000 liters of oil spill into Darwin's harbor and mangrove forests due to storms. Environmental advocates express dismay, suggesting the gas industry holds undue influence over regulators and politicians.