About the NPI
The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) gives information on the types and amounts of 93 substances being emitted to the Australian environment.
The NPI program is run cooperatively by the Australian, state and territory governments to help create a cleaner and healthier environment.
Knowing where the sources of emissions are and whether they are emitted to air, water or land is the first step in assessing the nature of pollution in Australia.
The 2006-07 NPI facility data was published on the NPI web site on 31 March 2008. This was the ninth NPI reporting year. Find more on the latest emission data, with a focus on several substances and industry sectors based on the 2006-07 facility data. Get easy access to reports and maps for the whole country. Latest NPI data
Industry, governments and the community have comprehensive, free and easy access to information about reported substance emissions in Australia through the NPI.
You can find out about emissions in your local area and learn more about the environmental impact of local industry and everyday activities.
Governments can use NPI data to assist with environmental planning and management.
Industry can use NPI data to learn more about their processes and introduce new cleaner production techniques. More about how to reduce pollution
NPI data is from industrial and non-industrial sources.
Industrial facilities estimate their emissions annually and report to states and territory environment agencies.
Non-industrial (or diffuse) sources come from non-reporting facilities and everyday household activities, such as driving to work and mowing the lawn. Diffuse sources are estimated less frequently by state and territory governments. Diffuse emissions are important as they provide a more comprehensive picture of emissions across Australia. More about how NPI data is collected
The substances included in the NPI have been identified as important because of their possible health and environmental effects. More about NPI substances
The National Pollutant Inventory was the first National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) and was agreed to by the Australian, state and territory governments in 1998.
A variation of the NPI NEPM was implemented in June 2007. The variation to the NPI NEPM will expand the program to fulfill its potential as a major environmental management and cleaner production tool, whilst also fulfilling its role as an accessible information source for the community and other stakeholders.
In 2008, the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts is working in partnership with state and territory governments to improve the NPI. Changes will be implemented over the next 1-2 years.
The NPI comprises estimated emissions. The techniques used to estimate emissions have been variously approved by Australian, state and territory environment agencies but it should be noted that the accuracy of these estimates is likely to vary according to the technique used.
The NPI officer in each state and territory can give you more information about the NPI.
