About the NPI
Most publications are available as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window
Following a review of the NPI in 2005, Australian, State and Territory Environment Ministers agreed to prepare a variation to the NPI NEPM. A project team comprised of representatives from the Australian Government, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania was formed. The team developed documentation outlining the proposed changes and released it for public comment in July 2006. The documentation consisted of:
Following the public consultation period and to address some of the major concerns that were raised, some changes were made to the variation, in particular to transfers whereby reporting is mandatory only for those NPI substances destined for containment or destruction. Reporting of the transfer of NPI substances to a destination for reuse, recycling, reprocessing and other similar practices is to be voluntary.
At its meeting in June 2007, NEPC agreed to all aspects of the variation except the proposal to remove the current exemption for aquaculture facilities to report to the NPI. Upon agreement by ministers, the NEPM has come into force with changes to be implemented over the coming months. Additional information on the timing for collection of data is provided below.
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.
The changes under the variation include:
Facilities are only required to report transfers of NPI substances in waste to final destination - including tailings storage facility, sewerage system, underground injection or for destruction - once relevant industry guidance material has been developed. The current NPI Guide, which assists facilities in estimating their emissions, will be amended to include information on calculating transfers; inclusion in the Guide will allow commencement of reporting by industry. It is envisaged that the NPI Guide will be published prior to 31 December 2007.
As such, transfer data will need to be collected and reported by facilities on the following dates:
| Reporter | Transfer data collection period | Transfer data provided to jurisdiction | Transfer data available to public |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calendar year | 1 January 2008 - 31 December 2008 | 31 March 2009 | 31 March 2010 |
| Financial year | 1 July 2008 - 30 June 2009 | 30 September 2009 | 31 March 2010 |
Please note: those facilities that wish to collect and report transfer data prior to 1 January 2008 (i.e. June to December 2007) may do so on a voluntary basis. However, the reported transfers will not be published. Only reports for an entire 12 month period will be made available on the website.
In addition to amending the NPI Guide, Emission Estimation Technique (EET) manuals will be also amended over time to include further detail of transfer reporting.
The reporting of transfers to a destination for reuse, recycling, reprocessing, purification, partial purification, immobilisation, remediation or energy recovery to the NPI is voluntary.
In making the decision to go forward with the variation in June 2007, Council agreed that the NPI should be varied to include greenhouse gas emissions, pending the establishment of a national purpose built greenhouse reporting mechanism.
The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act 2007 (the Act), which came into effect on 29 September 2007, establishes a comprehensive national scheme for the collection, reporting and dissemination of information related to greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption and production.
As a result of a clause included in the NPI NEPM variation which provides:
"Should a more comprehensive national scheme of greenhouse gas emissions and energy reporting come into force, Council will revoke the greenhouse gas and energy reporting obligations established in this Measure"
section 76 was included in the Act which provides that the provisions of a national environment protection measure do not apply to the extent that it requires the reporting or disclosure of information relating to greenhouse gas emissions or greenhouse gas projects.
It is intended that the relationship between the NPI NEPM variation and the Act will be clarified with the anticipated removal of the greenhouse gas and energy reporting requirements from the NPI NEPM through a minor variation process due to start in early 2008.
Further details on the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting System can be found at: http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/reporting/index.html
Upon agreement by ministers of the variation to the NPI NEPM, the NEPM is now officially a statutory instrument. Reporting of new substances acrolein, PM2.5 and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the reporting of mercury at the reduced threshold level of 5kg, are required for inclusion in the 2007-08 NPI reporting year.
Details of new substances and thresholds will be included in the updated NPI Guide.
NPI contact officers in the jurisdictions will be able to provide further assistance and information to assist all industry reporters and other stakeholders in relation to the changes to the NPI. Contact the NPI
Further information on the NPI NEPM variation can be found in the following documents:
Further details can also be obtained from the EPHC website
