An overview of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in the petroleum industry

Technical Report · Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/10145754· OSTI ID:10145754

Smith, K P

Oil and gas extraction and processing operations sometimes accumulate naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) at concentrations above normal in by-product waste streams. Results from NORM surveys indicate that radionuclide concentrations can be quite variable, ranging from undetectable to extremely high levels. To date, efforts to characterize the geographic distribution of NORM have been limited by poor statistical representation. In addition, the fate of NORM in the environment has not been fully defined, and few human health risk assessment have been conducted. Both the petroleum industry and regulators are becoming increasingly concerned about the presence of NORM. At present, most existing federal environmental regulations do not address oil and gas NORM, and only a few states have developed regulatory programs. Available data suggest that the occurrence of NORM (and associated health risks) is significant enough to warrant increased regulatory control. However, before these regulations can be developed, additional research is needed to (1) better characterize the occurrence and distribution of NORM throughout the industry, (2) quantify hazards posed by NORM to industry workers and the general public, and (3) develop effective waste treatment and minimization technologies that will lower the risk associated with NORM and reduce disposal costs.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Lab., IL (United States). Environmental Assessment and Information Sciences Div.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• OSTI ID: 10145754
• Report Number(s): ANL/EAIS-7; ON: DE93011795
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: Dec 1992
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
WASTES
EQUIPMENT
WASTE WATER
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
NATURAL OCCURRENCE
SLUDGES
CONTAMINATION
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
WASTE PROCESSING
DEPOSITS
RADON 226
RADON 228
LEAD 210
SCALE CONTROL
HEALTH HAZARDS
RISK ASSESSMENT
020800
020600
030700
030500
WASTE MANAGEMENT
HEALTH AND SAFETY