Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)

Conference · Sat Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1997

OSTI ID:457159

Gray, P ^[1]

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1. ed.

This paper discusses the broad problems presented by Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Technologically Enhanced naturally occuring radioactive material includes any radionuclides whose physical, chemical, radiological properties or radionuclide concentration have been altered from their natural state. With regard to NORM in particular, radioactive contamination is radioactive material in an undesired location. This is a concern in a range of industries: petroleum; uranium mining; phosphorus and phosphates; fertilizers; fossil fuels; forestry products; water treatment; metal mining and processing; geothermal energy. The author discusses in more detail the problem in the petroleum industry, including the isotopes of concern, the hazards they present, the contamination which they cause, ways to dispose of contaminated materials, and regulatory issues. He points out there are three key programs to reduce legal exposure and problems due to these contaminants: waste minimization; NORM assesment (surveys); NORM compliance (training).

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States); Tennessee Univ., Knoxville, TN (United States). Energy, Environment and Resources Center
• OSTI ID: 457159
• Report Number(s): CONF-961089--; ON: DE97004100
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
COMPLIANCE
CONTAMINATION
NATURAL RADIOACTIVITY
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
RADIATION PROTECTION
RADIOMETRIC SURVEYS
WASTE DISPOSAL