Abstract: Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (Norm): Origin and Regulatory Implications for Industry and Society

William H. Schramm, Ronald Wascom, Karen Fisher-Brasher

Naturally occurring radioactive materials are distributed throughout the environment including soils, water and air. In certain instances, man's influence on the chemical or physical environments containing NORM, cause this material to accumulate to the point of potentially adversely impacting the environment. Radium-226 and radium-228 coprecipitated in barium sulfate, silicates or carbonates are the primary agents of interest due to their lengthy half-lives.

NORM associated with petroleum production usually occurs in the form of scale materials in production equipment or sludges. During regular maintenance, piping is inspected or reconditioned thereby exposing workers to particulates

and radioactive emissions. After removal, the scale is collected for disposal at permitted facilities. Current regulatory attention is focusing on the effects of NORM on the environment and the wellbeing of workers while addressing the means of mitigating that impact.

Individuals as well as environmental organizations have become involved in the permitting and regulation of NORM handling and disposal facilities due to concerns over providing adequate protection of the communities neighboring these facilities and any possible impact to the environment. It is apparent that the regulated community, citizens and regulators must first understand the scientific basis of NORM and then proceed to develop a consensus on the means to provide appropriate regulations to protect the environment and the health and welfare of the people with minimal disruption to industry.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90986©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado, June 12-15, 1994