NORM Decontamination Services
NORM stands for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. As the name implies, these are substances that occur in the environment without the interference of people, although their presence can be intensified by human actions. Most of the time, these materials do not exist in concentrations that warrant intervention (i.e. hazardous to human health), but there are some instances in which mediation and NORM decontamination is necessary. Clean Management Environmental Group specializes in various types of waste disposal, including NORM decontamination services.
TENORM
Although NORM can consist of any kind of radioactive material, we talk mostly about the unstable isotopes of radium and lead in the context of human activity. NORM may be referred to as TENORM in these instances, which stands for Technically Enhanced NORM. These are commonly found in the petroleum industry and in others that refine natural resources, such as the fertilizer and coal industries.
NORM and people
In industries that are known to enhance the presence of NORM, special precautions are necessary to keep both the environment and the workers safe. If something is “NORM contaminated,” it means that it has reached levels that are too high for public exposure, though they are not yet defined as radioactive. Our NORM radioactive waste services remove and contain any contaminated soil to protect the environment and people in the community.
Regulations
Although NORM is radioactive waste, it’s naturally occurring radioactive material, and is not regulated under the Atomic Energy Act. Because it falls under one of the Act’s exclusions, NORM waste materials are regulated mostly by the individual states. For this reason, it is advantageous to contract with a waste management company that has a local presence and is aware of all relevant state laws on hazardous and radioactive waste.
Storing and Moving NORM
There are strict federal requirements for storing and moving NORM waste to prevent its contamination of other substances. Packing requirements will change depending on the activity, type, and form of the waste. The Department of Energy offers more information on the types of packaging and the testing they undergo before use.
If your company needs assistance in NORM decontamination, our waste management professionals can inspect your facility, give advice for creating radioactive storage, and handle all NORM-contaminated substances. Contact Clean Management for a free quote or to learn more about our NORM decontamination services.
