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rd Quarter 2013 Update

Pennsylvania DEP

TENORM Study 

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Background

Generation of technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive 

material (TENORM) has increased significantly. This is mainly due to 

the recent expansion in natural gas exploration and production in 

Pennsylvania.

There are many issues with TENORM that must be managed 

effectively.

These issues include:

• Potential worker radiation exposure

• Public radiation exposure

• Environmental (water, etc.) contamination

• Waste disposal

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Who is involved?

We are going to collect the necessary data 

by performing a comprehensive study

• The contractor for the study is Perma-Fix 

Environmental Services, Inc. 

• The study will also involve BRP, BWM, 

BPNPSM, BOGM, the BoL and others.

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Sampling

The following types of facilities have been 

sampled thus far:

• Publicly Owned Treatment Works

• Centralized Waste Treatment Facilities

• Zero Liquid Discharge Facilities

• Landfills

• Well Pads

• Underground Natural Gas Storage Sites 

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Sampling Dates

• The first Round of sampling including Waste 

Water Treatment Plants (WWTP’s) and 

Landfills commenced on April 15th. The 

second round began on June 7th.

• Underground Gas Storage Site Sampling 

started on May 14th.

• Well Pad sampling began on June 17th.

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Sampling Conducted To Date

Sampling visits as of 9/30/13:

• 50 WWTP’s (2 Rounds 25 facilities)

• 54 Landfills (9 were sampled more 

extensively)

• 13 Well Pads (drilling, fracking and 

flowback)

• 4 Underground Natural Gas Storage 

Sites 

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 Sampling Map

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Sample Types

Types of samples collected include:

• Natural Gas Samples

• Liquid Samples (i.e. frack water, waste 

water)

• Solid Samples (i.e. drill cuttings, 

sludges)

• Radiation Surveys

• ‘Swipe’ samples throughout facilities

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Sample Analysis

• The samples are being analyzed for the 

presence of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma 

Radiation. 

• The Gas is being sampled for the 

presence of Radon.

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Study Modifications

• Evaluating the effect of transport on the 

radioactive properties of sludges as 

they are transported from WWTPs to 

landfills.

• Radiation surveys and/or sampling will 

be conducted on the sludge at the 

originating WWTP and receiving landfill.

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Future Work

• Continued Well Pad Sampling

• Third Round of WWTP Sampling

• Continued Landfill Leachate Collection

• Beneficial Use Sites

• Pipe Disposal/Refurbishing Facilities

• Gas Fired Power Plants, Compressor 

Stations, and Processing Facilities

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Schedule

• Changing due to market-driven well pad 

development activities

• Operational factors of well pad development 

have an impact on sampling opportunities

• As a result, the original 12-to-14-month time 

period for completion of the study has been 

extended to 16 months

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Projected Schedule

• Sampling End Date: February 2014

• Sampling Analysis Completion Date: May or 

June 2014

• Report Finalization Date: August 2014 

* These dates are projections based on many variables outside the realm of 

DEP control that impact timely results. The are subject to change based on 

market-driven well pad development activities; operational factors of well pad 

development have an impact on sampling opportunities.

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TENORM Study 

• Final peer reviewed plans are available at: 

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.

pt/community/oil___gas_related_topics/203

49/radiation_protection/986697

• Updates will be provided to the appropriate 

DEP Advisory Committees

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If there are questions or observations 

relating to this study, please forward 

them to:

Christina Ackerman

Bureau of Radiation Protection

chrackerma@pa.gov

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