From: Helmer, Stephen <Stephen.Helmer@odh.ohio.gov>

Date: Tue, Jan 21, 2014 at 12:51 PM

Subject: RE: Public Records Request - Frack Waste - Solids and Fluids - Norm and 

Tenorm

To: Leatra Harper <wewantcleanwater@gmail.com>

Lea,

See%a'ached%for%lab%results%in%the%past%2%years.

Included%is%a%summary%document%that%explains%the%samples%taken.

Please%let%me%know%if%you%have%any%further%quesAons.

Stephen Helmer

Stephen%Helmer

Program%Administrator

Bureau%RadiaAon%ProtecAon

Ohio%Department%of%Health

35%E.%Chestnut%St.,%7th Floor

Columbus,%Ohio%43215

Office:%614T728T3611

Fax:%%%%%614T466T0381
P Please&consider&the&environment&before&printing&this&email.

From: Leatra Harper [mailto:wewantcleanwater@gmail.com] 

Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2014 12:19 PM

To: Helmer, Stephen

Subject: Public Records Requeset - Frack Waste - Solids and Fluids - Norm 

and Tenorm

Dear Mr. Helmer,

We are making a public records request for the results of sampling done in the field 

over the past two years that examined levels of radioactivity in drill muds, cuttings 

and fluids. We understand it is not a large amount of sample data and thank you in 

advance for your time and effort to provide this information on these materials.

Best regards,

Lea Harper

www.FWAPOH.com

(419) 450-7042

-- 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the 

world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead

This e-mail is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient and may contain 

privileged, sensitive, or protected health information. If you are not the intended 

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-- 

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the 

world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
The! Ohio! Department! of! Health! (ODH)! was! requested! to! analyze! for! radioactive! materials! that! could!

possibly!be! found!in! the!various!processes!involved!in!deep!well!injections! related!from! the!Oil!&!Gas!

industry.! Included! are! radiological! sample! results! as! of! February! 15,! 2013! analyzed! by! the! ODH!

Laboratory.!A! number!of! states! have! sampled!and!analyzed! for! radioactive!content! from! this!industry!

and! these! samples! include! results! from! the state! of! Ohio.! There! is! naturally! occurring! radioactive!

material! (NORM)! in! the! earthen! materials! extracted! from! the! various! drilling! industries! including! the!

deep!well!injection!process.!NORM,!by!definition,!is!naturally!occurring!and!can!be! found!everywhere!

and!as!a!result!has!been!exempted!from!regulation!by!the!U.S.!Department!of!Energy,!the!U.S.!Nuclear!

Regulatory!Commission,!and!the!State!of!Ohio.

When!NORM!is!used! for!commercial!purposes,!processed,!separated,!or!in!some!other!manner!has!its!

radioactivity!concentrated!(intentionally!or!unintentionally),!it!becomes!another!category!of!radioactive!

material!called!Technologically!Enhanced!Naturally!Occurring!Radioactive!Material! (TENORM).!In!Ohio,!

TENORM! is! regulated! by! ODH! and! the! regulations! can! be! found! at! the! following! url:!

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/en/rules/final/3701_1Z43ZTENORM.aspx.! TENORM! includes! the! same! group!

of!NORM!radionuclides,!but!the!material!has!been!modified!or “technologically!enhanced”!resulting!in!a!

manZmade! concentration! higher! than! NORM.! There! are! concerns! with! a! number! of! drilling! related!

wastes!generated!from!the!Oil!&!Gas!industry!that!can!generate!TENORM.!

To!help!clarify! the!differences! from!NORM!and!TENORM,! the!Ohio!Department!of!Health!generated!a!

NORM/TENORM! Information! Sheet.! This! can! be! found! at! the! following! url:!

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/rp/Raducation/Module%203%20Z

%20NORM%20TENORM%20Information%20Sheet.ashx

The!Ohio!Department!of!Health,!through!coordination!with!the!Ohio!Department!of!Natural!Resources!

(ODNR),! has! been! provided! access! to! some! drilling! sites! in! Ohio.! ODNR! is! the! Oil! &! Gas! industry’s!

primary! regulator.! Samples! have! been! obtained! based! on! the! available! medium! at! the! time! of! the!

drilling! process.! A! number! of! samples! are! taken! during! the! “exploration”! phase! and! some! are! taken

during! the! “production”! phase.! These! samples! have! been! analyzed! primarily! for! the! combined! total!

radioactivity! for! RadiumZ226! and! RadiumZ228.! ! For! questions! concerning! these! results! please! contact!

the!Ohio!Department!of!Health!Laboratory,!Dr.!Ram!Chandrasekar!at!614Z466Z5600!or!Larry!King!at!614Z

752Z9064.

The! samples! included! are! limited! in! number! and! therefore! offer!minimal! conclusive! information.! The!

results! do! show! the! expected! radiological! content! (naturally! occurring! radium)! in! each! of! the! typical!

waste! streams! found!in!Ohio! from! the!Oil!&!Gas!deep!well!injection!process.!For!questions! related! to!

radioactive!materials,!including!TENORM,!please!contact!the!Bureau!of!Radiation!Protection!at!614Z644Z

2727.
ODH!Lab!Sample!Index

Lab!sample!# Matrix units

R6462Z01 Unused!Sand pCi/g

R6462Z02 Flow!Back!Water pCi/L

R6462Z03 Cuttings pCi/g

R6462Z04 Cuttings!Utica pCi/g

R6462Z05 Cutting!Utica pCi/g

R6462Z06 Mud pCi/L

R6481Z01 Production!Water pCi/L

R6481Z02 Unused!Sand pCi/g

R6486Z01 Vertical!Cuttings pCi/g

R6486Z02 Horizontal!Cuttings pCi/g

R6486Z03 Vertical!Mud pCi/L

R6486Z04 Horizontal!Mud pCi/L

R6486Z05 Flow!Back!Water pCi/L

R6486Z06 Used!Sand pCi/g

R6489Z01 Cuttings pCi/g

R6489Z02 Mud pCi/L

R6489Z03 Cuttings pCi/g
Analysis of Environmental Samples for Gamma Ray Producing Nuclides

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory

Radiation Chemistry

8995 East Main Street

Building 22

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Introduction

This is a summary of the work flow for the analysis of the environmental samples to support the Bureau of 

Radiation Protection (BRP) investigation of samples from the oil and gas industry to determine the extent of 

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). It is anticipated that the lab would expect to analyze 30- 40 

samples over a month long period. The samples could include the following matrices:

1. Drill Cuttings

2. Drill fluids/muds

3. Frac Sands

4. Flowback Fluids

5. Production Fluids

Additional samples for possible consideration include any new media found on site to check on their initial 

background levels (new sands, new drilling mud, etc.).

Sample Receipt

Six samples were received at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory on October 1, 2012 at approximately 

1600 hours. (A copy of the Laboratory Analysis Request Form is attached). The samples were delivered by 

Mr. Robert Leidy and were received at room temperature. Upon receipt the sample information was input into 

the laboratory’s sample receipt database, and chain of custody signed. The following sample identifiers were 

provided by Mr. Leidy:

1) BRP -01-734-001-US – Unused Sand

2) BRP-01-734-002-F – Flow Back

3) BRP-01-721-001-C – Cuttings

4) BRP-01-721-002-CU – Cutting Utica

5) BRP-01-721-003-CU – Cuttings Utica

6) BRP-01-721-004-M - Mud
Sample Preparation

Samples were stored at room temperature until analysis. No additional sample preparation methods were used 

on the samples. 

Sample Analysis

On the date of analysis, the entire sample (unused sand, flow back and mud) or a homogenized aliquot of the 

sample (e.g. cuttings) was then transferred to an air tight container for analysis. 

The samples were analyzed for gamma ray producing nuclides using high purity germanium detectors (HPGe). 

Samples were distributed among the four (4) gamma detectors in the laboratory.

- Canberra Model GC 2019

- Canberra Model BE2825 (2 instruments)

- Nuclear Data Model RG-11 BC

The data generated was analyzed using the APEX Software (Canberra v 1.3, 2011).

Please note that the sample analysis procedure for Radium – 226 and Radium – 228 is not validated for these 

matrices. The indirect measurement method using progeny radionuclides is employed for the analyses of Ra226 and Ra-228 isotopes. The quantitation of Ra-226 is inferred from the quantitation of Pb-214 and Bi-214. 

The Ra-228 quantitation is inferred from the quantitation of Ac-228.1, 2, 3

Results

The results for the gamma ray analysis of the six BRP samples received on October 1, 2012 are summarized in 

Table 1. Day 1 for the analyses is when the samples were transferred to the appropriate air tight containers. All 

the samples were counted on day 1 to measure the activity of radionuclides. These samples were then allowed 

to equilibrate for 21 days prior to counting to compare with the results obtained on Day 1. Samples were 

equilibrated to allow the radium progeny radionuclides to reach equilibrium: an equal decay rate of the elements 

in the decay chain from radium downwards.

References

1. Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) 

in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 

April 1999.

2. Chang, K. M., “Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Radium Isotopes in Environmental 

Samples”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2010, IAEA Analytical Quality in Nuclear 

Applications No. IAEA/AQ/19.

3. Rowan, E.L., Engle, M.A., Kirby, C.S., Kraemer, T.F., “Radium Content of Oil- and Gas-Field 

Produced Waters in the Northern Appalachian Basin (USA): Summary and Discussion of Data, 

Scientific Investigation Report 2011-5135 (US Geological survey).
BRP Sample 

Number

ODH Lab 

Sample 

Number

Sample 

Description

Date 

Sampled

Date 

Analyzed

Nuclides 

observed 

above 

MDA

Activity (day 1)* Actual 

MDA

Activity 

(after 21 days) 

Actual 

MDA

Units

Be-7 0.0848 +/- 0.0139 0.059 0.0895 +/- 0.0161 0.069 pCi/g

K-40 0.468 +/- 0.0270 0.0578 0.497 +/- 0.0275 0.0519 pCi/g

Bi-212 0.0376 0.0393 +/- 0.00509 0.026 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.0550 +/- 0.00339 0.0076 0.0561 +/- 0.00344 0.00675 pCi/g

Bi-214a,1 0.107 +/- 0.00399 0.0137 0.116 +/-0.00435 0.0147 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.105 +/- 0.00431 0.013 0.118 +/-0.00478 0.0139 pCi/g

Ac-228b,1 0.0620 +/- 0.00306 0.0159 0.0536 +/- 0.00291 0.0159 pCi/g

U-235 0.0158 +/- 0.00245 0.0106 0.0107 pCi/g

K-40 325 +/- 18.4 38.3 320 +/- 18.6 41.8 pCi/L

Pb-212 5.02 9.08 +/- 0.949 5.09 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 58.7 +/- 2.79 6.06 95.6 +/- 3.75 6.38 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 62.0 +/- 2.79 8.76 116 +/- 4.31 9.58 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 93.0 +/- 3.31 14.5 88.4 +/- 3.41 16.7 pCi/L

K-40 13.600 +/- 0.463 0.452 13.3 +/- 0.498 0.567 pCi/g

Bi-212 0.437 +/- 0.0451 0.208 0.497 +/- 0.0956 0.41 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.462 +/- 0.0269 0.0457 0.480 +/- 0.0301 0.0542 pCi/g

Bi-214a,1 0.605 +/- 0.0270 0.108 0.576 +/- 0.0336 0.0919 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.529 +/- 0.0239 0.0782 0.571 +/- 0.0286 0.115 pCi/g

Ra-226 0.964 1.80 +/- 0.278 1.12 pCi/g

Ac-228b,1 0.593 +/- 0.0238 0.148 0.623 +/- 0.0331 0.204 pCi/g

K-40 8.220 +/- 0.248 0.132 8.44 +/- 0.268 0.193 pCi/g

Bi-212 0.0756 0.263 +/- 0.0278 0.134 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.289 +/- 0.0161 0.0133 0.376 +/- 0.0178 0.0219 pCi/g

Bi-214a,1 0.452 +/- 0.0148 0.018 0.448 +/- 0.0175 0.0313 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.464 +/- 0.0164 0.0244 0.479 +/- 0.0167 0.0392 pCi/g

Ra-226 1.22 +/- 0.110 0.265 0.342 pCi/g

Ac-228b,1 0.383 +/- 0.0122 0.0497 0.376 +/- 0.0144 0.0786 pCi/g

Th-228 0.348 1.2 +/- 0.144 0.668 pCi/g

K-40 5.070 +/- 0.157 0.142 5.09 +/- 0.162 0.152 pCi/g

Bi-212 0.145 +/- 0.0252 0.107 0.151 +/- 0.0272 0.115 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.224 +/- 0.0130 0.0131 0.199 +/- 0.0122 0.0143 pCi/g

Bi-214a,1 0.507 +/- 0.0143 0.0303 0.496 +/- 0.0155 0.0297 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.491 +/- 0.0163 0.0264 0.455 +/- 0.0156 0.0275 pCi/g

Ra-226 0.343 +/- 0.252 0.215 0.788 +/- 0.271 0.231 pCi/g

Ac-228b,1 0.280 +/- 0.00928 0.0478 0.276 +/- 0.00975 0.0554 pCi/g

Th-228 0.625 +/- 0.0549 0.362 0.833 +/- 0.150 0.608 pCi/g

BRP-01-721-003-CU R6462-05 Cuttings Utica 10/1/2012 10/5/2012

BRP-01-721-001-C R6462-03 Cuttings 9/27/2012 10/5/2012

BRP-01-721-002-CU R6462-04 Cutting Utica 10/1/2012 10/5/2012

Table 1: Analytical Results

BRP-01-734-002-F R6462-02 Flow Back# 9/27/2012 10/4/2012

BRP-01-734-001-US R6462-01 Unused Sand 9/27/2012 10/4/2012
Contd. Table 1

K-40 4600 +/- 156 77.8 4780 +/- 162 82.9 pCi/L

Bi-212 136 +/- 18.4 53.7 132 +/- 20.2 60.4 pCi/L

Pb-212 138 +/- 10.0 10.1 173 +/- 10.9 8.03 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 571 +/- 12.5 9.6 663 +/- 13.5 10.6 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 473 +/- 16.7 14.9 611 +/- 19.8 16.6 pCi/L

Ra-226 550 +/- 267 209 896 +/- 263 222 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 229 +/- 6.72 20.5 224 +/- 6.85 33.9 pCi/L

Th-228 397 +/- 75.5 354 1050 +/- 139 358 pCi/L

U-235 12.7 35.7 +/- 14.5 13.5 pCi/L

b - May be indicative of Ra-228

1 - Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State 

Department of Environmental Conservation, April 1999.

* Day 1 (Date and Time when the sample was transferred to a marinelli/jar, sealed and counted)

Sample R6462-01, R6462-02, R6462-06: 10/3/2012 @ 12:00 pm

Sample R6462-03, R6462-04, R6462-05: 10/4/2012 @ 8:30 am

# The sample results reported in pCi/L were calculated using the density of water (1000g/L). The actual density of individual samples was not measured due to the 

unique differences in the samples provided.

a - May be indicative of Ra-226

BRP-01-721-004-M R6462-06 Mud# 10/1/2012 10/4/2012
Analysis of Environmental Samples for Gamma Ray Producing Nuclides

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory

Radiation Chemistry

8995 East Main Street

Building 22

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Introduction

This is a summary of the work flow for the analysis of the environmental samples to support the Bureau of 

Radiation Protection (BRP) investigation of samples from the oil and gas industry to determine the extent of 

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). It is anticipated that the lab would expect to analyze 30 - 40 

samples over a month long period. The samples could include the following matrices:

1. Drill Cuttings

2. Drill fluids/muds

3. Frac Sands

4. Flowback Fluids

5. Production Fluids

Additional samples for possible consideration include any new media found on site to check on their initial 

background levels (new sands, new drilling mud, etc.).

Sample Receipt

Two samples were received at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory on November 20, 2012 at 10:20 am. 

(A copy of the Laboratory Analysis Request Form is attached). The samples were delivered by Mr. Robert 

Leidy and were received at room temperature. Upon receipt the sample information was input into the 

laboratory’s sample receipt database, and chain of custody signed. The following sample identifiers were 

provided by Mr. Leidy:

1) BRP -02-019-001-PW – Production Water

2) BRP-02-067-001-US – Unused Sand
Sample Preparation

Samples were stored at room temperature until analysis. No additional sample preparation methods were used 

on the samples. 

Sample Analysis

On the date of analysis the entire sample (production water) or a homogenized aliquot of the sample (e.g. 

unused sand) was then transferred to an air tight container for analysis. The samples were counted for two

hours.

The samples were analyzed for gamma ray producing nuclides using high purity germanium detectors (HPGe). 

Samples were distributed among the four (4) gamma detectors in the laboratory.

- Canberra Model GC 2019

- Canberra Model BE2825 (2 instruments)

- Nuclear Data Model RG-11 BC

The data generated was analyzed using the APEX Software (Canberra v 1.3, 2011).

Please note that the sample analysis procedure for Radium – 226 and Radium – 228 is not validated for these 

matrices. The indirect measurement method using progeny radionuclides is employed for the analyses of Ra226 and Ra-228 isotopes. The quantitation of Ra-226 is inferred from the quantitation of Pb-214 and Bi-214. 

The Ra-228 quantitation is inferred from the quantitation of Ac-228.1, 2, 3

Results

The results for the gamma ray analysis of the six BRP samples received on November20, 2012 are summarized 

in Table 1. Day 1 for the analyses is when the samples were transferred to the appropriate air tight containers

and sealed with shipping tape. All the samples were counted on day 1 to measure the activity of radionuclides. 

These samples were then allowed to equilibrate for 21 days prior to counting to compare with the results 

obtained on Day 1. Samples were equilibrated to allow the radium progeny radionuclides to reach equilibrium: 

an equal decay rate of the elements in the decay chain from radium downwards.

References

1. Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) 

in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 

April 1999.

2. Chang, K. M., “Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Radium Isotopes in Environmental 

Samples”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2010, IAEA Analytical Quality in Nuclear 

Applications No. IAEA/AQ/19.

3. Rowan, E.L., Engle, M.A., Kirby, C.S., Kraemer, T.F., “Radium Content of Oil- and Gas-Field 

Produced Waters in the Northern Appalachian Basin (USA): Summary and Discussion of Data, 

Scientific Investigation Report 2011-5135 (US Geological survey).
BRP Sample 

Number

ODH Lab 

Sample 

Number

Sample 

Description

Date 

Sampled

Date 

Analyzed

Nuclides 

observed 

above 

MDA

Activity (day 1)* Actual 

MDA

Activity (after 21 

days) 

Actual 

MDA

Units

K-40 746 +/- 82.9 218 590 +/- 77.2 200 pCi/L

Co-57 26.6 42.4 +/- 15.5 24.5 pCi/L

Ru-103 27.8 1230 +/- 750 19.8 pCi/L

Pb-212 275 +/- 18.3 35.6 26.7 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 128 +/- 15.2 76.4 838 +/- 31.3 84 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 135 +/- 12.8 77.2 947 +/- 29.6 46.7 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 1110 +/- 26.5 90.6 1070 +/- 27.5 43.4 pCi/L

BRP-02-067-001 US R6481-02 Unused 

Sand

11/19/2012 11/20/2012 K-40 0.169 +/- 0.0607 0.127 0.352 +/- 0.0793 0.0477 pCi/g

Table 1: Analytical Results

# The sample results reported in pCi/L were calculated using the density of water (1000g/L). The actual density of individual samples was not measured due to the 

unique differences in the samples provided.

*Day 1 (Date and Time when the sample was transferred to a marinelli/jar, sealed and counted)

Sample R6481-01: 11/20/2012 @ 11:20 am

Sample R6481-02: 11/20/2012 @ 11:16 am

a - May be indicative of Ra-226

b - May be indicative of Ra-228

1 - Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York 

State Department of Environmental Conservation, April 1999.

BRP-02-019-001 PW R6481-01

Production 

Water# 11/19/2012 11/20/2012
Analysis of Environmental Samples for Gamma Ray Producing Nuclides

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory

Radiation Chemistry

8995 East Main Street

Building 22

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Introduction

This is a summary of the work flow for the analysis of the environmental samples to support the Bureau of 

Radiation Protection (BRP) investigation of samples from the oil and gas industry to determine the extent of 

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). It is anticipated that the lab would expect to analyze 30 - 40 

samples over a month long period. The samples could include the following matrices:

1. Drill Cuttings

2. Drill fluids/muds

3. Frac Sands

4. Flowback Fluids

5. Production Fluids

Additional samples for possible consideration include any new media found on site to check on their initial 

background levels (new sands, new drilling mud, etc.).

Sample Receipt

Six samples were received at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory on November 30, 2012 at 10:47 am. 

(A copy of the Laboratory Analysis Request Form is attached). The samples were delivered by Mr. Robert 

Leidy and were received at room temperature. Upon receipt the sample information was input into the 

laboratory’s sample receipt database, and chain of custody signed. The following sample identifiers were 

provided by Mr. Leidy:

1) BRP-02-013-001 - Vertical Cuttings

2) BRP-02-013-002 - Horizontal Cuttings Utica

3) BRP-02-013-003 - Vertical Mud

4) BRP-02-013-004 - Horizontal Mud Utica

5) BRP-01-029-001 - Split Flow Back Water

6) BRP-01-217-001 - Used Sand
Sample Preparation

Samples were stored at room temperature until analysis. No additional sample preparation methods were used 

on the samples. 

Sample Analysis

On the date of analysis the entire sample (production water) or a homogenized aliquot of the sample (e.g. 

cuttings) was then transferred to an air tight container for analysis. The samples were counted for two hours.

The samples were analyzed for gamma ray producing nuclides using high purity germanium detectors (HPGe). 

Samples were distributed among these gamma detectors in the laboratory.

- Canberra Model GC 2019

- Canberra Model BE2825 

- Nuclear Data Model RG-11 BC

The data generated was analyzed using the APEX Software (Canberra v 1.3, 2011).

Please note that the sample analysis procedure for Radium – 226 and Radium – 228 is not validated for these 

matrices. The indirect measurement method using progeny radionuclides is employed for the analyses of Ra226 and Ra-228 isotopes. The quantitation of Ra-226 is inferred from the quantitation of Pb-214 and Bi-214. 

The Ra-228 quantitation is inferred from the quantitation of Ac-228.1, 2, 3

Results

The results for the gamma ray analysis of the six BRP samples received on November 30, 2012 are summarized 

in Table 1. Day 1 for the analyses is when the samples were transferred to the appropriate air tight containers

and sealed with shipping tape. All the samples were counted on day 1 to measure the activity of radionuclides. 

These samples were then allowed to equilibrate for 21 days prior to counting to compare with the results 

obtained on Day 1. Samples were equilibrated to allow the radium progeny radionuclides to reach equilibrium: 

an equal decay rate of the elements in the decay chain from radium downwards.

References

1. Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) 

in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 

April 1999.

2. Chang, K. M., “Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Radium Isotopes in Environmental 

Samples”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2010, IAEA Analytical Quality in Nuclear 

Applications No. IAEA/AQ/19.

3. Rowan, E.L., Engle, M.A., Kirby, C.S., Kraemer, T.F., “Radium Content of Oil- and Gas-Field 

Produced Waters in the Northern Appalachian Basin (USA): Summary and Discussion of Data, 

Scientific Investigation Report 2011-5135 (US Geological survey).
BRP Sample 

Number

ODH Lab 

Sample 

Number

Sample Description Date 

Sampled

Date 

Analyzed

Nuclides 

observed 

above 

MDA

Activity (day 1)* Actual 

MDA

Activity (After 21 

days) 

Actual 

MDA

Units

K-40 12.6 +/- 0.574 0.364 12.5 +/- 0.572 0.36 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.581 +/- 0.0313 0.0405 0.539 +/- 0.0320 0.0429 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.474 +/- 0.0275 0.0923 0.529 +/- 0.0320 0.0967 pCi/g

K-40 6.62 +/- 0.482 0.404 5.50 +/- 0.450 0.57 pCi/g

Co-57 0.0421 0.136 +/- 0.0993 0.0402 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.505 +/- 0.0323 0.0686 0.12 pCi/g

K-40 4400 +/- 260 316 4170 +/- 248 279 pCi/L

Co-57 23.6 70.3 +/- 62.6 24.7 pCi/L

Pb-212 171 +/- 15.3 30.2 159 +/- 16.2 30.1 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 595 +/- 31.5 20 32.4 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 591 +/- 25.8 62.8 566 +/- 27.3 58 pCi/L

K-40 3960 +/- 292 762 3790 +/- 266 576 pCi/L

Bi-212 210 229 +/- 59.5 229 pCi/L

Pb-212 57.6 171 +/- 16.3 49.1 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 588 +/- 35.1 110 578 +/- 34.3 96.8 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 96.7 601 +/- 28.6 111 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 218 +/- 33.0 186 264 +/-26.7 122 pCi/L

K-40 412 +/- 52.1 152 299 +/- 52.1 135 pCi/L

Pb-212 68.1 +/- 6.33 21.1 17.4 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 213 +/- 12.4 16.9 405 +/- 18.8 34.6 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 202 +/- 10.7 50.9 433 +/- 16.4 36.1 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 424 +/- 14.7 39 405 +/- 16.6 49 pCi/L

K-40 0.223 +/- 0.0475 0.121 0.245 +/- 0.0461 0.108 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.101 +/- 0.00787 0.0263 0.135 +/- 0.00910 0.0274 pCi/g

12/03/2012

BRP-02-013-001

Sample R6486-06: 12/03/2012 @ 11:10 pm

# The sample results reported in pCi/L were calculated using the density of water (1000g/L). The actual density of individual samples was not measured due to the unique differences 

in the samples provided.

Day 1 (Date and Time when the sample was transferred to a marinelli/jar, sealed and counted)

12/3/2012

BRP-02-013-002 R6486-02 Horizontal (Cuttings Utica) 11/27/2012 12/03/2012

Table 1: Analytical Results

Sample R6486-01: 12/03/2012 @ 01:15 pm

Sample R6486-02: 12/03/2012 @ 02:20 pm

BRP-02-013-003 R6486-03 Vertical (Mud)# 11/21/2012 12/03/2012

BRP-02-013-004 R6486-04 Horizontal (Mud)# 11/27/2012

R6486-01 Vertical (Cuttings) 11/21/2012

a - May be indicative of Ra-226

b - May be indicative of Ra-228

1 - Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation, April 1999.

BRP-01-029-001 R6486-05 (Split) Flow Back Water# 11/27/2012 12/03/2012

BRP-01-217-001 R6486-06 Used sand 11/27/2012 12/03/2012

Sample R6486-03: 12/03/2012 @ 01:10 pm

Sample R6486-04: 12/03/2012 @ 02:33 pm

Sample R6486-05: 12/03/2012 @ 11:20 pm
Analysis of Environmental Samples for Gamma Ray Producing Nuclides

Ohio Department of Health Laboratory

Radiation Chemistry

8995 East Main Street

Building 22

Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

Introduction

This is a summary of the work flow for the analysis of the environmental samples to support the Bureau of 

Radiation Protection (BRP) investigation of samples from the oil and gas industry to determine the extent of 

naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). It is anticipated that the lab would expect to analyze 30 – 40 

samples over a month long period. The samples could include the following matrices:

1. Drill Cuttings

2. Drill fluids/muds

3. Frac Sands

4. Flowback Fluids

5. Production Fluids

Additional samples for possible consideration include any new media found on site to check on their initial 

background levels (new sands, new drilling mud, etc.).

Sample Receipt

Three samples were received at the Ohio Department of Health Laboratory on December 06, 2012 at 01:56 pm. 

(A copy of the Laboratory Analysis Request Form is attached). The samples were delivered by Mr. Robert 

Leidy and were received at room temperature. Upon receipt the sample information was input into the 

laboratory’s sample receipt database, and chain of custody signed. The following sample identifiers were 

provided by Mr. Leidy:

1) BRP-03-992-001 - Cuttings

2) BRP-03-992-002 - Mud

3) BRP-03-992-003 - Cuttings
Sample Preparation

Samples were stored at room temperature until analysis. No additional sample preparation methods were used 

on the samples. 

Sample Analysis

On the date of analysis the entire sample (mud) or a homogenized aliquot of the sample (e.g. cuttings) was then 

transferred to an air tight container for analysis. The samples were counted for two hours.

The samples were analyzed for gamma ray producing nuclides using high purity germanium detectors (HPGe). 

Samples were distributed among these gamma detectors in the laboratory.

- Canberra Model GC 2019

- Canberra Model BE2825 

- Nuclear Data Model RG-11 BC

The data generated was analyzed using the APEX Software (Canberra v 1.3, 2011).

Please note that the sample analysis procedure for Radium – 226 and Radium – 228 is not validated for these 

matrices. The indirect measurement method using progeny radionuclides is employed for the analyses of Ra226 and Ra-228 isotopes. The quantitation of Ra-226 is inferred from the quantitation of Pb-214 and Bi-214. 

The Ra-228 quantitation is inferred from the quantitation of Ac-228.1, 2, 3

Results

The results for the gamma ray analysis of the three BRP samples received on December 06, 2012 are 

summarized in Table 1. Day 1 for the analyses is when the samples were transferred to the appropriate air tight 

containers and sealed with shipping tape. All the samples were counted on day 1 to measure the activity of 

radionuclides. These samples were then allowed to equilibrate for 21 days prior to counting to compare with the 

results obtained on Day 1. Samples were equilibrated to allow the radium progeny radionuclides to reach 

equilibrium: an equal decay rate of the elements in the decay chain from radium downwards.

References

1. Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) 

in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, 

April 1999.

2. Chang, K. M., “Analytical Methodology for the Determination of Radium Isotopes in Environmental 

Samples”, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, 2010, IAEA Analytical Quality in Nuclear 

Applications No. IAEA/AQ/19.

3. Rowan, E.L., Engle, M.A., Kirby, C.S., Kraemer, T.F., “Radium Content of Oil- and Gas-Field 

Produced Waters in the Northern Appalachian Basin (USA): Summary and Discussion of Data, 

Scientific Investigation Report 2011-5135 (US Geological survey).
BRP Sample 

Number

ODH 

Lab 

Sample 

Number

Sample 

Description

Date 

Sampled

Date 

Analyzed

Nuclides 

observe

d above 

MDA

Activity (Day 1) Actual 

MDA 

Activity (After 21 

Days) 

Actual 

MDA 

Units

K-40 7.21 +/- 0.493 0.593 7.15 +/- 0.484 0.518 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.064 0.390 +/- 0.0300 0.0523 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.104 0.705 +/- 0.0394 0.116 pCi/g

K-40 5130 +/- 266 348 4770 +/-262 476 pCi/L

Pb-212 219 +/- 14.3 34.9 205 +/- 15.1 35.1 pCi/L

Bi-214a,1 561 +/- 24.1 71.5 662 +/- 27.4 99.8 pCi/L

Pb-214a,1 579 +/- 24.4 74.6 630 +/- 28.0 79.7 pCi/L

Ac-228b,1 189 +/- 19.0 115 206 +/- 24.7 133 pCi/L

K-40 5.27 +/- 0.380 0.559 5.46 +/- 0.379 0.483 pCi/g

Pb-212 0.269 +/- 0.0216 0.0353 0.255 +/- 0.0207 0.0368 pCi/g

Pb-214a,1 0.564 +/-0.0313 0.0855 0.462 +/- 0.0301 0.093 pCi/g

Ra-226 0.754 1.42 +/- 0.288 0.856 pCi/g

R6489-01 Cuttings 12/4/2012 12/6/2012

BRP-03-992-002 R6489-02 Mud# 12/4/2012 12/6/2012

1 - Gilday, W. M., Edick, R. G., "An Investigation of Naturally Occuring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Oil and Gas Wells in New York State", New 

York State Department of Environmental Conservation, April 1999.

Table 1: Analytical Results

Day 1 (Date and Time when the sample was transferred to a marinelli/jar, sealed and counted)

Sample R6489-01: 12/06/2012 @ 02:30 pm

Sample R6489-02: 12/06/2012 @ 02:23 pm

Sample R6489-03: 12/06/2012 @ 02:37 pm

# The sample results reported in pCi/L were calculated using the density of water (1000g/L). The actual density of individual samples was not 

measured due to the unique differences in the samples provided.

a - May be indicative of Ra-226

b - May be indicative of Ra-228

BRP-03-992-003 R6489-03 Cuttings 12/4/2012 12/6/2012

BRP-03-992-001