Technical Workgroup provides this bibliography of NORM articles to those needing information on the subject or those wishing to keep abreast of current research. Portions of the Cadmus Group report on NORM are also inclosed for your use. This report contains basic information on NORM and reviews several methods commonly used for the disposal of NORM waste. Because NORM waste is generated in primary oil field operations intrinsic to exploration, development or production activities, it is an exempt waste under RCRA Subtitle C. Lacking federal regulations, several states have enacted or proposed regulations that apply to NORM at oil and gas facilities. A summary of these regulations are included in the Cadmus report.
Radioactive material occurs naturally at low levels in soils and rocks.
NORM is present in geologic formations from which oil and gas are produced. The material generally consists of the radionuclides uranium and thorium and their daughter products, including radium. However, NORM is usually associated with the water phase of produced fluids. As produced water is extracted and fluid pressure and temperature are reduced, the solubility of the NORM is changed and radionuclides precipitate out of solution and deposit on the walls of tubing, casing and surface processing equipment. Production and processing equipment may contain elevated levels of NORM contaminated scale or sludge that can cause disposal problems when the equipment is taken off-line for maintenance, repair, or replacement.