NORM Characterization 

Jenna Smith-Windsor | Saskatchewan Research CouncilRiver Cree Ballroom 1

The Canadian Guidelines for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) set out principles and procedures for the detection, classification, handling, and material management of NORM in Canada.  NORM which includes radioactive elements found in the environment including long-lived elements of uranium, thorium, and potassium, and any of their radioactive decay products, such as radium and radon.  Although the concentrations of NORM in most natural substances is low, higher concentrations may arise as the result of human activities. Disposal of NORM sources also requires consideration of the effects of dilution, possible reconcentration of the material in the environment, and the manner in which the material may deliver radiation doses to the public.  

To assist in NORM material management, Derived Release Limits (DRLs) have been determined from the annual radiation dose limits.  The DRLs provide an estimate for public dose from measured releases of NORM.  A Radiation Assessment or characterization of the radiological properties may compare measurement results to DRLs. DRLs for the amount and concentration of NORM materials that meet this criteria have been calculated and are presented in the Guidelines as Unconditional Derived Release Limits (UDRLs). 

The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) Environmental Analytical Laboratories role in the NORM material management is to provide a radiation assessment or characterization of the NORM material to help industry assess if these waste materials meet the release limits outlined in the Guidelines.  This presentation will discuss the recommended sampling procedures to ensure a homogenous sample representation for NORM analysis; SRC’s NORM analysis packages; and how the radionuclide analysis relates to the UDRLs and NORM transportation Guidelines. 

Tue 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm