NORM in the Oil and Gas Industry

Cody Cuthill | Normtek Radiation Services Ltd.River Cree Ballroom 1

As awareness to human exposure to Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) grows, radiation protection and NORM waste management guidance is necessary to protect workers, the public and the environment from the hazards presented by radionuclides of natural origin. Radon Gas was first identified in the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry in 1904 during research on petroleum reserves and its uses at the time. However, it wasn’t until 1988 that NORM came under regulatory oversite when Lionhead Engineering and Consulting Ltd. identified NORM impacted tubing during a routine well abandonment in Alberta. Jurisdiction over control of exposures of NORM to workers and members of the public and NORM management authorizations rests with each Canadian Province or Territory. Industries seeking advice on the management of NORM would seek this advice from the relevant Occupational Health and Safety Regulators or Environmental Protection Regulators. This advice has traditionally been given on an ad hoc basis as regulations surrounding NORM have not been developed. Canada has adopted the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agencies (IAEA) and developed Canadian NORM Guidelines. However, the principles and practices have not been well understood and have been difficult for non-radiation professionals to understand without the development of formal regulations. This has resulted in inconsistent handling practices within different industry sectors and between provinces. This paper outlines how NORM waste is formed, managed and disposed, within the Oil and Gas Industry to meet the recommendations of the IAEA and Canadian NORM Guidelines. 

Tue 3:15 pm - 4:30 pm