NORM Technology Connection

The NORM Technology Connection Web site provides the oil and gas industry an on-line resource for solving NORM-related problems.

Need/Opportunity

• NORM contamination problems an issue for oil and gas industry
• Need for providing access to NORM service providers
• State-by-state compliance requirements variable

The petroleum industry accumulates naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) when produced water from hydrocarbon reservoirs carries small quantities of radium to the surface. Over time the radium can concentrate in scales and sludges that accumulate inside pieces of equipment, which can in turn contaminate soils. The presence of NORM in concentrations that exceed natural background levels may present a potential human health risk, and, as a result, the management and disposal of NORM-bearing wastes have become substantial issues for some oil and gas operators. The regulatory requirements for NORM-bearing waste are state-specific and variable. Oil and gas operators with NORM problems need to understand their state-specific regulatory requirements, and have access to commercial service providers capable of solving their problems.

Approach

• Database of information about NORM service companies that is self-maintaining
• Subscription service for automatic notification of new vendors
• Compilation of existing applicable NORM regulations and requirements

With support from the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, a Web site was developed to provide oil and gas industry operators access to information that would help them address NORM. The Web site includes a database of information about NORM service companies that is self-maintaining. Service providers submit capabilities, and have the responsibility for ensuring that their profiles are kept current. NORM problem holders can search this database via the Web site in search of specific capabilities, or by region of the country. NORM problem holders can also subscribe to an automatic notification system that sends emails out when vendor information changes. Users can customize this notification process so that only specific types of vendor changes prompt an email, such as a new provider in Texas, or a new disposal option. In addition, the Web site provides a compilation of state-specific NORM regulations and requirements that could affect a particular facility.

Results

• Numerous private sector NORM service firms have provided capabilities
• Use of the Web site has been consistent over many years indicating the information provided remains valuable

Benefits

• Allows NORM problem holders to identify NORM service providers anonymously
• Clarifies state-by-state NORM regulatory requirements

The NORM Technology Connection Web site provides NORM problem holders information they need to address NORM-related problems. Via the Web site, NORM problem holders can search for services pertinent to their state and their type of problem. The compilation of state-specific NORM regulatory requirements allows NORM problem holders to quickly identify the regulatory environment within which they must operate.