NORM wastes

NARM waste generally is divided into waste that contains NORM and waste produced in an accelerator (see Figure 4.2). These two categories are not formally defined in federal law or regulations. Rather, they are based mainly on the different properties of the two types of waste and the fact that they would rarely, if ever, be generated at the same site. NORM waste, especially waste that arises in... 

In Production At this stage, kaizen—continual improvement—is the governing concept. Superior quality is maintained. Adherence to standard operating procedures, including safe practices, is the norm. Waste is constantly searched for and eliminated. 

A number of NORM waste streams would be classified as hazardous if not for the presence of enhanced radioactivity, with important implications for handling and waste disposal. The main categories present are toxic heavy metals, organic compounds and asbestos. The latter is particularly problematic there are few facihties that can conduct measurements on radioactive, asbestos-containing material and very few sites that can accept such wastes for disposal. 

NORM accumulations in production equipment can be controlled in some situations but cannot be eliminated entirely. Since NORM are incorporated in scale and other precipitates, reduced NORM accumulation is a benefit of a properly managed scale control program. NORM cannot be made nonradioactive. Consequently, the emphasis in NORM waste management is on identification, control, and volume reduction. NORM site remediation activities are directed at reducing the potential for human exposure to hazardous amounts of radioactive material. 

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