Where did all the NORM come from?

The presence of above-background levels of naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) has been detected in every oil-producing region in the United States, from Alaska's Prudhoe Bay to the deep, offshore production in the Gulf of Mexico. The disposition of NORM waste produced in the oil and gas regions is influenced by state regulations and oil company proactiveness. Injection as a slurried solid waste at a commercial facility in Texas has become the dominant disposal method for oilfield waste containing NORM. By the end of 1997, it is estimated close to 31,800 m(3) (200,000 barrels) of oil field waste containing NORM will be disposed of at this facility. This paper will provide an overview of the patented process of NORM waste disposal by injection, the characteristics associated with oilfield NORM waste disposed of at the facility, and a distribution of NORM waste being disposed of by origin.