Oil and Natural Gas TENORM Waste Analysis

Technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material (TENORM) is defined as material in which the radiological, physical, or chemical properties of the naturally occurring radioactive material have been concentrated or changed in some way that increases the potential for human exposures. TENORM frequently originates from the oil and natural gas industry as a byproduct of fracking. The topic has gained notoriety in the public sector due in part to the lack of national and state regulations regarding the disposal of TENORM. This lack of regulations means that TENORM occasionally ends up in unpermitted landfills. We have performed dose and risk assessments for TENORM materials disposed of in both municipal and chemical/hazardous waste landfills as part of required corrective action plans. We have evaluated both the original disposals and potential remediation options and are well versed in the assessment of these materials.