NORM IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY— EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN

Abstract

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is an inevitable by-product of petroleum exploration and production. It is produced with the reservoir fluids and is typically found in low concentrations, but potentially high volumes. However, Victorian regulations that cover NORM are based on acceptable public exposure to ionising radiation and appear to be formulated around high concentration, low volume sources such as those found in medical procedures.

Esso Australia Pty Ltd conducted a comprehensive exposure assessment study to establish limits for NORM. The two-year study was carried out in conjunction with the regulators (Victorian Environment Protection Authority, Department of Human Services, and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) and included other key stakeholders like employees and suppliers.

This paper provides a discussion of the management plans for, and the results of, assessments undertaken to quantify any potential risk of handling and disposing of NORM material in the environment. The assessments demonstrate that exposure to NORM released into the environment from Bass Strait oil and gas operations does not present a radiological hazard to workers, the general public, or ecological receptors. In fact, it represents less than 1% of Australian and internationally accepted limits for such exposure.