What is Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)?

Radioactive elements can be found throughout our natural environment, and all raw materials contain some form of radionuclides that are naturally occurring. 

Uranium, thorium and potassium and their decay products are all examples of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM). Naturally occurring materials such as these are classified differently from those occurring from human sources, such as those used in medicine and nuclear power. 

Why should NORM waste be disposed of by a professional?

The radiation compliance audits carried out by ARPS at NORM waste sites across the UK provide a detailed assessment of the performance of the sites in terms of legislative and regulatory compliance, compliance with company procedures, and best practice. 

For the past 20 years, ARPS has been appointed Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) and Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) to a large number of waste facilities dealing with Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) in the UK and overseas.  

This past experience puts ARPS in a unique position to provide the best service available to NORM waste facilities to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

The full radiation protection package for NORM waste facilities offered by ARPS can include;

• Day-to-day advice on radiation protection and radioactive waste management
• Preparation and review of radiation management procedures and radiological risk assessments
• Preparation and review of Environmental Safety Cases
• Preparation of environmental permit applications to the various UK environment agencies (SEPA / EA) including environmental impact assessments and Best Available Techniques (BAT) / Best Practicable Means (BPM) statements
• Training of personnel both on site and at our premises in Westhill, Aberdeen
• Onsite support and compliance audits 
• Recall and calibration of dose rate and contamination monitors
• Provision and management of personal dosimetry
• General support for special projects and other radiation-related issues
• Representation in discussions with the local regulator (e.g. SEPA or EA) on radiation-related matters

What are my responsibilities?

NORM waste facilities must comply with environmental permit applications to the various UK environment agencies (SEPA / EA) including environmental impact assessments and Best Available Techniques (BAT) / Best Practicable Means (BPM) statements.