Re: NORM, and TENORM

["Jerry Cohen" <jjcohen@PRODIGY.NET>]

Title: NORM, and TENORM

Could someone please explain why naturally occurring materials are regulated as a

special category. Are they gram for gram , of Bq for Bq more or less

hazardous than those  occurring "unnaturally"?

----- Original Message -----

From: McCormick, Luke I NWD02

To: Radsafe

Sent: Friday, April 20, 2001 6:59 AM

Subject: NORM, and TENORM

EPA, in their proposed mixed waste rule are putting forward the following definition. It seems to me that using the definitions of NORM and TENORM interchangeably could lead to some problems. Any thoughts?

"Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM), a subset of NARM, refers
to materials other than source, special nuclear, or byproduct material (as
defined by the AEA), for which the radionuclide concentrations or human
exposure have been increased above levels encountered in the natural state
due to human activities.  Such activities may include manufacturing,
extraction of natural resources, and water processing.  This subcategory of
NARM is commonly referred to as technologically enhanced NORM or TENORM.
For the purpose of this rule, TENORM and NORM are considered synonymous."

Luke McCormick
Luke.I.McCormick@usace.army.mil