Waste Technology Section
Remediation of Contaminated Sites
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM)
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) may be present in these activities and may lead to exposures at some stage of the processes and (re)-use of products, residues or wastes. The present publication attempts to give an international overview over the relevant processes, the types of residues and waste generated, the pertinent management strategies and technologies with a view to identify shortcomings that may lead to the need of remediation. An overview over applicable abatement and remediation technologies and strategies is given, together with a brief discussion of the possible socio-economic impact.
The intention is to help Member States gain perspective regarding the industrial processes that may lead to NORM generation and where, within those processes, NORM can accumulate and eventually may lead to increased potential for exposure of the general public to radioactivity. It is also hoped to make decision makers in radiation protection aware of the industrial and socio-economic implications of their decisions. Further, it is hoped that this document will help to identify those process steps that are amenable to improved radiation protection and to identify the type of residue and waste and the associated disposal sites that may be of concern and in need of remediation.