Radioactive materials could pose problems for the gas industry

This paper discusses how Louisiana became the first state to regulate naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The regulations became effective on Sept. 20, 1989, with the adoption of the Permanent Rule for NORM. Although most state and federal radiation control statutes are sufficiently broad to cover radioactive contamination, no other regulatory agency has accepted jurisdiction for NORM. Naturally occurring radionuclides are widespread in the environment. Many geological formations contain uranium, radium, radon, and other radioactive elements together with oil and gas. When oil and gas are produced, traces of these radioactive element also are produced. Problems relating to NORM contamination in the gas industry are described