A Colorado lawmaker has introduced legislation that would mandate state adoption of rules for disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM).
The state Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) had been seeking a sponsor for legislation that would relieve the prohibition in Colorado’s Radiation Control Act on establishing NORM and TENORM management regulations until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency does the same. The federal agency has to date not issued such rules.
Under the bill from state Rep. Jeni James Arndt (D), the Colorado Board of Health would prepare rules for disposal of radiation devices and radioactive materials, including NORM, TENORM, and other sources. The rules would cover licensing and registration; documentation; allowable exposure levels; accident reporting; handling, shipment, and storage; disposal; and other issues.
The bill would place a temporary hold, during the state rulemaking process, on disposal of oil and gas exploration and production waste that could have high concentrations of radionuclides unless the facility is directly authorized to receive that material, or the generator has determined through testing the waste encompasses low levels of TENORM.
Colorado has three landfills designated for disposal of TENORM, which the EPA defines as naturally occurring radioactive materials “that have been concentrated or exposed to the accessible environment as a result of human activities such as manufacturing, mineral extraction, or water processing.”
CDPHE officials, though, have worried other solid-waste landfills might unknowingly be taking in high-concentration TENORM waste from energy exploration and production operations.
Arndt’s legislation was introduced in the Colorado House on Feb. 5 and directed to the Health, Insurance, and Environment Committee.
