21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Costs of Managing NORM

Brett Young

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Infrastructure• Replacement of contaminated equipment

– Xmas trees, esp’s, tubulars, valves, pumps

• Dedicated NORM Storage facility

• Interim storage areas (Other locations)

• Decontamination facility (fixed/mobile)

• Long term disposal options – (Shallow burial/deep well/bioremediation)

• Transportation of contaminated equipment

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Administration• Specifications e.g. PDO SP 1170• Guidelines or Local Rules• Development/Review of NORM mgt system• Review and renewal of contracts (V.o.C.)

– Hoists/rigs, pigging, tank/vessel cleaning, plant maintenance, NORM & WTF Management

• Contractors implementing Corporate NORM Mgt system into their HSE mgt systems

• System Audits/inspections (Contract Holder and Company self assessments/audits)

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Identification, Assessment and Control, Recovery

• NORM meters - 3 types required– Each asset & various contractors

• Activity Analysis e.g. sludge/sands/wax

• PPE

• Medical surveillance

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Human Resources

• CRFP or SRPS• RPS• RPT’s• External consultants e.g. RPA• Training

– 5000 Awareness @ 1 hour = 5000 hrs– 200 RPT @ 4 hours = 800 hrs– 20 RPS @ 2-3 days = 480 hrs Total = 5880 hrs

or 735 days

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Examples• Production losses

– Well head closed for 2 months (150m3/day)

– Well closed for 3 weeks (300 m3/day)

– Hoist and camp moved

• Tanks not emptied for nine years– Known to contain NORM

– Then delays with NORM storage facility

– Confusion as to how to transport/store the sludge

– Unable to collect sample prior to emptying tank contents

21 –23 Feb 2005 NORM Workshop 2005

Hidden Costs

• Meetings/Correspondence– Radiation Advisory Committee– Emails/phone calls/Advice and assistance

• Morale - fear of exposure, uncertainty• Failing to comply with systems• Legal Responsibility & Moral issues• Health of Workforce

– Occupational Illnesses (lung cancer) – Loss of income earner– Reputation