Day Two - Main ConferenceThursday, 22 October 2026

The proposed presentation will review issues associated with the transfer of radon and its associated radiological dose exposure to indoor environments via usage of groundwater in enclosed spaces. The presentation will provide a brief review of the scientific literature on ground water potential for high radon contamination in well water and touch on geologic areas of the United States with recognized radon groundwater issues. The presentation will include a discussion of water use activities known to act as the primary sources of release from groundwater in indoor environments, as well as discuss the relative expected impacts on indoor radon concentrations from well water usage in residential versus occupational environments.

Key takeaways:

• Understanding the mechanisms by which radon transfers from well water to indoor environments during routine water use.
• Insights from scientific literature on geological settings in the United States associated with elevated radon concentrations in groundwater.
• Identifying water uses—such as showering, washing, and other enclosed‑space activities—that act as primary release pathways from groundwater.
• Comparing the relative contribution of well‑water radon to indoor concentrations and dose in homes versus workplaces, and what this means for risk management.

This session will explore the latest research findings, technological advancements, and practical guidelines for effective radon mitigation and management. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of best practices for radon measurement, mitigation strategies, and regulatory compliance. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the environmental and health impacts of radon, innovative control technologies, and the importance of integrating radon management into broader NORM handling protocols.

Key Takeaways:

• Insights into international safety standards and regulatory frameworks for radon and NORM management, ensuring effective radiation protection
• Advanced monitoring techniques and measurement protocols for radon in NORM-affected facilities
• Integration of modern radon mitigation technologies with existing NORM management protocols
• Exploring cutting-edge radon control technologies used in buildings and industrial sites, including innovative mitigation methods and techniques
• Assessing the environmental and health impacts of radon exposure, including the effects on workers and the general public

Accurate NORM/TENORM characterisation is essential for safe operations, compliant and cost‑effective transport/disposal. This session shows how to identify nuclides, align testing with regulatory thresholds and disposal criteria, and balance analytical rigour with turnaround times to support timely, defensible operational decisions.

Key takeaways:

• Linking characterisation scope directly to:
  • Waste classification
  • Transport rules & placarding thresholds
  • Disposal acceptance criteria
• Selecting nuclide suites by decision purpose (not analytical habit)
• Understanding what not to measure (cost control)
• Using realistic laboratory TATs to avoid operational delays
• Case examples across:
  • Oil & gas residues
  • Phosphogypsum
  • REE / mineral sands waste streams

Effective radiation surveys depend on matching the right instrument and technique to the NORM/TENORM hazard. This session introduces common survey instruments used for NORM, explains their strengths and limitations, and outlines best‑practice survey techniques for complex environments. Attendees will learn how to avoid misinterpretation, recognise instrument limitations, and ensure surveys produce reliable, defensible results.

Key takeaways:

• Overview of handheld and portable survey instruments used in NORM/TENORM assessment (GM detectors, scintillation probes, dose‑rate meters, contamination monitors)
• Matching instrument type to radiation type, energy range, and field conditions typical of NORM wastes and facilities
• Understanding critical limitations such as energy response, sensitivity at low dose rates, dead time, and background influence
• Effective survey techniques: geometry control, scan speed, distance effects, and documentation of results
• Common survey errors in NORM environments and how to avoid false positives, under‑reporting, and misclassification

This session translates NORM/TENORM radiation risk into practical workforce protection. It covers credible dose assessment, ALARA‑based controls, fit‑for‑purpose radiation safety plans, field survey execution, and emergency readiness. Attendees gain clarity on role responsibilities, effective training approaches, and compliance lessons that deliver safe, defensible operations across diverse sites.

Key takeaways:

• Core radiation concepts, exposure pathways, and health effects relevant to real‑world operations.
• Defensible dose evaluation using monitoring data, uncertainty management, and proportionate controls.
• Fit‑for‑purpose radiation safety plans covering roles, surveys, instrument control, contamination management, and emergencies.
• Task‑based training, competency checks, and clear guidance on when to involve health physicists, RSOs, technicians, or operators.
• Meeting dose limits, record‑keeping, and audit expectations while avoiding rework, unnecessary dose, and operational friction.

NORM/TENORM remediation often relies on specialist suppliers rather than in‑house capability. This session explains why supplier pre‑qualification is a critical risk‑control function—not a procurement exercise. Using practical examples, it shows how to verify technical, regulatory and operational capability upfront to avoid safety issues, delays, rework and compliance failures across the project lifecycle.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding how oil, gas and mining environments differ from nuclear power, and why supplier oversight still matters for low‑level radioactive materials.
• Evidence‑based criteria to assess real capability in handling, transport, storage and disposal—not just certifications and policies.
• Practical examples of the technical, regulatory and operational checks suppliers should pass before mobilisation.
• Clarifying owner, contractor and specialist responsibilities to avoid gaps during execution.
• How robust pre‑qualification reduces incidents, avoids stoppages, and improves performance, resilience and confidence throughout NORM/TENORM remediation projects.

Organisations handling TENORM‑impacted materials must regularly evaluate their radiation safety programmes, whether operating under a specific or general licence. This session breaks down what a meaningful audit should cover—beyond checklists—focusing on programme content, field implementation, and regulatory expectations to identify gaps before they become compliance or safety issues.

Key takeaways:

• Understanding audit requirements for specific‑license holders versus general licensees, and how regulators assess compliance.
• What auditors expect to see across governance, roles, training, surveys, instrumentation, dose control, waste handling and records.
• How to assess whether radiation safety programmes are actually implemented in the field—not just written well.
• Typical weaknesses in TENORM programmes and why they trigger regulatory attention or corrective actions.
• Turning annual audits into practical improvements that strengthen safety performance and regulatory confidence.

The disposal of NORM is a critical challenge for all industries, requiring robust strategies to ensure environmental safety and regulatory compliance. This session will explore the latest advancements in the treatment and disposal of NORM/TENORM, focusing on innovative technologies and best practices. Driven by market leaders, the session will provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies employed to manage NORM wastes, including immobilisation techniques, specialised landfill sites, and the integration of sustainable practices.

Key Takeaways

• Evolution of NORM waste disposal practices
• Risk assessment and management strategies
• Smart monitoring and tracking systems
• Case studies of successful waste management programs
• Environmental protection measures
• Pros & Cons of disposal options
• Inherent risks/opportunities based on disposal mechanism (landfill, subsurface injection, bury in place)