Radiochemistry Testing Capabilities

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ALS operates a premier Radiochemistry laboratory that holds a current Radioactive Materials Handling License, is NELAC accredited, DoD accredited and is USDA licensed to accept samples from outside the United States (OCONUS).

ALS offering for NORM and TENORM testing

Analysis

Water

Soil/Sediment

Air

Waste

Other

Gross alpha activity

x

x

x

x

x

Gross beta activity

x

x

x

x

x

Gamma scans

x

x

x

x

x

Radium-226

x

x

x

x

x

Radium-228

x

x

x

x

x

Lead-210

x

x

x

x

x

Total Uranium and Thorium by ICP/MS

x

x

x

x

x

Isotopic Uranium and Thorium by Alpha Spec

x

x

x

x

x

ALS also offers additional radiological testing beyond NORM and TENORM

Analysis

Water

Soil/Sediment

Air

Waste

Other

Alpha isotopics

x

x

x

x

x

(Am, Np, Pu, Po, Th, U, Cm)

Carbon-14

x

x

x

x

x

Iodine-129

x

x

x

x

x

Iron-55

x

x

x

x

x

Nickel-63

x

x

x

x

x

Plutonium-241

x

x

x

x

x

Radon-222

x

 

x

 

 

Strontium-89/90

x

x

x

x

x

Technetium-99

x

x

x

x

x

Tritium

x

x

x

x

x

 

 Methods:

ALS uses ASTM, HASL, and a variety of EPA methods i.e. EPA 900.0, 901.1, 903.0 and 904.0. for testing of radioactive compounds mentioned in the lists above. A full list of methods and standards are available from the laboratory.

Instrumentation:

The laboratory is equipped with a full range of instruments enabling the laboratory to deliver accurate data in a timely manner. 

Alpha Spectrometry

Gamma Spectrometry

Liquid Scintillation Counting

Gas Flow Proportional Counting

Lucas Cell Counting

ALS uses SW-846 and EPA methodologies on a wide range of sample matrices including groundwater, surface water, wastewater, soil, sludge, multiphasic samples, air, biota, vegetation, building debris, mixed waste, and hazardous waste.

Further, ALS provides a full range of Alpha Spec, Gamma Spec, Liquid Scintillation, Gas Flow Proportional, and Alpha Scintillation methods. The ALS laboratory in Fort Collins, Colorado, USA holds a current Radioactive Materials Handling License from the state of Colorado, is NELAC accredited in Utah, along with 18 other state accreditations, and is USDA licensed to accept samples outside the United States (OCONUS).

  • Alpha Isotopics including Am, Np, Pu, Po, Th, U
  • Alpha Scintillation Methods
  • Carbon-14
  • Gamma Scans - Fission, Activation, Natural
  • Gas Flow Proportional Counting
  • Gross Alpha Beta
  • Industrial Hygiene testing from radiological sites
  • Iodine-129
  • Iron-55
  • Lead-210
  • Liquid Scintillation
  • Nickel-63
  • Plutonium-241
  • Products and custom libraries, including Cs-137, Co-60, K-40
  • Radium226 and Radium228
  • Radon-222 in water and air
  • Strontium-89/90
  • Technetium-99
  • Tritium
Submitting hazardous samples? — Please let us know

About NORM and TENORM

NORM and TENORM issues address the radioactivity associated with naturally occurring radionuclides. Analytes of concern include those in the decay chains of uranium and thorium, as well as non-chain radionuclides such as K-40. In addition, the radiation levels in NORM are generally in keeping with naturally occurring concentrations. TENORM is created when NORM is processed in such a way that the native levels of radioactive materials are elevated in either the usable product or the waste products.

Typical TENORM materials:

  • Pipe scale
  • Tank bottoms
  • Waste Water treatment residuals
  • Sediment ponds
  • Reclaimed drilling muds
  • Recycled fracking water
  • Filtrate (liquid or solid residuals)
  • Scrap metal

Norm:

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) is any radioactive material that occurs naturally and is not byproduct, source, or special nuclear material. NORM is natural radioactivity in the form of uranium and thorium and their progeny (daughter) such as Radium and present in water, soil, rocks, and materials undisturbed as a result of human activity.

TENORM:

Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM) is naturally occurring radioactive material where the natural radionuclide concentrations are increased by or as a result of human practices.

NORM / TENORM TESTING

ALS is a proven industry leader providing analytical data and support for radiological needs. ALS is the right partner when you need trusted analytical laboratory data. With a dedicated and knowledgeable staff, ALS is here to help you with the ever increasing concerns of NORM and TENORM.

  • NORM: Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials
  • TENORM: Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials

NORM and TENORM issues address the radioactivity associated with naturally occurring radionuclides. Analytes of concern include those in the decay chains of uranium and thorium, as well as non-chain radionuclides such as K-40. In addition, the radiation levels in NORM are generally in keeping with naturally occurring concentrations. TENORM is created when NORM is processed in such a way that the native levels of radioactive materials are elevated in either the usable product or the waste products.

Regulatory Requirements

NORM and TENORM are not regulated by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), which regulates other materials such as accelerator-produced material, source material, and special (fissile) nuclear material. The EPA has jurisdiction over, but does not currently regulate, NORM. The EPA does, however, regulate TENORM in limited applications. Most radionuclides are regulated under the authority of the Atomic Energy Act (AEA). However, the EAE does not regulate TENORM unless it is specifically designated as source material, such as high grade uranium or thorium ore. Uranium and thorium mill tailings are also regulated under the AEA.

Control and regulation of TENORM is not consistent from industry to industry nor from state to state or county to county. About a dozen states have some form of regulations or guidance documents addressing TENORM

Different landfills can also have different requirements dictating specific isotopes and specific methods. It is best to verify the requirements with the landfill prior to submitting samples to the laboratory for analysis.