The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has launched a compliance initiative to ensure oil and natural gas companies are properly licensed and in compliance with rules governing the management of regulated Natural Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM).
Under regulations adopted by the Environmental Improvement Board more than two decades ago, oil and natural gas operators must obtain a license through NMED if their activities alter, concentrate, or cause potential human exposure to NORM at certain levels. These activities may consist of extraction, transfer, transport, storage, or disposal of materials. NMED currently regulates two NORM licensees. Licenses require entities to provide details as to how the material is managed, handled, and disposed of to ensure protection of public health and the environment.
Over the next few months, NMED will determine the extent of compliance or non-compliance with the rules by the oil and natural gas industry and take appropriate enforcement action if warranted.
Find more information on NORM here.
