Downblending Contaminated Radioactive Wastes

Dilution is the mixing of radioactive waste with non-radioactive material, whereas downblending is the mixing of high-level radioactive waste with low-level radioactive waste. These processes have been applied predominantly at nuclear sites as part of the decontamination procedures for the disposal of blended wastes in licensed facilities. Proper health and safety assessments should be carried out as part of the processes and procedures of diluting or downblending radioactive waste before disposal to ensure minimal risks to the general public and environment. Hydraulic fracturing for the exploration of oil and natural gas can bring NORM materials to the surface, and the processing of these wastes can further enhance the radiological concentration of these Technologically Enhanced Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (TENORM). Current regulations and industry practices are investigating the feasibility of incorporating dilution or downblending as a means of waste predisposal processing and management of hydraulic fracturing produced TENORM wastes.