Kentucky Revised Statutes Title XVIII. Public Health § 211.893.Legislative findings relating to naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM); required revision of administrative regulations to ensure proper management of oil- and gas-related wastes containing NORM; report to LRC

(a) “Naturally occurring radioactive material” or “NORM” is a term defined in KRS 211.862;

(b) Certain oil and gas production and storage activities result in the concentration or enhancement of the natural radioactivity of rocks or soils into NORM;

(c) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Radiation Health Branch, is charged by KRS 211.842 with responsibility for radiation control in the Commonwealth;

(d) The Division of Oil and Gas, the Division of Water, and the Division of Waste Management in the Energy and Environment Cabinet issue permits addressing oil and gas exploration and production operations and management of associated wastes;

(e) The Energy and Environment Cabinet, Division of Oil and Gas was directed in 2003 to promulgate administrative regulations and take all actions necessary to ensure efficient oil and gas operations and to protect the property, health, and safety of the citizens of the Commonwealth in a manner consistent with KRS Chapter 353;

(f) The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is specifically authorized to adopt administrative regulations necessary to implement the Central Midwest Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Compact; and

(g) The need for review and revision of the statutes and regulations associated with management of NORM wastes is necessary and advisable in order to ensure proper management and disposal of wastes containing NORM generated within or outside the Commonwealth.

(a) Development of a manifest system for the transport and disposal of NORM wastes and wastewater;

(b) Development of administrative regulations as authorized by the General Assembly in KRS 211.865(3);

(c) Review of state waste and water permitting programs to ensure proper management of wastes and wastewaters containing NORM; and

(d) Identification of and recommendations on any changes to existing statutes in order to facilitate management of oil and gas production wastes in a manner commensurate with the risks that those wastes may pose to the public health and the environment.