The Oklahoma state seismologist said disposal wells used by the oil and gas industry are ‘very likely’ responsible for the recent surge of earthquakes in Oklahoma at the recent Oklahoma Geological Survey. This report is from State Impact Oklahoma.
Austin Holland says the rates and trends in seismicity are very unlikely to represent a naturally occurring process in a joint statement with agency interim director Richard D Andrews.
The agency’s acknowledgement follows years of peer-reviewed research linking disposal wells and earthquakes.
Oklahoma had more earthquakes than California in 2014.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is the state’s oil and gas regulator. It says many of the OGS findings are being incorporated to its response.
Matt Skinner is the spokesperson for the OCC. He says this issue is the highest priority for the agency.
If you’d like to read the report, here’s the link.