Earthquake Prompts Oklahoma Corporation Commission to Pause Oil and Gas Waste Water Disposal
The OCC says this action to shut down the wells is just an initial response and further study could result in new directives in the future.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission is shutting down disposal wells in response to the 5.1 magnitude earthquake which is a relatively standard response to an earthquake in Oklahoma.
The OCC says the shutting of the wells takes time and must be done slowly to avoid sudden pressure changes that could spark more earthquakes.
According to the OCC, all disposal wells that are permitted to dispose into the Arbuckle Foundation and are in the area within 10 miles of the February 3rd earthquake are directed to shut down operations with a complete shutdown to be done by February 17th.
The OCC says this action to shut down the wells is just an initial response and further study could result in new directives in the future.
From OK’s Office of Public Information
As its initial response to mitigate the risk of further seismic activity near the Prague area of Lincoln County, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission’s Oil and Gas Conservation Division has issued a directive for a change in the operations of some oil and gas wastewater disposal wells.
All disposal wells that are permitted to dispose into the Arbuckle formation and are in an area within 10 miles of the February 3, 2024 5.1 magnitude earthquake are directed to begin the shutdown of operations, with a shutdown to be complete by February 17. The gradual shutdown process is necessary to avoid sudden pressure changes that could result in more seismic activity.
The Arbuckle formation is the state’s deepest formation. Oil and gas wastewater disposal into the Arbuckle formation has been linked to seismic activity in parts of the state.
A map of the area showing the wells impacted by the directive is attached.
It should be stressed that that this action is an initial response. Further study may result in new directives.
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