Oil and Gas News from OilGasDaily.Com  
OIL AND GAS
Oil-rich Texas takes closer look at earthquakes
by Daniel J. Graeber
Austin, Texas (UPI) Nov 16, 2016


disclaimer: image is for illustration purposes only

With neighboring Oklahoma recording almost daily seismic events, an official in oil-rich Texas said he was looking closer for risks associated with energy.

Oklahoma recorded 20 seismic events in the past seven days. The state accounts for about 4 percent of the nation's total oil production and most of that is extracted from shale deposits. A state oil and gas commission said seismic activity may be influenced by the disposal of oil- and gas-related wastewater, not necessarily hydraulic fracturing in and of itself.

A magnitude-2.9 event was recorded Oct. 27 in central Texas and a magnitude-3.0 event was recorded two days later in southwest Texas. Both events were situated in areas rich in shale oil and gas reserves.

Texas Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton, whose agency regulates oil and gas operations in the states, said there's clear scientific evidence to suggest it's "physically possible" for wastewater injection to induce an earthquake in certain cases. In some parts of the state with proven shale reserves, he said there is credible data to suggest there's an elevated risk of seismic events associated with some oil and gas operations.

"I have determined that we need to begin to look more closely at oil and gas injection activities in specific areas," he said in a statement.

Oklahoma has taken measures to reduce some operations in areas prone to seismicity. Sitton said the Railroad Commission has rules and regulations in place that restrict wastewater-related activity. Operators are called on to withdraw any applications for work in areas that are considered at risk for seismic events.

The U.S. Geological Survey found the disposal of oil and gas-related wastewater is the "primary reason" for an increase in seismic activity in central states like Oklahoma and Texas.

"If research points to a causal link between oil and gas and seismicity in the state, the Railroad Commission will address those situations in an appropriate way," Sitton said.

Texas is the No. 1 oil producer in the United States.


Comment on this article using your Disqus, Facebook, Google or Twitter login.


Thanks for being here;
We need your help. The SpaceDaily news network continues to grow but revenues have never been harder to maintain.

With the rise of Ad Blockers, and Facebook - our traditional revenue sources via quality network advertising continues to decline. And unlike so many other news sites, we don't have a paywall - with those annoying usernames and passwords.

Our news coverage takes time and effort to publish 365 days a year.

If you find our news sites informative and useful then please consider becoming a regular supporter or for now make a one off contribution.
SpaceDaily Contributor
$5 Billed Once


credit card or paypal
SpaceDaily Monthly Supporter
$5 Billed Monthly


paypal only


.


Related Links
All About Oil and Gas News at OilGasDaily.com






Share this article via these popular social media networks
del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg RedditReddit GoogleGoogle

Previous Report
OIL AND GAS
Cheaper, more effective cleanup of abandoned oil and gas wells
Princeton NJ (SPX) Nov 16, 2016
Abandoned oil and gas wells are a significant source of greenhouse gases but there are so many scattered across the United States that stopping the leaks presents a huge cost for states. Now, a research team including scientists from Princeton and Stanford universities, has identified specific well attributes that will allow governments to prioritize their repairs. The researchers say it s ... read more


OIL AND GAS
Bioelectronics at the speed of life

NREL finds bacterium that uses both CO2 and cellulose to make biofuels

State partnerships can promote increased bio-energy production, reduce emissions

Turning biofuel waste into wealth in a single step

OIL AND GAS
New way to make low-cost solar cell technology

A New Way to Image Solar Cells in 3-D

Solar cells get boost with integration of water-splitting catalyst

Simulation models global renewable electricity system

OIL AND GAS
Microsoft Corp. taps deeper into wind power

Interior set to rule on future of BLM's Renewable Energy Program

Alberta pushing hard on renewable energy pedal

Cuomo announces major progress in offshore wind development

OIL AND GAS
Time to tackle the UK's plutonium mountain

Vietnam to scrap planned nuclear plants: state media

Japan, India sign controversial civil nuclear deal

French, Finns divided over nuclear dispute ruling

OIL AND GAS
Brave faces at climate talks despite Trump win

New York braces for the looming threats of climate change

Record heat in 2016 but no drop in CO2 emissions: reports

Kerry tells Trump that Americans want climate action

OIL AND GAS
VW reaches 3.0-liter diesel agreement with EPA: report

Samsung to buy US auto parts supplier Harman for $8 bn

China auto sales growth falls back in October: group

VW's Audi hit with fresh emissions cheating lawsuit

OIL AND GAS
'Take cover!' Tackling IS car bombs in Iraq

'Intense' fighting in Mosul as civilians flee

Battle with IS leaves melting pot Iraq town in ruins

Iraqi forces say recapture ancient city of Nimrud

OIL AND GAS








The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.