Seismic Activity of Fracking No Cause for Concern

15 November 2011

Seismic Activity from Fracking No Couse for Concern

The Petroleum Exploration and Production Association today said that any seismic activity generated by fracking of oil and gas wells is minor compared to natural background activity.

“They continue to allege that the practice causes earthquakes, but any seismic activity is minor when compared to natural background activity. For example tremors reported in the UK of 2.3 and 1.4 on the Richter Scale have been linked to the process.

“This needs to be seen in context of normal earth tremors. Geonet reported about 15,000 magnitude 2.5 or larger events in New Zealand last year from natural causes.” Said Mr Pfahlert

The UK study also noted that the combination of geological factors that caused the quakes in the UK was “rare, and would be unlikely to occur together again at future well sites.”

The Association said a report by GNS Science into earthquakes in Taranaki between July 2010 and June 2010 reported 358 earthquakes were located in the region, only 9 of which were felt. They originated between 10 and 135km below the surface.

“Fracking in Taranaki over the past 11 years has seen 40 wells fracked, with no reported tremors at the surface” said Mr Pfahlert. The seismic activity associated with hydraulic fracturing is quite minor – a passing truck generates as much if not more vibration.

ENDS

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