Shockwaves in Texas: Unexpected Link Between Earthquake and Local Industry

At a Glance

A 5.1 magnitude earthquake hit near Midland, Texas, one of the strongest in state history
The quake was felt as far as Austin, San Antonio, New Mexico, and Oklahoma
Experts link the increase in seismic activity to oil and gas operations in the Permian Basin
The Railroad Commission is investigating potential links to produced water disposal wells
Over 1,400 reports of shaking were received by the USGS

Powerful Quake Shakes West Texas

On Monday evening, a significant 5.1 magnitude earthquake struck West Texas, centered 21 miles southwest of Ackerly in Martin County. The tremor, lasting up to 10 seconds for some residents, marks the seventh strongest earthquake ever recorded in the state. While no immediate damage or injuries were reported, the incident has sparked discussions about the rising seismic activity in the region and its potential connection to human activities, particularly oil and gas extraction in the Permian Basin.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) initially reported the earthquake as a 4.8 magnitude event before upgrading it to 5.1. The impact of the quake was far-reaching, with residents feeling the tremors as far away as Austin, San Antonio, and even parts of New Mexico and Oklahoma. In total, the USGS received over 1,400 reports of shaking from across the region.

5.1 Magnitude earthquake rattles West Texas down to San Antonio https://t.co/4hJqyB357A

— MySA (@mySA) September 17, 2024

Oil and Gas Operations Under Scrutiny

The recent earthquake is part of a worrying trend of increased seismic activity in Texas, particularly in the Permian Basin. This area, spanning West Texas and southeastern New Mexico, accounts for nearly half of U.S. crude oil production. Experts are pointing to a likely connection between these earthquakes and human activities related to oil and gas extraction.

“Given the lack of natural seismicity and the long history of induced earthquakes in the area, these recent earthquakes are likely to also have been induced by oil and gas operations,” Skoumal wrote in an email to The Dallas Morning News on Monday.

Justin Rubinstein, a research geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey, stated that it is “highly likely” that the recent earthquakes are linked to oil and gas activities. This assessment is based on the area’s history and the unprecedented scale of the recent seismic events.

Investigating the Cause

In response to the earthquake, the Railroad Commission (RRC) of Texas has launched an investigation to determine if the 5.1-magnitude quake was caused by produced water disposal wells. These wells are used to dispose of water that comes out during oil and gas production. The RRC has contacted operators and sent inspectors to the area as part of their efforts to reduce seismicity possibly caused by underground injection of produced water.

“The RRC has been in contact with operators and sent inspectors to the area as part of our efforts to reduce seismicity possibly caused by underground injection of produced water into disposal wells. (Produced water is water that comes out from wells during oil and gas production.),” the state oil and gas regulator told the Reporter-Telegram in a statement Tuesday. “The RRC will then evaluate next steps that could potentially be taken to mitigate earthquakes to protect residents.”

The investigation comes amid a series of earthquakes in the region. In the week prior to the 5.1 magnitude event, Scurry County experienced 61 earthquakes over a seven-day period. This surge in seismic activity led the county judge to issue a disaster declaration, highlighting the growing concern among local officials and residents.

As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential environmental impacts of intensive oil and gas operations. It also underscores the need for continued monitoring and regulation of these activities to ensure the safety and well-being of communities in oil-producing regions.