Oklahoma Earthquake Prompts Shutdown Of Wastewater Well
BRIDGE CREEK, Okla. (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — State oil and gas regulators in Oklahoma have ordered the indefinite shutdown of a disposal well after an earthquake struck nearby.
The 3.3 magnitude quake was reported Sunday night near Bridge Creek, about 20 miles southwest of Oklahoma City. There are no reports of damage or injuries.
Thousands of earthquakes have been recorded in Oklahoma in recent years, with many linked to the underground injection of wastewater from oil and natural gas production. Scientists have also linked earthquakes in Texas, Kansas and other states to wastewater injection.
This year students and professors at the University of Texas at Arlington began research into new technologies aimed at making the use of water during fracking procedures more eco-friendly.
Late Sunday, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission issued a directive calling for the shutdown of the well near Bridge Creek, pending further investigation.
(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)