Oklahoma is Now as Much of an Earthquake Risk as California

[deminks]

http://time.com/4273258/usgs-earthquake-map-oklahoma/#4273258/usgs-earthquake-map-oklahoma/

A new federal map released Monday shows parts of Oklahoma are now as seismic as parts of California and Alaska, long the nation’s leaders in earthquakes, and for the first time includes man-made earthquakes.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s new earthquakes hazard map, which helps states and government officials determine insurance rates and building codes, is in part a reaction to the historic increase in seismic activity in Oklahoma. Last year the state experienced almost 900 3-plus magnitude earthquakes; in 2007, it recorded just one. On earlier USGS maps, Oklahoma was a seismic afterthought.

Scientists say Oklahoma’s surge in quakes is due to the injection of billions of barrels of salty wastewater that have come to the surface during oil and natural gas exploration. The water’s injection back into the earth has put pressure on the state’s fault lines, leading to quakes that have damaged homes, schools and other structures. Oklahoma has thousands of disposal wells, including a heavy concentration in the state’s northwestern and central regions, where most of the earthquakes are occurring. Ten of the state’s 12 most powerful quakes have struck since 2011.

For years, state officials refused to acknowledge a link between the quakes and the energy industry. However in recent months, the Oklahoma Corporation Commission, the industry’s regulator, has issued a series of orders to oil and gas companies to limit wastewater volumes in the most seismic parts of the state. Several ongoing lawsuits are also seeking to stop disposal well activity.

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[yesphan]

1. Yep

The cracks in my walls can attest to that. I think my sewer line is migrating too.

[CorporatistNation]

5. Guess Which Democratic Presidential Candidate Is BIG On Fracking?

hint... Wall Street is also a Great Friend of this candidate...

[renate]

6. that must be beyond infuriating

I'm truly sorry.

[Runningdawg]

2. I think us Okies are at much greater risk

CA builds to withstand earth quakes, OK doesn't.
2 state universities (OU&OSU) are within 50 miles of where most quakes are centered.
Keystone damn is within this area also.
The epicenter of most quakes are usually in the Cushing oil fields. Not too long ago I saw a news article discussing the possibility of a terrorist attack on the Cushing oil field. That oil field is where the largest amounts of reserve oil are located in the US.
When, not if, the big one comes to OK, it's going to make the oil field fires of the first gulf war look like a picnic.

[ViseGrip]

3. We are all aware that Bernie wants to BAN FRACKING, right?

[ViseGrip]

4. Don't hide this in general, kick to the greatest!

I can't believe the lack of attention to this thread. Is it the forum it must reside in?

[man of few w]

7. Humans are a Cancer on this Planet