Geophysicists urged Texas legislators last week that more research is needed to mitigate the risk of induced earthquakes in the state. Three researchers told the House Energy Resources Committee that their study, “Causal Factors for Seismicity Near Azle, Texas,” published in Nature Communications April 21, linked earthquakes to two wastewater injection wells, noting data “consistent with pressure changes that can induce seismicity.” The committee hearing comes two weeks after the Texas Railroad Commission issued show cause orders for the two wells.
Legislators appear poised to seek appropriation of $2.5 million for seismic mobile array monitoring equipment after committee members engaged in a technical back-and-forth with experts about the hazards posed by pressure build up, susceptible faults, and human activity. Researchers confirmed that hydraulic fracturing stimulation “doesn’t seem to be a risk,” trying to lay blame on disposal wells instead. Representative Gene Wu and study author Dr. Matt Hornbach agreed that the Azle quakes were the result of a “perfect storm” of risk factors. Geophysicist researchers testified that state seismic monitoring is needed to supplement efforts by the U.S. Geological Survey.
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