Over the past week, more than 100 earthquakes have struck Scurry County, West Texas, prompting local officials to declare a state of emergency.
The sudden surge in seismic activity has caused notable distress in the community, leading to the discovery of damages across residential and commercial properties.
Quake After Quake
A 4.9 magnitude tremor kicked things off on the night of July 22, starting a chain of earthquakes.
The residents are worried as their homes, designed only for minor shakes, are now facing a severe seismic challenge.
Courthouse Shakes
Judge Dan Hicks felt the impact first-hand during a 5.0 magnitude quake.
“The building was shaking pretty good,” he said, noting how trophies and pictures were thrown into disarray inside the Scurry County Courthouse, as per the Abilene Reporter-News.
Growing Seismic Concerns
The frequent earthquakes, including several strong ones, are unusual for this region and have sparked fears about ongoing damage.
If these tremors persist, the impact could worsen, raising serious concerns about long-term effects on the county’s infrastructure.
A Week of Tremors
Justin Rubinstein from the U.S. Geological Survey has the stats: 103 earthquakes in just over a week, 12 of which registered above magnitude three.
For a typically calm Texas, this surge in quakes is alarming.
Pinpointing the Cause
“These quakes are almost certainly linked to oil and gas extractions,” Rubinstein explained.
It appears that industry practices in the area might be contributing to the sudden increase in seismic activity.
Modern Drilling, Ancient Shakes
The connection between the earthquakes and new drilling technologies is stark.
Techniques that reach deep into the earth and horizontally across oil formations are likely disturbing the geological peace below.
Drilling’s Side Effects
With the oil, up comes the “produced water” – ancient, salty, and full of contaminants.
Rubinstein points out the disproportionate amount of this saline byproduct compared to oil: “The ratio of oil to saltwater is low,” he noted, highlighting the environmental challenge.
Saltwater’s Seismic Stir
Reinjecting this “produced water” back into the earth is causing trouble.
“Saltwater disposal is the most likely cause of the earthquakes in Scurry County,” said Rubinstein, linking the method to the increasing tremors.
Understanding the Quake Scale
Earthquake magnitude is measured on a logarithmic scale—each step up means the quake is ten times stronger.
Scurry’s recent quakes have been moderate but noticeable, challenging both residents and structures.
Texas Takes Action
The Railroad Commission of Texas, the regulatory body for oil and natural gas, is on the case.
They’re investigating the link between the deep water injections and the quakes, checking disposal wells around the quake-hit areas.
Shutting Down Wells
In response to their findings, the Commission has already shut down two problematic wells.
“The RRC has shut-in two deep disposal wells in the area following inspections; and staff will continue to monitor wells and seismicity data to mitigate earthquakes and protect the environment and residents in the region,” they stated, committed to preventing further disturbances.
