The Railroad Commission activated personnel Friday evening, December 16, 2022 in response to a 5.4 magnitude earthquake about a dozen miles north of Midland in Martin County and will take any necessary actions to protect public safety and the environment.
On Saturday, December 17th RRC inspectors began examining disposal activity at injection well sites near the earthquake, which took place within the Gardendale Seismic Response Area (SRA).
Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association (TXOGA) issued the following statement on this weekend:
“Industry operators continue to cooperate with the Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) in response to the recent activity in the Gardendale Seismic Response Area (SRA). The RRC inspection of injection well sites in the area is appropriate and should inform, along with industry data, the best next steps forward and direct actions beyond currently adopted protocols. Reducing injection volumes, targeted shut-in of injection wells, expanding the size of the SRA, and comprehensive data collection and analysis are all available tools. Scientific data confirms that some continued seismicity activity often occurs after an event like the one that occurred Friday evening.
“In addition, the industry and academia continue to explore alternatives to wastewater injection through market based water reuse and recycling as well as innovative pilot programs and collaboration with the Produced Water Consortium led by Texas Tech University, which was established by the 87th Texas Legislature.”
In December 2021, the RRC had ordered the indefinite suspension of all produced water disposal in deep injection wells in the SRA. Staff will review permit requirements for other injection wells in the area as it prepares for a response to reduce the frequency and intensity of earthquakes.
Agency personnel are continuing to closely monitor seismic data from the United States Geological Survey, the TexNET Seismic Monitoring Program and private operator monitoring stations.
RRC staff will continue its work to keep residents and the environment safe.
For continuing information, visit online at www.rrc.texas.gov/news
